Last updated: 2026-04-20
2019 Volvo XC90 Reliability Report
The 2019 Volvo XC90 scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 31 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
6
Complaints
31
Complaint Rate
8.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$851
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,900–$3,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
- SERVICE BRAKES (5)
- ENGINE (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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?
At 71/100, the 2019 Volvo XC90 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 4 of the Second generation (2015).
Owners log 31 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (7). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Leaks in the evaporator coils (7 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (7 complaints)
Compare 2019 Volvo XC90 With
2019 BMW X5
Reliability: 52/100
2019 Audi Q7
Reliability: 62/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 70/100
2019 Lexus RX
Reliability: 82/100
2019 Acura MDX
Reliability: 64/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
Recall Overview
6
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 soldSegment avg: 22
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
3
Fires
8
Injuries
0
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2019 Volvo XC90? Check its history first
Every 2019 Volvo XC90 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Volvo XC90 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.9%
Safety Technologies
Volvo XC90Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
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.
Inspect AC system for leaks and test cooling effectiveness
Check brake pedal feel and inspect for brake booster issues
Test all electrical functions, especially sunroof and door locks
Verify engine performance and check for excessive oil consumption
Ensure all safety features and sensors are operational
Inspect chrome trim for peeling and sharp edges
Check for any signs of water damage, especially near sunroof and electrical components
2019 Volvo XC90 Common Problems by Component
31 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsOwners report frequent failures of the air conditioning system in the 2019 Volvo XC90, particularly involving leaks in the evaporator coils. Typical symptoms include refrigerant smells entering the cabin, loss of cooling capability, and inability to defrost windows, with issues emerging as early as 27,000 miles. Multiple owners describe significant repair costs for these failures, often exceeding several thousand dollars. Additionally, there are reports of chrome trim peeling inside the vehicle, leading to sharp edges that have caused injuries. These issues may pose safety concerns, especially during high temperatures or when sharp edges are exposed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Volvo XC90 frequently report issues with the electrical system, notably involving water leaks from the sunroof drainage that affect electrical components, including the airbag system and sunroof controls. Complaints also describe problems with the vehicle's key recognition system, leading to the vehicle not starting and stranding owners, often occurring within the first few months of ownership or at low mileage. Additionally, some owners experience stalling issues and malfunctioning rear door motors, particularly in cold weather conditions. These electrical problems potentially compromise vehicle safety by affecting critical systems like airbags and vehicle operation.
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Volvo XC90 report issues primarily related to brake booster and brake master cylinder failures, often without prior warning or illuminated warning lights. Complaints frequently mention complete brake failure, with one report indicating this led to an injury incident. The failures typically occur around 25,000 to 49,800 miles. Additionally, some owners describe repeated issues with warped front rotors leading to steering shake during braking. These complaints highlight significant safety implications, including potential loss of vehicle control and increased risk of accidents.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2019 Volvo XC90. A notable concern involves engine misfires linked to valve ring sealing problems, leading to oil entering the piston chamber and excessive oil consumption, typically occurring around 89,000 to 95,000 miles. Another issue involves a starter failure at approximately 66,000 miles, attributed to a manufacturing defect involving a stripped nut/stud. Safety implications are significant, as complaints include one incident of engine fire and another involving a crash, both associated with the aforementioned engine problems. These reports suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly in vehicles approaching or exceeding these mileage thresholds.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Volvo XC90 report serious power train issues, including incidents of unintended acceleration and fire. One complaint describes a situation where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while parked, resulting in a crash and airbag deployment, causing injuries to two individuals. Another owner reports a reduced power train mode warning followed by smoke and flames originating from the engine, leading to a vehicle fire. These incidents occur at approximately 50,000 miles, highlighting potential safety risks such as crashes and fires that prospective buyers should be aware of.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe 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 complaintSome 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 complaintAfter 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 complaintThe 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 complaintAIRBAG 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.
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 2026 (73/100) and 2024 (73/100).
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC90?
How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have?
Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Volvo XC90 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Volvo XC90.
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