Which Years Of Used Volvo XC90s Are Most Reliable?
We've identified three of the most reliable Volvo XC90 years. Explore which ones (and which XC90 years are considered least reliable) so you can make a dependable selection when car shopping.
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV selection from Volvo, offering a fancy ride with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It’s been on the market for two decades, which can be intimidating if you want one for yourself. You might wonder - what is the most reliable Volvo XC90 year available for drivers on the market today?
Dependability matters in a car, especially when purchasing a luxury option. The more dependable the vehicle, the more time you can spend on the road and the less money that will leave your pockets. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Volvo XC90 year, the least dependable selections, and other valuable information about the luxury option.
Most Reliable Years For The Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is easily the offering with the most interior room from Volvo, providing an excellent mid-size vehicle option for drivers. Some years are better than others when considering reliability, so we’ve compiled a list of the top contenders for the vehicle to make your decision easier.
THE VOLVO XC90 YEARS TO AVOID
Some years are quality selections, but if you purchase a terrible year, it will cost precious time and money. Read on to learn more about the Volvo XC90 years to avoid and the worst year for the XC90.
Here are the top contenders for the Volvo XC90 on the market in reliability:
- 2009 Volvo XC90
- 2014 Volvo XC90
- 2020 Volvo XC90
If you’re seeking the most reliable Volvo XC90 year, go for one of these three years.
These selections offer the fewest issues and the least expensive repairs. They have the highest standard and pull in strong reviews from customers and critics, adding to their excellent reputation. These used options might cost a little more, but they will save you money at the end of the day by preventing significant issues down the line.
Are Volvo XC90s Generally Reliable?
There are several decent selections available from the Volvo XC90, but these don’t speak for the overall reputation of the machine. What does reliability look like when examining the average across multiple years? Is this luxury selection from Volvo worth the money or should you look elsewhere?
According to repairpal.com, the Volvo XC90 scores 3.5⁄5. This score places the vehicle 8th out of 14 midsize luxury cars, right in the center of the pack. It’s not the best, but it’s far from being the worst of its kind.
Still, it’s critical to be careful when selecting your used Volvo XC90. Stick with the best years available for the best results as the owner of a used luxury Volvo machine.
Which Volvo XC90 Years Are The Least Reliable?
There are many excellent options for the Volvo XC90. However, where there is good, there is bad. We’ve compiled a list of the worst selections from the used Volvo XC90 lineup to prevent you from picking any detrimental years. It’s best to invest more in a more dependable used Volvo XC90 selection.
Here are the worst years available for the Volvo XC90 today:
- 2004 Volvo XC90
- 2005 Volvo XC90
- 2016 Volvo XC90
If you’re hunting for the most reliable Volvo XC90 year, these three will serve you well on your adventure.
These years had the most complaints and recalls by far, especially when putting them next to the most dependable Volvo XC90 options. The biggest troubles included faults with the fuel system, electrical components troubles, airbag system recalls, power train issues, and more. These require expensive repairs and maintenance the longer you own them.
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Are Volvo XC90s Expensive To Maintain?
According to repairpal.com, the Volvo XC90 costs an average of $851 which is higher than average to maintain when compared to similar vehicles. You will need to save a bit more to ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected with the Volvo XC90.
Owners of the Volvo XC90 report taking it in for sudden repairs an average of .6 times a year, right on par with the average for similar midsize luxury vehicles. If the car is taken to the shop, there is an 11% chance the issue will be severe, again the same as the average for other luxury vehicles.
The best thing you can do is perform preventative measures to keep your car in quality condition. The better you care for it and the sooner you address issues, the less likely your car is to unexpectedly fall apart on you.
Which Volvo Is Most Reliable?
Maybe you really want a Volvo but only want the most dependable versions. Although the XC90 is decent, it doesn’t make the top three list from the manufacturer. There are better selections for reliability.
According to iseecars.com, here are the most dependable Volvo options:
- Volvo S60
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo V60
These are the top contenders from the name brand.
If you’re set on getting the most reliable choice, pick the S60, XC60, or V60 selection for the best results. If you’re set on mid-size luxury, the XC90 is still a decent offering if you go with the most dependable years.
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What Are The Most Common Volvo XC90 Problems?
When buying a used vehicle, it never hurts to be familiar with the reliability woes you may encounter throughout your ownership – the same is true for the Volvo XC90. Below are the known reliability issues of the XC90 as reported by XC90 owners across various model years:
1. Transmission Troubles
Transmission failure has been a significant concern for some owners of the 2005 Volvo XC90. Around the 101,000-mile mark, many drivers reported hearing unusual noises from the transmission before it ultimately malfunctioned. In severe cases, the transmission would cease without warning, even on the highway. The most effective solution is often a complete transmission replacement, which can be costly. Unfortunately, no recalls have yet been issued to address this problem.
