2010 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · FN60 MLE

The MOT history for this 2010 Volvo XC90 reveals a sharply contrasting record, with a clean intermediate period abruptly interrupted by a serious safety failure in March 2025 before returning to a pass in 2026. The 2023 test passed with no advisories, and the 2022 test recorded only a single tyre-related advisory, suggesting the vehicle was mechanically sound through that stretch. However, the March 2025 test exposed significant concerns, with a dangerous defect recorded for parking brake efficiency below 50% of the required value alongside major defects for missing front road wheel fixings on both sides. While the most recent test in March 2026 passed with only a minor defect for an inoperative offside registration plate lamp, the seriousness of the prior failure warrants close scrutiny of the braking system and wheel fastener security before purchase. With 147,417 miles recorded on a 16-year-old vehicle, the XC90 has averaged approximately 9,214 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for its age. There are noticeable gaps in the MOT testing history, particularly between late 2022 and early 2025, which could indicate either off-road storage or simply that tests were not submitted during that interval. Given that mileage can only be verified at MOT points, the annual accumulation appears steady rather than erratic, which for a large SUV of this vintage is moderate. This level of use suggests that major service items such as timing belt replacement, suspension components, and drivetrain mounts will have been subjected to meaningful wear. Given the dangerous parking brake failure on the rear axle mechanism, particular attention should be paid to the handbrake performance during a test drive. On a level surface, apply the parking brake firmly and attempt to drive off in first gear to confirm the mechanism holds the vehicle without slipping or requiring excessive force. Any binding, a ratcheting feel that does not lock securely, or a warning light remaining on the dashboard would indicate the caliper actuators, cables, or rear drum/parking brake shoes still require attention. The missing wheel fixings from the 2025 failure should prompt a thorough inspection of all four wheels for damaged studs, stretched threads, or signs that the wheels have been removed and refitted with incorrect torque, as this can also indicate prior cross-threading or impact damage to the hub. When test driving, listen for any clonking or wheel-speed-related vibrations that could point to compromised hub assemblies. The headlamp lens defects recorded across the 2025 and 2026 tests are minor cosmetic items, but they often foreshadow water ingress and condensation inside the lamp units, which can lead to bulb failures and reflector deterioration. Check that both headlamps illuminate evenly on full and dipped beam, and inspect inside the lens for misting or water droplets. The nearside front tire advisory from 2022 for edge wear should prompt close inspection of the current tires, looking for uneven shoulder wear that would suggest worn front suspension bushes, droplinks, or a worn anti-roll bar mounting. On the road, drive over speed bumps and undulating surfaces at low speed to listen for knocking from the front suspension, which is common on high-mileage XC90s, and pay attention to any steering vagueness, wandering, or vibration through the wheel that could indicate worn top mounts or track rod ends. Finally, given the age and mileage, a compression test and inspection of the timing belt service history are essential, as the five-cylinder engine is known for timing belt tensioner failures if the replacement interval has been exceeded.