Volvo XC90 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 515 owner complaints and 26 recalls on file for the Volvo XC90 (2005–2025). The 2016 XC90 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
515
Recalls
26
Model years
20
Worst year
2016

Complaints by model year

72005125200722200936201112201413620165837201840322020382920224036202429
NHTSA complaints per Volvo XC90 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Volvo XC90 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2016 Volvo XC90 — 136 complaints, 2 crashes, 8 fires; top problem: Engine
  2. 2017 Volvo XC90 — 58 complaints, 6 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2019 Volvo XC90 — 40 complaints, 2 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Engine
  4. 2024 Volvo XC90 — 36 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  5. 2021 Volvo XC90 — 38 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2015 (0 complaints).

Every Volvo XC90 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2025 XC90295012Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2024 XC90364033Electrical System
2023 XC90400026Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2022 XC90290104Electrical System
2021 XC90383026Electrical System
2020 XC90322207Electrical System
2019 XC90402386Engine
2018 XC90370123Electrical System
2017 XC90580697Engine
2016 XC901362858Engine
2015 XC9000001—
2014 XC9020000Brakes
2012 XC9010000Steering
2011 XC9060121Electrical System
2010 XC9030003Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2009 XC9020001Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2008 XC9020001Engine
2007 XC9050101Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2006 XC90121321Electrical System
2005 XC9070101Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

Most common Volvo XC90 problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    139 complaints
  • Engine
    134 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    59 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    58 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    53 complaints
  • Brakes
    48 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    32 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    26 complaints
  • Airbags
    23 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    22 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Volvo XC90 received by NHTSA each month.

Volvo XC90 recalls

  • Recall 25V908000Dec 23, 2025413,151 vehiclesModel years 2023–2025

    Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V282000May 8, 2025413,151 vehiclesModel years 2023–2025

    Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V179000Mar 24, 20257,483 vehiclesModel years 2020–2022

    Risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 23V827000Dec 7, 20232,911 vehiclesModel years 2015–2024

    Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 23V188000Mar 22, 2023393 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V012000Jan 19, 202327,457 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V001000Jan 5, 202374 vehiclesModel years 2019–2022

    Risk: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V793000Oct 20, 202215,674 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    Risk: The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V716000Sep 15, 20219 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V682000Sep 1, 202119,149 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 21V414000Jun 2, 202185,550 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V273000Apr 21, 2021162 vehiclesModel years 2016–2020

    Risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V001000Jan 7, 20212,883 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 20V144000Mar 12, 2020121,605 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V308000Apr 17, 201934,006 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the coolant leak goes unnoticed, coolant may accumulate in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and catch fire when the vehicle is stationary, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 18V800000Nov 13, 201817,548 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 17V370000Jun 8, 20171,305 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: Although, the seat belt will operate as intended in the event of a crash, if the MGG detaches, it may be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 17V104000Feb 16, 201710,476 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: If the IC air bags do not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V798000Nov 2, 201674,027 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 16V690000Sep 26, 201643,766 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: Significant water drainage into the passenger compartment may adversely affect air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

  • Recall 16V268000May 4, 201630,214 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the switch is unintentionally pressed and the sunroof panel closes, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

  • Recall 15V497000Aug 6, 20153,911 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: Underinflated air bags may not fully protect third row occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 15V342000Jun 3, 2015584 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the wiring harness is routed incorrectly, the wiring may be damaged, disabling the front seat side impact air bag, and increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front seat side impact air bag.

  • Recall 11V286000May 18, 2011350 vehiclesModel years 2010–2011

    Risk: This condition could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V566000Nov 8, 2010416 vehiclesModel years 2005–2010

    Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.

Other Volvo models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology