XC90 (SPA)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
BM1 (B5)
2.0L 4-cyl / 247 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204TS (HP)
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 316 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204TH (HP)
2.0L 4-cyl / 312 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204TE
2.0L 4-cyl / 295 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204T28
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 310 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204TSH (HP)
2.0L 4-cyl / 312 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204T27
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 316 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2016-2025 Volvo XC90
That's near the typical rate for PHEVs in this dataset (median 5.7 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 64 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2023] Third instance of reduced engine performance warning system taking over the car, which results in the "turtle mode" coming on and throttling vehicle speeds. The car does not respond to gas except at lower speeds. Then the Check Engine light also came on.
- [2023] Check engine light comes on every few weeks. Dealer inspects, resets, and says software issues. Now engine performance lights and "turtle mode" has come on twice throttling my speed while driving. Again no known cause and just resetting. Currently in a loaner vehicle while they research.
- [2023] Third instance of reduced engine performance warning system taking over the car, which results in the "turtle mode" coming on and throttling vehicle speeds. The car does not respond to gas except at lower speeds. Then the Check Engine light also came on.
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2017] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLVO OF MONTEREY (1711 DEL MONTE BLVD, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 899-8800) WHERE THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE HYBRID SYSTEM REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE A
- [2017] ON 2018-09-17, THE VEHICLE, A 2017 VOLVO XC90 T8 HYBRID, REPORTED AN ERROR STATING "REDUCED PERFORMANCE" WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, WITHOUT THE HYBRID SYSTEM, ONLY WORKING ON THE GAS ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES AFTER THE ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED. THE NEXT DAY, 2018-09-18, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WITH THE SAME ERROR. AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN
- [2020] In early December (2025), I experienced Hybrid System Failure, with the vehicle showing this fault in the dashboard and the check engine light coming on. I took it to the dealership, as the hybrid system is still within warranty, and they diagnosed a failed hybrid battery module. They said I could continue to drive the care in combustion-only mode and would order the module. Having heard nothin
High-Voltage Battery
- [2023] On May 18, 2023, the vehicle was not driveable and it was not able to be taken out of the park mode. The vehicle had no power so the engine would not start regardless of what the tow truck driver tried. The car had to be pulled onto the tow truck so the tires did not move. On June 10, 2023, Due to a backlog. The Volvo dealership was finally able to look at the vehicle. They stated "error codes
- [2023] On May 18, 2023, the vehicle was not driveable and it was not able to be taken out of the park mode. The vehicle had no power so the engine would not start regardless of what the tow truck driver tried. The car had to be pulled onto the tow truck so the tires did not move. On June 10, 2023, Due to a backlog. The Volvo dealership was finally able to look at the vehicle. They stated "error codes
- [2023] On May 18, 2023, the vehicle was not driveable and it was not able to be taken out of the park mode. The vehicle had no power so the engine would not start regardless of what the tow truck driver tried. The car had to be pulled onto the tow truck so the tires did not move. On June 10, 2023, Due to a backlog. The Volvo dealership was finally able to look at the vehicle. They stated "error codes
Regenerative Braking
- [2022] I park my Volvo in my driveway which has a blind exit to a pedestrian sidewalk. When I start the car and put it in D or B mode, it does not make any sound. This happens in any of the vehicle modes including "Pure" electric where the ICE is not engaged unless the battery runs out. There is no way for oncoming pedestrians to hear the vehicle or to understand that it might pull out of the blind corne
- [2022] I park my Volvo in my driveway which has a blind exit to a pedestrian sidewalk. When I start the car and put it in D or B mode, it does not make any sound. This happens in any of the vehicle modes including "Pure" electric where the ICE is not engaged unless the battery runs out. There is no way for oncoming pedestrians to hear the vehicle or to understand that it might pull out of the blind corne
- [2022] I park my Volvo in my driveway which has a blind exit to a pedestrian sidewalk. When I start the car and put it in D or B mode, it does not make any sound. This happens in any of the vehicle modes including "Pure" electric where the ICE is not engaged unless the battery runs out. There is no way for oncoming pedestrians to hear the vehicle or to understand that it might pull out of the blind corne
Charging System
- [2023] On the morning of January 12, 2026, I attempted to unplug my 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge (plug-in hybrid) from my home charging station in order to drive to an appointment. I had turned on the climate control remotely from the Volvo app while inside the house. When I went to unplug the vehicle, the charging connector was locked in the vehicle’s charging port and could not be removed. I contacted Volv
- [2023] On the morning of January 12, 2026, I attempted to unplug my 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge (plug-in hybrid) from my home charging station in order to drive to an appointment. I had turned on the climate control remotely from the Volvo app while inside the house. When I went to unplug the vehicle, the charging connector was locked in the vehicle’s charging port and could not be removed. I contacted Volv
- [2023] On the morning of January 12, 2026, I attempted to unplug my 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge (plug-in hybrid) from my home charging station in order to drive to an appointment. I had turned on the climate control remotely from the Volvo app while inside the house. When I went to unplug the vehicle, the charging connector was locked in the vehicle’s charging port and could not be removed. I contacted Volv
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2016] ON 22 DEC 2017, WHILE DRIVING MY VOLVO XC90 HYBRID R-DESIGN, I RECEIVED AN ERROR LIGHT THAT STATED 12 VOLT BATTERY HAD AN ISSUE. I CALLED THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN SARASOTA AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, JOE RICE TO LET HIM KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. WHILE ON THE PHONE, AN ADDITIONAL ERROR LIGHT "ABS" AND THEN A FEW SECONDS LATER A CAR WITH A SQUIGGLY LANES ERROR LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY LOST THE
- [2016] ON 22 DEC 2017, WHILE DRIVING MY VOLVO XC90 HYBRID R-DESIGN, I RECEIVED AN ERROR LIGHT THAT STATED 12 VOLT BATTERY HAD AN ISSUE. I CALLED THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN SARASOTA AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, JOE RICE TO LET HIM KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. WHILE ON THE PHONE, AN ADDITIONAL ERROR LIGHT "ABS" AND THEN A FEW SECONDS LATER A CAR WITH A SQUIGGLY LANES ERROR LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY LOST THE
- [2016] ON 22 DEC 2017, WHILE DRIVING MY VOLVO XC90 HYBRID R-DESIGN, I RECEIVED AN ERROR LIGHT THAT STATED 12 VOLT BATTERY HAD AN ISSUE. I CALLED THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN SARASOTA AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, JOE RICE TO LET HIM KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. WHILE ON THE PHONE, AN ADDITIONAL ERROR LIGHT "ABS" AND THEN A FEW SECONDS LATER A CAR WITH A SQUIGGLY LANES ERROR LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY LOST THE
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volvo XC90 regardless of engine variant.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 problems?
The 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 has accumulated 1,457 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volvo XC90 engine is most reliable?
The 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 a good used car?
The 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,457 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 have?
The 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 has 1,457 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2016-2025 Volvo XC90?
There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2025 Volvo XC90 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volvo XC90?
Before buying a used Volvo XC90, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the XC90?
The 2025 Volvo XC90 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,457 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.