VOLVO XC90 · model year

2009 VOLVO XC90

11 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009VOLVOXC90 carries 11 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, 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 2009 XC90 is electrical system with 3 filings, followed by service brakes (2) and engine (1). 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 1 active recall campaign, 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 2009 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.

11
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

11 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
SERVICE BRAKES2
ENGINE1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
WHEELS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

Recalls (1)

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.

Recent Complaints

20230117FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

A plastic Fuel Pressure Sensor bracket holder, part number: 30720139, found on Volvo V8 XC90 and S80 (2005-2011) can crack, resulting in a fuel leak within the engine compartment. See attached picture of 30720139, with highlight of plastic assembly. No replacement part is available from Volvo, since ~Dec 2021, per this link: https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/06-xc90-v8-fuel-pressure-sensor-mount-snapped.640161/post-7969481 However, an aftermarket solution is now recently available: https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/volvo-v8-fuel-pressure-sensor-bracket-replacement-billet-6061.656808/#post-7986238 https://www.ebay.com/itm/115630747349

20211007SERVICE BRAKES

I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system disengaged and the braking system engaged causing the vehicle to go from 85 mph to 45 mph. 2) I was driving on C-470. The transmission system would not transition between the gears automatically. The vehicle remained in a low gear until I removed the device. 3) I was driving on I-70 when all of the warning lights went and an alarm sounded. The message console read all system failure. The engine shut down. Once the device was removed, I was able to restart the vehicle.

20211007VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system disengaged and the braking system engaged causing the vehicle to go from 85 mph to 45 mph. 2) I was driving on C-470. The transmission system would not transition between the gears automatically. The vehicle remained in a low gear until I removed the device. 3) I was driving on I-70 when all of the warning lights went and an alarm sounded. The message console read all system failure. The engine shut down. Once the device was removed, I was able to restart the vehicle.

20211007UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system disengaged and the braking system engaged causing the vehicle to go from 85 mph to 45 mph. 2) I was driving on C-470. The transmission system would not transition between the gears automatically. The vehicle remained in a low gear until I removed the device. 3) I was driving on I-70 when all of the warning lights went and an alarm sounded. The message console read all system failure. The engine shut down. Once the device was removed, I was able to restart the vehicle.

20170815WHEELS

REAR SPARE TIRE DROPPED OFF VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC SLIDING ACROSS THE FREEWAY, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF CABLE HOLDING REAR TIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE

Mileage: 125,000

20151202STRUCTURE:BODY

OPENED TRUNK HATCH DOOR TO PUT ITEMS IN TRUNK AND LIFTED DOOR TO THE FULL OPEN POSITION, THE HYDRAULIC ARMS BOTH FAILED AND THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE DOOR FELL DIRECTLY ONTO HEAD CAUSING SEVERE HEAD INJURY WITH RESIDUAL EFFECTS. NO PROBLEMS WITH TRUNK DOOR PRIOR TO THIS.

Mileage: 76,000

20150225ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND A FUSE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ECM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 94,000

20140419ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DURING SWITCHING OFF IGNITION A WARNING LIGHT WAS VISIBLE, ON TURNING ON IGNITION AGAIN MULTIPLE FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS FAULT OCCURRED. LIST OF FAULTS NOTICED: 1: SRS WARNING LIGHT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 2: ABS FAILURE (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 3: PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 4: PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 5: PASSENGER ELECTRICAL ASSIST SEAT NOT WORKING 5: HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN IGNITION IS ON 6: VEHICLE CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK 7: REAR TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF IGNITION KEY. 8: NO BRAKE LIGHTS 9: NO TURN RIGHT SIGNALS (BACK OR FRONT) 10: HEADLIGHT FAULT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 11: REV COUNTER NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY, SITS AT 6:00 WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF. 12: REV COUNTER RESTS AT 7000RPM ON ENGINE IDLE AND CONTINUES CLOCKWISE. 13: ENGINE WILL NOT PASS 4000RPM 14: ENGINE STOPPED ENROUTE TO VOLVO DEALE

Mileage: 58,640

20140419ENGINE

DURING SWITCHING OFF IGNITION A WARNING LIGHT WAS VISIBLE, ON TURNING ON IGNITION AGAIN MULTIPLE FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS FAULT OCCURRED. LIST OF FAULTS NOTICED: 1: SRS WARNING LIGHT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 2: ABS FAILURE (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 3: PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 4: PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 5: PASSENGER ELECTRICAL ASSIST SEAT NOT WORKING 5: HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN IGNITION IS ON 6: VEHICLE CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK 7: REAR TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF IGNITION KEY. 8: NO BRAKE LIGHTS 9: NO TURN RIGHT SIGNALS (BACK OR FRONT) 10: HEADLIGHT FAULT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 11: REV COUNTER NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY, SITS AT 6:00 WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF. 12: REV COUNTER RESTS AT 7000RPM ON ENGINE IDLE AND CONTINUES CLOCKWISE. 13: ENGINE WILL NOT PASS 4000RPM 14: ENGINE STOPPED ENROUTE TO VOLVO DEALE

Mileage: 58,640

20140419SERVICE BRAKES

DURING SWITCHING OFF IGNITION A WARNING LIGHT WAS VISIBLE, ON TURNING ON IGNITION AGAIN MULTIPLE FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS FAULT OCCURRED. LIST OF FAULTS NOTICED: 1: SRS WARNING LIGHT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 2: ABS FAILURE (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 3: PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 4: PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 5: PASSENGER ELECTRICAL ASSIST SEAT NOT WORKING 5: HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN IGNITION IS ON 6: VEHICLE CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK 7: REAR TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF IGNITION KEY. 8: NO BRAKE LIGHTS 9: NO TURN RIGHT SIGNALS (BACK OR FRONT) 10: HEADLIGHT FAULT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 11: REV COUNTER NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY, SITS AT 6:00 WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF. 12: REV COUNTER RESTS AT 7000RPM ON ENGINE IDLE AND CONTINUES CLOCKWISE. 13: ENGINE WILL NOT PASS 4000RPM 14: ENGINE STOPPED ENROUTE TO VOLVO DEALE

Mileage: 58,640

20120525ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING IDLE FOR FOUR DAYS. AFTER FOUR DAYS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER THE ELECTRICAL DRAIN COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

Mileage: 32,000

Compare 2009VOLVOXC90 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 VOLVO XC90 have?
The 2009 VOLVO XC90 has 11 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 VOLVO XC90?
Yes, the 2009 VOLVO XC90 has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 VOLVO XC90?
The most-complained component for the 2009 VOLVO XC90 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and ENGINE.
Is the 2009 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.