2008 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · DG08 EKP

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a transition toward worsening mechanical wear on primary steering components. While it passed its latest test in December 2025 at 224,498 miles, the tester identified newly developed play in the steering rack inner joints on both the nearside and offside front. This indicates a shift from minor peripheral failures to more significant steering degradation, suggesting the front-end assembly is reaching the end of its effective service life. The mileage data reveals an unusual pattern of extreme stagnation over the last two years. Between February 2023 and September 2024, the vehicle covered only 28 miles, yet it then clocked another 12 miles in the span of just six days between the September 2024 tests. While the lifetime average of 12,472 miles per year is high for an 18-year-old Volvo, the recent history suggests the car has been sitting for long periods. Such inactivity often leads to the deterioration of rubber components like the perished brake hoses noted in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking system. The record shows a persistent history of corrosion and deterioration in the front brake hoses dating back to 2023, which required attention after a 2024 failure. The split offside outer drive shaft boot identified in 2024 also necessitates a check for grease leakage and potential damage to the CV. Furthermore, the steering rack inner joint play flagged in the 2025 test requires a road test to check for steering notch or clunking, as these are costly components to replace on a vehicle of this age.