- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
- The risk
- AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- The fix
- Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable gps device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.Garmin.Com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.
Vehicle safety record
2005 Volvo XC90 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 223 complaints about the 2005 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (69) and the transmission & drivetrain (62). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in November 2010 for the navigational system(global positioning system). For comparison, the 2004 has 0 and the 2006 has 53.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical XC90 year, for its age
#60 most complained-about 2005 vehicle
- Complaints
- 223
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2005 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of all 223 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2005 Volvo XC90 recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 s80, model year 2001-2004 v70, s60, xc70 and model year 2003-2005 xc90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of alabama, arizona, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina, tennessee, texas, utah, virginia and the u.S. Territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange.
- The risk
- If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on january 15, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, it has been determined that while doing battery maintenance the jack's crank handle can be misplaced under a bracket which retains the battery.
- The risk
- Misplacement of the jack's crank handle can pose a safety risk as it can result in a short circuit of the battery which could then lead to a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and ensure proper placement of the jack crank handle and a warning label with approved text will be affixed to the bracket which retains the battery. This warning label will inform an operator not to place the jack crank handle between the bracket and the battery free of charge. The recall began on july 7, 2007. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles,the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod ball joint.
- The risk
- The driver may notice that the vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the outer ball joint tie rods with improved outer ball joint tie rods free of charge. The recall began on june 23, 2006. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
- The problem
- On certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on its driveshaft, resulting in an inability to move the wipers from the park position.
- The risk
- Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the wiper arms and retaining nuts. The recall began on september 5, 2006. Owners may contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
- The problem
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, due to an error in the factory assembly instruction, the b+terminal may be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. If this occurs, the conflict between the b+terminal and the starter motor solenoid may develop into a short circuit of the battery cable to ground.
- The risk
- Smoke may appear from under the hood and it may be impossible to start the car. If the short circuit happens during driving, electrical power could be lost resulting in the warning lamps being deactivated. An electrical short could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and increase distance between the b+terminal and the starter motor solenoid by adjusting the terminal. The recall began on january 31, 2006. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
What owners say
Be the first XC90 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
223 complaints about the 2005 Volvo XC90
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
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...
Read the full complaint
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.
I've had to change my fuel injection pump and catalytic convert twice on one year.
Adas, air bar warning lights/urgent and high gas fumes coming out from the rear seats when fully filled gas. We had called 800-458-1552 and guided us to plug in our vin [[redacted]] on www.Volvocars.Com and nothing showed as far as recall and told us that these recalls expired and our 2005 volvo are not eligible. 2005 Volvo xc90 that relates to nhtsa campaign number: 09v483000, make: volvo model: xc90 model year: 2005 manufacturer: volvo cars of n.A. Llc. Mfr's report date: dec 17, 2009 nhtsa campaign id number:...
Read the full complaint
09v483000 nhtsa action number: pe09039 component: fuel system, gasolineelivery:fuel pump potential number of units affected: 136100 summary: volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 s80, model year 2001-2004 v70, s60, xc70 and model year 2003-2005 xc90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of alabama, arizona, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina, tennessee, texas, utah, virginia and the u.S. Territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange. Consequence: if the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Remedy: dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552. My wife and I had purchased our volvo xc90 in 2005, here in ca. Six months ago everytime we filled up the gas tank, we would smell a heavy fumes of gas as it was coming from the inside of the vehicle. We had called the volvo 800 number above and guided us to plug in our vin [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Water is leaking from the windshield into the driver and passenger side inside on the window obstructing my view while driving. Cannot drive the vehicle while it's raining. Serious safety problem! Please recall and fix all Volvos with this problem.
I had filled an earlier complaint and this to be added to the earlier form that I had filled needs to go to the engineering department. See photo the electrical complaint from the magnetic electrical beings in me and in this picture I believe is about design of the fuses in vehicle and what they are tryin to communicate here I believe would be the distance between the positive and negative connections like what it is doing to them as it goes through those types of fuses. What I believe to be what happens to them in...
