At a Glance
The Volvo V90 has 6 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk2 (2016-2025) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 62K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volvo V90 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volvo V90 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Volvo V90 Generations
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Most Common Volvo V90 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo V90 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake pads or linings worn | 14.82% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.53% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.49% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 7.54% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.94% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.35% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.05% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 3.29% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 2.88% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 2.61% |
| 11 | Parking brake condition | 2.42% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.99% |
| 13 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.95% |
| 14 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.68% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 1.67% |
| 16 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.41% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.30% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.21% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.15% |
| 20 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.14% |
| 21 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.11% |
| 22 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.09% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.08% |
| 24 | Driveshaft fault | 0.92% |
| 25 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.89% |
| 26 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.88% |
| 27 | Steering rack fault | 0.78% |
| 28 | Horn not working | 0.75% |
| 29 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.74% |
| 30 | Position lamp not working | 0.68% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.63% |
| 32 | Rear lamp not working | 0.59% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.58% |
| 34 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.53% |
| 35 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.45% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.43% |
| 37 | Fog lamp not working | 0.33% |
| 38 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.31% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.31% |
| 40 | Headlamp fault | 0.29% |
| 41 | Brake pedal fault | 0.28% |
| 42 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.28% |
| 43 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.26% |
| 44 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.25% |
| 45 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 46 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.22% |
| 47 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.20% |
| 49 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.16% |
| 50 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.15% |
| 51 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.15% |
| 52 | Brake lever fault | 0.14% |
| 53 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.14% |
| 54 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.12% |
| 56 | Propshaft fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | Steering coupling worn | 0.12% |
| 58 | Power steering ram fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 60 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.10% |
| 61 | Chassis condition | 0.09% |
| 62 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 63 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 64 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 65 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 67 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | Driver seat fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 73 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 75 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.04% |
| 78 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 79 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.03% |
| 82 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 84 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 85 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 87 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 88 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 89 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 90 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 91 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 100 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 103 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.01% |
| 104 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 105 | Front suspension fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 107 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 109 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 110 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 115 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 117 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 118 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 121 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 123 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo V90 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo V90, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo V90 problems?
Based on analysis of 62K Volvo V90 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 6 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Volvo V90 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo V90 Mk2 (2016-2025) (2016–2025) has the highest number of identified common problems (6). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volvo V90?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo V90 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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