MOT failure data · 2025
Volvo XC90 MOT problems
Across every Volvo XC90 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was position lamp not working, on 6.43% of failure items. The broadest problem area was brakes at 25.61%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Volvo XC90 MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 6.43% |
| 2 | Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 5.97% |
| 3 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 5.45% |
| 4 | Ball joint ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.76% |
| 5 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.51% |
| 6 | Condition has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 4.17% |
| 7 | Pins and bushes pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.97% |
| 8 | Decelerometer (sp) efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 3.23% |
| 9 | Rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 2.73% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.72% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Volvo XC90, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Volvo XC90 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Volvo XC90?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Volvo models
- Volvo XC60 MOT problems
- Volvo V40 MOT problems
- Volvo XC40 MOT problems
- Volvo V70 MOT problems
- Volvo V60 MOT problems
- Volvo V50 MOT problems
Volvo XC90 MOT FAQs
What does a Volvo XC90 most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Volvo XC90 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "position lamp not working", appearing on 6.43% of failure items.
Does this mean my Volvo XC90 will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Volvo XC90 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Volvo XC90 passed 79.29% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Volvo XC90's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Volvo XC90 MOT pass rate · used Volvo XC90 buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.