2010 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · EB04 ANT

A persistent pattern of engine oil seepage from the front of the powerplant has been recorded at the two most recent tests, with advisories in August 2025 and August 2026 both referencing oil loss that was judged not yet excessive at the time of inspection. While the vehicle has continued to pass its roadworthiness assessments over six consecutive years, the repeat nature of this leakage from the same general area suggests a seal or gasket issue that is unlikely to resolve on its own and warrants close scrutiny. The broader history shows a relatively consistent pattern of advisories rather than outright failures, with the only recorded fail occurring on 14 July 2022 due to headlamp aim and washer jet misalignment, both of which are minor rectification items. Corrosion was first noted underneath the rear of the car in mid-2022 and has not reappeared in subsequent advisories, but on a sixteen year old vehicle this should be treated as a baseline observation rather than a resolved matter. At 149,617 miles recorded across approximately sixteen years, this XC90 has averaged around 9,351 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age. The MOT record shows annual testing since 2020 with no extended gaps, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use throughout this period rather than laid up for prolonged intervals. The mileage progression between tests appears steady, which means consumable wear on items such as suspension components, brake discs, tyres, drivetrain mountings and exhaust system parts should be commensurate with a high mileage, continuously driven example rather than a low use vehicle with aged but lightly stressed components. For a prospective buyer, the oil leak noted at the front of the engine should be the priority inspection item. On a cold start listen for any ticking or tapping from the timing cover area and check for fresh oil residue on the lower sump, around the crankshaft pulley and at the cam cover edges, paying particular attention to wetness on the exhaust manifold shielding. The advisory referencing rust under the rear of the car means a thorough underside examination is essential, ideally with the vehicle on a lift, looking specifically at the rear subframe mounting points, longitudinal chassis rails, fuel and brake pipe runs, and the parking brake cable routing for any perforation or bubbling under the surface coating. Corrosion in these areas can spread quickly on a vehicle of this age and may compromise structural integrity long before it becomes visible from above. On the road, the high recorded mileage makes the suspension a particular focus, so listen and feel for clonks or knocking from the front over uneven surfaces which would indicate worn lower wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links or top mount bearings. Test the steering for any vagueness, particularly around the straight ahead position, and feel for vibration through the wheel under braking which can point to warped front discs given the vehicle's age and likely mileage accumulation. Tyre wear has been flagged across all four corners at various points, including inner edge wear, which often points to misalignment, worn suspension geometry, or both, so a four wheel alignment check should form part of any purchase negotiation. Finally, with this level of mileage verify the service history for timing belt replacement intervals, transmission fluid changes, and any records relating to the Haldex coupling if fitted, as these are high cost items specific to this model.