VOLVO XC90 (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 8,160 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2401cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2577/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2401cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 15 years old, 78% of VOLVO XC90s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 8,160 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 124,635 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
124,635
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 VOLVO XC90 has 124,635 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2011 sits between the two at 78%.
VOLVO XC90 by Year
| 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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 VOLVO XC90
The 2011 VOLVO XC90 is a premium with a 2401cc petrol engine. 8,160 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 124,635 miles at 15 years old, VOLVO XC90 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2011 VOLVO XC90 Fuel Costs
The 2401cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2011 VOLVO XC90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLVO XC90 Reliability Trend
Newer VOLVO XC90s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 VOLVO XC90
At 15 years old, the VOLVO XC90 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 8,160 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 VOLVO XC90's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 15 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 125k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2011 VOLVO XC90 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLVO XC90(2011) | 78% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2011) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
| AUDI A3(2010) | 77% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2010) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
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