2006 Volvo XC90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Volvo XC90 sits mid-pack among XC90 years: 73 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (26% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other XC90 years?

XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Volvo XC90 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	19	26%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	11	15%	▲ up
Other	6	8%	▼ down
Engine	6	8%	▼ down
Fuel System	6	8%	▼ down
Lighting	4	5%	▼ down
Suspension	3	4%	▲ up
Transmission	3	4%	▼ down
Brakes	3	4%	— flat
Body & Structure	3	4%	— flat
Seat Belts	2	3%	▼ down
Steering	2	3%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	1%	▼ down
Seats	1	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	1%	▼ down
Driver Assistance	1	1%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2006 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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.

06V155000SteeringMay 5, 2006 · 126,743 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS WITH IMPROVED OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V144000Visibility & WipersApril 28, 2006 · 122,431 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER ARMS AND RETAINING NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“3/7/2007. 2006 VOLVO X90. CONTACT HAS A REAR BACK UP SENSOR AND SIRRIUS RADIO AND BLUETOOTH PHONE INSTALLED CONTACT STATES THAT THE REAR SENSOR WOULD GO OFF FOR LONG PERIODS WHEN NOTHING WAS VISIBLY NEAR THE VEHICLE. *MC THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SOMETIMES THE REAR BACK UP SENSOR WOULD NOT RESPOND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 16, 2007 · crash

“SUNDAY,JUNE 29, 2008 DRIVING ON I-83 SOUTH APPROACHING MD 695, REAR RIGHT TIRE SHREDDED AND BLEW. TIRE DRIVEN LESS THAN 18,000 MILES. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY. WE WERE INFORMED TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO REPLACE BOTH REAR TIRES AT A COST OF $489. WE NOW HAVE CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 29, 2008

“MY VOLVO XC90 (2006) ABRUPTLY STALLS AND DIES ON FREEWAY WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL (TYPICALLY AT 70-75 MPH). HAVE HAD TWO REPEATED INCIDENTS, SO FAR LUCKY HAVE NOT BEEN HIT. DEALERSHIP FOUND NO PROBLEM., CAR DIED AGAIN. FIRST INCIDENT WAS AT ABOUT 59,000 MILES, SECOND WAS NEXT TIME I USED CRUISE ON…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 10, 2009

“The contact owns a 2006 Volvo XC90. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor of fuel detected in the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2021 · fire

“The tensioner pulley for the serpentine belt seized up while traveling at 70 mph, melting the serpentine belt and causing an engine fire. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 5, 2023 · fire

2006 Volvo XC90 — common questions

Is the 2006 Volvo XC90 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC90: 73 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 XC90 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (19 complaints), tires & wheels (11 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2006 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC90 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC90 years to avoid are 2004, 2016, 2005, 2003, 2017. The cleanest record among XC90 years belongs to 2015.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2006 compare to other XC90 years?

What are the most common 2006 Volvo XC90 problems?

Does the 2006 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2006 Volvo XC90 — common questions

Is the 2006 Volvo XC90 reliable?

What are the most common 2006 XC90 problems?

Does the 2006 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Which Volvo XC90 years should you avoid?

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