Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2009 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA between 2012 and 2023.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 5
Against the median year of the Volvo XC90. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2009 Volvo XC90
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
327.3%
Median failure at 58,640 miles
Brakes
218.2%
Median failure at 58,640 miles
Other & Unspecified
19.1%
Wheels
19.1%
Median failure at 125,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
19.1%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
19.1%
Body & Structure
19.1%
Median failure at 76,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
19.1%
Median failure at 58,640 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
114.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
342.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
228.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
114.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2009 Volvo XC90 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
17.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2012peak 3Jan 2023
Recalls on the 2009 Volvo XC90
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201039687 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 76,000 milesHendersonville, TN1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
OPENED TRUNK HATCH DOOR TO PUT ITEMS IN TRUNK AND LIFTED DOOR TO THE FULL OPEN POSITION, THE HYDRAULIC ARMS BOTH FAILED AND THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE DOOR FELL DIRECTLY ONTO HEAD CAUSING SEVERE HEAD INJURY WITH RESIDUAL EFFECTS. NO PROBLEMS WITH TRUNK DOOR PRIOR TO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10807932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cheswick, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A plastic Fuel Pressure Sensor bracket holder, part number: 30720139, found on Volvo V8 XC90 and S80 (2005-2011) can crack, resulting in a fuel leak within the engine compartment. See attached picture of 30720139, with highlight of plastic assembly. No replacement part is available from Volvo, since ~Dec 2021, per this link: https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/06-xc90-v8-fuel-pressure-sensor-mount-snapped.640161/post-7969481 However, an aftermarket solution is now recently available: https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/volvo-v8-fuel-pressure-sensor-bracket-replacement-billet-6061.656808/#post-7986238 https://www.ebay.com/itm/115630747349
NHTSA complaint #11502248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system disengaged and the braking system engaged causing the vehicle to go from 85 mph to 45 mph. 2) I was driving on C-470. The transmission system would not transition between the gears automatically. The vehicle remained in a low gear until I removed the device. 3) I was driving on I-70 when all of the warning lights went and an alarm sounded. The message console read all system failure. The engine shut down. Once the device was removed, I was able to restart the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11435895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system disengaged and the braking system engaged causing the vehicle to go from 85 mph to 45 mph. 2) I was driving on C-470. The transmission system would not transition between the gears automatically. The vehicle remained in a low gear until I removed the device. 3) I was driving on I-70 when all of the warning lights went and an alarm sounded. The message console read all system failure. The engine shut down. Once the device was removed, I was able to restart the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11435895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system disengaged and the braking system engaged causing the vehicle to go from 85 mph to 45 mph. 2) I was driving on C-470. The transmission system would not transition between the gears automatically. The vehicle remained in a low gear until I removed the device. 3) I was driving on I-70 when all of the warning lights went and an alarm sounded. The message console read all system failure. The engine shut down. Once the device was removed, I was able to restart the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11435895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
WHEELS
REAR SPARE TIRE DROPPED OFF VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC SLIDING ACROSS THE FREEWAY, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF CABLE HOLDING REAR TIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11015401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesHendersonville, TN1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
OPENED TRUNK HATCH DOOR TO PUT ITEMS IN TRUNK AND LIFTED DOOR TO THE FULL OPEN POSITION, THE HYDRAULIC ARMS BOTH FAILED AND THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE DOOR FELL DIRECTLY ONTO HEAD CAUSING SEVERE HEAD INJURY WITH RESIDUAL EFFECTS. NO PROBLEMS WITH TRUNK DOOR PRIOR TO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10807932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesMililani, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND A FUSE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ECM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10690651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,640 milesBoerne, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DURING SWITCHING OFF IGNITION A WARNING LIGHT WAS VISIBLE, ON TURNING ON IGNITION AGAIN MULTIPLE FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS FAULT OCCURRED. LIST OF FAULTS NOTICED: 1: SRS WARNING LIGHT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 2: ABS FAILURE (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 3: PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 4: PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 5: PASSENGER ELECTRICAL ASSIST SEAT NOT WORKING 5: HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN IGNITION IS ON 6: VEHICLE CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK 7: REAR TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF IGNITION KEY. 8: NO BRAKE LIGHTS 9: NO TURN RIGHT SIGNALS (BACK OR FRONT) 10: HEADLIGHT FAULT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 11: REV COUNTER NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY, SITS AT 6:00 WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF. 12: REV COUNTER RESTS AT 7000RPM ON ENGINE IDLE AND CONTINUES CLOCKWISE. 13: ENGINE WILL NOT PASS 4000RPM 14: ENGINE STOPPED ENROUTE TO VOLVO DEALERSHIP TRAVELING AT 65MPH WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RE START AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. 15: TRIP COMPUTER DOES NOT REGISTER MILES TRAVELED. 16: MILES LEFT TILL EMPTY SHOWS 9999.
NHTSA complaint #10583662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,640 milesBoerne, TX
ENGINE
DURING SWITCHING OFF IGNITION A WARNING LIGHT WAS VISIBLE, ON TURNING ON IGNITION AGAIN MULTIPLE FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS FAULT OCCURRED. LIST OF FAULTS NOTICED: 1: SRS WARNING LIGHT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 2: ABS FAILURE (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 3: PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 4: PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 5: PASSENGER ELECTRICAL ASSIST SEAT NOT WORKING 5: HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN IGNITION IS ON 6: VEHICLE CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK 7: REAR TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF IGNITION KEY. 8: NO BRAKE LIGHTS 9: NO TURN RIGHT SIGNALS (BACK OR FRONT) 10: HEADLIGHT FAULT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 11: REV COUNTER NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY, SITS AT 6:00 WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF. 12: REV COUNTER RESTS AT 7000RPM ON ENGINE IDLE AND CONTINUES CLOCKWISE. 13: ENGINE WILL NOT PASS 4000RPM 14: ENGINE STOPPED ENROUTE TO VOLVO DEALERSHIP TRAVELING AT 65MPH WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RE START AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. 15: TRIP COMPUTER DOES NOT REGISTER MILES TRAVELED. 16: MILES LEFT TILL EMPTY SHOWS 9999.
NHTSA complaint #10583662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,640 milesBoerne, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
DURING SWITCHING OFF IGNITION A WARNING LIGHT WAS VISIBLE, ON TURNING ON IGNITION AGAIN MULTIPLE FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS FAULT OCCURRED. LIST OF FAULTS NOTICED: 1: SRS WARNING LIGHT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 2: ABS FAILURE (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 3: PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 4: PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 5: PASSENGER ELECTRICAL ASSIST SEAT NOT WORKING 5: HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN IGNITION IS ON 6: VEHICLE CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK 7: REAR TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF IGNITION KEY. 8: NO BRAKE LIGHTS 9: NO TURN RIGHT SIGNALS (BACK OR FRONT) 10: HEADLIGHT FAULT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 11: REV COUNTER NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY, SITS AT 6:00 WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF. 12: REV COUNTER RESTS AT 7000RPM ON ENGINE IDLE AND CONTINUES CLOCKWISE. 13: ENGINE WILL NOT PASS 4000RPM 14: ENGINE STOPPED ENROUTE TO VOLVO DEALERSHIP TRAVELING AT 65MPH WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RE START AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. 15: TRIP COMPUTER DOES NOT REGISTER MILES TRAVELED. 16: MILES LEFT TILL EMPTY SHOWS 9999.
NHTSA complaint #10583662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesColumbia, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING IDLE FOR FOUR DAYS. AFTER FOUR DAYS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER THE ELECTRICAL DRAIN COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
NHTSA complaint #10459637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
