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2003-2025 · 20 model years

Volvo XC90 Problems by year

Owners have filed 362 complaints about the Volvo XC90 across 20 model years, and it has 35 recalls. The 2005 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (223). The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the engine & cooling.

Most complaints for its age2005223 complaints · 6 recallsSee the 2005
Complaints
362
Recalls
35
Crashes
6
Fires
13
Injuries
5
Deaths
0

XC90 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20250200-C
20240300-C
20230600-D
20220400-C
20210600-C
20200700-C
20190600-C
20180300-A
20170700-C
20160800-C
20150100-A
20110100-A
201012300Fuel systemC
20097100Electrical systemB
200829311Electrical systemD
200738205Electrical systemF
200653344Electrical systemF
2005223613Engine & coolingF
20040600-B
20030500-B

Most common XC90 problems

Volvo XC90 recalls 35

Service brakes

23V01200027,457 vehicles affected

Over-the-air fix

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...

Latest XC90 complaints

2006 Volvo XC90Electrical system

Had to replace emission coil plugs.My mechanics said it has wiring issues

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11726307
2008 Volvo XC90Electrical systemSeats & seat beltsEngine & cooling

All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it's self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn't release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn't respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then no lights all of a sudden it happened within 1-2mins vehicle wouldn't respond while running stopped in middle of road. Didn't...

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give any warning was even going out. Locks not working right with key fob 1or more locks won't lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. Steering locked in full turn left/right have to manually turn wheel because it will continue in direction wheel is associated in while moving instead of returning towards middle on its own momentum. Climate control fan not working properly not enough blowing force and ambient temperature sensor for climate control not regulating temperature/doesn't read correctly.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Seat belts · EngineNHTSA 11715435
2007 Volvo XC90Electrical systemVisibility & wipersFire

While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, a sudden electrical fire occurred, requiring immediate evacuation. The vehicle was pulled over safely and the driver exited before the fire escalated. The fire department responded and the vehicle was declared a total loss due to fire damage. The failure is believed to have originated from an electrical short involving the climate control/defroster system. The affected wiring and components were destroyed by the fire and are not available for inspection. The day...

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prior to the fire, the fuse controlling both the climate control system and the instrument cluster blew twice when the defroster was activated. The fuse was replaced, and the defroster was not used again. At the time of the fire, the defroster systems was not operating. There were no warning lights or alerts immediately prior to the fire. The fire occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a serious safety risk to the occupant and surrounding traffic. The incident has not been reproduced or inspected by a dealer. The vehicle was inspected by the fire department. No manufacturer inspection has occurred.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11715108
2006 Volvo XC90SuspensionElectrical systemLights

Vehicle is slightly off-balance no matter if I do an alignment ball joints seem to always get affected. I'm not sure if the hydraulics are working correctly. Yesterday I just started leaking antifreeze fluid.

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11648529
2005 Volvo XC90Electrical systemLightsAirbags

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and...

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researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 11646424
2006 Volvo XC90Electrical system

Awakened to lights flashing, horn going off, wipers running on a vehicle that was parked with keys removed. The cem underneath driver's side dash had gotten wet from rain water leaking into it and subsequently shorted out requiring $2350 replacement via dealer. This IS A Huge problem.... however, and wait for it. IT IS NOT DUE TO THE SUNROOF.... I know this with absolute certainty because I have 3 2006-2010 xc90's and NONE HAVE SUNROOFS but all 3 had to have CEM reprogrammed. I can't understand why NOTHING has been done about this... it's absurd.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11582404

Questions about the Volvo XC90

Which Volvo XC90 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2005 (223), 2006 (53), 2007 (38). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2005 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Volvo XC90 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2011, 2015, 2018 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other XC90 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Volvo XC90 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (92), engine & cooling (91), transmission & drivetrain (74) most often.

How many recalls does the Volvo XC90 have?

NHTSA lists 35 recalls across all Volvo XC90 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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