2011 Volvo XC90 2.4L Diesel · YR11 DHM

The most recent MOT on 5 March 2026 shows a mixed result – the vehicle passed the overall inspection but also recorded a failure for parking‑brake efficiency. The failure is the only outright safety‑related defect in the latest test and means the hand‑brake does not meet the required holding force. This should be remedied before the car is driven regularly, especially on hills or in stop‑and‑go traffic. A recurring pattern across the three years of MOT data is wear on the front suspension arm pins/bushes and noticeable play in the steering‑rack inner joints (both nearside and offside). Although the notes state the wear has not yet produced “excessive movement”, the presence of play in the rack is a warning sign that steering feel may be vague and that the components could be approaching a point where replacement is needed. The same front‑suspension wear appears in each MOT, suggesting the issue is stable rather than rapidly deteriorating, but it is not improving. Other repeated items are cosmetic or minor electrical faults: the front registration plate is deteriorated, the front‑direction indicator lenses are slightly discoloured, and a rear‑position lamp failed in 2025. These do not affect safety but indicate a lack of routine upkeep. Mileage-wise the car has logged 86,289 mi over roughly 15 years – about 5,750 mi per year. This is well below the average for a vehicle of this age, which could mean the car has been lightly used and therefore has relatively low wear on wear‑items such as brakes, tyres and drivetrain components.