Used Volvo XC90

What to know before buying: Volvo XC90

From 4 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• First-generation owners praise the spacious, comfortable cabin and road stability, but note the large turning circle.[6]one sourceXC90 I
• The first generation is more a comfortable crossover than a serious off-roader; seven seats make it practical for families.[6]one sourceXC90 I
• The second generation offers a roomy cabin, sliding second row and a practical flat load floor with both rear rows folded.[4]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)
• The second generation is at its best in Comfort mode: steering is light, but tyre noise from the front arches is more noticeable than expected in this class.[3][4]XC90 II (SPA)

Typical faults

• Some first-generation US cars needed a replacement gearbox after 50,000 km; any suspicious shifting behaviour is a serious warning.[5]one sourceXC90 I

  50 000+ km

• First-generation diesels can suffer injector problems that may be expensive to repair.[5]one sourceXC90 I

  diesel

• The ERAD rear electric drive is a known weakness on 2016–2017 T8s, with clutch and bearing wear and metal debris in the oil.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)

  2016–2017 · T8 PHEV

• The D5 PowerPulse hose can split from roughly 80,000 km, causing hissing, loss of power and limp mode.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)

  80 000+ km · D5 PowerPulse

• Early T6 B4204T27 engines have a recognised excessive-oil-consumption risk; the remedy involves replacing pistons and rings.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)

  2015–2016 · T6 B4204T27

• On 2016–2017 cars, an incorrectly connected air-conditioning drain can let water into the cabin and affect electronics, including the airbag system.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)

  2016–2017

Which engine and version to take

• In the first generation, the 2.4 D5 is appealing with verifiable service history; owners praise its economy and suitability for relaxed daily driving.[1][6]XC90 I
• For the second generation, the petrol T5 is the calmer choice: sources rate it as more reliable than the D5 and list fewer known risks.[3][7]XC90 II (SPA)

What to avoid

• Choose a 2016–2017 T8 only after a thorough ERAD inspection; these early hybrids have many documented, costly rear electric-drive failures.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)
• Avoid an early T6 B4204T27 unless its oil-consumption history and any piston repair are clearly documented.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)

What to check at the inspection

• For a first-generation car, demand full service history, check the glass and mirrors, and inspect underneath for evidence of previous off-road use.[5]one sourceXC90 I
• Check a first-generation automatic with diagnostics, a clutch test and a 20–30 km drive when warm; inspect fluid colour, smell and leaks.[2]one sourceXC90 I
• For a second-generation car, verify every recall by VIN, especially the diesel intake/EGR and T8 battery campaigns.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)
• Test a T8 with a full battery in EV mode: listen for whining, clicking or knocking, watch for jerks and scan for ERAD faults.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)
• On a D5 PowerPulse, check for smooth low-rpm pull, listen for hissing and scan for P0299 or PowerPulse faults.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)
• On an early T6, check the oil level, top-up history and piston-replacement records; blue smoke after idling is a warning sign.[7]one sourceXC90 II (SPA)

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Volvo XC90 - Forums · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — Volvo XC90 atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
3. [3]volvocars.club — Полный список особенностей и недостатков Volvo ... · forum
4. [4]iauto.lv — iAuto izmēģina jauno “Volvo XC90” – premium zviedru ... · forum
5. [5]whatcar.lv — Kopējais iespaids - Volvo XC90 (02-14) - What Car? · press
6. [6]whatcar.lv — Volvo XC90 (02-14) Atsauksmes par auto - WhatCar.lv · press
7. [7]autoradars.lv — Volvo XC90 II (2015+): problems and risks - AutoRadars.lv · press

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