VOLVO XC90 · model year

2005 VOLVO XC90

304 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005VOLVOXC90 carries 304 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 XC90 is electrical system with 50 filings, followed by power train:automatic transmission (38) and engine (29). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2005 XC90. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

304
Complaints
2
Crashes
4
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

304 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM50
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION38
ENGINE29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING23
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22
POWER TRAIN21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
STEERING5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM5
EQUIPMENT4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4

Recalls (6)

06V14400028/04/2006

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPERS FROM THE PARK POSITION.

07V22100025/05/2007

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

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.

09V48300018/12/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLIN

05V52900017/11/2005

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID

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. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE B+TERMINAL AND THE STARTER MOTOR SOLENOID MAY DEVELOP INTO A SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE BATTER

10V56600008/11/2010

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

06V15500005/05/2006

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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 JOINT.

Recent Complaints

20250305ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

20250305AIR BAGS

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

20250305EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

20230715FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I’ve had to change my fuel injection pump and catalytic convert twice on one year.

20230715ENGINE

I’ve had to change my fuel injection pump and catalytic convert twice on one year.

20230715UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I’ve had to change my fuel injection pump and catalytic convert twice on one year.

20230602FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ADAS, AIR BAR Warning lights/urgent and High Gas fumes coming out from the rear seats when fully filled gas. We had called 800-458-1552 and guided us to plug in our VIN [XXX] on www.volvocars.com and nothing showed as far as recall and told us that these recalls expired and our 2005 Volvo are not eligible. 2005 Volvo XC90 that relates to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V483000, Make: VOLVO Model: XC90 Model Year: 2005 Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. Mfr's Report Date: DEC 17, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V483000 NHTSA Action Number: PE09039 Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Potential Number of Units Affected: 136100 Summary: 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, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS,

20230117VISIBILITY/WIPER

Water is leaking from the windshield into the driver and passenger side inside on the window obstructing my view while driving. Cannot drive the vehicle while it’s raining. Serious safety problem! Please recall and fix all Volvos with this problem.

20200721ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAD FILLED AN EARLIER COMPLAINT AND THIS TO BE ADDED TO THE EARLIER FORM THAT I HAD FILLED NEEDS TO GO TO THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. SEE PHOTO THE ELECTRICAL COMPLAINT FROM THE MAGNETIC ELECTRICAL BEINGS IN ME AND IN THIS PICTURE I BELIEVE IS ABOUT DESIGN OF THE FUSES IN VEHICLE AND WHAT THEY ARE TRYIN TO COMMUNICATE HERE I BELIEVE WOULD BE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CONNECTIONS LIKE WHAT IT IS DOING TO THEM AS IT GOES THROUGH THOSE TYPES OF FUSES. WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM IN THOSE PLASTIC FUSES AND WOULD LIKE THEM THE FUSE TO BE DESIGNED FURTHER APART A LITTLE BIT BIGGER THAN A PENNY AND WITH THE CONNECTION STRAIGHT ACROSS AND NOT GOING UP AND DOWN AND BACK THROUGH IT SELF. THE MAGNETIC BEINGS WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CONNECTIONS STRAIGHT ACROSS SO THAT THEY DON'T INTERFERE WITH EACH OTHER WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH THE SUBSTRAIGHT. NOT SURE BUT YOU WERE THIS TYPE OF BEING YOU WOULD TRY AND COMMUNICATED THESE THINGS AND DESIGN WELL JUST LOOK AND IF Y

Mileage: 138

20200718FireENGINE

WHEN CRANKING IT STALLS AND CUTS OFF AND AFTER DOING IT AROUND 10 TIMES IT FINALLY CRANKS THEN I HAVE TO HURRY TO PUT IN DRIVE TO GET THE MOTOR GOING IN ORDER TO KEEP HER CRUNK AND COUPLE WEEKS AGO BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM SHE STALLED OUT AND I HIT A HOLE IN THE ROAD AND BUSTED THE OIL PAN SO SHE HAS BEEN PARKED EVERY SINCE CAUSE I HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND THAT WASN'T A PRETTY SIGHT SINCE THE HIT MADE HER NERVOUS NOW CAN'T GET HER TO GET IN THE CAR SO I NEED MY CAR FIXED AND I SEE IT HAS SEVERAL RECALLS AND ALL AND IT WAS ON A COUNTY STREET ONCE I GOT IT CRUNK BACK UP IT SMOKED BADLY TILL I TURNED IT OFF AND IT TOOK FOUR HOURS FOR ME TO GET IT OUT THE ROAD

