Volvo XC90 Motor Finance - Owner Information | MLJ.org.uk

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Volvo XC90 Motor Finance - Owner Information | MLJ.org.uk

Last updated: 27 February 2026

The Volvo XC90 has been a popular choice for car buyers, often sold through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements. During the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, many consumers who purchased this luxury SUV may have entered into finance arrangements that were later scrutinised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

How the Volvo XC90 was Typically Financed

During the investigation period, financing a new Volvo XC90 typically involved either PCP or HP agreements with typical amounts ranging from £15,000 to £30,000. Common finance lenders for this model included Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. Under a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreement, the loan amount is calculated based on the expected depreciation of the vehicle over the term of the contract, usually 36 to 48 months. At the end of this period, customers have the option to return the car or pay an additional lump sum known as a balloon payment to own the vehicle outright. Hire Purchase (HP) agreements are structured differently, where the customer pays for the full value of the car over a set term, usually with higher monthly payments but no balloon payment at the end. This means that by the last instalment, you own the car free and clear.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

In 2017, the FCA launched an investigation into motor finance mis-selling practices across various makes and models, including the Volvo XC90. The focus was on discretionary commission arrangements where dealers were incentivised to sell finance products with higher profit margins rather than offering customers the most suitable or cheapest option. The findings of the FCA investigation revealed that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) might have been affected by mis-selling practices, leading to an FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per customer (FCA estimate). The total estimated overcharge across all affected finance deals was approximately £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026).

How to Check Your Agreement Look for any mention of a "Discretionary Contribution Arrangement" or DCA, which refers to discretionary commission payments made by lenders to dealers.

Relevant dates are also crucial: if your financing was arranged between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, it falls within the scope of the FCA investigation. check whether you were given a choice of finance providers or were simply presented with one option from a particular lender.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe your Volvo XC90 finance agreement may have been mis-sold due to discretionary commission arrangements, the first step is to contact your lender directly. Common lenders for this model include Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. You do not need a claims management company to complain; you can handle it yourself at no cost. Simply gather all relevant documentation related to your finance agreement and contact the lender's customer service department or write a formal letter outlining your concerns. Complaining directly to your lender is straightforward and often more efficient than going through a third party. They will investigate your complaint according to regulatory requirements and provide you with a resolution if appropriate.

Sources and References

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census, 2021

Volvo Xc90 MOT Pass Rate

Based on 59,884 MOT tests conducted in 2024 (source: DVSA anonymised test data), the Volvo Xc90 has a pass rate of 79.1%. This is close to the national average of 79.6%, meaning the Xc90 performs about average in MOT testing.

The Xc90 pass rate is slightly below the overall Volvo average of 81.3%. The average mileage at MOT for this model is 105,633 miles.

MOT pass rate: 79.1%
MOT failure rate: 20.9%
Tests analysed: 59,884 (2024 DVSA data)
Average mileage at test: 105,633 miles
Volvo average pass rate: 81.3%
National average pass rate: 79.6%

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues related to motor finance mis-selling for Volvo XC90 vehicles?

Common issues include inadequate disclosure of terms, pressure selling tactics, and failure to assess affordability properly. Misleading practices can also occur, such as overstating the benefits or understating the costs associated with financing a Volvo XC90.

How many people might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling involving vehicles like the Volvo XC90 from April 2007 to November 2024?

An estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) potentially impacted by motor finance mis-selling during this period (FCA estimate). This includes various models, including the Volvo XC90.

What should I do if I suspect my Volvo XC90 finance agreement was mis-sold to me?

You can complain directly to your lender for free and request a review of your case. If you are unsatisfied with their response, you may escalate the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Is it necessary to use a claims management company when dealing with motor finance mis-selling issues related to my Volvo XC90?

No, you do not need a claims management company. You can manage the process yourself or seek advice from free services provided by organizations like the Money Advice Service.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.