2013 Volvo XC90 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 70.7% of Volvo XC90s first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. Across 7,240 XC90 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, lamps and electrical equipment and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Volvo XC90s first used in 2013 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2013 Volvo XC90 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, XC90s first used in 2013 against all cars first used in 2013 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the XC90 figure was 4.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2013 XC90 | All cars first used 2013 | XC90 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 75.4% | 72.1% | 2,468 |
| 2022 | 74.3% | 70.3% | 2,411 |
| 2023 | 71.0% | 68.3% | 2,427 |
| 2024 | 69.4% | 66.8% | 2,421 |
| 2025 | 70.7% | 65.8% | 2,392 |
Common 2013 Volvo XC90 MOT failures
Share of the 2,145 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 20.7% | 445 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 10.5% | 225 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 10.2% | 218 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value | 7.1% | 152 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 6.2% | 133 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2013 Volvo XC90 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2013 Volvo XC90 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2013 XC90s, as a share of all 7,240 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 20.6% | 1,488 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 14.0% | 1,015 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 10.5% | 763 |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | 7.5% | 544 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 5.5% | 398 |
Questions about the 2013 Volvo XC90 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2013 Volvo XC90?
In 2025, 70.7% of XC90s first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2013 XC90 most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 43.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (41.6%) and tyres (21.6%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (20.7%).
How often does a 2013 Volvo XC90 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 29.3% of first tests on XC90s first used in 2013 did not pass first time: 24.0% failed, and a further 5.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,145 of 7,240 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2013 Volvo XC90 MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 20.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (14.0%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (10.5%), “Play in steering rack inner joint(s)” (7.5%) and “Brake pads: wearing thin” (5.5%).
Is a 2013 Volvo XC90 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 75.4% in 2021 to 70.7% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2013
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2013 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2013 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2013 XC90?
The numbers above cover every XC90 first used in 2013 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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