Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2019 Volvo XC90 Reliability Report

The 2019 Volvo XC90 rates good and above average for 2019 SUVs, but sunroof water leaks and electrical faults lead owner complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

8.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$851

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,900–$3,150

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity85/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates good and above its class, yet ranks among the weaker XC90 years, with electrical and brake complaints leading the list.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
SERVICE BRAKES (5)
ENGINE (4)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2019 is year 4 of the Second generation (2015).

Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2020.
2nd generation XC90 (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2016: Second generation (2015) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 4 of the Second generation (2015).

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2019 Volvo XC90?

Good, with a caveat. This year rates above average among 2019 SUVs, yet it ranks among the weaker of the nine scored XC90 years. The 2018 and 2020 models rate about the same. The federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $851, a bit above the $807 class figure.

Electrical trouble leads the owner complaints. Blocked sunroof drains let water into the driver footwell and reach wiring and airbag components. Some cars show "Vehicle key not found" and will not start. Brake complaints describe the booster failing with no warning light, leaving the pedal soft or on the floor. Engine reports of burning oil and misfires come at about 89K to 95K miles, after warranty. Two power train complaints involve a crash or a fire. Federal records list six recalls, covering seat belts, steering, the electrical system, the fuel system, and forward collision avoidance.

Before buying, ask for sunroof drain and brake booster service records. Confirm every recall was completed.

Compared to the 2020 Volvo XC90, which scored the same. See also the 2018 Volvo XC90 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low major repair risk (11%)
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−Above-average recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Water leaks in through blocked sunroof drains and reaches wiring and airbag... (7 complaints)
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Air conditioning fails because the evaporator leaks, which is the most common... (7 complaints)

Compare 2019 Volvo XC90 With

2019 BMW X5

Reliability: 52/100

Mixed

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2019 Cadillac XT5

Reliability: 78/100

Good

2019 Audi Q7

Reliability: 62/100

Good

2019 Acura MDX

Reliability: 64/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2019 Volvo XC90 has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Volvo XC90 Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Volvo XC90. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V8270002023-12-07

SEAT BELTS

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

Consequence

An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

23V0010002023-01-05

STEERING

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.

Consequence

A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.

21V4140002021-06-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.

Consequence

Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Volvo XC90? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Volvo XC90, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2019 Volvo XC90 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 17.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Pelvis torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volvo XC90Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$851

vs $807 avg for luxury midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.6

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

11%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

XC90

$851

Category Avg

$807

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

22–24 MPG

Running cost: $3,750–$4,000/yr

Fuel + repair

19–21 city / 26–29 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

25 MPG

Running cost: $3,600/yr

Fuel + repair

24 city / 27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
XC90 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	21	29	24	$2,900
XC90 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	20	27	23	$3,000
XC90 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	19	26	22	$3,150

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
XC90 AWD PHEV 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	24	27	25	$2,750

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Volvo XC90.

Run the AC on max for ten minutes. Confirm cold air from front and rear vents and no refrigerant smell.
Inspect the center console and exterior door handle chrome for peeling or sharp edges.
Check the headliner, footwells, and carpets for water stains or dampness, and make sure the sunroof opens and closes.
With the engine running, press the brake pedal firmly. Walk away from any car whose pedal feels soft or sinks.
Open every door from inside and outside several times, especially the rear doors.
Start the car several times and watch for a "Vehicle key not found" message.
Ask for oil consumption records and any misfire diagnosis, especially on cars past 89K miles.
Look for chewed seals, wiring, or interior trim that could point to rodents getting in.

2019 Volvo XC90 Common Problems by Component

31 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)SERVICE BRAKES (5)ENGINE (4)POWER TRAIN (2)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)STEERING (1)BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)Other (3)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Air conditioning fails because the evaporator leaks, which is the most common problem in this group. Failures show up between about 27,000 and 56,500 miles. Symptoms include hot air from the vents, repeated recharges that don't last, and a refrigerant smell in the cabin. Quoted repairs run several thousand dollars. Chrome trim on the center console and exterior door handles peels and leaves sharp edges, and two people have cut their fingers on it. Other reports describe stalling with a failed supercharger, and one car shut off while driving right after the infotainment system crashed.

7 complaints total2 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Water leaks in through blocked sunroof drains and reaches wiring and airbag components. Reports describe puddles in the driver footwell, a sunroof that stops working, and possible mold. Separately, the car shows "Vehicle key not found" and will not start, sometimes again after the dealer replaces the fob antenna. Other reports cover rear doors that will not open in freezing weather, stalling at about 8,000 miles that a fuse replacement did not fix, rodents chewing through the seal between the dashboard and engine bay, and an AC evaporator leak.

7 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaints

Braking power disappears suddenly with no warning lights when the brake booster fails. The pedal goes soft or to the floor, sometimes at parking-lot speeds. In some cases the master cylinder fails along with the booster, and the problem can return after a repair. In one reported injury, the automatic park brake released while the car sat in reverse, with the door open and the pedal not pressed. Another pattern is front rotors replaced repeatedly at low mileage, steering shake when braking, and front pads that wear out early.

5 complaints total1 injury

ENGINE (4 complaints)

ENGINE

4 complaintsSafety-related

Oil burns away and cylinders misfire because the valve rings do not seal, according to dealer diagnoses. This shows up around 89K to 95K miles, after the warranty has run out, so owners pay for the repair. One owner reports an engine fire with no known cause, and one report is flagged as crash-related. One starter failed at about 66,000 miles with a stripped mounting stud, which the repair shop called a manufacturing defect.

