SuspensionHigh
Air suspension leaks on optioned cars
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check ride height after standing overnight
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Is the 2015–2025 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.7/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Volvo XC90 rates 3.7 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 4 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around electrical, engine and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 4
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around electrical, engine, suspension, brakes.
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EngineHigh
Timing belt and turbo wear on 2.0 diesels
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check belt evidence and listen for turbo whine
- Typical repair
- Timing / wet belt kit + water pump · £450–£1,100
Body and InteriorHigh
Blocked panoramic sunroof drains causing water ingress, leading to damp carpets and potential Central Electronic Module (CEM) failure.
- Typically appears
- 4-6 years
- What to inspect
- Press firmly into the front footwell carpets, particularly on the passenger side, to check for dampness. Inspect the headlining around the sunroof for water stains.
- Typical repair
- Electrical diagnosis & module repair · £120–£900
DrivetrainHigh
High-pitched whining or grinding noise from the rear axle on T8 Recharge models due to Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) bearing failure.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Select 'Pure' driving mode to force electric-only operation. Drive at 20-30 mph and listen closely for a distinct metallic whine originating from the rear of the cabin.
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
ElectricalMedium
Sensus infotainment freezes and reboots
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Cycle every screen function including climate
- Typical repair
- Air-con regas or compressor · £90–£900
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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