2008 Volvo XC90 · 5,872 MOT tests
2008 Volvo XC90 reliability
2008 Volvo XC90s fail 38.8% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 19 XC90 years (5,872 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo XC90s: 27.3%)
- 38.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo XC90s: 27.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 137,050
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,872
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 17.9% of tests fail here (41% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 75% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Volvo XC90
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.8%
- Brakes17.9%
- Suspension9.3%
- Tyres7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%
- Body, chassis and structure3.2%
- Steering2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 9.06%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.78%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.68%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.25%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Parking brake efficiency under half required 2.54%
The parking brake is well below required strength and is unlikely to hold the car on a slope.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.3%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (21.39%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.6%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.07%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (8.62%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.88%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.98%)
Other years
Every Volvo XC90 year
The full picture: Volvo XC90 reliability. Before you pay for any Volvo XC90, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2008 Volvo XC90 reliable?
2008 Volvo XC90s fail 38.8% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 19 XC90 years (5,872 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Volvo XC90 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (9.06% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.78% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.68% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Volvo XC90 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Volvo XC90 shows 137,050 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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