Volvo XC90 2003–2014 problems by year and mileage
1st generation · Volvo P2
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026955 complaints, 821 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 200375kmedian
- 200486kmedian
- 200586kmedian
- 200685kmedian
- 200775kmedian
- 2008—too few
- 2009—too few
- 2010—too few
- 2011—too few
- 2012—too few
- 2013—too few
- 2014—too few
The 2003 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 93
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2003
- Transmission and driveline49 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Electrical system18 reports
- Suspension9 reports
Recall areas Equipment — electrical · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Steering — linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- 86,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 462
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2004
- Electrical system158 reports · median 94,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline145 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Fuel system40 reports · median 75,000 mi
Recall areas Equipment — electrical · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Steering — linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- 86,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 223
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2005
- Transmission and driveline62 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Electrical system51 reports · median 95,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system40 reports · median 73,000 mi
Recall areas Equipment — electrical · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Electrical system — 12v/24v/48v battery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- 85,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 53
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2006
- Electrical system16 reports
- Tyres8 reports
- Engine6 reports
Recall areas Equipment — electrical · Steering — linkages · Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 39
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2007
- Electrical system14 reports
- Transmission and driveline5 reports
- Engine4 reports
Recall areas Equipment — electrical · Visibility — defroster/defogger/hvac system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 29
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2008
- Electrical system8 reports
- Engine6 reports
- Transmission and driveline4 reports
Recall areas Equipment — electrical · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Visibility — defroster/defogger/hvac system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 7
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2009
- Electrical system3 reports
- Brakes2 reports
- Engine1 report
Recall areas Equipment — electrical
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 12
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2010
- Fuel and propulsion system3 reports
- Steering2 reports
- Body structure2 reports
Recall areas Steering · Equipment — electrical · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 19
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2011
- Electrical system5 reports
- Engine5 reports
- Transmission and driveline3 reports
Recall areas Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 3
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2012
- Reversing camera and sensors1 report
- Electrical system1 report
- Equipment1 report
The 2013 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 11
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2013
- Airbag system3 reports
- Electrical system2 reports
- Engine2 reports
The 2014 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 4
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2014
- Airbag system1 report
- Engine1 report
- Transmission and driveline1 report
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2004; earliest: the 2003, and the 2003 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age). 7 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2003–2014 Volvo XC90 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 84,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 140,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 821
- Recalls
- 12
Most reported
- Electrical system28.9% of complaints · median 92,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline28.6% of complaints · median 75,000 mi
- Engine8.9% of complaints · median 108,000 mi
Documented problems
- Automatic Transmission (GM 4T65-E) on the T62003–2005
- AWD Angle Gear / Driveshaft2003–2014
Owners filed 955 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003–2014 Volvo XC90; the electrical system leads with 28.9% of them, and half of the 821 that record an odometer reading came by 84,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 58,000 to 113,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2003–2014 Volvo XC90 last?
On the 2003–2014 Volvo XC90, half of the 821 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 84,000 miles and 90% by 140,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
69 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 11 past 200,000 — each one proof that a XC90 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Volvo XC90 2003–2014 · 821 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 90 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 11 complaints (1.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 28,000
- 25%
- 58,000
- Median
- 84,000
- 75%
- 113,000
- 90%
- 140,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 33 | 4.0% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 27 | 3.3% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 25 | 3.0% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 24 | 2.9% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 48 | 5.8% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 58 | 7.1% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 90 | 11.0% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 88 | 10.7% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 57 | 6.9% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 65 | 7.9% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 71 | 8.6% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 59 | 7.2% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 41 | 5.0% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 46 | 5.6% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 20 | 2.4% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 17 | 2.1% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 14 | 1.7% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 11 | 1.3% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 11 | 1.3% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 5 | 0.6% |
| 200,000+ | 11 | 1.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common XC90 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Volvo XC90 2003–2014
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Engine and its cooling system77 reportsmedian 71,000middle half 56,000–94,000
- Transmission and driveline273 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 60,000–104,000
- Fuel system60 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 56,000–116,000
- Electrical system276 reportsmedian 92,000middle half 62,000–116,000
- Exterior lighting69 reportsmedian 100,000middle half 70,000–120,000
- Engine85 reportsmedian 108,000middle half 87,000–134,000
- Fuel and propulsion system73 reportsmedian 131,000middle half 108,000–150,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 276 | 28.9% | 92,000 | 62,000–116,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 273 | 28.6% | 75,000 | 60,000–104,000 |
| Engine | 85 | 8.9% | 108,000 | 87,000–134,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 77 | 8.1% | 71,000 | 56,000–94,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 73 | 7.6% | 131,000 | 108,000–150,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 69 | 7.2% | 100,000 | 70,000–120,000 |
| Fuel system | 60 | 6.3% | 75,000 | 56,000–116,000 |
| Airbag system | 47 | 4.9% | 94,000 | 68,000–116,000 |
| Steering | 45 | 4.7% | 72,000 | 25,000–134,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 44 | 4.6% | 110,000 | 54,000–138,000 |
Known problems with the 2003–2014 XC90
Automatic Transmission (GM 4T65-E) on the T6 2003–2005
The GM 4T65-E fitted behind the 2.9 twin-turbo T6 is undersized for the vehicle's weight and torque; a failing internal transmission oil cooler lets engine coolant (glycol) contaminate the ATF, destroying clutches. Result is slipping, overheating and total failure, frequently just after the warranty period. Volvo settled a class action over these failures with repair coverage.
