Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 | 3.4× | 2 | Collision Avoidance | Avoid |
| 2024 | 36 | 2.3× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2023 | 41 | 2.7× | 6 | Collision Avoidance | Avoid |
| 2022 | 30 | 1.9× | 4 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2021 | 40 | 1.9× | 6 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2020 | 34 | typical | 7 | Electrical | Average |
| 2019 | 42 | 1.3× | 6 | Electrical | Average |
| 2018 | 51 | 1.6× | 3 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2017 | 80 | 2.7× | 7 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2016 | 197 | 6.4× | 8 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2013 | 11 | −64% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2011 | 19 | −56% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2010 | 12 | −72% | 3 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2009 | 7 | −81% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2008 | 29 | −36% | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2007 | 38 | −22% | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2006 | 53 | 1.3× | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2005 | 223 | 6.2× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2004 | 462 | 11.9× | 6 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2003 | 93 | 2.8× | 5 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median XC90 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo XC90 problems
Latest Volvo XC90 recalls
Back over prevention › Software
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 in reverse.
Remedy: 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.
Back over prevention › Software
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.
Remedy: 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 at 1-800-458-1552.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
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 the vehicle is parked.
Remedy: 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.
Seat belts › Critical fasteners
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system
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 information module (DIM).
Remedy: 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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo XC90 should you avoid?
2016, 2025, 2023, 2017, 2024 and 2022 — these years have the most complaints relative to other XC90 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the Volvo XC90?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other XC90 years at the same age, followed by 2013 and 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo XC90 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (448), engine & cooling (319) and transmission & drivetrain (309). Electrical complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo XC90 had?
35 recalls across 2003–2025. The model year with the most is 2016. See all Volvo XC90 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.