2017 Volvo XC90 2.0L Diesel · RX17 OFO

The Volvo XC90’s MOT history presents a stable but concerning pattern of recent compliance issues, culminating in a near-consecutive pass-fail sequence in May 2025. The most recent test on 27 May 2025 at 162,642 miles passed without defects, yet the preceding test just four days earlier—on 13 May 2025 at 162,638 miles—had failed with no recorded faults. This anomaly suggests either a procedural error or an oversight by the tester, though the absence of defects in both entries implies no immediate mechanical red flags were present. Prior to this, the vehicle had passed three consecutive MOTs between March 2024 and May 2023, each time without defects, indicating a period of consistent roadworthiness. The lack of advisories or recurring issues in the full history is unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage, raising questions about whether minor wear items—such as tyres, suspension bushes, or brake components—were addressed just outside MOT thresholds. The mileage accumulation of 162,642 miles over nine years reflects heavy usage, averaging roughly 18,071 miles annually, which is above the typical range for a vehicle of this class. The most recent tests in May 2025 show minimal mileage progression between the failed and passed entries (just 4 miles apart), suggesting the car may have been driven sparingly or not at all in the weeks leading up to these inspections. The gap between the 2024 MOT (144,061 miles on 21 March 2024) and the 2025 tests covers 18,581 miles over roughly 14 months, a rate consistent with the long-term average. There are no extended periods of inactivity or sudden mileage spikes that might indicate irregular usage patterns, though the lack of advisories or defects in any test is atypical for a vehicle with this level of mileage. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of high-wear components that are not routinely checked under the MOT but are critical to long-term reliability. Particular attention should be paid to the suspension—specifically the coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings—given the elevated mileage, as these often degrade before becoming MOT-fail items. The brake system, including calipers, pads, and discs, should be checked for uneven wear or binding, even though no brake-related advisories appear in the record. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and underbody panels, should be assessed for corrosion or fatigue, especially in regions prone to salt exposure. While the MOT history suggests no immediate mechanical failures, the absence of advisories may also imply that previous owners deferred routine maintenance, leaving potential hidden wear in areas not subject to MOT scrutiny.