Volvo XC90 2016–2025 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation · Volvo SPA (Scalable Product Architecture)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026581 complaints, 180 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 201620k†median
- 201720k†median
- 2018—too few
- 2019—too few
- 2020—too few
- 2021—too few
- 2022—too few
- 2023—too few
- 2024—too few
- 2025—too few
The 2016 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 198
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine87 reports · median 19,000 mi
- Electrical system57 reports · median 10,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise37 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — critical fasteners · Electrical system — software · Engine and engine cooling — cooling system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 81
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine24 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise23 reports
- Electrical system20 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — critical fasteners · Electrical system — software · Seat belts
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 51
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2018
- Electrical system15 reports
- Brakes12 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise9 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — critical fasteners · Electrical system — software
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 42
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2019
- Electrical system11 reports
- Engine10 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise9 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — critical fasteners · Steering · Electrical system — wiring
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2020 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 34
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2020
- Electrical system11 reports
- Engine7 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise7 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — propulsion system · Seat belts — critical fasteners · Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2021 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 40
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2021
- Electrical system13 reports
- Engine8 reports
- Brakes7 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — propulsion system · Seat belts — critical fasteners · Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2022 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 29
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2022
- Electrical system13 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system9 reports
- Engine6 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — propulsion system · Seat belts — critical fasteners · Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2023 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 41
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2023
- Reversing camera and sensors13 reports
- Electrical system10 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise7 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — software · Seat belts — critical fasteners · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2024 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 36
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2024
- Electrical system17 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise8 reports
- Reversing camera and sensors6 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — software · Seat belts — critical fasteners
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2025 Volvo XC90
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 29
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2025
- Reversing camera and sensors7 reports
- Electrical system7 reports
- Forward collision avoidance5 reports
Recall areas Back over prevention — software
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2016; earliest: the 2017, and the 2016 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age). 8 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 2016–2025 Volvo XC90 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 20,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 94,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 180
- Recalls
- 23
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Electrical system29.9% of complaints · median 12,000 mi
- Engine26.3% of complaints · median 19,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise20.0% of complaints · median 19,000 mi
Documented problems
Owners filed 581 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016–2025 Volvo XC90; the electrical system leads with 29.9% of them, and half of the 180 that record an odometer reading came by 20,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
43% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 1.0 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. On a generation this new that is expected: few examples have been driven further yet, so the timing says little about design or wear so far.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2016–2025 Volvo XC90 last?
The newest model years (2024–2025) are too young to have reached high mileage; most reports with an odometer reading come from the earlier years of the generation.
On the 2016–2025 Volvo XC90, half of the 180 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 20,000 miles and 90% by 94,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
3 reports came in past 150,000 miles — each one proof that a XC90 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Volvo XC90 2016–2025 · 180 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 90 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 43% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 10%
- 1,000
- 25%
- 5,000
- Median
- 20,000
- 75%
- 59,000
- 90%
- 94,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 90 | 50.0% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 31 | 17.2% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 15 | 8.3% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 15 | 8.3% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 12 | 6.7% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 9 | 5.0% |
| 120,000–140,000 | 2 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–160,000 | 4 | 2.2% |
| 160,000–180,000 | 2 | 1.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common XC90 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Volvo XC90 2016–2025
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes60 reportsmedian 5,000middle half 2,000–23,000
- Transmission and driveline39 reportsmedian 5,000middle half 2,000–45,000
- Throttle and speed control27 reportsmedian 8,000middle half 1,000–24,000
- Electrical system174 reportsmedian 12,000middle half 4,500–38,000
- Engine153 reportsmedian 19,000middle half 3,000–75,000
- Body structure45 reportsmedian 19,000middle half 10,000–80,000
- Problems owners could not categorise116 reportsmedian 19,000middle half 5,500–40,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 174 | 29.9% | 12,000 | 4,500–38,000 |
| Engine | 153 | 26.3% | 19,000 | 3,000–75,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 116 | 20.0% | 19,000 | 5,500–40,000 |
| Brakes | 60 | 10.3% | 5,000 | 2,000–23,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 48 | 8.3% | — | — |
| Body structure | 45 | 7.7% | 19,000 | 10,000–80,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 39 | 6.7% | 5,000 | 2,000–45,000 |
| Reversing camera and sensors | 38 | 6.5% | — | — |
| Forward collision avoidance | 31 | 5.3% | — | — |
| Throttle and speed control | 27 | 4.6% | 8,000 | 1,000–24,000 |
Known problems with the 2016–2025 XC90
High-voltage Battery / Battery Energy Control Module (T8 Plug-in Hybrid) 2016–2019
BECM failure inside the 400V pack triggers 'Hybrid System Failure' warnings and severely reduced power ('turtle mode'); repair requires high-voltage-certified service of the pack.
