Volvo V90 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo V90 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 119 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 158 of 442, and 15.9% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is brake pads (3.2% of tests).
Ranked 158 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 14,635 Volvo V90s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 15.9% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo V90 is 16% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 12.6% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
15.9%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
12.6%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
11,400
Typical age at test: 5 years
Volvo V90 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo V90 MOT faults
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.2% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.5% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9% of tests
What the Volvo V90 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.0% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Brakes | 3.9% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 2.4% | ▼ 54% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.0% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Visibility | 1.4% | ▼ 59% less often |
| Suspension | 1.3% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Steering | 0.5% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.5% | ▼ 69% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 78% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo V90 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V90 ranges from 32.2 to 62.8mpg across the 260 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2016–2025). A typical petrol version manages 39.2mpg and a typical diesel 43.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo V90?
Any Volvo V90 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V90 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £360 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo V90 specs and running costs
Official figures for 260 versions sold in the UK between 2016 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
32.2–62.8 mpg
CO2
18–198 g/km
Power
190–455 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V90 B4 Plus197 PS · 8AT · listed 2025 | Diesel | 44.8 mpg | 164g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 Cross Country B4 AWD Plus197 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Diesel | 44.8 mpg | 164g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 Cross Country B5 Plus AWD235 PS · 8A-AWD · listed 2025 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 179g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 B4 Core197 PS · 8AT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 40.3 mpg | 158g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 B4 Plus197 PS · 8AT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 36.5 mpg | 175g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 B4 Plus197 PS · 8AT-FWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 39.7 mpg | 161g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 B5 Plus250 PS · 8AT-FWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 39.7 mpg | 162g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 B5 Ultimate250 PS · 8AT-FWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 39.2 mpg | 163g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 Cross Country B5 AWD Plus250 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 36.2 mpg | 177g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 Cross Country B6 AWD Ultimate300 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.8 mpg | 194g | £200 | 37% |
| V90 Plug-in Hybrid T6 Plus - Dark Theme253 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 352.6 mpg | 18g | £200 | 10% |
| V90 Plug-in Hybrid T8 Ultra - Dark Theme310 PS · 8AT-AWD · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 313.4 mpg | 20g | £200 | 10% |
| V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 AWD Plus350 PS · 8AT-FWD · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 352.6 mpg | 18g | £200 | 10% |
| V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8 AWD Ultimate455 PS · 8AT-FWD · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 313.4 mpg | 20g | £200 | 10% |
| V90 D5 AWD Inscription 19" Alloy235 PS · 8A-AWD · listed 2021 | Diesel | 43.7 mpg | 169g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 260 versions.
What a Volvo V90 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 39.2mpg…
- diesel, typical official 43.7mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo V90Buying a used Volvo V90?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo V90 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volvo V90 is 16% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 119 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo V90?
The most common MOT fault is “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick”, found in 3.2% of tests. It fails on body and structure more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volvo V90 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V90 ranges from 32.2 to 62.8mpg across the 260 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2016–2025). A typical petrol version manages 39.2mpg and a typical diesel 43.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo V90?
Any Volvo V90 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V90 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £360 a year.
›How many Volvo V90s fail their MOT?
15.9% of Volvo V90s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 12.6% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo V90 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.