Read the full complaint
those plastic fuses and would like them the fuse to be designed further apart a little bit bigger than a penny and with the connection straight across and not going up and down and back through it self. The magnetic beings would like to see the connections straight across so that they don't interfere with each other while traveling through the substraight. Not sure but you were this type of being you would try and communicated these things and design well just look and if you would like they like the older glass fuse with the stainless steel design. If you could they are asking that you the ntsb go back redesign a fuse that don't go back into itself they like straight across the connections to give them better flow. Reminder this goes to the earlier form that I wrote to you it an addition information cause they are important part of this world I am referring to the magnetic beings in electricity in every vehicle made and need to be taken into more consideration especially when making systems that heavily rely on the entities. They the beings are asking this of you thentsb to take them more into consideration as we us them rely on them the invisible magnetic electrical beings more and to develop friendlier and heavier system for them because the design now is making them sick and they are I am asking for the entities that you make healthyelectricity
When cranking it stalls and cuts off and after doing it around 10 times it finally cranks then I have to hurry to put in drive to get the motor going in order to keep her crunk and couple weeks ago because this problem she stalled out and I hit a hole in the road and busted the oil pan so she has been parked every since cause I had my daughter in the car and that wasn't a pretty sight since the hit made her nervous now can't get her to get in the car so I need my car fixed and I see it has several recalls and all and it was on a county street once I got it crunk back up it smoked badly till I turned it off and it took four hours for me to get it out the road
Bought car and been having problems every since I have had problems I keep fuel injection in it so I can move the car to point a and b
The known volvo balance shaft failure in the 05 xc90 v8 b8444s engines sn up to 6833.Volvo has known the v8 engine on the 2005 xc90 is faulty since 2005.Specifically, the counterbalance shaft bearing failing due to water intrusion & humidity.Mine has not failed yet.I will be lucky if it fails while at idle.Bergeron volvo in metairie, la, sold me a ticking time bomb to drive my 4 year old son around in.There was no disclosure of the known cb shaft bearing failure!I would not have purchased this for me & my little...
Read the full complaint
boy!My entire engine will eventually seize up & my otherwise beautiful clean car will be a large & useless paperweight.If this happens while the car is moving at speed,it could cause a horrible accident!Unless volvo actively (and, I am one of them #1868) finds the remaining affected engines in service & fixes this problem, it remians a risk regardless of the mileage.My car currently has only 72k miles on it! I am trying to prevent this form happening, and needs to be paid for by volvo.This is something that is impossible for me to preventatively maintain! Appropriately,they should also reimburse anyone who was affected by this problem since they learned about it back in 2005. The bergeronvolvocars.Com site states mr. Denis bergeron has an open door policy, whereby customers can contact him directly,i emailed mr. Bergeron my concern last week and have yet to hear back from him. I would like a call back & sit down with mr. Bergeron to have this engine defect fixed before I am in a horrible accident or left without a car.Some websites for reference: https://workshop-manuals.Com/volvo/xc90_awd/v8-4.4L_vin_85_b8444s/engine_cooling_and_exhaust/engine/timing_components/balance_shaft_bearing/component_information/service_and_repair/ ; https://blog.Fcpeuro.Com/the-dark-side-of-volvos-excellent-v8 ; https://www.Matthewsvolvosite.Com/forums/viewtopic.Php?F=10&t=87848
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. Ever since the vehicle was purchased in november of 2018, there had been several electrical failures. The headlights, power door locks, and power rearview mirror failed to operate. Also, the transmission caused the vehicle to jerk and stall while driving. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown volvo dealer, but they refused to provide diagnostic testing and stated that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 14,042.
Gastank was leaking when I was filling up in full tank not very much but I smell whenever I was parking
Passenger door intermittently swings open while driving, even while locked. Faulty latch.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated that a fuel leak was noticed underneath the vehicle. While driving approximately 57 mph, the vehicle spun out of control and ended up on the side of the road. In addition, the anti-skid indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to volvo cars bentwood (314-644-9501, located at 7700 manchester rd, st. Louis, mo 63143) where the transmission was replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The technician replaced the...
Read the full complaint
fuel cap and stated that the transmission would not be replaced a second time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that the warranty was expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Began smelling gas odor and noticed a small leak. Found that there was a recall on the fuel pump for my model and year but when I call volvo about the recall, my vehicle wasn't included even though my vehicle was registered in the states where the recall was associated.
All the vehicle lights will come on over the dash and the wheel locks then it shuts off while I am driving. This is so unsafe for my family. I am not sure why there is not a recall for my vin # when google clearly states that this is a hazard and that there are recalls for this problem.
In december of 2016, at approximately 95000 mileage, the "service transmission urgent" message and light came on and the car stopped functioning and making loud clanging and rattling noises. The car was taken back to "infinity of memphis" dealership where it was purchased with an extended warranty. The dealership asked us to contact "volvo cars of north america" for defective transmission, which we did, but volvo refused to honor our claim stating the car was too old, even though it was under the 100000 mile...
