VehicleVerdict

2009 Volvo XC90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2009 Volvo XC90 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other XC90 years?

XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted669 complaints2003: 149 complaints2004: 669 complaints2005: 304 complaints2006: 73 complaints2007: 59 complaints2008: 44 complaints2009: 11 complaints2010: 16 complaints2011: 30 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 307 complaints2017: 114 complaints2018: 64 complaints2019: 53 complaints2020: 45 complaints2021: 56 complaints2022: 46 complaints2023: 69 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 34 complaints
XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Volvo XC90 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System327%
Brakes218%
Fuel System19%
Other19%
Speed Control19%
Body & Structure19%
Tires & Wheels19%
Engine19%

Does the 2009 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2010

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 20, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 11, 2014

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 20, 2015

“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,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 28, 2022

2009 Volvo XC90 — common questions

Is the 2009 Volvo XC90 reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 XC90 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints).

Does the 2009 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.