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Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto (2021)

1,527 real MOT outcomes analysed • 91.1% first-time pass rate

2021 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto

CarHunch analysed 1,527 real MOT records for the 2021 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

This 2021 Volvo XC90 R-Design passes MOT first time at 89.8%, well above the UK average of 80%, which signals strong overall reliability for the model. The dangerous defect rate sits at 15.5%, which is acceptable and not a major red flag, though it's worth noting the hybrid-electric version edges out the diesel variant slightly (90.3% vs 89.1% pass rate).

At a median mileage of 38,614 for a 2021 model, these cars are running relatively hard, yet failures average just 0.28 per vehicle—testament to Volvo's engineering. You'll expect around two advisories per test, typically minor wear items; if you're considering a used example, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the hybrid battery health and drivetrain components to avoid surprises down the line.

The 2021 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (91.1%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
91.1%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
15.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.28
Over 2.3 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
39k
Middle half: 31k–48k
For context
✅ Good baseline reliability. A 91.1% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,527 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,527 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2021 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto

Based on MOT data from 1,527 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 15.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic →
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Electric Diesel (68%) 1,043 90.8% 0.29
Hybrid Electric (Clean) (28%) 425 90.8% 0.29
Other (3%) 50 100% 0

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,949 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 37.8%
1,114
Black 30.4%
897
Blue 13.1%
387
Silver 9.8%
289
White 7.2%
211
Gold 1.7%
51

Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

38,614
typical
30,514
low mileage
48,045
high mileage

Half of all 2021 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto vehicles fall between 30,514 and 48,045 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
✓ Under 30,514 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
✓ 30,514–48,045 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2021 Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Autos sit.
⚠ Over 64,860 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

2.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.28
Avg failures per vehicle
2
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Volvo Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto: All Xc90 R Design B5 MHEV AWD Auto years → Which year to buy? →
2020 2022

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