Most common 2007 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of the 38 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo XC90 complaints by model year
Best XC90 years: 2010, 2013, 2011. Years to avoid: 2016, 2025, 2023, 2017, 2024. Compare all years →
2007 Volvo XC90 recalls (2)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units May overheat.
Remedy: 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.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
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 be available (including the defroster) during that driving cycle.
Remedy: The ECM software will be upgraded. The recall began on January 28, 2008. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
What 2007 Volvo XC90 owners say
Electrical system
While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, a sudden electrical fire occurred, requiring immediate evacuation. The vehicle was pulled over safely and the driver exited before the fire escalated. The fire department responded and the vehicle was declared a total loss due to fire damage. The failure is believed to have originated from an electrical short involving the climate control/defroster system. The affected wiring and components were destroyed by the fire and are not available for inspection. The day prior to the fire, the fuse controlling both the climate control system and the instrument cluster blew twice when the defroster was activated. The fuse was replaced, and the defroster was not used again. At the time of the fire, the defroster systems was not operating. There were no warning lights or alerts immediately prior to the fire. …
In a nutshell: at approximately 8:35 Wednesday morning (October 28th), my Volvo XC90 spontaneously caught fire in the pouring rain. I was in the car at the time. Thankfully nobody was hurt. Toronto fire services and toronto police services both attended the scene. The most frightening part of this incident is the fact that it was completely spontaneous and very close to the gas tank! Obviously it was the result of an electrical malfunction. Thankfully another driver alerted me to the fact that my car was on fire - as it was not apparent to me - and I was able to leave the vehicle safely. I shudder to think of the potentially fatal gas explosion which would have followed, had we not been able to extinguish the fire as quickly as we did. Please see link with videos and photos of the incident and resulting damage: https://goo.gl/photos/[VIN]
Engine & cooling
After 30 minutes of highway driving exited onto secondary road to add oil for low oil light indicator. Engine began smoking in two minutes and lifting hood caused engine to burst into flames. Chemical fire retardant sprayed within three minutes. Result was incinerated alternator and all codes alarmed. Car turns over. Fuses good.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Volvo XC90. While the vehicle was stationary, the electronic control module and timing control module failed. The engine control module sent a signal to the timing control module, which caused an engine seizure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V563000 (visibility). The dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
Brakes
The yellow ABS brake light came on. The red parking brake light came on. The car had a loud long beep noise activated. Finally, the "regan bakes disabled" reading was displayed!!! Also heard the brake pads (4 wheel disk brakes) sounded like they were scratching on the rotors. All information on the internet/NHTSA vehicle recall website says this is a known safety issue with Ford motor company. But, Ford is not willing to recall the vehicles because it requires a $5,300 hcu replacement part. My son needs to drive vehicle for his job (uber/lyft). Help!!? Safety issue! Ford motor company or the NHTSA can contact me at any time to help me with further instructions on how to proceed.
Air condition went out under 200 miles, said they fixed it. 1,000 miles rotors had to be replaced. 3,000 miles car over heated, they could not trace a problem, 1 week latter car caught on fire. Towed to Volvo dealer ship. They said car did not catch on fire. That air conditioning fan needed to be replaced. Asked for a computer print out , they refused to give it out, they said they erased it.
2007 Volvo XC90 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Volvo XC90 a good car?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 XC90 rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XC90 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 Volvo XC90?
The electrical system — 14 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and brakes (5).
How many recalls does the 2007 Volvo XC90 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2007 Volvo XC90, the most recent from November 8, 2010 (navigational system(global positioning system)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo XC90?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2013 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2025, 2023, 2017 and 2024. See the full Volvo XC90 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Volvo XC90 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.