Volvo XC90 (2011)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,160 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,958
£247/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2401cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.
78% of MOT tests on Volvo XC90s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 8,160 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 124,635 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
124,635
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2011 Volvo XC90 had 124,635 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2011 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 car. Our records list a 2401cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,160 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 124,635 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo XC90 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2011 Volvo XC90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC90(2011) | 78% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,958 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2011) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£247 |
| Audi A3(2010) | 77% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£447 |
| Renault Clio(2010) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£247 |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2011) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2011 Volvo XC90
Is the 2011 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2011 Volvo XC90s ended in a pass, from 8,160 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2011 Volvo XC90 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Volvo XC90?
78% of 8,160 MOT tests on the 2011 Volvo XC90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 358th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom half).
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% and the 2003 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2011 Volvo XC90?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Volvo XC90 is 124,635 miles, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
Volvo XC40
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Volvo V40
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2016 · 1969cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2011 · 1997cc Petrol
Audi A3
2010 · 1984cc Petrol
Renault Clio
2010 · 1998cc Petrol
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