High-voltage Battery Module (plug-in Hybrid) 2020–2022
Recall for a possible short circuit within a high-voltage battery module when the pack is fully charged and the vehicle is parked, with fire risk; remedy is module inspection/replacement plus monitoring software.
Low-pressure Fuel Pump 2019–2020
Recall R10100: the low-pressure fuel pump can blow its 15-amp fuse and stop, stalling the engine while driving; remedy was a 20-amp fuse.
Before you buy a 2016–2025 XC90: the 3-minute check
Generated from 180 mileage-tagged complaints, 23 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 23 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for electrical system repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 12,000 miles — a newer example may not have reached that mileage yet, so ask what was repaired under warranty and what the warranty still covers.
- Ask for brakes repair records. Same question here: a median of 5,000 miles.
- Check high-voltage battery / battery energy control module (T8 plug-in hybrid) on 2016–2019 (T8) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check high-voltage battery module (plug-in hybrid) on 2020–2022 (plug–in hybrid) cars.
- Check low-pressure fuel pump on 2019–2020 cars.
- Years differ here: from 29 to 198 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 mi76% below | At 90k mi88% below | At 120k mi96% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4,500–38,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 3,000–75,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 5,500–40,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 2,000–23,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 10,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 2,000–45,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 1,000–24,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Volvo XC90 2016–2025 · 180 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2016–2025 Volvo XC90 recalls (23)
NHTSA records 23 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the electrical system (5), the seat belts (4), the airbag system (4) (why one area can repeat).
Dec 2025 · 2023–2025 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the…
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed…
What can happen. A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer…
May 2025 · 2023–2025 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle…
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse.…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service…
Mar 2025 · 2020–2022 · Electrical SystemA short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and…
What can happen. A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update…
Dec 2023 · 2016–2024 · Seat BeltsAn improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of…
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
What can happen. An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car…
Mar 2023 · 2023 · Electrical SystemThe false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay…
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. 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…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's…
Jan 2023 · 2023 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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)…
What can happen. A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at…
Jan 2023 · 2019–2022 · SteeringA screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
What can happen. A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo…
Oct 2022 · 2022–2023 · Engine and Engine CoolingThe vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
What can happen. The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo…
Sep 2021 · 2020–2021 · Service Brakes, HydraulicSeparation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock…
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number…
Sep 2021 · 2021 · Seat BeltsAn unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from…
What can happen. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at…
Jun 2021 · 2019–2020 · Electrical SystemFailure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
What can happen. Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall…
Apr 2021 · 2016–2020 · Electrical SystemThe rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement…
The defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
What can happen. The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car…
Jan 2021 · 2021 · Air BagsA detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags…
The defect. Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo…
Mar 2020 · 2019–2020 · Forward Collision AvoidanceIf the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect…
What can happen. If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at…
Apr 2019 · 2016 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the coolant leak goes unnoticed, coolant may accumulate in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation…
The defect. Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2016 XC90 vehicles. Exposure to heat and humidity may cause the engine coolant bleeder hose to crack, resulting in a coolant leak.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Volvo Cars will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at…
Nov 2018 · 2017–2019 · Electrical SystemIf the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of…
The defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and…
What can happen. If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for…
Jun 2017 · 2017 · Seat BeltsAlthough, the seat belt will operate as intended in the event of a crash, if the MGG detaches, it may be a…
The defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90 vehicles. The Micro Gas Generator (MGG), a subcomponent part used within the right hand side seat belt retractor for the third row seats, may detach after the seatbelt retractor pretensioner is deployed.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the third row passenger's side seatbelt retractor, free of charge. The recall began August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at…
Feb 2017 · 2017 · Air BagsIf the IC air bags do not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the vehicle occupants have an increased…
The defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The bolts that secure the Inflatable Curtain (IC) air bags in place may break, possibly resulting in the IC air bag deploying improperly in the event of a crash.…
What can happen. If the IC air bags do not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 1, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at…
Nov 2016 · 2016–2017 · Seat BeltsIf the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained…
The defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may…
Sep 2016 · 2016–2017 · EquipmentSignificant water drainage into the passenger compartment may adversely affect air bag deployment in the…
The defect. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Volvo XC90 and S90 vehicles manufactured April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning may leak into the…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain hose for proper installation, replacing the hose as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on…
May 2016 · 2016 · VisibilityIf the switch is unintentionally pressed and the sunroof panel closes, there is an increased risk of occupant…
The defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to April 23, 2016. The sunroofs on the affected vehicles have a switch on the overhead console that may not be adequately recessed to prevent the…
What can happen. If the switch is unintentionally pressed and the sunroof panel closes, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software upgrade that disables the auto-close function, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service…
Aug 2015 · 2016 · Air BagsUnderinflated air bags may not fully protect third row occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event…
The defect. Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to July 10, 2015. The third row seating side curtain air bags may not fully inflate.
What can happen. Underinflated air bags may not fully protect third row occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will modify the D-pillar interior panels to allow full inflation of the third row airbags, free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2015. Owners may…
Jun 2015 · 2016 · Air BagsIf the wiring harness is routed incorrectly, the wiring may be damaged, disabling the front seat side impact…
The defect. Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo XC90 vehicles manufactured January 27, 2015, to May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles have front seats whose wiring harness for the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) may have been…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the SIPS wiring, correcting the routing and installing a protective sleeve as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 30…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 581 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 26 (4.5%)
- Fires
- 26
- Injury reports
- 23
- Fatality reports
- 0
XC90 problems by model year
The 2016 drew the most complaints of this generation, 198, most of them about the engine, and the 2022 the fewest, 29. A typical year drew about 40.
That makes the 2016 stand out at roughly 4.9 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 198 | 90 | 20,000† | Engine (87) | 8 |
| 2017 | 81 | 32 | 20,000† | Engine (24) | 7 |
| 2018 | 51 | 16 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (15) | 3 |
| 2019 | 42 | 11 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (11) | 6 |
| 2020 | 34 | 5 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (11) | 7 |
| 2021 | 40 | 7 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (13) | 6 |
| 2022 | 29 | 2 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (13) | 4 |
| 2023 | 41 | 6 | under 30 reports | Reversing camera and sensors (13) | 6 |
| 2024 | 36 | 4 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (17) | 3 |
| 2025 | 29 | 7 | under 30 reports | Reversing camera and sensors (7) | 2 |
What XC90 owners reported
The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator or the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that…
2021 · 60,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH from a stop, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 40 MPH while entering an access road and turning right. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to be repaired on several occasions for Google…
2025 · 21,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the window power switch was enabled; however, the window switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the rear-view camera, the door switch, and the air conditioner failed to function as intended. In…
2017 · 94,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety alert audible sounds failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the alerts failed to provide an audible alert. The contact turned off the vehicle and started and the system independently reset.…
2025 · 4,500 miles · Reversing camera and sensors
Built from 180 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other XC90 generations
- XC90 2003–2014 821 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system