Volvo XC90 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 68,456 MOT tests on the Volvo XC90 carried out in 2023. 28% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 XC90s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2003 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (79% passed, +3.5 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2003 models fared worst (53%, −3.2 points). Tested cars had covered 93,256 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 11.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 68,456
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +1.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 93,256
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular XC90?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
XC90 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 117 | 89% | 91% | −2.0 points | 36,455 |
| 2020 | 4,998 | 87% | 88% | −0.3 points | 30,801 |
| 2019 | 7,266 | 86% | 86% | −0.4 points | 39,540 |
| 2018 | 6,294 | 86% | 84% | +1.7 points | 50,399 |
| 2017 | 5,506 | 83% | 82% | +1.7 points | 62,230 |
| 2016 | 5,230 | 80% | 79% | +1.4 points | 73,096 |
| 2015 | 2,729 | 79% | 75% | +3.5 points | 80,205 |
| 2014 | 2,317 | 73% | 72% | +1.5 points | 90,706 |
| 2013 | 2,427 | 71% | 68% | +2.7 points | 97,789 |
| 2012 | 2,974 | 69% | 66% | +3.4 points | 107,236 |
| 2011 | 4,327 | 66% | 63% | +2.8 points | 116,957 |
| 2010 | 6,120 | 63% | 60% | +2.7 points | 124,231 |
| 2009 | 3,492 | 61% | 59% | +2.1 points | 130,615 |
| 2008 | 1,745 | 60% | 57% | +2.2 points | 137,176 |
| 2007 | 2,840 | 57% | 57% | +0.2 points | 145,092 |
| 2006 | 2,847 | 57% | 56% | +0.9 points | 146,341 |
| 2005 | 3,582 | 54% | 56% | −2.1 points | 154,883 |
| 2004 | 2,724 | 54% | 56% | −1.6 points | 158,776 |
| 2003 | 878 | 53% | 57% | −3.2 points | 154,370 |
Why the Volvo XC90 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | XC90 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 10.9% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.6% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 5.3% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 3.2% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 2.5% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 2.0% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.0% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.8%
- 2efficiency below requirements3.8%
- 3efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.8%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
- 6ball joint excessively worn2.1%
- 7has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%
- 8projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.7%
- 9pin or bush excessively worn1.6%
- 10has ply or cords exposed1.5%
Common XC90 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used XC90, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 9.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.6% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 5.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.7% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.0% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.8% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.6% |
Tips to help your XC90 pass
Based on where XC90s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.8% of XC90 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 10.9% of XC90 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the XC90 ULEZ compliant? See the Volvo XC90 ULEZ check, or view all Volvo models.
Other Volvo models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 68,456 first MOT tests of the Volvo XC90 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 68,456 first MOT tests of the Volvo XC90.
What is the Volvo XC90 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 28% of 68,456 first MOT attempts on the Volvo XC90 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volvo XC90 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (11.8% of tests), brakes (10.9% of tests), tyres (6.6% of tests).
Which XC90 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 79% passed first time, +3.5 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2003, at 53% (−3.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Volvo XC90 covered at its MOT?
The average was 93,256 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 36,455 miles and 2003 cars 154,370.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volvo XC90?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.6% of XC90s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific XC90's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 68,456 XC90s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 89% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any XC90's MOT history
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