As far as luxury cars go, Volvo XC90 reliability is generally regarded as good. We’ll put that plainly before getting into the details, since the model has had some ups and downs. Luxury cars as a whole are almost always going to be more expensive to repair than any regular commuter car, so it goes without saying that owning an XC90 is not cheap. It’s not as bad as you might think, though. In this article, we break down the Volvo XC90’s common problems, maintenance and repair costs, and some model years to avoid. Here is everything you need to know about the Volvo XC90’s reliability rating, and how much you can expect to spend while owning one.

Volvo XC90 Reliability Overview

Where Does The XC90 Stand Today?

Volvo

While the Volvo XC90 has been around for over two decades, the current model sits at the top of Volvo’s lineup and continues to impress. This is technically the car’s second generation, having undergone multiple facelifts since it originated. It comfortably fits into the midsize luxury SUV segment with rivals like the Audi Q7, the Land Rover Defender, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The 2025 model offers a choice between three powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, a twin-charged inline-four of the same displacement, and a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four plug-in hybrid. The 2026 XC90 currently starts at $61,050 before destination, options, and other fees.

Common Volvo XC90 Problems

Some Issues That Affect The XC90’s Reliability

Volvo

XC90 reliability depends on the model year, so not all models will suffer from the issues laid out below. With that being said, though, here are some of the most common issues reported by owners to RepairPal:

Transmission Failure

If you want to know how many miles a Volvo XC90 can last, well, that all comes down to the model year. In the case of models sold between 2003 and 2016, transmission issues may empty an owner’s wallet before the engine itself has any major issues. To be specific, RepairPal explains how automatic transmission failure is common, though they have not pinpointed the reason for failure. Owners report having repair bills in the $4,000 to $6,000 range.

Audio System Issues

This one is fairly antiquated by today’s standards, but owners of models between 2004 and 2018 report having issues with the XC90’s CD changer, radio, and having problems like buttons not working. More recent XC90 models probably won’t have these issues, and if they do, owners probably won’t notice, since CD players aren’t used often these days. RepairPal explains how this can be fixed by a software update. This is one area where some older XC90 models were less reliable than today.

Climate Control Blower Motor Fails

Owners of models between 2004 and 2017 report having issues with their climate control systems. Many reports mention the fan speed either being stuck on one setting, or not working at all. According to RepairPal, Volvo made a software upgrade for the A/C control module available, which can correct certain climate control system faults like those reported.

Hard, Erratic Shifting And other Transmission Issues

We talked about the transmissions failing, but XC90 owners with automatic transmissions between 2003 and 2008 report having even more issues leading up to total failure. Knowing the signs and symptoms of transmission problems can save you a lot of money before needing to replace the whole unit. Some complaints talk about long shift times between gear shifts, hard shifting, and hard downshifting occurring before total transmission failure.

How Much Does The Volvo XC90 Cost To Maintain?

Costs Affected By The Volvo XC90’s Reliability Ratings

Volvo

In general, the Volvo XC90 is reliable, but there are a number of factors that can affect just how reliable, most of which have to do with the owner’s XC90 maintenance schedule. Below is a bullet list of average repair and maintenance costs you can expect while owning an XC90.

• Annual maintenance cost: $851 (RepairPal)
• 10-year cost: $13,224 (CarEdge)
• Industry average for luxury SUVs: $12,494 (CarEdge)
• XC90 repair costs for the first 5 years: $4,214 (CarEdge)

Volvo XC90 life expectancy is generally on par with many less expensive cars. As long as the car is driven respectfully, maintained on time, and the owner pays attention to warning signs of potential problems before they turn into huge repairs, there is no reason an XC90 shouldn’t reach 200,000 miles or more.

Volvo XC90 Model Years to Avoid

2003–2005 Volvo XC90

Volvo

Models between 2003 and 2005 have some of the most complaints and recalls as seen by the NHTSA. The worst of the worst, though, is the 2004 model year. We recommend staying away from this one, since it suffers from a host of electrical issues, like the dashboard shutting down and the control module overheating. There are also plenty of complaints about transmission failure (like we talked about in the section on common problems). The 2004 XC90 also has six recalls; the most severe include a fuel pump leak affecting 158,733 units, and tie rod ball joint fracture that potentially affects 126,743 units.

2016 Volvo XC90

Volvo

After having a relatively solid run between 2009 and 2015, the XC90 had some problems in the 2016 model year. Of the 177 complaints to the NHTSA at the time of writing, 75 have to do with the engine. There are a mix of complaints regarding excessive oil consumption/piston ring failure and coolant leaks – both of which are serious issues that will cost some serious cash to get repaired. This model has eight recalls. There’s only one that could limit the car’s reliability, though; it affects 34,006 units, and pertains to a leaking coolant hose that might start a fire.

Summary: The Volvo XC90 Had Some Rough Years…

…But It Came Out On Top

Volvo

We talked a lot about the problems and some model years to avoid, but it’s not our intention to scare readers away from the XC90. In fact, the majority of the XC90s model years are pretty good overall. The most recent ones are a bit too new to judge their reliability, but we can comfortably say that most Volvo XC90 models between 2009 and 2015 are reliable cars, and those after 2018 are solid so far. We can only wait and see how the latest generation’s facelift and powertrains hold up – but it’s off to a good start.

FAQs

Is the Volvo XC90 expensive to fix?

Like most luxury cars, the XC90 is more expensive to repair than a typical commuter car. However, most model years do not break down often.

Is it worth buying a Volvo XC90?

As long as you avoid the troubled model years (2003 to 2005, and 2016), the XC90 is a great purchase for understated luxury and reliability.

Which XC90 has transmission problems?

The XC90 with the most notorious transmission problems is the 2004 model year with an automatic transmission.

Is the Volvo XC90 low maintenance?

Most model years of the XC90 are low maintenance, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep it that way.

Sources: Volvo, CarEdge, RepairPal, NHTSA