Avoid: 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2012 (few owner reports) · Best recent: 2021
20 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 21 model years, the Volvo XC90 has 2,622 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 83 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. 2016 drew the most complaints (592), 2009 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (7).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Volvo XC90 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $19,496–$39,767.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 |
| 2025 | 58 |
| 2024 | 108 |
| 2023 | 120 |
| 2022 | 116 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2020 | 96 |
| 2019 | 126 |
| 2018 | 153 |
| 2017 | 241 |
| 2016 | 592 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2003 | 96 |
Highest: 2016 (592 complaints). Lowest: 2009 (7).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
System crashes, laggy response, backup camera failures, frequent need for reboots. Primarily affects 2022+ models.
High repair costs for HV components (e.g., on-board charger, high-voltage heater), concerns about long-term durability of the supercharged/turbocharged engine in pre-2022 T8 models, and specific issues with early-generation electric rear axles (ERAD).
Embarrassingly bad performance when the gasoline engine needs to engage for traction; requires switching to Constant AWD mode.
Harsh ride and excessive road noise reported with factory 22-inch wheel and tire combinations.
Prone to failure, especially when paired with the T6 bi-turbo engine.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XC90. Individual model years are broken down above.
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