Volvo XC90 Engine Problems
Owners have filed 237 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Volvo XC90 across 21 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (86). The words owners use most often: “oil consumption” (11% of reports).
- 237engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $7,150typical repair cost reported by owners
- 44%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Oil consumption: mentioned in 26 of 237 complaints (11%)
- Engine performance: mentioned in 12 of 237 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Volvo XC90 at $7,150, and half of them between $4,200 and $10,900.
Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2012–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 116 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 237 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 23 a fire, 3 an injury.
Volvo XC90 engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 XC90 | 1 | 3% | 2,300 |
| 2024 XC90 | 4 | 11% | — |
| 2023 XC90 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 XC90 | 6 | 21% | — |
| 2021 XC90 | 8 | 21% | — |
| 2020 XC90 | 7 | 21% | — |
| 2019 XC90 | 10 | 24% | 40,250 |
| 2018 XC90 | 5 | 10% | 11,500 |
| 2017 XC90 | 24 | 30% | 19,500 |
| 2016 XC90 | 86 | 44% | 16,250 |
| 2014 XC90 | 1 | 25% | 5,200 |
| 2013 XC90 | 2 | 18% | 24,250 |
| 2011 XC90 | 5 | 26% | 128,000 |
| 2010 XC90 | 1 | 8% | 151,500 |
| 2009 XC90 | 1 | 14% | 58,640 |
| 2008 XC90 | 6 | 21% | 92,000 |
| 2007 XC90 | 4 | 11% | 164,000 |
| 2006 XC90 | 6 | 11% | 160,000 |
| 2005 XC90 | 29 | 13% | 99,400 |
| 2004 XC90 | 28 | 6% | 104,789 |
| 2003 XC90 | 2 | 2% | 172,344 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)
Model years: 2022, 2023
Problem: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Model years: 2016
Problem: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2016 XC90 vehicles. Exposure to heat and humidity may cause the engine coolant bleeder hose to crack, resulting in a coolant leak.
Risk: If the coolant leak goes unnoticed, coolant may accumulate in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and catch fire when the vehicle is stationary, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volvo Cars will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29936.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2008
Problem: Volvo is recalling 102 my 2008 xc90 and s80 vehicles equipped with v8 engines. These vehicles may have been built with incorrect bolts to the engine mount.
Risk: The aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force. This could cause the engine to come in contact with the sub-frame, ultimately resulting in a reduced engine torque or stalling of the engine without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine mount bolts for specific markings. If any of the bolts contain the incorrect markings, the bracket and bolts will be replaced. All owners have been contacted and arrangements have been made to repair these vehicles.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Coming from a cold start in hybrid or pure mode the ERAD disengages causing the vehicle to slow down, hesitate and buck until the gas engine can engage to recover acceleration.
2020 Volvo XC90 suffered a sudden catastrophic engine blowout, blinding exhaust smoke, and dropped to a 10 mph limp mode on the highway with zero prior dashboard warning lights or oil alerts. the vehicle lacks a manual dipstick, making the me entirely dependent on a digital safety warning system…
In February 2026, my 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 (VIN: [XXX]) experienced a hybrid battery cell failure. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealership (Volvo of Tacoma) and is covered under the vehicle's manufacturer warranty. However, I have been informed that a…
I discovered an engine coolant leak from a crack near the end of the Plastic Coolant Bypass Pipe (part #31368673/32382362) after noticing coolant puddling on my garage floor. There are numerous comments with pictures on-line about how common this part fails on this model Volvo. What's also…
My 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid has been out of service for 78+ days due to a hybrid battery defect covered under an active manufacturer warranty (Claim Type XXX, valid through XXX). The vehicle was towed to Volvo Cars Arrowhead (Glendale, AZ) on XXX after a hybrid battery failure. The dealer…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Volvo XC90s have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 237 owner complaints about engine for the Volvo XC90. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Volvo XC90 engine?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Volvo XC90?
Owners report a typical cost of $7,150 (half paid between $4,200 and $10,900), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Volvo XC90?
The most frequent phrase is “oil consumption”, in 26 of 237 complaints, followed by “engine performance” (12).
Other Volvo XC90 problems
See all Volvo XC90 problems.