Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 14% | — |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% | 1,000 miles |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 8% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% | 79,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% | 50,000 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 10% | 3,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% | 8,000 miles |
| 2016 | 10 | 5% | 5,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 16% | 2,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 14% | 69,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% | 73,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% | 113,000 miles |
| 2005 | 62 | 28% | 72,000 miles |
| 2004 | 145 | 31% | 78,000 miles |
| 2003 | 49 | 53% | 76,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The park button does not always engage the park setting. Instead it takes 2-3 presses for park to engage. It happens several times a week when I am driving the vehicle multiple times per day. I come to a complete stop, press the park button, wait for my dash to show I'm in park, if it doesn't, I press it until it does. This has resulted in the vehicle rolling forward several times while passengers were trying to exit the vehicle, because I had not first checked to be sure the park button worked. Huge safety concern. I have owned this vehicle since August 2023 and it has happened at about this frequency since I've owned the vehicle. For the first time, my vehicle actually trolled enough to hit an appliance in my garage. I have a maybe related issue with the infotainment system freezing since I've owned the vehicle as well. …
Some critical functions on the center display console instrument panel are freezing up while driving - we are unable to change the drive mode while the car is in motion. This has not happened before, and it is glitching a lot lately. The display has been extremely slow and unresponsive, and the problem is multiplied as all critical functions of the car are controlled through the display panel. There were no warnings issued when we tried to change the drive mode. We had to pull over to the roadside, turn off the car for 30 seconds, then restart the car to fix the issue. We have [redacted] and [redacted] ) in the car, so this is becoming increasingly risky to drive this "safe" car by Volvo. …
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that before exiting the vehicle, he pressed the park button and the vehicle inadvertently started to reverse. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the gear shifter and parking brake failed to engage as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Check engine light comes on every few weeks. Dealer inspects, resets, and says software issues. Now engine performance lights and "turtle mode" has come on twice throttling my speed while driving. Again no known cause and just resetting. Currently in a loaner vehicle while they research.
The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that upon shifting to Drive(D) while the vehicle was on an incline, the vehicle rolled back before moving forward as intended. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, causing the vehicle to hit a garage door and a brick mailbox on two different occasions. The contact stated that the tailgate was opened and sustained a dent when the vehicle hit the garage door. The contact stated that upon shifting to Reverse(R) on a decline, the vehicle rolled forward before reversing as intended. The contact stated that the failure had caused the vehicle to hit two pedestrians. There were no reported injuries. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, and several unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure persisted. …
Check engine light illuminated at 11,000 miles. Diagnostics showed a software update was needed but the software update did not fix the problem. Volvo corporate said the IEM module needed to be replaced. The IEM module controls the rear axle / propulsion and this is a serious safety issue because sudden loss of propulsion while driving at high speeds increases risk of having an accident. After replacing the IEM module, the mechanic cleared the DTC codes, test drove the car, and re-ran the DTC - and the code indicating a software update was still needed was present. Also the hybrid battery doesn't keep its charge and depletes at an extremely fast rate.
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the message "Vehicle Not in Park" was displayed intermittently, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While investigating the failure online, the contact became aware that it was a common failure, and that the dealers were unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
The vehicle shudders randomly when taking off from a stopped position around 18mph. The vehicle shudders randomly when slowing down to make a right turn. The vehicle shudders when driving at higher speeds. It's not a violent shudder, but those riding in the vehicle feel it as well. The safety concern is two fold in that there is a fear of losing control at an inopportune time. Secondly, the constant shuddering over time is going to result in damaging other part of the vehicle, particularly the engine, that will present a safety hazard while driving. The vehicle was purchased used(certified). The dealer replaced collapsed engine mounts on left and right side and considered it resolved. Forman at dealer stated it is common with XC90's to have engine shudder as if this should be accepted. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo XC90 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (145), 2005 (62), 2003 (49), 2016 (10) and 2007 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volvo XC90 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Volvo XC90 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volvo XC90 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (185 mentions), followed by the transfer case (4-wheel drive) (5).
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.