Most common 2009 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of the 7 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 →
2009 Volvo XC90 recalls (1)
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.
What 2009 Volvo XC90 owners say
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was unaware of the repairs that were performed on the vehicle. The failure recurred and a fuse was replaced; however, the failure recurred and the ECM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000. The VIN was not available.
During switching off ignition a warning light was visible, on turning on ignition again multiple faults registered on the instrument cluster.no issues prior to this fault occurred. List of faults noticed: 1: SRS warning light (instrument cluster notification) 2: ABS failure (instrument cluster notification) 3: passenger airbag off (instrument cluster notification) 4: passenger airbag fault-service required (instrument cluster notification) 5: passenger electrical assist seat not working 5: hazard lights only work when ignition is on 6: vehicle cannot lock or unlock 7: rear tail lights stay on continuously even after removal of ignition key. 8: no brake lights 9: no turn right signals (back or front) 10: headlight fault (instrument cluster notification) 11: rev counter not aligned correctly, sits at 6:00 while vehicle is off. …
2009 Volvo XC90 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 14 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Volvo XC90 a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 XC90 rates better than average: 81% 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 2009 Volvo XC90?
The electrical system — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (2) and engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 Volvo XC90 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 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 2009 Volvo XC90 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 76,000 miles; 20% 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.