Volvo XC90 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 622 complaints about the Volvo XC90 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about electrical system and engine. Volvo has filed 13 warranty extensions and 21 service campaigns for it, and there are 26 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Volvo XC90? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the XC90 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 622
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 13
- Filed by Volvo
- Service campaigns
- 21
- Filed by Volvo
- Safety recalls
- 26
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the XC90 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 | Backup camera and rear sensors (24%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 36 | Electrical system (47%) | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 40 | Backup camera and rear sensors (33%) | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | 29 | Electrical system (45%) | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 | 38 | Electrical system (32%) | 6 | 3 |
| 2020 | 32 | Electrical system (28%) | 7 | 7 |
| 2019 | 42 | Electrical system (26%) | 6 | 10 |
| 2018 | 50 | Electrical system (28%) | 3 | 7 |
| 2017 | 80 | Engine (30%) | 7 | 13 |
| 2016 | 197 | Engine (44%) | 8 | 30 |
| 2015 | 0 | — | 1 | 3 |
| 2014 | 4 | Airbags (25%) | 0 | 4 |
| 2013 | 11 | Airbags (27%) | 0 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 | Electrical system (33%) | 0 | 4 |
| 2011 | 19 | Engine (26%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2010 | 12 | Fuel and propulsion (25%) | 3 | 4 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single XC90 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Volvo
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Volvo filed with NHTSA for the XC90, in its own words. A warranty extension means Volvo pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionAug 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2016–2021
Volvo Cars USA LLC on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on vehicles exhibiting functionality issues with Apple® CarPlay® for certain model year 2016-2021 XC90 vehicles.
- Warranty extensionJul 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2016–2021
Volvo Cars USA LLC on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on vehicles exhibiting functionality issues with Apple® CarPlay® for certain model year 2016-2021 XC90 vehicles. The corrective action is to download a Total…
- Warranty extensionMar 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016
Extended Warranty P10186: VEP4 Oil Consumption Replace
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016
Extended Warranty P10186: VEP4 Oil Consumption Replace;
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016
Extended Warranty P10186: VEP4 Oil Consumption Replace
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Communication· model years 2016
Extended Warranty P10207: VEP4 Oil Consumption Test
- Warranty extensionApr 2021· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2020
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on the Rear Suspension Air Compressor for certain model year 2017-2020 S90 Series, 2017-2020 V90 Series, 2016-2020 XC90 and 2018-2020 XC60…
- Warranty extensionApr 2021· Suspension· model years 2016–2020
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on the Rear Suspension Air Compressor for certain model year 2017-2020 S90 Series, 2017-2020 V90 Series, 2016-2020 XC90 and 2018-2020 XC60…
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Stability control· model years 2016–2020
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on the Rear Suspension Air Compressor for certain model year 2017-2020 S90 Series, 2017-2020 V90 Series, 2016-2020 XC90 and 2018-2020 XC60…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Suspension· model years 2016–2020
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on the Rear Suspension Air Compressor for certain model year 2017-2020 S90 Series, 2017-2020 V90 Series, 2016-2020 XC90 and 2018-2020 XC60…
- Warranty extensionMay 2019· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on certain model year 2015–2016 S60, V60, XC60, S80, XC90, XC70 models.
- Warranty extensionMay 2019· Electrical system· model years 2016
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has voluntarily decided to extend warranty coverage on certain model year 2015–2016 S60, V60, XC60, S80, XC90, XC70 models.
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2017
This is a service manager bulletin: Occasionally, customers request financial assistance when the new car limited warranty, cpo limited warranty and/or the vip extended warranty does not apply.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2010–2022
Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As a…
- Service campaignDec 2019· Mobility equipment· model years 2010–2014
Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY…
- Service campaignJul 2018· Backup camera and rear sensors· model years 2019
Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign A39894 on certain model year 2019 XC90, XC60, V90CC, V90 and S90 vehicles.
- Service campaignJul 2018· Backup camera and rear sensors· model years 2019
This is a Quality Bulletin. Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign A39894 on certain model year 2019 XC90, XC60, V90CC, V90 and S90 vehicles.
- Service campaignJul 2018· Electrical system· model years 2019
Service Campaign A39894: Park Assist System May Not Function as Intended
- Service campaignMay 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2016
This is a Quality Bulletin. Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S29846 on certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles.
- Service campaignMay 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2016
Volvo has identified that engine coolant may leak due to an insufficient quick connector in the coolant expansion tank bleeder hose.
- Service campaignMay 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2016
Volvo has identified that engine coolant may leak due to an insufficient quick connector in the coolant expansion tank bleeder hose.
- Service campaignOct 2017· Airbags· model years 2010–2016
Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY…
- Service campaignJun 2017· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2016
Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY…
- Service campaignFeb 2017· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016–2017
This is a Technical Journal: Service Action S89807 Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S89807 on certain model year 2016–2017 XC90 and S90 vehicles.
- Service campaignFeb 2017· Body and structure· model years 2016–2017
This is a quality bulletin. Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S89807 on certain model year 2016–2017 XC90 and S90 vehicles.
- Service campaignJan 2017· Body and structure· model years 2016–2017
This is a Technical Journal: Service Action S89807 Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S89807 on certain model year 2016–2017 XC90 and S90 vehicles.
- Service campaignDec 2016· Body and structure· model years 2016–2017
This is a quality bulletin. Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S89807 on certain model year 2016–2017 XC90 and S90 vehicles.
- Service campaignNov 2016· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016
This is a parts bulletin. Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S49792 on certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles.
- Service campaignNov 2016· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016
This is a Technical Journal: Service Campaign S49792 Volvo has identified that certain vehicles may have been manufactured with axle shaft boots that are out of specification.
- Service campaignNov 2016· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016
This is a Quality Bulletin. Volvo Car USA LLC and Volvo Car of Canada Ltd (Volvo) on behalf of Volvo Car Corporation, has decided to launch Service Campaign S49792 on certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every XC90 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Electrical system175 (28%)
- Engine158 (25%)
- Other or unspecified117 (19%)
- Brakes61 (10%)
- Body and structure47 (8%)
- Fuel and propulsion44 (7%)
- Transmission and drivetrain42 (7%)
- Backup camera and rear sensors29 (5%)
Safety recalls
26 recalls cover at least one XC90 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.
The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.
The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the transmission housing.
An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
Exposure to heat and humidity may cause the engine coolant bleeder hose to crack, resulting in a coolant leak.
And 11 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2016–2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2025 Volvo XC90 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 622 owner complaints, 13 warranty extensions and 21 service campaigns Volvo filed, and 26 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2016 (197), 2017 (80), 2018 (50). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Volvo XC90?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name electrical system (28%), engine (25%), other or unspecified (19%). Volvo has filed 13 warranty extensions covering the XC90, listed on this page.
Which XC90 model years have the most complaints?
2016 (197), 2017 (80), 2018 (50). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the XC90 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Volvo extended the warranty on the XC90?
Yes: other or unspecified (model years 2016–2021); other or unspecified (model years 2016–2021); equipment and accessories (model years 2016), and 10 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a XC90?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 26 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.