Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 3 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

3 total · 3 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 11V286000 · May 2011

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL PIPES ON THE POWER STEERING RACK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 10V566000 · Nov 2010

AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy
VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Fuel system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 10V147000 · Apr 2010

FUEL ODOR MAY BE DETECTED. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN LEAD TO A FIRE AT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE PRINTED ON THE FUEL LINE AND REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE LINE IF IT FALLS WITHIN THE RECALLED RANGE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

12 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
4

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 3fluid leaks 1
A recent report: 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…
Read full complaint

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11516504 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
5

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 2fire 1
A recent report: I WAS DRIVING MY WHEEL LOCKED I CANNOT TURN MY WHEEL

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11360982 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
3

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1
A recent report: 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…
Read full complaint

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11110733 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 12 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2014 and 2023, roughly 1 a year, which is fewer than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 12 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (19). Of the 13 model years of the Volvo XC90 we cover, the 2016 has the most (197). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.