Mileage: 2,187,660

20200718FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN CRANKING IT STALLS AND CUTS OFF AND AFTER DOING IT AROUND 10 TIMES IT FINALLY CRANKS THEN I HAVE TO HURRY TO PUT IN DRIVE TO GET THE MOTOR GOING IN ORDER TO KEEP HER CRUNK AND COUPLE WEEKS AGO BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM SHE STALLED OUT AND I HIT A HOLE IN THE ROAD AND BUSTED THE OIL PAN SO SHE HAS BEEN PARKED EVERY SINCE CAUSE I HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND THAT WASN'T A PRETTY SIGHT SINCE THE HIT MADE HER NERVOUS NOW CAN'T GET HER TO GET IN THE CAR SO I NEED MY CAR FIXED AND I SEE IT HAS SEVERAL RECALLS AND ALL AND IT WAS ON A COUNTY STREET ONCE I GOT IT CRUNK BACK UP IT SMOKED BADLY TILL I TURNED IT OFF AND IT TOOK FOUR HOURS FOR ME TO GET IT OUT THE ROAD

Mileage: 2,187,660

20200327FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

BOUGHT CAR AND BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS EVERY SINCE I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS I KEEP FUEL INJECTION IN IT SO I CAN MOVE THE CAR TO POINT A AND B

Mileage: 216,000

20190701ENGINE

THE KNOWN VOLVO BALANCE SHAFT FAILURE IN THE 05 XC90 V8 B8444S ENGINES SN UP TO 6833.VOLVO HAS KNOWN THE V8 ENGINE ON THE 2005 XC90 IS FAULTY SINCE 2005.SPECIFICALLY, THE COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARING FAILING DUE TO WATER INTRUSION & HUMIDITY.MINE HAS NOT FAILED YET.I WILL BE LUCKY IF IT FAILS WHILE AT IDLE.BERGERON VOLVO IN METAIRIE, LA, SOLD ME A TICKING TIME BOMB TO DRIVE MY 4 YEAR OLD SON AROUND IN.THERE WAS NO DISCLOSURE OF THE KNOWN CB SHAFT BEARING FAILURE!I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS FOR ME & MY LITTLE BOY!MY ENTIRE ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY SEIZE UP & MY OTHERWISE BEAUTIFUL CLEAN CAR WILL BE A LARGE & USELESS PAPERWEIGHT.IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING AT SPEED,IT COULD CAUSE A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT!UNLESS VOLVO ACTIVELY (AND, I AM ONE OF THEM #1868) FINDS THE REMAINING AFFECTED ENGINES IN SERVICE & FIXES THIS PROBLEM, IT REMIANS A RISK REGARDLESS OF THE MILEAGE.MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS ONLY 72K MILES ON IT! I AM TRYING TO PREVENT THIS FORM HAPPENING, AND NEEDS TO BE PAID FOR B

20190201ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018, THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE HEADLIGHTS, POWER DOOR LOCKS, AND POWER REARVIEW MIRROR FAILED TO OPERATE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN VOLVO DEALER, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,042.

Mileage: 14,042

20190201POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018, THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE HEADLIGHTS, POWER DOOR LOCKS, AND POWER REARVIEW MIRROR FAILED TO OPERATE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN VOLVO DEALER, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,042.

Mileage: 14,042

20181028FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GASTANK WAS LEAKING WHEN I WAS FILLING UP IN FULL TANK NOT VERY MUCH BUT I SMELL WHENEVER I WAS PARKING

20181025STRUCTURE:BODY

PASSENGER DOOR INTERMITTENTLY SWINGS OPEN WHILE DRIVING, EVEN WHILE LOCKED. FAULTY LATCH.

Mileage: 102,000

20181003FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL LEAK WAS NOTICED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 57 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND ENDED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-SKID INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLVO CARS BENTWOOD (314-644-9501, LOCATED AT 7700 MANCHESTER RD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63143) WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE FUEL CAP AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

20181003TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL LEAK WAS NOTICED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 57 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND ENDED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-SKID INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLVO CARS BENTWOOD (314-644-9501, LOCATED AT 7700 MANCHESTER RD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63143) WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE FUEL CAP AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

20180831FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

BEGAN SMELLING GAS ODOR AND NOTICED A SMALL LEAK. FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP FOR MY MODEL AND YEAR BUT WHEN I CALL VOLVO ABOUT THE RECALL, MY VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE WAS REGISTERED IN THE STATES WHERE THE RECALL WAS ASSOCIATED.

Mileage: 90,500

Compare 2005VOLVOXC90 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 VOLVO XC90 have?
The 2005 VOLVO XC90 has 304 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 VOLVO XC90?
Yes, the 2005 VOLVO XC90 has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 VOLVO XC90?
The most-complained component for the 2005 VOLVO XC90 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 50 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION and ENGINE.
Is the 2005 VOLVO XC90 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.