IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2019 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2)

Mid-life updates improved powertrains and software maturity, making later XC90s generally easier used buys than 2015-2017 cars.

What changed for 2019

  • •Updated engines and mild-hybrid options
  • •Software and infotainment refinements
  • •Trim revisions

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Tyres
  • !Front suspension wear
  • !Brake imbalance on heavy-use cars
3
Known Issues
3
Serious
0
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

T8 plug-in hybrids are notorious for rear-motor failure, often caused by internal coolant ingress. Coolant leaks past the seals into the motor housing, leading to bearing failure or internal short circuits. In the UK, main dealer replacement of the ERAD unit is extremely costly (£5k-£9k).

Est. Repair Cost: £3,000–£9,000
Warning Signs:

Whine or "marbles in a tin" grind from rear axle, AWD unavailable message, Reduced EV or hybrid performance

What to Inspect:
  • Drive in Pure and Hybrid modes
  • Listen for rear-axle noise during acceleration
  • Confirm if the car has received the latest ERAD coolant-drain or seal service campaigns
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Sunroof drain blockages and water ingress

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The sunroof drains can block with debris, leading to water entering the cabin, often soaking the footwells and potentially damaging the central fuse box (CEM).

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Damp carpets (especially front), Musty smell, Intermittent electrical faults or "Christmas tree" dash lights

What to Inspect:
  • Feel for dampness in the front footwells
  • Check for water marks on the headlining
  • Ask if the sunroof drains have been regularly cleared
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air suspension leaks or compressor wear

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Optional air suspension brings the usual luxury-SUV risk of leaking bags and tired compressors.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Car sits low after parking, Compressor runs often, Harsh or floaty ride

What to Inspect:
  • Overnight stance
  • Height adjustment speed
  • Recent air-suspension invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2019 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2)

  • ✓Early cars need proof of repeated software updates because many glitches were calibration-related rather than purely hardware failures
  • ✓On T8 models, listen for rear-axle whine and check the hybrid system has no stored AWD or propulsion warnings
  • ✓Air suspension should raise and lower quickly and stay level overnight
  • ✓This is a heavy car, so suspension knocks and warped front brakes are common if it has spent time in town
2015–20182020–2022
Check a 2019 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2) by Registration