Volvo XC90

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 19 model years from 114,227 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

81%

Total Tests

114,227

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (91%)

Years Covered

About the Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 was MOT tested 114,227 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 19 model years (2003 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 81%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list electric and diesel and hybrid and petrol and diesel hybrid versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 1,309 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. With a 19 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo XC90s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2003) averages 152,528 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 40,659 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the XC90 is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel hybrid, 1969cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,852

Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Volvo XC90?

vs average of all models-1% (82% avg)

vs Volvo brand average-6% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread19 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volvo XC90 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	90%	49	40,659 mi
2020	91%	1,309	41,321 mi
2019	90%	9,154	50,386 mi
2018	89%	11,631	61,269 mi
2017	88%	10,316	72,733 mi
2016	86%	10,879	84,251 mi
2015	85%	5,492	89,253 mi
2014	81%	4,171	99,216 mi
2013	81%	4,585	108,019 mi
2012	82%	5,327	114,883 mi
2011	78%	8,160	124,635 mi
2010	77%	11,184	130,904 mi
2009	78%	6,349	136,576 mi
2008	76%	3,096	141,628 mi
2007	73%	5,149	147,081 mi
2006	73%	5,088	150,799 mi
2005	73%	6,336	159,047 mi
2004	72%	4,432	161,221 mi
2003	72%	1,520	152,528 mi

Questions about the Volvo XC90

Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?

Across its 19 model years in our data (2003 to 2021), the Volvo XC90 averages an 81% MOT pass rate, from 114,227 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year Volvo XC90 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volvo XC90 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%, a 19 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.