VOLVO XC90 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,879 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,707
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1969cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1969cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 86% of VOLVO XC90s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,879 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,251 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
84,251
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 VOLVO XC90 has 84,251 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2016 sits between the two at 86%.
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 2016 VOLVO XC90
The 2016 VOLVO XC90 is a premium with a 1969cc diesel engine. 10,879 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 84,251 miles at 10 years old, VOLVO XC90 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2016 VOLVO XC90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2016 VOLVO XC90
At 10 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 10,879 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 VOLVO XC90's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 84k 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 2016 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(2016) | 86% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£357 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2014) | 79% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£112 |
| FORD FOCUS(2018) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£207 |
| AUDI A3(2015) | 88% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
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.
VOLVO XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
VOLVO V40
2014 · 1984cc Diesel
VOLVO XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2014 · 1598cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2018 · 1499cc Diesel
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