CarBrief

NHTSA has 81 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Volvo XC90[1] and the model year has 7 recalls on file[2]. Engine problems lead the complaints[3], and every recall lists a free fix[4][5][6][7][8][9][10].

81owner complaints[1]
7recalls[2]
22–24MPG combined (EPA)[11]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 81 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Three mention a crash, 8 a fire and 11 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports and they are not adjusted for sales. One complaint can name more than one part.

Component group Complaints
Engine[3] 25
Unknown or other[12] 23
Electrical system[13] 20
Brakes[14] 8
Structure[15] 7
Fuel/propulsion system[16] 6
Power train[17] 6
Latches/locks/linkages[18] 5

Engine. The 25 engine complaints include 7 fires and 7 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 19,500[3]. In the engine sample we read, 3 of 12 texts describe a coolant or radiator hose that leaked or broke[3]. Another 3 describe smoke or fire in the engine bay[3]. Two describe loud internal engine noise or wear that needed major repair, and 2 describe a plug-in hybrid losing power or surging[3].

Electrical system. The 20 complaints have a median mileage of 19,000[13]. In the sample we read, 3 of 12 texts describe water leaking into electronics or door locks[13]. Two describe the center screen or warning messages acting up[13].

Brakes. There are 8 brake complaints and none report a crash, fire or injury[14]. In the 8 texts we read, 3 describe weak braking or lost brake assist[14]. Two describe the car braking on its own with nothing ahead, and 2 describe fast wear or squealing[14].

Structure. There are 7 structure complaints[15]. In the 7 texts we read, 3 describe doors that unlock, stick or do not latch[15]. Two describe water leaks[15].

The unknown or other group is large at 23 complaints, but it does not say what failed[12].

Recalls

NHTSA lists these recalls for the 2017 XC90, newest first[2]. All of them list a free remedy[4][5][6][7][8][9][10].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and Automatic (S8), all on premium fuel[19][20][11].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
All-wheel drive[19] 20 / 25 / 22 $3,750
All-wheel drive[20] 22 / 25 / 23 $3,550
Front-wheel drive[11] 22 / 26 / 24 $3,400

The plug-in hybrid (AWD PHEV) is rated 25 MPGe combined with 350 miles of range[21]. EPA annual fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2017 XC90 with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine rated 250 to 316 hp depending on version[22].

Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Every version listed is 195 in long, 79 in wide and 70 in tall, with a 117 in wheelbase[23]. Curb weight varies.

Version Curb weight
AWD T5[23] 4,475 lb
AWD T6[24] 4,632 lb
AWD T8 PHEV[25] 5,115 lb
FWD T5[26] 4,336 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2003: 93 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 462 complaints, 6 recalls2005: 223 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 53 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 38 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 29 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 7 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 12 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 19 complaints, 1 recalls20112012: 3 complaints, 0 recalls2013: 11 complaints, 0 recalls20132014: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2016: 198 complaints, 8 recalls20162017: 81 complaints, 7 recalls8120172018: 51 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 42 complaints, 6 recalls2020: 34 complaints, 9 recalls20202021: 42 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 30 complaints, 5 recalls20222023: 41 complaints, 7 recalls2024: 36 complaints, 4 recalls20242025: 29 complaints, 3 recalls2026: 8 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each XC90 model year. The 2017 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2003935
20044626
20052236
2006533
2007382
2008293
200971
2010123
2011191
201230
2013110
201440
20161988
2017817
2018513
2019426
2020349
2021427
2022305
2023417
2024364
2025293
202681

NHTSA lists 81 complaints for 2017[2]. Four years list more: 2003 with 93, 2004 with 462, 2005 with 223 and 2016 with 198[2]. That makes 2017 the fifth highest of the years listed[2]. Among later years, 2018 has 51 and 2019 has 42, so 2017 has the most[2].

On recalls, 2017 has 7[2]. Only 2020 with 9 and 2016 with 8 list more[2]. 2021 and 2023 also have 7[2]. The data has no entry for 2015. Recall counts include recalls that cover several years, and complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.

Should you buy a used 2017 XC90?

The data does not show a clear verdict. The complaint count is high compared with later model years, and engine complaints include fires, so ask for service records on the cooling system and check the car for hose leaks[3]. Water leaks show up in the complaint samples for electrical and structure groups, so look for damp carpets or headliner stains[13][15]. All seven recalls list a free remedy, so ask the seller or a Volvo dealer to confirm each one was done[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Our data does not cover reliability scores, repair costs or towing.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volvo XC90?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 25 of 81 complaints[1][3]. Electrical system has 20[13].
How many recalls does the 2017 Volvo XC90 have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the model year[2]. Each one lists a free remedy[4][5][6][7][8][9][10].
What is the gas mileage of a 2017 Volvo XC90?
EPA combined ratings are 22, 23 and 24 MPG for the gasoline versions[19][20][11]. The plug-in hybrid is rated 25 MPGe[21].
Is the 2017 XC90 a reliable car?
Our data has no reliability score. NHTSA has 81 complaints, with 8 mentioning a fire[1].
Is 2017 a good year for the Volvo XC90?
It has fewer complaints than 2016 with 198, and more than 2018 with 51[2]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 81 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Volvo XC90 (3 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 11 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Volvo XC90 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 25 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 7 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 23V827, filed December 7, 2023: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 21V273, filed April 21, 2021: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 18V800, filed November 13, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 17V370, filed June 8, 2017: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 17V104, filed February 16, 2017: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 16V798, filed November 2, 2016: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  10. Recall 16V690, filed September 26, 2016: Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner. NHTSA recall database
  11. EPA rating for XC90 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 26 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  12. 23 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 20 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 8 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 7 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 6 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 5 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA rating for XC90 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for XC90 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for XC90 AWD PHEV, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium and Electricity: 25 MPGe combined, 350 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Volvo XC90 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 250 to 316 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XC90 4DR SUV AWD T5: length 195 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,475 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XC90 4DR SUV AWD T6: length 195 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,632 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XC90 4DR SUV AWD T8 PHEV: length 195 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 5,115 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, XC90 4DR SUV FWD T5: length 195 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,336 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.