Engine
2.5L 5-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 222 of 223 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 191 of 223 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
69 complaint records1 fire report
"VOLVO XC90 2005 V8 - COUNTER BALANCE SHAFT FAILURE LEADING TO TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE AND REQUIRING ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
64 complaint records
"I HAVE AN 2005 VOLVO XC90 WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALREADY GONE OUT LEAVING MY FAMILY STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
51 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"1. NORMAL CITY/HIGHWAY DRIVING. 2. TURN SIGNALS SPORADICALLY DO NOT FUNCTION. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DOES NOT MATTER, WHETHER IN WINTER OR SUMMER. 3. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10025 opened Jul 2010 | closed Nov 2010 | Electrical System | Central Electronic Module Failure Volvo acknowledged a problem affecting some subject vehicles involving water seepage into the plenum box area in the engine compartment.When this occurs water may enter into the interior / passenger compartment and track along the wiring harness for the... |
| EA06006 opened Mar 2006 | closed Jun 2007 | Equipment | VOLVO XC90 BATTERY CABLE FAILURES - led to recall 07V221000 DURING PE05-057 AND EA06-006 ODI IDENTIFIED TWO CONDITIONS INVOLVING THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 VOLVO XC90 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE:(1) POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE GROUNDING TO THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING;... |
| PE05064 opened Dec 2005 | closed May 2006 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM PERFORMANCE - led to recall 06V144000 THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED APRIL 21, 2006, THAT A SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 VOLVO XC90 VEHICLES. |
| PE05057 opened Nov 2005 | closed Mar 2006 | Electrical System | VOLVO XC90 BATTERY CABLE FAILURES - led to recall 05V529000 THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE05-057 BASED ON EARLY WARNING DATA SUBMITTED TO ODI BY VOLVO. THE DATA CONTAINED FIELD REPORTS OF THERMAL FAILURES OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10V566000 | Equipment | VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT. | Normally free |
| 09V483000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA,... | Normally free |
| 07V221000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT WHILE DOING BATTERY MAINTENANCE THE JACK'S CRANK HANDLE CAN BE MISPLACED UNDER A BRACKET WHICH RETAINS THE BATTERY. | Normally free |
| 06V155000 | Steering | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF THE CLAMPING FORCE AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL... | Normally free |
| 06V144000 | Visibility | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, IF THE WIPER ARM IS ACTIVATED IN EXTREME WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WITHOUT LIFTING THE WIPER ARMS AND CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD PRIOR TO MOVING, THE WIPER ARM MIGHT SLIP ON ITS DRIVESHAFT,... | Normally free |
| 05V529000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE FACTORY ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION, THE B+TERMINAL MAY BE IN CONFLICT WITH THE STARTER MOTOR SOLENOID. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010396 2010-11-08 | Accessories | 87 | 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... |
| 2006108 2006-05-08 | Steering | 8,022 | On certain vehicles, deformation at high loads may cause loss of clamping force of the outer tie rod and allow the nut to loosen. This may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod assembly. |
| 2006093 2006-04-26 | Visual System | 7,908 | On certain vehicles the windshield wiper pivot splines may be damaged due to failure to remove snow from the windshield. This would result in a loss of wiper operation and resultant detriment to vision. |
| 2006066 2006-03-27 | Seats And Restraints | 14,000 | Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. |
| 2005365 2005-11-17 | Electrical | 465 | On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable may wear against the starter solenoid. The resulting chafe damage could develop into an electrical short. This can be noticed in different ways. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35526.1.8 Apr 2026 | Engine | This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required. | |
| 37809.1.1 Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. | |
| 19245 Dec 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification. | |
| 8501 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. •Connect to the vehicle over a wired... | |
| S10303 Feb 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Unknown Or Other | Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As a... |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8501 Jan 2025 | Exterior Lighting | This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. •Connect to the vehicle over a wired... | |
| 37175 Jan 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory | |
| TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 Aug 2024 | Electrical System | Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service | |
| 26745.13.14 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method | |
| C00009 Jul 2023 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION. | |
| TJ3656330 Jun 2023 | Unknown Or Other | Rubber cushion | |
| CBR-2201 Aug 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information â August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions | |
| Special Tools Bu May 2022 | Unknown Or Other | The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve. | |
| Service Manager May 2022 | Unknown Or Other | ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations | |
