Last updated: 2026-10-10

2022 Volvo XC90
RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2022 Volvo XC90 Reliability Report

The 2022 Volvo XC90 has good reliability for its class, but owners report sudden power loss and turtle mode at highway speed.

Recalls

4

Complaints

27

Complaint Rate

7.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$851

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,750–$3,150

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Mid-pack among XC90 years, with more complaints than 2021 but fewer than 2023, and sudden power loss as the main worry.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
  • ENGINE (2)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2022 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.

  • Year 7 in the Second generation (2015) (2016–present).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 2nd generation XC90 (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2016: Second generation (2015) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2022: This Model Year

2022 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2022 Volvo XC90?

Good reliability, and a solid pick among 2022 midsize SUVs. Owner complaints and independent repair-cost data put it above average for its model year and in the middle of the nine scored XC90 years. The 2021 and 2023 rate about the same, so neither neighbor clearly beats it. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.

The problem to know about is sudden power loss. Owners describe a Propulsion Service Required message or check engine light, then turtle mode at highway speed. The car slows to a crawl or shuts down, and some drivers say it came back after several dealer visits. Others report the center screen freezing, or the screen, gauges, and climate going black while driving. One complaint describes fuel pouring from under the car with no dashboard warning. Federal recall records show four recalls, covering the electrical system, seat belts, steering, and engine cooling.

Ask for dealer service records and look for repeat visits over power loss or propulsion errors. Confirm every recall has been completed.

Compared to the 2023 Volvo XC90, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2021 Volvo XC90 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

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

Cons

  • −Moderate recall count
  • −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Sudden power loss is the most serious pattern (12 complaints)
  • −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Water leaks into the cabin through clogged sunroof drains and damages... (3 complaints)

Compare 2022 Volvo XC90 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

4

recalls on record

A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2022 Volvo XC90. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

7.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 13.5

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

0

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2022 Volvo XC90 Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Volvo XC90. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V1790002025-03-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.

Consequence

A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2022 Volvo XC90? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 Volvo XC90, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2022 Volvo XC90 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 19.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (N/A)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

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 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

22–25 MPG

Running cost: $3,600–$4,000/yr

Fuel + repair

19–21 city / 27–30 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

26–27 MPG

Running cost: $3,400–$3,500/yr

Fuel + repair

25–26 city / 27–28 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 2022 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
XC90 T5 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)213025$2,750
XC90 T5 AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)202823$3,000
XC90 T6 AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)192722$3,150
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
XC90 T8 AWD Recharge 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)262827$2,550
XC90 T8 AWD Recharge ext. Range 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)252726$2,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Volvo XC90.

  • Ask a Volvo dealer to run the VIN for open recalls and confirm the repair parts are available.

  • Review service records for repeated Propulsion Service Required, turtle mode, or check engine visits.

  • Drive at highway speed and watch for propulsion warnings, reduced performance messages, or a sudden loss of power.

  • Check the headliner, carpets, and footwells for water stains, and confirm the sunroof drains flow freely.

  • Press the steering wheel buttons and use the touchscreen during the drive. Watch for freezing or a blacked-out screen and gauges.

  • Confirm the previous owner's app accounts are removed, so nobody else can remote start or unlock the car.

  • Look under the car for fuel drips or a gas smell, especially after a highway drive.

  • On plug-in hybrids, plug in a charger and confirm the connector releases normally.

2022 Volvo XC90 Common Problems by Component

27 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

12
3
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)ENGINE (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)AIR BAGS (1)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)Other (4)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 complaints

Sudden power loss is the most serious pattern. Propulsion Service Required messages and check engine lights come first. Then the car drops into turtle mode at highway speed, vibrates, slows to a crawl, or shuts down, leaving families stranded in traffic. Some owners report repeat dealer visits. Other reports describe the center screen freezing, or the screen, gauges, and climate going black while driving. Smaller groups of complaints cover an unexpected self-lock, a remote start by an unknown app, an overheating wireless charger, a charging connector frozen in cold weather, and a wait for recall parts.

