Volvo XC90 Fuel/propulsion System Problems
Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Volvo XC90 across 18 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (34). The words owners use most often: “fuel pump” (29% of reports).
- 120fuel/propulsion system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 40%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.
- Fuel pump: mentioned in 35 of 120 complaints (29%)
- Turtle mode: mentioned in 6 of 120 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do fuel/propulsion system problems happen?
Based on 55 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 120 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury.
Volvo XC90 fuel/propulsion system complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel/propulsion System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 XC90 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2023 XC90 | 5 | 12% | — |
| 2022 XC90 | 9 | 31% | — |
| 2021 XC90 | 5 | 13% | — |
| 2020 XC90 | 3 | 9% | — |
| 2019 XC90 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2018 XC90 | 6 | 12% | 17,250 |
| 2017 XC90 | 5 | 6% | — |
| 2016 XC90 | 12 | 6% | 30,000 |
| 2013 XC90 | 1 | 9% | 110,000 |
| 2010 XC90 | 3 | 25% | 126,350 |
| 2009 XC90 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2008 XC90 | 3 | 10% | — |
| 2007 XC90 | 3 | 8% | — |
| 2006 XC90 | 2 | 4% | 132,330 |
| 2005 XC90 | 22 | 10% | 121,000 |
| 2004 XC90 | 34 | 7% | 137,000 |
| 2003 XC90 | 4 | 4% | 126,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists fuel/propulsion system for the Volvo XC90. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
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.
Vehicle has exhibited lagging and stalling while driving in "Pure" (electric-only) mode since approximately April 2026, at approximately 85,000 miles, accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. This has occurred repeatedly at red lights, intersections, stop signs, and in stop-and-go traffic…
2017 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, approximately 81,000 miles, experienced intermittent hesitation/loss of propulsion when accelerating. When acceleration is requested, the vehicle can hesitate before power is delivered, creating a serious safety concern when entering, merging into, or crossing…
This is my 2nd Volvo xc90. Both models have turbo issues that is costly repairs. Volvo dealership also stated that turbo repairs usually are an issue in Volvo. My first Volvo was 2016 which had a turbo issue. Now my 2022 is now in shop due to turbo and oil spills on inside. There should be a recall.
Spark plugs, fuel injectors, cylinders and cylinder walls, pistons, oxygen sensor. Our safety was put at risk because the vehicles "reduced performance" was triggered and it affected the acceleration of the vehicle. The Volvo dealership was able to reproduce the issue because of the engine…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Volvo XC90s have fuel/propulsion system problems?
No. NHTSA has 120 owner complaints about fuel/propulsion system 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 fuel/propulsion system?
No recall currently lists fuel/propulsion system for this vehicle.
What do owners say about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Volvo XC90?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel pump”, in 35 of 120 complaints, followed by “turtle mode” (6).
Other Volvo XC90 problems
- Electrical System problems (447)
- Power Train problems (311)
- Engine problems (237)
See all Volvo XC90 problems.