CarBrief

NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Volvo XC90[1]. Six recalls are on file too, so check that each one was done before you buy[2][3][4][5][6][7].

42owner complaints[1]
6recalls[8]
22–24MPG combined (EPA)[9]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Two mention a crash, 3 a fire, and 8 injuries are reported[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

The biggest groups by component:

We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. These are the themes, and they are not a measure of how common anything is.

Electrical system. In a sample of 11 texts, 3 describe water getting in around the sunroof and reaching electronics or the floor[10]. Another 3 describe the car stalling, shutting off or not starting[10]. One of the stalling reports says a fuse was replaced and the stalling continued[10].

Engine. In a sample of 10 texts, 2 describe oil use that the dealer tied to valve rings, with owners saying the car was past warranty[11]. Two describe plug-in hybrid hesitation or lurching[11]. Two describe a fire[11]. The engine group lists 3 fires in total[11].

Brakes. In a sample of 6 texts, 4 describe a failed brake booster or master cylinder that the owners say left them with failing brakes[13].

Visibility. In a sample of 5 distinct texts, 3 involve the A/C[14]. Those owners describe a failed evaporator or an A/C that stopped working, and one says the windshield would not clear well[14]. The other 2 describe sunroof water[14].

Recalls

NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year, newest first. Each one says the fix is free at a dealer.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions of the 2019 XC90, all with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and an Automatic (S8)[9][18][19][20].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA yearly fuel cost
FWD, premium[9] 21 / 29 / 24 $3,400
AWD, premium[18] 20 / 27 / 23 $3,550
AWD, premium (second listing)[19] 19 / 26 / 22 $3,750
AWD plug-in hybrid[20] 25 MPGe combined not listed

The plug-in hybrid is rated at 490 miles of range[20]. The EPA yearly cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new[9].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows the 2.0L 4-cylinder rated from 250 to 316 hp, depending on version[21].

Dimensions 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[22][23][24][25]. Only the curb weight changes.

Version Curb weight
FWD T5[25] 4,336 lb
AWD T5[22] 4,475 lb
AWD T6[23] 4,632 lb
AWD T8 plug-in hybrid[24] 5,115 lb

How 2019 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 recalls2018: 51 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 42 complaints, 6 recalls4220192020: 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 2019 is highlighted[8].
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's year-by-year counts put 2019 at 42 complaints and 6 recalls[8].

Among the model years from 2016 to 2025, only 2016 (198[8]), 2017 (81[8]) and 2018 (51[8]) have more complaints than 2019. 2021 ties it at 42[8]. The later years are lower: 34 in 2020, 30 in 2022, 41 in 2023, 36 in 2024 and 29 in 2025[8].

On recalls, 2019 has fewer than 2020 (9[8]), 2016 (8[8]), and 2017, 2021 and 2023 (7 each[8]). It has more than 2022 (5[8]), 2024 (4[8]), and 2018 and 2025 (3 each[8]). Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2019 XC90?

Only 3 earlier model years of 2016 to 2025 have more complaints than 2019[8], but it has 6 recalls[8]. Several recalls touch safety systems, such as steering, braking software and seat belts, and each has a free fix[2][3][6]. Ask for proof that all six were completed.

In the complaints we read, sunroof water, A/C evaporator trouble and brake booster failures came up, so ask about those in service records[10][13][14]. The sample is small, so it points to questions to ask and does not predict what your car will do. Have an independent mechanic inspect any car before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC90?
By component, electrical system and engine have the most NHTSA complaints at 11 each[10][11]. In a small sample we read, owners describe sunroof water, stalling and brake booster failures[10][13].
How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have?
NHTSA lists six recalls, from 2018 to 2023[2][3][4][5][6][7]. Each lists a free dealer remedy.
What is the gas mileage of the 2019 Volvo XC90?
The EPA rates combined mileage at 24 MPG for FWD and 23 or 22 MPG for AWD versions[9][18][19]. The plug-in hybrid is rated 25 MPGe combined[20].
How does the 2019 XC90 compare with other model years?
It has 42 complaints and 6 recalls[8]. Only 2016, 2017 and 2018 have more complaints among 2016 to 2025, and 2021 ties it[8].
Have there been any fire complaints for the 2019 XC90?
NHTSA's total shows 3 complaints that mention a fire[1]. These are unverified owner reports.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Volvo XC90 (2 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 23V827, filed December 7, 2023: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 23V001, filed January 5, 2023: Steering. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 21V414, filed June 2, 2021: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 21V273, filed April 21, 2021: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 20V144, filed March 12, 2020: Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V800, filed November 13, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  8. Owner complaints and recalls for every Volvo XC90 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for XC90 FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. 11 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 11 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 6 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 5 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 4 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 3 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 3 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. EPA rating for XC90 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for XC90 AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for XC90 AWD PHEV, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium and Electricity: 25 MPGe combined, 490 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2019 Volvo XC90 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 250 to 316 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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.