12 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Water leaks into the cabin through clogged sunroof drains and damages electronics. One repair quote topped $2k, warranty coverage was refused, and the leak came back after the fix. Other complaints are about design choices, not failures. The blind spot system gives no audible warning when you signal toward a car in the blind spot, so a dead mirror light means no warning at all. The plug-in hybrid also makes no sound in D or B, even in Pure electric mode, so pedestrians near blind exits cannot hear it.

3 complaints total

ENGINE

2 complaints

Power drops on the highway after an engine propulsion system error or a check engine light. The car either limits speed or goes into turtle mode and then quits. Drivers report being stuck below 45 mph on a 70 mph interstate, and others report being stranded at night with children aboard. This creates a real risk of being hit by faster traffic. Complaints describe the failure coming back several times and the car going to the dealer repeatedly without a lasting fix.

2 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Two serious failures show up here. In one, fuel pours from under the car on the highway after a bump, and no dashboard warning appears. That creates a clear fire risk. In the other, a propulsion error shuts the car off while driving, and it cannot be shifted to neutral or pushed out of traffic. Complaints describe being stranded on a blind corner with cars passing inches away. A software update was offered for the shutdown, but the complaint doubts it fixes the problem.

2 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint
2022-08-17

On August 17th 2022 I received the reduced performance and acceleration reduced sign with an icon of a turtle. Besides getting this light on my dash my evening ended in fear and distress as I received a call from my family that the new car purchased was acting up and all that they were afraid for their life. This occurred to my spouse in the middle of driving home on the freeway (as she had our two kids in the backseat). She had to drive in a very low and dangerous speed on the highway and take the first exit possible as the car started acting up. A strong smell of something burning started to permeate the car coming from under the hood of the engine. My family was beyond terrified of this. The threat and fear for their life was due to the safety failures of this vehicle. The amount of stress and anxiety this suv caused my spouse and underage children is beyond horrific. I was forced to drive across town (in severe distress and panic, as I did not know how this will all end and if my family was ok) and exchange cars with my frightened and petrified family. As I drove the car, I was frightened for my life as I understood the possibility of the car catching on fire (as the burned smell permitted the car). I was not able to drive more than 15mph. This is the third instance of the serious safety and hybrid system malfunction of car itself within the last 90 days post purchase. First time dropped the vehicle at Sacramento Volvo on May 4, 2022 due to check engine came on / acceleration reduced. Second time dropped the vehicle at Sacramento Volvo on Aug 9, 2022, check engine light came on, hybrid propulsion fault is on, vehicle struggles to accelerate. This dangerous safety issues that I have experienced within the short time owning this SUV can have severe consequences on the lives of my family. I opened a case with Volvo USA, so here is the case 220818-000954.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint
2023-11-21

During cold weather, and when backing up, the vehicle makes a loud knocking noise as if an accident has occurred. This is an intermittent problem. The vehicle is equipped with Auto-hold brakes. The dealership stated that this might be the issue where the auto-hold is engaging without warring. The dealership tested the brakes and stated that it was operating per manufacturing specs. This issue happened several times so far since 2022. It is a scary moment when feeling as if I had hit some one or some thing.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint
2024-02-23

I received an SRS airbag, service urgent, drive to workshop warning. I took the car in six times the first two times they said it was a software update and they failed to update the software the third time they updated the software. It didn’t work the fourth time they said it was the passenger seat and the scale wasn’t working or connecting so it was throwing off the airbag. They fixed that, it didn’t change that warning. I still got the warning. And the last time they said it was a battery issue the battery wires weren’t connecting. They fix that, but after five minutes of driving out of the dealership and a repair shop, the warning came up again.I’ve sent an email to Corporate asking for either a refund or or a new car in accordance with the lemon law of California. They want me to take it in the seventh time which I refuse to do because the car is on safe safe to drive and I have two kids that I cannot keep driving in this car.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaintSafety-related
2024-04-12Fire reported

