Volvo

Volvo Xc90 (2007)

4,195 real MOT outcomes analysed • 72.5% first-time pass rate

2007 Volvo Xc90

CarHunch analysed 4,195 real MOT records for the 2007 Volvo Xc90. 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 Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2007 Volvo XC90 sits noticeably below the UK average first-time pass rate at 72.5% versus 80%, and this is a serious concern—nearly 58% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, meaning safety issues are common enough to be a real buyer worry. Diesel models, which dominate the sample at 3,848 vehicles, pass slightly less often than petrol variants (72.2% versus 75.8%), though neither fuel type breaks out as notably stronger.

These cars are carrying typical mileage for their age at around 102,000 miles, but they're accumulating an average of 5.35 failures per test and 30 advisories, indicating wear is catching up steadily. Check the full service history, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on suspension and cooling systems (the typical trouble spots), and budget for regular maintenance—this is not a low-cost keeper.

The 2007 Volvo Xc90 has a below-average first-time pass rate (72.5% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
72.5%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
57.9%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
5.35
Over 18.5 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
102k
Middle half: 86k–121k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 30 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 4,195 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.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 4,195 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 64%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 49.5%
Parking brake efficiency below requirements · Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 47.1%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · …
Suspension & steering 33.5%
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2007.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 4,195 Volvo Xc90 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2007 Volvo Xc90

Based on MOT data from 4,195 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 57.9% 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
Diesel (92%) 3,848 72.2% 5.42
Petrol (8%) 344 75.8% 4.55

Colour Breakdown

Based on 80,336 Volvo Xc90 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 27.9%
22,391
Grey 23.6%
18,993
Silver 18.4%
14,803
Blue 16.1%
12,934
White 4.6%
3,684
Green 3.7%
2,935
Gold 2.4%
1,888
Red 2.3%
1,811
Bronze 0.8%
676
Purple 0.2%
159
Brown 0.1%
42
Maroon 0%
20

Mileage Distribution

Most 2007 Volvo Xc90 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.

102,456
typical
85,664
low mileage
120,890
high mileage

Half of all 2007 Volvo Xc90 vehicles fall between 85,664 and 120,890 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 85,664 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.
85,664–120,890 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2007 Volvo Xc90s sit.
Over 163,201 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2007 Volvo Xc90 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 51% of 2007 Volvo Xc90s are still active.

1,953 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 51% of the peak remain.

3,822 1,953 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

18.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
5.35
Avg failures per vehicle
30
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Volvo Xc90: All Xc90 years → Which year to buy? →
2003 2004 2005 2006 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

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Buyer beware — pass it on