Last updated: 2026-04-20

Volvo XC90

0 Volvo XC90 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Volvo XC90 average of 72/100

All Volvo XC90 years score consistently around the model average of 72/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2025 74/100 and the weakest is 2023 70/100.

Verdict

All Volvo XC90 years score consistently around the model average of 72/100 (70–74 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2025 74/100 and the weakest is 2023 70/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Volvo XC90 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Volvo XC90 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

58 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

26 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

23 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION

14 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2024, 2025

POWER TRAIN

12 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2023

ENGINE

9 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

Best Volvo XC90 Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Volvo XC90

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).

Score: 72/100 (Good)5 recalls17 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Volvo XC90 year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Volvo XC90 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Volvo XC90 years should you avoid?
All Volvo XC90 years in our database score consistently around the model average of 72/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
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 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Volvo XC90 have?
Across all years in our database, the Volvo XC90 has a total of 39 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Volvo XC90 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 74/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Volvo XC90 problems?
The most common Volvo XC90 problems are electrical system (58 complaints), unknown or other (26 complaints), service brakes (23 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Volvo XC90 reliable long-term?
The Volvo XC90 has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Volvo XC90 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Volvo XC90 generation is the Second generation (2015) with an average score of 72/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Volvo XC90?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Volvo XC90 is $851 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Volvo XC90 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Volvo XC90 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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