2005 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · DX55 USW
2005 Volvo XC90 (2.4L, diesel). First registered 01 Oct 2005. Recorded mileage 195,519 miles. MOT valid until 22 Feb 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO XC90
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 195,519 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DX55 USW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/02/2026
- 195,519 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DX55 USW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 Volvo Xc90 (DX55 USW) between January 2023 and February 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases back box not connected (6.1.2 (a))”; “Emissions unable to be completed Due To Exhaust Condition (8.2.2.2 (e))”; “Rear Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))”.
DX55 USW Mileage History
- 26/01/2023174,717 mi
- 12/01/2024181,613 mi+6,896 mi
- 21/02/2025187,715 mi+6,102 mi
- 19/02/2026195,516 mi+7,801 mi
- 23/02/2026195,519 mi+3 mi
Average of roughly 6,759 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach with caution — this 2005 Volvo
Given the high mileage and recent failures, a pre-purchase inspection is essential. Focus on the ABS system — a warning lamp indicates a fault that may still be present despite the retest pass. The exhaust system has shown repeated issues, including a major leak and insecure mounting, which could signal corrosion or damage that may recur. Check for evidence of recent repairs to these areas and request invoices to confirm work was carried out properly.
Negotiate hard on price. The oil leak advisories appear consistently since 2023, and while described as 'not excessive', they point to a long-standing issue that may worsen. Suspension wear (offside front lower arm) is also noted, which at this mileage could mean further components are nearing the end of their life. Budget for potential repairs to the suspension, exhaust, and ABS system.
As a 2005 diesel, this XC90 falls into a lower road tax band (likely £20-£30 annually for pre-April 2017 diesels under 2.5L, but confirm exact band). Fuel economy for the D5 engine typically averages 30-35 mpg, so expect around £1,200-£1,500 annually in fuel for average use. Insurance for a 2005 XC90 is usually in group 30-35, costing £600-£900 depending on your details.
Maintenance costs are a concern. Volvo parts and specialist labour can be expensive, and the MOT history highlights recurring oil leaks and suspension wear. Annual maintenance for a high-mileage XC90 could easily exceed £500-£800, especially if the ABS or exhaust requires further attention. Overall, estimate annual running costs at £2,500-£3,500, factoring in fuel, tax, insurance, and likely repairs.
Prioritise the ABS system — the warning lamp failure in February 2026 must be fully resolved. Scan for fault codes to ensure no underlying issues remain. Inspect the exhaust system thoroughly for leaks, corrosion, or insecure mountings, as these have been flagged repeatedly. Check the offside front lower suspension arm and bush for wear, as this has been noted in both the failure and the subsequent pass.
Examine the engine bay and under the car for oil leaks, particularly around the engine and gearbox. While described as 'not excessive', persistent leaks can lead to more serious problems if left unaddressed. Test all lights, including the rear fog lamp, and verify the washer system functions correctly, as these were part of the recent failure. Finally, assess the overall condition of the suspension and steering components, as high mileage often correlates with worn bushes and joints.
This 2005 Volvo XC90 D5 (2.4L diesel) has covered 195,519 miles, well above the model’s average annual mileage of 8,332. Its MOT history shows a pass rate in line with the model average (80.2%), but the most recent test in February 2026 initially failed due to an ABS warning lamp, exhaust leaks, an insecure exhaust system, and a non-functional rear fog lamp. These were addressed quickly (passing 4 days later), but advisories for oil leaks and worn suspension components persist across multiple tests.
The Volvo XC90 has an average MOT pass rate of 80.2%, with common failures related to headlamps, parking brake efficiency, and inoperative parking brakes. This suggests electrical and braking systems are typical weak points for the model.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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