2018 Volvo XC90 2.0L Diesel · GM60 ALM

A 2018 Volvo XC90 with this MOT history tells a story of largely consistent roadworthiness punctuated by one serious brake safety failure in mid-2024 and a cluster of recurring front suspension advisories that warrant close attention from any prospective buyer. Across seven recorded tests the vehicle has passed on six occasions, with the most recent test on 29 June 2026 showing no defects recorded, alongside a clean pass on 10 June 2025. However, the 19 June 2024 test produced a Dangerous defect for front brake pads worn below 1.5 mm thickness, accompanied by a Major for an inoperative headlamp cleaning device and an advisory noting a minor exhaust gas leak from the EGR pipe area. That same test, and the subsequent pass five days later on 24 June 2024, both flagged slight play in the offside and nearside front lower suspension arm ball joints. The recurrence of those ball joint advisories across consecutive tests is the most consistent mechanical theme in this record and points to front suspension wear that an inspector should evaluate physically rather than dismiss as a one-off. Recorded mileage of 95,151 miles over an eight-year lifespan works out at roughly 11,900 miles annually, which sits close to the average accumulation rate for a vehicle of this age and is not suggestive of either extended periods off the road or unusually heavy commercial use. There are no obvious gaps in the testing timeline, with tests recorded in successive years from 2021 through 2026, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent rather than erratic. Mechanically, this level of use on a large SUV with the XC90's known component loading means consumables such as brake pads and discs, tyres, and suspension bushes will have already been through at least one full wear cycle, with the front axle in particular subject to heavier stress from the vehicle's mass and any four-wheel-drive components. The clean mileage profile is positive, but it does not offset the need to inspect the specific items the MOT history has repeatedly called out. For a buyer evaluating this XC90, the front suspension ball joints should be the priority inspection area, since both sides were flagged with slight play on the 2024 test and one side was noted as being on the limit. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and pay particular attention to vague or wandering steering, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or any creaking on full lock. A physical check should involve rocking the wheels by hand at the three and nine o'clock positions to feel for looseness in the lower arms, and a ramp inspection of the ball joints and surrounding bushes for perished rubber or any perishing of the dust boots that would accelerate wear. Given the Dangerous brake pad finding from June 2024, the front brake discs and remaining pad material should be thoroughly examined, as thin pads on a heavy SUV frequently indicate that the discs have also been worn close to or beyond their minimum thickness and may need replacement. Test the brakes at low speed for any juddering through the pedal, and check for binding or uneven pull that might suggest a sticking caliper, a known issue on higher-mileage Volvos of this era. The 2024 advisory for a damaged or perished rear tyre should also be followed up by inspecting the current rear tyres for stepped tread wear, sidewall cracking, and overall age-related deterioration, particularly if the same wheels have remained fitted. The headlamp cleaning device Major from June 2024 should be confirmed as operational, as these systems are notoriously prone to failed motors or blocked nozzles on the XC90. The exhaust EGR pipe advisory should be checked for any ticking on cold start, soot traces around joints, or a lingering exhaust smell in the cabin, which would suggest the minor leak has progressed. Finally, given the vehicle's age and mileage, inspect the underbody for any corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and suspension components, and verify that the cooling and air conditioning systems are functioning correctly, as these are areas not routinely covered by the MOT test itself.