Volvo XC90 (2015)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,492 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,077
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1969cc Diesel
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
85% of MOT tests on Volvo XC90s from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 5,492 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 89,253 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
89,253
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2015 Volvo XC90 had 89,253 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2015 scores 85%. 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 2015 Volvo XC90
The 2015 Volvo XC90 is a premium car. Our records list a 1969cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,492 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 89,253 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo XC90 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2015 Volvo XC90 Fuel Costs
The 1969cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2015 Volvo XC90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2015 Volvo XC90
At 11 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 5,492 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.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 89k 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.
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 2015 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(2015) | 85% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£403 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2013) | 79% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227+£150 |
| Audi A3(2015) | 88% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,794-£283 |
| BMW 3 Series(2013) | 85% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077same |
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 2015 Volvo XC90
Is the 2015 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2015 Volvo XC90s ended in a pass, from 5,492 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2015 Volvo XC90 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 Volvo XC90?
85% of 5,492 MOT tests on the 2015 Volvo XC90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 286th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (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 2015 Volvo XC90?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 Volvo XC90 is 89,253 miles, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
Volvo V40
2014 · 1984cc Diesel
Volvo XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
Volkswagen Golf
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
Vauxhall Astra
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
Audi A3
2015 · 1598cc Diesel
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