The Lemon Index
202220242nd generation
Too new: partial score · still collecting complaintsThe 2023 Volvo XC90 hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.
41 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
What breaks most on the 2023 Volvo XC90
- Backup camera10 complaints
Specific parts named in the 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Volvo XC90 (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 6 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V908000 (back over prevention), 25V282000 (back over prevention) and 23V827000 (seat belts) 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?
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Volvo sent dealers 141 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Unintentional VIDA Wi-Fi Connection Leading to 12V Battery Drain”?
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 41 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 →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 39K miles (2K to 63K km) on the car (6 of all 41 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Backup camera stopped working during reverse event. Recall did not fix the issue.
2023 Volvo XC90 owner · NHTSA complaint 11686482
More owner reports
My 2023 Volvo xc90 was recalled for issues with the backup camera. Software update was installed twice without success. Finally camera was replaced. No success either.
NHTSA complaint 11691939
Problems Volvo told dealers about
Volvo sent dealers 141 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Unintentional VIDA Wi-Fi Connection Leading to 12V Battery Drain
- This is a Technical Journal
- This is a Technical Journal: Unintentional VIDA Wi-Fi Connection Leading to 12V Battery Drain
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025 New: most likely still open
The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2023
The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
Show all 6 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2023
A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
- Brakes · recall issued 2023
A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
- Engine · recall issued 2022
An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
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
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC90 B5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volvo XC90 B6 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,800–$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. 2023 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.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2023 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/volvo-xc90/?y=2023" 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-xc90/2023/">Lemon Index</a> (2023 Volvo XC90 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2023 Volvo XC90 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn somewhat fewer complaints than the average car per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 86; 100 is average). The Volvo XC90 year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2019.
What are the most common 2023 Volvo XC90 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are backup camera (39%), electrical (24%) and automatic emergency braking (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Volvo XC90 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Volvo XC90 get?
22 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Volvo XC90 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,800 to $3,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Volvo XC90 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volvo XC90 year is better than the 2023?
Nearby, the 2020 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2019 drew the fewest.
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