VehicleVerdict

2019 Volvo XC90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2019 Volvo XC90 sits mid-pack among XC90 years: 53 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with 6 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (11), engine (10), and other (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

53

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other XC90 years?

XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Volvo XC90 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1121%
Engine1019%
Other917%
Brakes59%
Visibility & Wipers48%
Airbags36%
Body & Structure24%
Driver Assistance24%
Transmission24%
Suspension12%
Steering12%
Latches & Locks12%
Seat Belts12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

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

23V827000Seat BeltsDecember 7, 2023 · 2,911 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

Consequence

An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

23V001000SteeringJanuary 5, 2023 · 74 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.

Consequence

A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.

21V414000Electrical SystemJune 2, 2021 · 85,550 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.

Consequence

Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.

21V273000Electrical SystemApril 21, 2021 · 162 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.

Consequence

The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.

20V144000Driver AssistanceMarch 12, 2020 · 121,605 units

Defect

Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.

Consequence

If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.

18V800000Electrical SystemNovember 13, 2018 · 17,548 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

Consequence

If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Upon driving a symbol with a turtle and engine cation sign flashed upon the dash displaying and reading reduced power train mode as this is being shown on dash the passenger next to me smelt smoke as we next seen smoke coming from the air conditioning system we immediately pulled over to the safest…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 3, 2025 · fire

“According to Volvo, there is a problem with the valve ring(s) not sealing, oil coming into the #1 piston chamber and excessive oil consumption. However, they have yet to provide everything clearly in writing with an explanation. As mileage was about 89K when we first brought into them for what we…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2023 · crash

“Vehicle started experiencing stalling and when trying to accelerate it would not pick up on speed, I have been quoted by Volvo that the supercharger is bad on a car that is only 6 years old. That repair for this is $2,000 as the engine valve also has to get cleaned out. The vehicle started having…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 2025

“The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to accelerate, the brake became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed two times and taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed three times that the brake booster had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 1, 2023

“The contact owns 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle or while driving various speeds, the contact noticed when attempting to turn the air conditioner on she noticed that the a/c unit was not working as intended in the vehicle. The contact mention she can…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 15, 2025

2019 Volvo XC90 — common questions

Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC90: 53 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2019 XC90 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), engine (10 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.