2016 Volvo XC90 2.0L Diesel · PB08 GPB

A clear pattern of recurring front-end wear emerges from the MOT history of this 2016 Volvo XC90, centred on the steering and braking components rather than any single dramatic failure. The most recent test on 29 April 2026 returned a pass with advisories, fitting an established trend rather than a sudden deterioration. The offside rear tyre cracking has now been flagged at three consecutive tests (2025 and 2026, with the same side persistently noted), suggesting the rubber compound is ageing regardless of remaining tread. More significantly, the track rod end issue has been a recurring feature: a slight play advisory in June 2022 on the offside, a major failure on 24 May 2024 due to excessive play on the offside front track rod end ball joint, and now a fresh advisory in 2026 for slight play on the nearside front track rod end ball joint. This indicates progressive wear across the steering linkages that warrants close physical inspection. The brake-related advisories are also clustered around the front axle, with front pads noted as wearing thin in 2024 and front discs flagged as worn or pitted in 2024 and 2025, suggesting the front braking system has been approaching its service interval rather than being left untouched. Additionally, a minor exhaust gas leak from the EGR pipe area was noted in 2026, which, while not a failure point, is a sign of sealing deterioration at the front of the exhaust system. With roughly 79,732 miles spread over ten years, this XC90 has averaged about 7,973 miles annually, which sits broadly within the typical range for a large family SUV of this age and does not suggest either excessive motorway use or extended periods of standing. There are no notable gaps in the MOT testing record and mileage appears to have accumulated steadily year on year, with no evidence of a clocked or inconsistent reading between tests. This kind of moderate, regular usage tends to be kinder to the drivetrain and rubber components than low-mileage garage-queen use, though it still places steady demand on suspension and braking consumables. The presence of multiple brake and steering advisories under this kind of mileage pattern suggests that the wear is consistent with the vehicle's age and use rather than being abnormal, but the components are now at a point where proactive replacement should be expected. For a prospective buyer, the steering system should be the primary focus of any physical inspection and test drive. The track rod end ball joints have been flagged on both sides across separate tests, and excessive play in these components can manifest as knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or potholes, vague or wandering steering on the motorway, or uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres. It is worth asking when the track rod ends were last renewed, as the 2024 major failure implies at least the offside was replaced, and verifying that the nearside, now showing slight play, has been attended to or budgeted for. During a test drive, listen for any clunking from the front wheels over uneven surfaces and check for steering pull to either side under braking or acceleration, as these can indicate worn linkages, top mounts, or anti-roll bar bushes, which are common wear items on this chassis. The braking system also requires targeted attention, given that front pads and discs have been flagged across the 2024 and 2025 tests. On a test drive, feel for any judder or vibration through the brake pedal, which would suggest the front discs are now beyond their service limit, and listen for grinding or squealing that could indicate worn pads contacting the discs. The rear pads were also flagged as wearing thin in 2024, so a visual check of pad thickness through the wheel should be carried out. The oil leak noted in 2022 was classed as not excessive and has not reappeared, suggesting it may have been addressed, but it would be prudent to inspect the underside for fresh oil residue, particularly around the sump, valve cover gasket, and turbo oil feed lines, which are known areas on the XC90. Finally, the EGR-related exhaust leak advisory in 2026 should be investigated, as it can present as a ticking or hissing noise from the engine bay on cold starts or under load, and the nearside rear reflector defect, though minor, should be replaced to ensure full compliance and visibility.