Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2010 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2023.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 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 — 7
Against the median year of the Volvo XC90. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% 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 2010 Volvo XC90
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
425.0%
Median failure at 125,000 miles
Tires
212.5%
Median failure at 52,500 miles
Body & Structure
212.5%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Steering
212.5%
Median failure at 117,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
16.3%
Median failure at 61,000 miles
Wheels
16.3%
Median failure at 71,700 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
16.3%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Brakes
16.3%
Median failure at 95,000 miles
Airbags
16.3%
Engine & Cooling
16.3%
Median failure at 151,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
17.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
430.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
215.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
430.8%
150,000+ miles
215.4%
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
2010 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 2014peak 2Apr 2023
Recalls on the 2010 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 2011199135 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, a power steering line may develop a leak at the connection to the steering gear valve housing. Loss of power steering fluid could cause a loss of steering power assist, which may result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the power steering gear housing oil lines.
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.
Recall 2010127168 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, a manufacturing defect may exist in the fuel pressure line, which may result in a fuel smell and/or fuel seepage. Since the fuel line is working under constant pressure, seepage may occur within a short period of time and eventually develop in a greater fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the pressure fuel line.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesCedar Hill, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2010 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. Due to failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and discovered a leak in the fuel line. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V147000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11516504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesOxford, NC
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING MY WHEEL LOCKED I CANNOT TURN MY WHEEL
NHTSA complaint #11360982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,500 milesHopkins, MI
ENGINE
ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. TWO CONSECUTIVE TANKFULS AT ABOUT 1/4 TANK OR 135 MILES TO EMPTY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RESTARTED ENGINE AND LIMPED TO NEAREST GAS STATION. AFTER FILLUP ENGINE LIGHT CLEARED AND IT DROVE FINE UNTIL DOWN TO APPROX A QUARTER TANK AGAIN WHEN IT REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11299955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,500 milesHopkins, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. TWO CONSECUTIVE TANKFULS AT ABOUT 1/4 TANK OR 135 MILES TO EMPTY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RESTARTED ENGINE AND LIMPED TO NEAREST GAS STATION. AFTER FILLUP ENGINE LIGHT CLEARED AND IT DROVE FINE UNTIL DOWN TO APPROX A QUARTER TANK AGAIN WHEN IT REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11299955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE GETS A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE DRIVING AREA WHEN GAS TANK FILLED. NO FUEL FOUND TO BE LEAKING. SMELL COMES FROM UNDER FLOOR BY BACKSEATS
NHTSA complaint #11256965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
STEERING
STEERING OFTEN SHAKES AND IS HARD TO CONTROL GOING OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR. STEERING COLUMN STICKS AT TIMES AND THEN IS VERY WOBBLY.
NHTSA complaint #11209692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
STEERING OFTEN SHAKES AND IS HARD TO CONTROL GOING OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR. STEERING COLUMN STICKS AT TIMES AND THEN IS VERY WOBBLY.
NHTSA complaint #11209692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,200 milesColumbus, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DROVE VOLVO ONE DAY AGO AND WHILE DRIVING ON RURAL HIGHWAY ROAD EARLY MORNING IN THE DARK, VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING TOTALLY SHUT DOWN IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND STALLED OUT. HAD TO VEER OFF ROAD AND COAST ON INCLINE WITH NOT MUCH MOMENTUM DUE TO CARS BEHIND ME. WAS DANGEROUS SITUATION, BUT LUCKILY GOT VEHICLE INTO SMALL DITCH OFF ROAD . HAD TO BE TOWED TO GARAGE AS WOULD NOT RESTART. WAS ADVISED BY VOLVO DEALER AFTER DIAGNOSTIC THAT FUEL PUMP WAS BAD AND PART BURNED OUT INSIDE IT AND NEEDS REPLACED. ABOUT A LITTLE LESS THEN A YEAR AGO VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE UPON START AND WANTED TO STALL, WAS CHECKED OUT AND THOUGHT MAYBE BAD GAS AS NO FURTHER SYMPTOMS. NOTHING HAPPENED AFTER AND CAR RAN NORMALLY UNTIL INCIDENT 1 DAY AGO.
NHTSA complaint #11144238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND BUCKLING IN THE AREA OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COMPONENT. THE DEALER (VOLVO ESCONDIDO, 1938 AUTO PARK WAY, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029) WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY EXTREME HEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11110733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND BUCKLING IN THE AREA OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COMPONENT. THE DEALER (VOLVO ESCONDIDO, 1938 AUTO PARK WAY, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029) WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY EXTREME HEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11110733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRehoboth Beach, DE
VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE DRIVERS SIDE VIEW MIRROR HAS LOOSENED WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF TRAUMA. IT IS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN VISIBILITY WITHOUT OPENING THE WINDOW AND MANUALLY PUSHING THE MIRROR CASING OUTWARD. IT MOVES WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND WHEN STATIONERY.
NHTSA complaint #11076176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,700 milesNEW Market, AL
WHEELS
THE SPARE TIRE CABLE ASSEMBLY BROKE, CAUSING SPARE TIRE TO DROP FROM UNDER VEHICLE WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE. THE CABLE ASSEMBLY DISMOUNTED FROM THE CARRIER NUT. SPARE TIRE HAS NEVER BEEN USED MY OWNER. IF VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON ROAD AT TIME OF CABLE MALFUNCTION, WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR POSSIBLE DEATH. PLEASE ADVISE!
NHTSA complaint #10923852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesWinter Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
STARTLINGLY LOUD POP WHEN DRIVING AT 70MPH ON INTERSTATE. PULLED OFF TO CHECK TIRES IN THICK MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND DID NOT NOTICE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED UNTIL SOME MILES LATER WHEN I CONTINUED TO HEAR GRAVEL ROLLING AROUND ON TOP OF MY CAR. A LARGE CHUNK OF WINDOW HAD FLOWN OFF THE BACK, APPARENTLY. FORTUNATELY, SCREEN WAS CLOSED. AND,THE CARS BEHIND ME WERE NOT EFFECTED. I DO NOT RECALL ANYTHING HITTING THE SUNROOF NOR WAS I BEHIND ANY TRUCKS THAT MAY HAVE HAD LOOSE ROCKS. COST TO REPAIR IS $935!!, ALL OUT OF POCKET SINCE MY DEDUCTIBLE IS $1000. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED! VOLVO SERVICE TELLS ME THIS HAPPENED TO ANOTHER CAR RECENTLY!!
NHTSA complaint #10845752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNEW Orleans, LA
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
I PULLED DOWN THE SPARE TIRE IN OUR 2010 XC90 TODAY TO REPAIR A FLAT (I THINK THIS MAY BE THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE HAD TO DO SO). THERE ARE 4 LARGE BURNED AND MELTED AREAS (AS IF IT HAD BEEN ON A GIANT GRILL) ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE SPARE TIRE THAT FACES THE UNDERCARRIAGE WHERE IT IS SUSPENDED UNDERNEATH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I ASSUME THIS IS FROM THE MUFFLER OR SOME OTHER HOT METAL. IN ADDITION TO WONDERING IF THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD, I AM ALSO APPREHENSIVE ABOUT THE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THE SPARE TIRE ONCE IT IS PLACED ON THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10641814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesJohns Creek, GA
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HER GARAGE, THE SPARE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINCH THAT WAS HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10588537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesJohns Creek, GA
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HER GARAGE, THE SPARE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINCH THAT WAS HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10588537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
