Last updated: 2026-04-20
2026 Volvo XC90 Reliability Report
The 2026 Volvo XC90 has a predicted reliability score of 72/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 2 recalls and 2 owner complaints.
Recalls
2
Complaints
2
Complaint Rate
4.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$851
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,550–$3,000
The Verdict
Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 72/100 — worth considering.
Top Issues to Watch
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2026 is 1 year after the 2024 facelift refresh.
- Year 11 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.
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2026: This Model Year
2026 is 1 year after the 2024 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2026 Volvo XC90?
The 2026 Volvo XC90 has a predicted reliability score of 72/100 ("Good") based on prior model year performance. This prediction is based on Second generation (2015) reliability data.
So far: 2 recalls, 2 owner complaints. Early complaint volume is still developing.
Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.
See also the 2025 Volvo XC90 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable predicted reliability based on prior model years
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
- −BACK OVER PREVENTION issues reported (2 complaints)
Compare 2026 Volvo XC90 With
2026 Audi Q7
Predicted: 68/100
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Predicted: 69/100
2026 BMW X5
Predicted: 62/100
2026 Lexus RX
Predicted: 84/100
2026 Acura MDX
Predicted: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
LOW RISK- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2026 Volvo XC90 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.6
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2026 Volvo XC90 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2026 Volvo XC90. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2026 Volvo XC90MHEV, XC60MHEV, V90CCMHEV, and V60CCMHEV vehicles. The torsion bar in the front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.
Consequence
A damaged retractor may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both front seat belt retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10340. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 17, 2025.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
Consequence
A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10329.
Buying a used 2026 Volvo XC90? Check its history first
Every 2026 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
2026 Volvo XC90 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.9%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.9%
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
Plug-in Hybrid
23–27 MPG
Running cost: $3,400–$3,850/yr
Fuel + repair
20–26 city / 26–27 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 2026 EPA label cycle.
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 T8 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 26 | 27 | 27 | $2,550 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2026 Volvo XC90.
Verify backup camera functionality by shifting into reverse and checking for image display
Perform a hard reset of the vehicle systems to ensure cameras and infotainment reset properly
Check for any error messages related to the camera system on the infotainment screen
Ensure Apple CarPlay connects and functions without issues
Review vehicle history for any recall repairs related to camera systems
2026 Volvo XC90 Common Problems by Component
2 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2026 Volvo XC90 report issues with the backup camera system, where the camera fails to display an image when the vehicle is in reverse. Typical symptoms include a blank screen and error messages such as “Camera view is temporarily unavailable.” These issues occur shortly after purchase, within the first few weeks of ownership. Owners mention that resetting the vehicle sometimes resolves the issue temporarily. This malfunction could pose safety risks by impairing rear visibility, which is critical for preventing potential back-over accidents.
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. 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 |
Volvo XC90 Reliability Compared to Other Years
2026 Volvo XC90 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2026 Volvo XC90 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEV | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 2 | 2 | 0 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Volvo XC90 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Volvo XC90?
How many recalls does the 2026 Volvo XC90 have?
How is the predicted score calculated?
Don’t buy a 2026 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.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
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