AWD Angle Gear / Driveshaft 2003–2014
The angle (bevel) gear unit and its splined coupling to the propshaft wear and seize, a well-known P2 AWD service item causing driveline noise, vibration and loss of rear drive; often traced to inadequate lubrication/fluid service.
Before you buy a 2003–2014 XC90: the 3-minute check
Generated from 821 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check automatic transmission (GM 4T65-E) on the T6 on 2003–2005 (T6 only) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check AWD angle gear / driveshaft on 2003–2014 (AWD) cars.
- Years differ here: from 3 to 462 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
XC90 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi26% below | At 90k mi55% below | At 120k mi79% below | At 150k mi92% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 62,000–116,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 60,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 87,000–134,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 56,000–94,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 108,000–150,000 | later | later | in window | in window | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 70,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 56,000–116,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Volvo XC90 2003–2014 · 821 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 26% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 55% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 79% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 92% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2003–2014 Volvo XC90 recalls (12)
NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the steering (2), the fuel system (2), visibility equipment (2) (why one area can repeat).
May 2011 · 2010–2011 · SteeringThis condition could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 XC90 vehicles manufactured from january 29, 2010, through august 16, 2010. The power steering fluid may leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing.
What can happen. This condition could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power steering rack free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Nov 2010 · 2003–2010 · EquipmentAn overheated battery could lead to a fire.
The defect. Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
What can happen. An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
The free 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…
Apr 2010 · 2010 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel odor may be detected.
The defect. Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 XC90 vehicles. A leak may develop in the fuel line between the line and a connector.
What can happen. Fuel odor may be detected. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can lead to a fire at the right front wheel.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the date code printed on the fuel line and replace the fuel pressure line if it falls within the recalled range free of charge. The recall began on april 23, 2010. Owners may…
Dec 2009 · 2003–2005 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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 free 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…
May 2008 · 2008 · Engine and Engine CoolingThe aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force.
The defect. Volvo is recalling 102 my 2008 XC90 and s80 vehicles equipped with v8 engines. These vehicles may have been built with incorrect bolts to the engine mount.
What can happen. The aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force. This could cause the engine to come in contact with the sub-frame, ultimately resulting in a reduced…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the engine mount bolts for specific markings. If any of the bolts contain the incorrect markings, the bracket and bolts will be replaced. All owners have been contacted and…
Dec 2007 · 2007–2008 · VisibilityInoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, under certain conditions, the climate control module (ccm) may receive a 'shut-down signal' from the engine control module (ecm) after ignition key insertion. If this condition occurs, the climate control functions will not…
What can happen. Inoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the potential to result in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.
The free fix. The ecm software will be upgraded. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
May 2007 · 2005 · Electrical SystemMisplacement of the jack's crank handle can pose a safety risk as it can result in a short circuit of the…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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 free 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…
May 2006 · 2003–2006 · SteeringThe driver may notice that the vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. The driver may notice that the vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash.
The free 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.
Apr 2006 · 2003–2006 · VisibilityInoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
The free 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.
Nov 2005 · 2005 · Electrical SystemSmoke may appear from under the hood and it may be impossible to start the car.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free 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…
Nov 2003 · 2004 · WheelsThis can adversely affect a number of vehicle functions, including brake, engine, transmission, and torque…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, the front wheel speed sensors may be defective, causing an erroneous wheel speed signal.
What can happen. This can adversely affect a number of vehicle functions, including brake, engine, transmission, and torque distribution control which rely on this signal for proper operation.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front wheel sensors. Owner notification began on december 8, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Oct 2003 · 2003–2004 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, the seat belt attachment(s) for the second and third row seat(s) may not have been fitted properly.
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the second and/or third row seat belt attachments. Owner notification began on december 8, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 955 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 17 (1.8%)
- Fires
- 20
- Injury reports
- 17
- Fatality reports
- 0
XC90 problems by model year
The 2004 drew the most complaints of this generation, 462, most of them about the electrical system, and the 2008 the fewest among the 6 years with at least 20 complaints, 29. A typical year drew about 73.
That makes the 2004 stand out at roughly 6.3 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 93 | 79 | 75,000 | Transmission and driveline (49) | 5 |
| 2004 | 462 | 409 | 86,000 | Electrical system (158) | 6 |
| 2005 | 223 | 194 | 86,000 | Transmission and driveline (62) | 6 |
| 2006 | 53 | 41 | 85,000 | Electrical system (16) | 3 |
| 2007 | 39 | 31 | 75,000 | Electrical system (14) | 2 |
| 2008 | 29 | 25 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (8) | 3 |
| 2009 | 7 | 5 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (3) | 1 |
| 2010 | 12 | 10 | under 30 reports | Fuel and propulsion system (3) | 3 |
| 2011 | 19 | 13 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (5) | 1 |
| 2012 | 3 | 3 | under 30 reports | Reversing camera and sensors (1) | 0 |
| 2013 | 11 | 10 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (3) | 0 |
| 2014 | 4 | 1 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (1) | 0 |
What XC90 owners reported
The contact owns a 2007 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The local dealer was contacted, and it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the air bag module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an…
2007 · 80,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2010 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. Due to failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the…
2010 · 125,000 miles · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, his wife noticed an abnormally strong gasoline odor. The contact's wife was able to continue driving the vehicle; however, the failure would return after refueling or on rainy days. The contact related the failure to NHTSA…
2004 · 30,000 miles · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, she smelled the odor of gasoline. The contact had been advised by his wife that the vehicle was taking longer to start up and sometimes required two or three attempts to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning…
2004 · 212,000 miles · Fuel system
Built from 821 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other XC90 generations
- XC90 2016–2025 180 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system