4 complaints total1 crash1 fire

POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaintsSafety-related

In one report the car accelerates forward by itself after sitting in park for several minutes and crashes, setting off the airbags and injuring two people. In another, the dash warns of reduced power mode, smoke comes out of the air conditioning vents, and flames then spread from the engine across the car. Only two complaints are on file here, but both involve a crash or a fire.

2 complaints total1 crash1 fire2 injuries

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaintSafety-related

2025-10-20Fire reported3 injuries

The contact owned a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-52 MPH, there smoke coming from the front passenger’s side wheel well of the vehicle. The contact stated that an off-duty Police Officer witnessed the failure and activated the Emergency Lights, allowing the contact to safely pull off the highway The contact immediately pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The grandson seated in the front passenger’s seat immediately exited the vehicle and the contact was able to unbuckle and removed the [XXX] from the second-row middle seat. The contact stated that moments later there were explosions, and there was black smoke and flames engulfing the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries sustained; however, all three occupants of the vehicle experienced emotional trauma from the vehicle catching on fire. Medical attention was not needed. A Police Report was filed at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The contact stated that the car seat in the rear of the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was examined by an Insurance Adjuster, and it was determined that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 61,511. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2025-12-23

Some back info: I keep the auto start/stop feature disabled. There are three identical incidents total. One about a year or two ago and two back to back a few weeks ago. The first time I was stopped at a drive through but in “drive” with my foot on the brake. All of the sudden the car completely turns off. Screens black, engine off. Completely black car no inside lights on. Within a couple of seconds, I hear the engine reengage and the car “starts” as normal like when you turn the switch. All of the lights and screens turn on and apple car play reconnects. The most recent two incidents were the same day and in drive having stopped at stoplights. The car goes “dead” then restarts all in drive with my foot on the brake. No warnings come up after the incident either. This time my husband and children were with me and can confirm it happened. I did not get these incidents checked out since the car was instantly back to normal with no warning messages. Very unnerving though and feels like the car is being remotely restarted somehow. The first time I just brushed it off, now I am concerned about this happening while in motion.

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

2024-04-01

After a software update the backup camera’s field of view is super focused on the tailgate, license plate, and the immediate ground below. This is a safety concern as there have been a few near misses at parking lot speeds.

VISIBILITY (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

2024-12-31

The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after stopping and parking the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact's fiancée arrived on the scene and was able to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle later failed to restart, and the gear shifter seized. The message "Gear Lever Lock" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the panoramic sunroof seal strip had a gap, allowing debris and water into the vehicle, clogging the drain, and rendering the vehicle inoperable. The mechanic disassembled the entire interior and allowed it to dry before reassembling. The contact was informed that the front passenger’s side air bag sensor, seat belt buckle, and seat belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: TJ 35503.3.0 (Panoramic sunroof, sealing strip has a gap). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

2023-08-24

AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. DEALER VERIFIED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON. CONNECTED TO VIDA AND RECEIVED CODE (SRS-BB15381B HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY POWER SUPPLY DISCONNECT DEPLOYMENT LOOP CONTROL. GENERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES. CIRCUIT RESISTANCE ABOVE THRESHOLD ). THEY REPLACED TERMINALS 11 & 12 IN THE LOW VOLTAGE CONNECTOR AT THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY. REFERENCING TJ 37119-0. MY VOLVO FACTORY EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NO COVER THE REPAIR.

When Do 2019 Volvo XC90 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

27,000–56,500 milesAC evaporator coil leak

Best & Worst Volvo XC90 Years

Best Volvo XC90 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

Volvo XC90 Years to Avoid

No Volvo XC90 years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 70 and 74 across 9 scored model years.

See full Volvo XC90 years-to-avoid analysis

Volvo XC90 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Volvo XC90 reliability scores by year
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
2026	73/100	Good

Volvo XC90 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	73/100	-1	Good	2	2
2025	74/100	+1	Good	3	23
2024	73/100	+3	Good	3	26
2023	70/100	-2	Good	6	39
2022	72/100	0	Good	4	27
2021	72/100	+1	Good	5	17
2020	71/100	0	Good	7	24
2019(selected)	71/100	0	Good	6	31
2018	71/100	—	Good	3	40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Yes, it rates good and sits above average among 2019 SUVs. Within the XC90 line, though, it is among the weaker of nine scored years. Owners filed 31 complaints, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The 2018 and 2020 models rate about the same.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC90?

Electrical faults lead, followed by service brakes, engine, and power train. Owners report sunroof drain leaks that soak the footwell, a "Vehicle key not found" no-start, sudden brake booster failure, and oil burning at roughly 89K to 95K miles. Power train complaints are few but involve a crash or fire.

Does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have brake problems?

Some owners report them. The most serious pattern is a brake booster that fails without any warning light, so the pedal goes soft or to the floor, sometimes at parking-lot speeds. Other reports cover front rotors replaced repeatedly, steering shake when braking, and front pads wearing out early.

How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have?

Federal recall records list six. They cover seat belts, steering, the fuel system, forward collision avoidance, and the electrical system, which appears twice. The 2018 model has three recalls and the 2020 has seven. Check that each recall was completed before you buy.

How much does the 2019 Volvo XC90 cost to repair?

Independent repair-cost data estimates $851 a year for the XC90 across model years, versus $807 for its class. That is a modest gap. Costs can climb for out-of-warranty engine work, since owners paid for oil-burning repairs reported at about 89K to 95K miles.

Don’t buy a 2019 Volvo XC90 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2019 Volvo XC90

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Volvo XC90 does best on how many systems draw complaints (85/100) and worst on recall impact (65/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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