Most common 2010 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of the 12 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 →
2010 Volvo XC90 recalls (3)
Steering
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 xc90 vehicles. A leak May develop in the fuel line between the line and a connector.
Remedy: 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.
What 2010 Volvo XC90 owners say
Fuel & propulsion 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 residence and discovered a leak in the fuel line. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V147000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Drove Volvo one day ago and while driving on rural highway road early morning in the dark, vehicle without warning totally shut down in middle of road and stalled out. Had to veer off road and coast on incline with not much momentum due to cars behind me. Was dangerous situation, but luckily got vehicle into small ditch off road . Had to be towed to garage as would not restart. Was advised by Volvo dealer after diagnostic that fuel pump was bad and part burned out inside it and needs replaced. About a little less then a year ago vehicle began to shake upon start and wanted to stall, was checked out and thought maybe bad gas as no further symptoms. Nothing happened after and car ran normally until incident 1 day ago.
Wheels & tires
The spare tire cable assembly broke, causing spare tire to drop from under vehicle while parked in garage. The cable assembly dismounted from the carrier nut. Spare tire has never been used my owner. If vehicle was traveling on road at time of cable malfunction, would have caused an accident or possible death. Please advise!
I pulled down the spare tire in our 2010 XC90 today to repair a flat (I think this May be the first time we have had to do so). There are 4 large burned and melted areas (as if it had been on a giant grill) on the sidewall of the spare tire that faces the undercarriage where it is suspended underneath the rear of the vehicle. I assume this is from the muffler or some other hot metal. In addition to wondering if this is a fire hazard, I am also apprehensive about the integrity and safety of the spare tire once it is placed on the car.
2010 Volvo XC90 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Volvo XC90 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 XC90 rates better than average: 72% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XC90 at the same age. It is one of the best XC90 years by this measure. 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 2010 Volvo XC90?
The fuel & propulsion system — 4 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and body & structure (2).
How many recalls does the 2010 Volvo XC90 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2010 Volvo XC90, the most recent from May 18, 2011 (steering). 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 2010 Volvo XC90 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 10% 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.