Last updated: 2026-04-20
Volvo XC90 Reliability by Year
The Volvo XC90 averages 72/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Volvo XC90 Reliability Overview
The Volvo XC90, with an average reliability score of 72 out of 100, falls within the "Good" category on the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and back over prevention system failures, with the 2023 model year showing a higher complaint rate of 9.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold. Repair costs for the XC90 average $851 annually, slightly above the luxury midsize SUV segment average, indicating moderate maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2016–present), facelifted 2020, 2023, 2025.
Best & Worst Volvo XC90 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Volvo XC90 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Volvo XC90 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2022 (72/100).
Volvo XC90 Years to Avoid
No Volvo XC90 years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Volvo XC90 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Volvo XC90 Reliability Score Trend
Volvo XC90 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Volvo XC90
2 recalls · 2 complaints
The 2026 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Volvo XC90. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Back Over Prevention (2).
2025 Volvo XC90
3 recalls · 23 complaints
The 2025 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Volvo XC90. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Back Over Prevention (4), Service Brakes (3).
2024 Volvo XC90
3 recalls · 26 complaints
The 2024 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Volvo XC90. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (10), Power Train (5), Back Over Prevention (3).
2023 Volvo XC90
6 recalls · 39 complaints
The 2023 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 39 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Volvo XC90. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (8), Back Over Prevention (5), Service Brakes (4).
2022 Volvo XC90
4 recalls · 27 complaints
The 2022 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 27 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Volvo XC90. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (12), Unknown Or Other (3), Engine (2).
2021 Volvo XC90
5 recalls · 17 complaints
The 2021 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 17 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volvo XC90. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Steering (2), Service Brakes (2).
2020 Volvo XC90
7 recalls · 24 complaints
The 2020 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 24 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Volvo XC90. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Service Brakes (4), Unknown Or Other (3).
2019 Volvo XC90
6 recalls · 31 complaints
The 2019 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Volvo XC90. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical System (7), Engine (4).
2018 Volvo XC90
3 recalls · 40 complaints
The 2018 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 40 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Volvo XC90. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (7), Unknown Or Other (5), Structure (4).
Found Your Volvo XC90? Check Its History
Every Volvo XC90 has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Volvo XC90 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$851
Repair Frequency
0.6/yr
Major Repair Risk
11%
$44 above the luxury midsize SUVs average of $807/yr.
Ranked #8 of 14 among luxury midsize SUVs.
Volvo XC90 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Volvo Models
Compare all Volvo models by reliability
Compare Volvo XC90 With Similar SUVs
The Volvo XC90 competes with other midsize suvs such as Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and BMW X5.
Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability
8 years tracked · 410 complaints
Audi Q7 reliability
9 years tracked · 314 complaints
BMW X5 reliability
9 years tracked · 647 complaints
Lexus RX reliability
9 years tracked · 729 complaints
Acura MDX reliability
8 years tracked · 692 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
- The Volvo XC90 has good reliability with an average score of 72/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Volvo XC90?
- The best year for the Volvo XC90 is 2025 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. It has 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Volvo XC90analysis →
- What are the Volvo XC90 years to avoid?
- No Volvo XC90 years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Volvo XC90?
- The Volvo XC90 has an estimated annual repair cost of $851, which is $44 above the luxury midsize SUVs average of $807. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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