2019 Volvo XC90: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Volvo XC90?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Volvo XC90 than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Volvo XC90

  16.9% All 2019 cars

  10.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.8% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Ball joint5.1× usual
  Volvo XC90

  3.6% All 2019 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Number plates2.9× usual
  Volvo XC90

  3.2% All 2019 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2019 Volvo XC90 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Volvo XC90 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  5% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Known faults on the 2019 Volvo XC90

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Many recalls (14)

  All engines

  Recalls covered airbags, seatbelts, power steering hoses, crankshafts that could cause engine failure, fuel and coolant hose leaks, a melting inlet manifold and software for engine power and emergency braking.

  At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

• Rear electric motor failure (T8)

  T8 plug-in hybrid

  If a T8 hesitates pulling away, the rear electric motor may be failing. Repairs cost over £3,000.

  At the viewing: Pull away gently and firmly several times.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

• Electronic glitches

  All engines

  Electronic glitches are common.

  At the viewing: Test the screen, driver aids and every electrical item.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Volvo XC90

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Has the rear electric motor had any work?
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2019 Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2019 Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2019 Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?