Read the full complaint
warranty. The car was taken to "volvo of memphis" dealership, which contacted volvo manufacturer and infinity of memphis dealership, and informed us that the extended warranty would pay $5000 maximum towards a new transmission, cost of which was 8000$, and we would have to pay the rest out-of-pocket, about 3000$. The other option was to put a refurbished transmission at aamco for 3000$, cost of which would be covered by the extended warranty. We elected the latter, since there was no out-of-pocket cost. At this time, we were told the "check engine" light and other messages would be gone, once the car was fixed. However, the "check engine" light continues to remain on. Additional complaints were filed, but aamco, volvo of memphis and infinity of memphis claim it is unrelated to the transmission problem. A letter was sent to volvo cars of north america llc, attached below, but volvo refused to look into our problem saying the car was too old. I spoke with a volvo rep over the phone with no resolution. We would like for volvo to install a new transmission in our vehicle, as numerous forums and online sites have people complaining about defective volvo transmissions in these earlier models.
2005 Volvo xc90 has many problems. Transmission jumps and jerks when switching to higher gears. Almost throws the car off the road at times. Also, vehicle has many electrical problems due to car not being sealed properly. This leads to electrical issues including faulty air bag codes, brake lights and rear turn signals going out. Car has no brake lights nor rear turn signals at all. Dealership can not find problem says it is due to the 2005 volvo xc90 not having relays at all. And also from water being introduced to electrical parts.
This model is experiencing the same as recalls in similar models but for some reason isn't recalled. Fuel system is faulty. Leaking fuel and cracks in fuel pump. Replaced with 4 pumps from volvo and now it is kicking out ecm code and blowing every fuel system installed.
My 2005 xc90 (odometer approx. 178,000 Miles) throws check engine, reduced engine performance and engine service required dashboard warnings intermittently, despite the fact that it has a new cem and a second new throttle body in less than two months. It also issues a low beam headlight bulb failure warning, even when the bulb is lit, and the left turn blinker is sticky. Sometimes, the driver's seat and passenger side rear view mirror readjust simultaneously upon opening the driver's side door, with no key in the...
Read the full complaint
ignition and no one sitting in the seat. Recently while traveling on an expressway at 65 mph, the car abruptly lost speed (a terrifying experience) and struggled to accelerate to 40 mph. A few days later, it lost power in heavy city rush-hour traffic (also terrifying) as a red light turned green. It barely made it to 10 mph and came close to causing a chain reaction crash with the cars behind it (also terrifying). Luckily I was able to steer into a nearby bank parking lot, turn it off and restart it. It drove normally but the warning lights remained. I have taken the vehicle to the volvo dealership multiple times, citing electrical system woes, which resulted in the two previously mentioned repairs. They identified a wiring short as the cause both times, yet act mystified as to why the problems have persisted despite those repairs. I reported the seat/mirror shifts and the ongoing low beam bulb failures to the service manager, who replied (without examining the car) that the bulb was either burnt out or loose in the socket, and that the seat shifting was simply the way the memory function works. I get the sense that volvo does know what's wrong with this vehicle, and they don't want to tell me. I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with the lack of answers, and am afraid to drive this car.
My car is a 2005, transmission never had a indicator light showing it needed service, now my transmission needs replacing at 131,000 miles. I know of several others with the same situation. Volvo claims they are the only ones that can service the transmission. I don't trust them and now it's being served at aamco.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. While slowing down or braking, the vehicle suddenly stalled. In addition, the contact had to make several attempts to get the vehicle to start. There was an abnormal odor of fumes inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who indicated that the fuel pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 09v483000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure more than two weeks ago, but had not responded to the contact with a solution. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated that the vehicle randomly stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed and parked on the contact's street due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was not available.
Strong odor of fuel inside and outside the vehicle when driving and parked
Please review my write up about the complaint in the attached pdf document.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor emanating from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The odor caused the contact to sustain occasional headaches. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Volvo XC90: every year compared
All XC90 years2005 Volvo XC90 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Volvo XC90 | 223 | 6 | F | |
| 2005 Acura MDX | 180 | 13 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Lincoln Aviator | 51 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2005 Porsche Cayenne | 42 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Land Rover Range Rover | 36 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2005 BMW X3 | 0 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 2005 BMW X5 | 0 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 2005 Lexus RX | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2005 Volvo XC90
Does the 2005 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2005 Volvo XC90: navigational system(global positioning system) (November 2010); fuel pump (December 2009); cables (May 2007); tie rod assembly (May 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo XC90?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (69), transmission & drivetrain (62), electrical system (51).
How many complaints has the 2005 Volvo XC90 had?
223 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 8, 2005 and the latest on March 5, 2025. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2005 Volvo XC90 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 3 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Volvo XC90 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo XC90 years have the most complaints?
2005 (223), 2006 (53), 2007 (38). See every Volvo XC90 year compared.
What should I do if my 2005 Volvo XC90 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data