2. Premature Tire Wear
If you’re considering a 2003 Volvo XC90, pay close attention to the tires. Numerous owners have reported experiencing premature tire wear at around 12,000 miles. Uneven tire wear leads to decreased fuel efficiency and can result in dangerous situations, such as a tire blowout. To combat this issue, regular tire rotations and replacements may be necessary, adding to the overall maintenance costs of the vehicle.
3. Oil Leaks From AWD Differential Housing
The 2006 Volvo XC90 has been known to develop oil leaks stemming from the all-wheel-drive differential housing. Owners have noticed differential or transmission fluid dripping from the front of their SUV, often accompanied by a rattling or fluttering noise from the angle drive or front axle assemblies. The culprit is typically worn-out seals within the angle gear drive assembly, allowing oil to escape from the gearbox. Sometimes, the vehicle may even start burning oil through the exhaust pipes. Replacing the faulty seals is often the most effective way to resolve this issue.
4. Glitchy Climate Control System
When it comes to the 2007 Volvo XC90, climate control system problems are among the most frequently reported issues. Many owners have experienced intermittent A/C compressor failure, resulting in the air conditioning not engaging or blowing warm air until the vehicle has warmed up. As the mileage increases, the time it takes for the A/C to start functioning correctly also increases. In some cases, the heater may also fail to engage, with heat not exiting the vents despite the seats getting hot. Software upgrades and climate control module replacements are common solutions to these problems.
5. Audio System Glitches
The 2004 Volvo XC90 has struggled with various audio system issues, ranging from problems with the CD player and radio to the premium sound system. Owners have reported channel loss, difficulties with keystroke controls, and CD player malfunctions. While Volvo has released software upgrades to address some of these issues, problems not related to software often require repairing or replacing the damaged components.
6. Brake System Concerns
Owners of the 2016 Volvo XC90 have reported numerous issues with the brake system. The automatic emergency brakes have been known to engage unexpectedly, often at highway speeds, without any warning. Additionally, the auto-braking warning lights and brakes may turn on intermittently; in some cases, the seat belts may engage independently. These problems pose a serious safety hazard, yet no official recalls have been issued to address them as of this writing.
7. Excessive Oil Consumption
Lastly, the Volvo XC90 has been plagued by engine issues, with numerous owners reporting excessive oil consumption and coolant leaks. These problems can lead to sudden engine failure, which can be dangerous and expensive later. Some have even experienced engine fires, making it a huge safety risk.
Just to be clear, these problems might be prevalent, but there’s no guarantee you’ll come across them as an XC90 owner. However, by being aware of these potential problems, you can make a sound decision and plan your budget for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
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Is The Volvo XC90 Worth It?
If you want a luxurious midsize vehicle, the Volvo XC90 is a decent choice. However, you may encounter more issues here than with similar competitors.
Stick with the best years for an excellent experience. Otherwise, you might be better off investing in a different name for dependability.
Final Thoughts
There are many top-notch choices available for the Volvo XC90. We recommend the 2009, 2014, and 2020 versions for the most satisfactory results behind the wheel.
We hope this information is valuable! It can be stressful to land on the right year for your next luxury vehicle, so our information should simplify the process and make it much easier to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top three most reliable years for the Volvo XC90?
A: If you’re looking for a dependable Volvo XC90, the 2009, 2014, and 2020 models are your best bets. These years have proven the most reliable, with the fewest reported issues and the least expensive repairs. They consistently receive positive feedback from customers and critics, cementing their reputation as the most trustworthy XC90s.
Q: How does the Volvo XC90 rank in terms of overall reliability compared to other midsize luxury cars?
A: According to RepairPal.com, the Volvo XC90 earns a 3.5 out of 5 reliability score, placing it 8th out of 14 midsize luxury cars. While it may not be the absolute best in its class, it outperforms several competitors. However, selecting the right model year is non-negotiable.
Q: Which Volvo XC90 years should I avoid if I want a reliable vehicle?
A: If reliability is your top priority, steer clear of the 2004, 2005, and 2016 Volvo XC90 models. Numerous complaints have plagued these years; recall is significantly more than the most dependable XC90 options. Common issues include fuel system faults, electrical component troubles, airbag system recalls, and powertrain problems, which can lead to costly repairs and maintenance over time.
Q: How does the maintenance cost of a Volvo XC90 compare to similar vehicles?
A: The Volvo XC90 has an average annual maintenance cost of $851, which is higher than the average for similar vehicles. This means that XC90 owners should budget a bit more for unexpected repairs and routine maintenance. However, by staying on top of maintenance routines and addressing issues promptly, you can minimize unforeseen expenses.
Q: If I’m set on buying a Volvo but want the most reliable model, what are my best options?
A: If you have your heart set on a Volvo but prioritize reliability, consider the S60, XC60, or V60 models. These three vehicles are considered the most dependable offerings from the brand, according to ISeeCars.com. While they may not provide the same spacious interior as the XC90, they offer a more worry-free ownership experience.
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