2010 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · AV10 PYP

The most recent MOT test on 16 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but it followed a failed examination just eight days earlier on 8 July 2026, where four major defects were identified, including non-functioning nearside and offside front position lamps, an electronic stability control warning lamp indicating a fault, and excessively worn front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides of the front axle. While the subsequent retest only recorded advisories relating to steering rack inner joint play and tyre condition, the cluster of suspension, electronic stability, and lighting defects on a single test suggests the vehicle may have undergone recent repair work to remedy these issues, rather than reflecting long-term mechanical stability. Comparing the wider history, the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests were all passed cleanly or with only minor advisories, so the 2026 failure represents a notable deterioration in recorded condition, even if it has since been addressed to pass. A prospective buyer should establish what remedial work was actually carried out between the failed and passed tests, particularly regarding the ESC fault and the front suspension bushes, as these are safety-critical systems. With 128,822 miles recorded across sixteen years, the vehicle has covered approximately 8,051 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for its age and class. The MOT intervals suggest consistent annual usage without any significant gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular service rather than being laid up for extended periods. This level of mileage means that wear-related components such as suspension bushes, engine and gearbox mounts, drivetrain couplings, and turbocharger components will have experienced substantial cumulative load cycles, particularly given the XC90's heavy kerb weight. While the average annual figure is reassuring, buyers should still anticipate that age-sensitive deterioration, such as perishing rubber, oxidised brake components, and degraded fluids, will be present regardless of odometer reading on a vehicle of this vintage. The recurring advisory for play in the steering rack inner joint, first noted in 2021 and again on both sides in 2026, is mechanically significant and warrants close attention. Steering rack inner joint wear on the XC90 typically manifests as a clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, vague or loose steering response, and uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres. Given that two advisories for near-legal-limit tyre wear on the nearside were recorded at the most recent test, the steering components may be contributing to accelerated or uneven tyre consumption. A thorough test drive should include driving over speed bumps, potholes, and rough tarmac while listening for clonking from the front end, and the steering should feel precise with no excess free play before straight-ahead recovery. The offside rear tyre cut advisory should also prompt a physical inspection to ensure the damage has not progressed to cord exposure. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage profile of this XC90 demands a comprehensive inspection of items that MOT testing does not fully cover. The front suspension arm bushes that were flagged as excessively worn in July 2026 may have been replaced, but surrounding components such as anti-roll bar drop links, control arms, ball joints, and strut top mounts should be checked for perished bushes and fluid leaks from the shock absorbers, as these commonly fail on high-mileage Volvos. Brake discs are likely to show surface corrosion and possibly lipping from age, and calipers may benefit from a check for binding or seized pistons, particularly if the vehicle has been used for shorter journeys. The cooling system, timing belt service interval, and automatic or manual gearbox fluid should be verified against the manufacturer's schedule, as these are calendar-based maintenance items. Other age-related concerns include 12V battery health, which typically requires replacement every five to six years, corrosion on underbody structural components and exhaust hangers, perished door and tailgate seals, and any signs of oil leaks from the engine or gearbox. A pre-purchase inspection by a Volvo specialist or independent garage, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, would be strongly advisable given the recent suspension and electronic stability concerns.