Volvo Xc90 (2016)
2016 Volvo Xc90
CarHunch analysed 5,623 real MOT records for the 2016 Volvo Xc90. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2016 Volvo XC90 passes its MOT first time at 85%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, which is a solid result for a family SUV of this age. However, 34.1% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is notably high and suggests buyers should factor in potential for serious issues like brake or suspension failures.
At a median mileage of just under 61,000 miles for an eight-year-old car, these XC90s have been relatively well looked after, yet they still rack up an average of 8.6 advisories per test—mainly minor wear items rather than failures. Diesel models slightly edge out hybrids and petrol versions, all hitting around 85% pass rates, so fuel type isn't a deciding factor; instead, budget for preventive maintenance on the advisory items flagged and have any used purchase inspected by a Volvo specialist given the dangerous defect prevalence.
What to check before buying a 2016 Volvo Xc90
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 34.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (68%) | 3,803 | 84.8% | 1.18 |
| Hybrid Electric (Clean) (28%) | 1,556 | 85.5% | 1.14 |
| Petrol (4%) | 249 | 84.9% | 1.07 |
| Electric Diesel (0%) | 14 | 74.3% | 1 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 66.7% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 Volvo Xc90 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2016 Volvo Xc90 vehicles fall between 47,609 and 76,032 miles.
2016 Volvo Xc90 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 4,988 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 95% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 Volvo Xc90
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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36.4%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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34.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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33.2%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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25.8%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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18.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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18%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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17.3%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()
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16.7%
Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volvo Xc90?
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