Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 3% | 23,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2013 | 1 | 9% | 25,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% | 142,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 25% | 60,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% | 125,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% | 69,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 8% | 28,000 miles |
| 2006 | 11 | 21% | 18,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% | 16,000 miles |
| 2004 | 16 | 3% | 65,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% | 85,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
July 4, 2010 in reply to: VIN# [redacted] Volvo cars of north America customer care center 1volvo drive rockledge, nj 07647-0914 dear Volvo cars of north America, subject: Volvo XC90 warranty/safety issue I have returned my Volvo XC90 on several occasions for electrical system related problems to include three separate incidents of the position indicator light burning out, multiple bulb failures and tire pressure system warnings. My Volvo repair shop told me that these were unrelated normal repairs and that I should not be concerned after the latest incident of the tire system malfunction I took my vehicle to a local repair shop who troubleshoot my vehicle, put the vehicle on a lift and showed me a wiring harness that was wet from being located directly underneath the vehicles ac I believe this is a manufacturers defect. …
Vehicle (FWD SUV) began producing noise while driving at any rate of speed; noise coming from rear of vehicle. After jacking up the rear of the vehicle, I learned the driver's side rear wheel had approximately 1/2 inch movement and passenger's side rear wheel produced a great deal of noise when the tire was manually rotated (as if the hub assembly needed grease). Driver's side hub assembly was replaced by mechanic. Was told the passenger's side hub assembly will need to be replaced in the near future. I understand the SUV has 113,000 miles but I find it odd and dangerous that both rear wheel bearings/hub assembly units began failing at the same time. No physical injury or crash occurred; fire and collision were possible due to high friction and/or part failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle shook uncontrollably. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and the steering column was replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 06V155000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Volvo XC90. The vehicle has pirelli, size p235/55r17 tires. In October of 2006, the contact took his vehicle in for inspection. He was informed that the vehicle failed inspection and needed four new tires. Volvo stated that they replaced the tires at 12,000 miles with pirelli's consent. In October of 2007, the vehicle failed inspection again for the same reason as the previous year. The two front tires have tread separation and need to be replaced. The contact believes that the two rear tires will also need to be replaced. Pirelli stated that Volvo would replace the tires, however, Volvo stated that they would not replace the tires a second time. Neither corporations have replaced the tires. The tires were supposed to get 65,000 miles of use. The contact believes that the tires are inferior and poor quality and should not be his responsibility to replace. …
While driving my 2005 Volvo XC90 (54,414 miles) on a busy california freeway (the 405), the engine stopped suddenly with no warning or warning light. Fortunately, I was able to make it over to the side of the road to call for a tow without injury (although I was almost rear ended since the failure was so sudden and without warning) and had it towed to a Volvo dealer in torrance, ca. It is a transmission problem. Since then, we have found hundreds of other consumers who have had the same problem with their XC90 volvos too. Volvo has not recalled or provided any notice to consumers of the problem. Volvo has provided replacement trades and cash to some consumers who complained, but no overall notice to consumers. We didn't find out until it happened to us and started to research. Additionally, the week before, the front left tire blew out when my wife was driving and I was out of town. …
On February 16 of this year, I hit some black ice that caused me to hit a curb sideways. The impact knocked the front driver's side wheel off. The car was towed to the ken garff service department at the southtowne location in sandy, ut where it was "repaired". A free loaner car was given to me, and the charges were covered by my insurance. At that time the car had approx 3700 miles on it. Since that repair I have driven the car approx 5000 miles. I had the 7500 mile service completed at the ken garff downtown slc location around July 15th. At that time, it is my understanding that they check the car over for any and all safety issues. On August 15th, I drove from elko, nv to lakewood, co, with my 14 month old baby. The 750 mile drive took us via I-70 and the mountains of colorado. …
Related recalls (1)
Wheels
On certain sport utility vehicles, the front wheel speed sensors May be defective, causing an erroneous wheel speed signal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front wheel sensors. Owner notification began on December 8, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo XC90 years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (16), 2006 (11) and 2005 (6) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volvo XC90 wheel & tire problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 03V-434 (wheels, Nov 4, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volvo XC90 wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (7 mentions), followed by the pressure monitoring and regulating systems (3).
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.