The Lemon Index
201820202nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: electrical
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
7 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–25 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2019 Lexus RX 412019 Acura MDX 982019 BMW X5 74
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 23V827000 (seat belts), 23V001000 (steering) and 21V414000 (electrical) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Volvo sent dealers 362 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This is a Technical Journal: DTC BECM-P0C4200 and possible Check Engine Lamp”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Volvo's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 7 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
Water damage to the electrical system from blocked drainage by sunroof; potential mold damage
2019 Volvo XC90 owner · NHTSA complaint 11471587
Problems Volvo told dealers about
Volvo sent dealers 362 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This is a Technical Journal: DTC BECM-P0C4200 and possible Check Engine Lamp
- This is a Technical Journal: Check engine light On, DTC ECM-P0EBF24
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Seat belts · recall issued 2023
The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
- Steering · recall issued 2023
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.
- Electrical · recall issued 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
Show all 6 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2021
Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
- Automatic emergency braking · recall issued 2020
Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
- Electrical · recall issued 2018
The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC90 T5 SUV FWD | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Volvo XC90 T5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volvo XC90 T6 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,000–$3,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Volvo XC90 year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2019 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/volvo-xc90/?y=2019" title="Volvo XC90 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="514" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/volvo-xc90/2019/">Lemon Index</a> (2019 Volvo XC90 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a fifth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 19; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2019 Volvo XC90 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (57%), brakes (29%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: seat belts). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Volvo XC90 get?
22 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Volvo XC90 cost in fuel a year?
About $3,000 to $3,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Volvo XC90 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
Is there a better Volvo XC90 year than the 2019?
Not nearby: the 2019 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Volvo XC90 years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works