The contact owned a 2022 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the odor of smoke was suddenly present inside the vehicle and moments later smoke was viewed coming from under the hood. The vehicle was stopped and moments after exiting the vehicle the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle and property inside the vehicle were destroyed. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the local towing yard. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was 11,000

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint
2024-03-22

I was going 60 mph when the check engine light came on , the car started to jerk and reduce speed. I pulled onto the shoulder until the car stopped. I than proceeded to drive slowly and the turtle appeared on the dash. I drove about another mile until I reached my home doing 30 miles per hour or less.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2023-09-29

We took our Volvo to the dealer today to address another problem with the Volvo care system. We were told it was the back up battery. The car was left at Volvo for no more than 90 minutes. Prior to leaving it with Volvo, we had a convertible car seat installed in the second row, passenger side seat. We have a 26-month-old who rides in it every day. Later today, we picked up our son and ran several errands and returned home tonight around 9 PM. That’s when we discovered that the car seat had been completely disconnected from the vehicle. Apparently this is done to access some component of the car for the repair that was performed. Volvo technicians apparently uninstalled the car seat, performed the repair, and then returned the car seat, uninstalled, right back in the exact spot they had taken it from. The main connection is down behind the seat, at the base, so it was not obvious that the car seat had been uninstalled. Apparently Volvo is not providing instructions to their technicians to ask permission to uninstall a car seat, or to refrain from replacing the car seat without informing drivers that it is not installed. Hopefully Volvo improves this process before a child is hurt or killed because they are not secured to the vehicle.

Best & Worst Volvo XC90 Years

Best Volvo XC90 Years to Buy

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.

Volvo XC90 Reliability Score Trend

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

Volvo XC90 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201871/100Good
201971/100Good
202071/100Good
202172/100Good
202272/100Good
202370/100Good
202473/100Good
202574/100Good
202673/100Good

Volvo XC90 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202673/100-1Good22
202574/100+1Good323
202473/100+3Good326
202370/100-2Good639
2022(selected)72/1000Good427
202172/100+1Good517
202071/1000Good724
201971/1000Good631
201871/100—Good340

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Yes, it holds a good reliability standing. It rates above average against other 2022 SUVs and sits in the middle of the nine scored XC90 model years. The 2021 and 2023 models rate about the same. The main weakness is sudden power loss reported by owners, so check the service history before buying.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Volvo XC90?
Electrical problems lead the complaints, with 12 of 27. Owners report Propulsion Service Required messages, turtle mode, and shutdowns, plus a frozen center screen or a screen, gauges, and climate going black while driving. Engine and fuel or propulsion complaints describe similar power loss, with repeated dealer visits that did not fix it.
Does the 2022 Volvo XC90 have power loss problems?
Some owners report it. A check engine light or propulsion error comes first, then the car limits speed or enters turtle mode on the highway. Drivers describe being stuck below 45 mph on a 70 mph interstate. Some say the shutdown returned several times, and one doubts a software update fixes it.
Has the 2022 Volvo XC90 been recalled?
Yes. Federal recall records list four recalls for this model year. They cover the electrical system, seat belts, steering, and engine and engine cooling. Ask the seller for proof that each recall repair was completed, or have a Volvo dealer check the VIN.
How does the 2022 Volvo XC90 compare with the 2021 and 2023?
All three rate good and about the same. The 2021 has fewer complaints at 17 and 5 recalls. The 2023 has 39 complaints and 6 recalls. The 2022 falls between them with 27 complaints and 4 recalls. Since newer years have had less time to collect complaints, the raw counts are only a rough guide.

Don’t buy a 2022 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 2022 Volvo XC90

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 Volvo XC90 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on complaint severity (69/100). 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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