Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
The XC90 is a well-built family SUV that has a strong reliability record. In the What Car? reliability survey it finished fifth out of 12 cars in the seven-seater category.
The other good news is that Volvo has a wide dealer network which means that sourcing parts shouldn't be an issue.
Gearbox: Run the eight-speed automatic up through the gears quickly and feel for any jerky shifts or a slow throttle response.
Suspension: Make sure the air suspension is working normally as compressors can fail and are expensive to replace.
Otherwise, it’s standard big SUV fare: check all the rubbers and dampers for signs of excessive wear.
Brakes: Non-hybrid models are prone to excessive brake wear, so pads and discs have to be changed regularly. Check when they were last swapped and listen out for any brake squeal on a test drive.
Software: Ensure the car has the latest software update and keep an eye out for any quirks, like an errant headlight malfunction warning or a faulty start/stop system.
Interior: Sunroof drains can get blocked by leaves and dirt, causing a leak inside the car. Water can collect on top of the dashboard and headliner, so look out for any discolouration as an indication of previous leak repair.
Touchscreen: Central display can become inoperative, meaning you can’t use the sat-nav or climate controls, or can become laggy due to technical glitches. This is often resolved by turning the car on and off again. Look out for any latency issues.