| 356EN01 Feb 2022 | Equipment | VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App | |
| Service Manager Feb 2022 | Electrical System | Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS) | |
| TJ 35978 1 0 Jun 2021 | Equipment | New Software Products (SP) have been developed to convert a Care Key to a standard key. | |
| SMB00-015-2021-0 May 2021 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form | |
| SMB00-288-2021-0 Feb 2021 | Equipment | Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time. | |
| SMB00-015-2020-1 Oct 2020 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin : Volvo Electric Vehicle Technical De-Energization Permit to Work Form | |
| ST-001-2020-09-1 Sep 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| SMB00-006-2020-0 Aug 2020 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder | |
| Service Manager Jun 2020 | Electrical System | Battery Charger/maintainer requirement | |
| SMB00-006-2020-0 Mar 2020 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder | |
| ST-001-2020-01-2 Jan 2020 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| TJ34740.1.3-2020 Jan 2020 | Engine | This is a Technical Journal: 4 Cylinder VEP engine: Castrol Edge Professional V 0W-20 Synthetic oil. | |
| SMB00-325-2019-1 Dec 2019 | Equipment | Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY... | |
| TJ31946.1.2-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. | |
| TJ31946.1.1-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. | |
| SMB00-006-2019-1 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| TJ31543.9.0-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be... | |
| ST-001-2019-10-1 Oct 2019 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| TJ21965.7.0-2019 Oct 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed. | |
| SMB00 438 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments | |
| SMB00 108C 2019- Aug 2019 | Equipment | Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. | |
| SMB00 108 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Equipment | Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. | |
| SMB00 006 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Electrical System | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| SMB84 001 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Visibility | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield replacement products. | |
| TJ34650 1 0-2019 Jun 2019 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: SPA Condensation water drops in around pedals area | |
| SPJ34864 2 0-201 Jun 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Service Product Journal: Information Notice. We process the personal data that you provide in connection with the creation of your VIDA account. | |
| SMB30-001-2019-0 Jun 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Service Managers Bulletin: Volvo Cars is constantly developing the in-car systems and the services offered to customers, so that their cars give them the best experience possible . | |
| SMB30-001-2019-0 May 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Service Managers Bulletin: Volvo Cars is constantly developing the in-car systems and the services offered to customers, so that their cars give them the best experience possible . | |
| SPJ3475710-2019- May 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Product Journal: Unable to set SPA/CMA vehicle into programming mode - P2P | |
| TJ3416511-2019-0 May 2019 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: No VIDA communication with vehicle | |
| ST-001-2019-03-0 Mar 2019 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| TJ34502.1.0-2019 Feb 2019 | Structure | This is a Technical Journal: Tailgate opening by foot movement detection | |
| ST-231-2019-02-1 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This is a Special Tool Bulletin: Newsletter 81 Mandatory Tools | |
| TJ28941-4-0-2019 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation from external sources, either of these two documents should be filled in and attached to the affected... | |
| PB00-013-2019-02 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This is a Parts Bulletin: Hazmat Return Transportation Documentation and requirements | |
| SMB00-437-2019-0 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Special Tool Warranty Coverage and Claims Process | |
| TJ21965-5-0-2019 Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed. | |
| TJ17076.11.0-201 Jan 2019 | Exterior Lighting | Technical Journal TITLE : Headlamp , Leak Test REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States TJ 17076 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2012 10 11 FUNC GROUP : FUNC DESC : 3521 Headlamp , complete Page 1 of 24... | |
| SMB00-231-2018-1 Jan 2019 | Equipment | The Volvo Certified Pre-Owned (VCPO) warranty on all vehicles certified and retailed on or after 1/1/05 - 10/31/18 will be administered and paid through the Volvo warranty system. | |
| SMB88-001A-2018- Dec 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This bulletin is a service manager bulletin. Seat Belt Extender. | |
| TJ34165-1-0-2018 Dec 2018 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: No VIDA communication with vehicle | |
| ST-001-2018-11-2 Dec 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| TJ34141.1.0-2018 Nov 2018 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: Performing a Total Upgrade, Service 2.0 or PDS Upgrade after the 2018 week 40 software release, will reset the sound settings back to default settings on the MY 2016 - 2018 vehicles listed above. | |
| ST-002-2018-08-1 Aug 2018 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier | |
| ST-227-2018-08-1 Aug 2018 | Equipment | Road Force wheel balancing is the proper tool for diagnosing and repairing such issues and all of our retailers need to be prepared for these issues. | |
| TJ34013-1-2-2018 Aug 2018 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle Key Not Found |
Showing 60 of 177 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volvo Xc90 →