Volvo S90 MOT Failures
An analysis of 4,015 real DVSA MOT tests on the Volvo S90 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: SPA (2016–2024).
Where the Volvo S90 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Volvo S90 is headlight fault — this model is 9.2 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 4,015 MOT tests, 0.29% of all Volvo S90 tests recorded this as a failure.
Lighting faults are usually straightforward to fix (bulbs, connectors, earth points) but can indicate deeper wiring issues on older cars. Check all lights including fog lamps, number plate lights, and dashboard warning lights.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Volvo S90 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Front suspension ball joint wear (SPA) Major
MOT data shows diesel variants fail ball joint tests at 4.3x the fleet average rate, typically between 20,000-40,000 miles. Affects SPA; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£350.
Turbocharger oil feed pipe leak (SPA) Major
The high-pressure oil feed pipe to the turbocharger develops leaks at the banjo bolt connections, particularly where the pipe connects to the turbocharger housing. Affects SPA; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
DPF regeneration failure (SPA) Major
The diesel particulate filter becomes blocked on vehicles used primarily for short journeys or city driving where regeneration cycles cannot complete naturally. Affects SPA; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£600.
Premature brake pad wear (SPA)
The large 19-inch wheel and brake package fitted as standard creates higher brake temperatures and pad consumption than typical executive saloons. Affects SPA; typical independent garage repair cost is £180–£280.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Volvo S90 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Volvo S90
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Volvo S90:
Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about front suspension ball joint wear and turbocharger oil feed pipe leak. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Volvo S90?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Volvo S90 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Volvo S90?
Based on 4,015 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is headlight fault — at 9x the national fleet average.
Is the Volvo S90 reliable based on MOT data?
The Volvo S90 has 1 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag front suspension ball joint wear as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
The most common high-mileage failures include headlight fault.
How do I check a Volvo S90's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.