2017 Volvo XC90 Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2017 Volvo XC90 has 101 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 101 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
22 21.8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 17.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 10.9%
SERVICE BRAKES
7 6.9%
STRUCTURE:BODY
6 5.9%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 21.8% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 26 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Volvo XC90
The 2017 Volvo XC90 has 101 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 22% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2017 Volvo XC90 are ENGINE (22), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 53 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Volvo XC90?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 26 of 26 systems
ENGINE
22 Reports22% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH A REMOTE START APPLICATION FOR THE CELLULAR TELEPHONE. THE TELEPHONE WOULD INDICATE THAT THE REMOTE START FAILED, YET THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD BE RUNNING WHEN THE GARAGE DOOR WAS OPENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE APPLICATION DID NOT PERFORM A NUMBER OF TASKS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.
1/3/2017
SOME MY16/17 XC90 OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ON SWEDESPEED ONLINE FORUM THAT THEIR COOLANT HOSE BROKE: HTTP://FORUMS.SWEDESPEED.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?514873-ENGINE-COOLANT-PROBLEM FOR SOME CUSTOMER THE COOLANT HOSE BREAKS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IF THE COOLANT HOSE BREAKS, COOLANT LEAKS QUICKLY AND THE CAR WILL SHOW "STOP IMMEDIATELY" ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WHICH MAY RESULT IN EMERGENCY MANEUVERS THAT ARE UNSAFE TO DO ON HIGHWAYS. IF ALL COOLANT IS LOST BEFORE THE CUSTOMER HAS A CHANCE TO STOP SAFELY, ENGINE MAY OVERHEAT AND FAIL, RESULTING IN THE CAR LOSING POWER, WHICH WILL ALSO BE DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY ON HIGHWAYS. VOLVO UPDATED THE COOLANT HOSE DESIGN. I CONTACTED VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE BUT THEY REFUSED TO ISSUE A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO PROACTIVELY INSTALL THIS CRUCIAL UPDATED PART FOR THE REST OF US. NOTE THAT THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ME YET, BUT I'M HOPING THAT VOLVO COULD ISSUE A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO MORE OWNERS.
1/25/2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 Reports18% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS USING THE PARALLEL PARK ASSIST AND THE CAR SLAMMED INTO THE CURB DAMAGING THE RIMS. THE DEALER INSISTS THAT THERE IS NO MALFUNCTION. THE CURB WAS OF THE PERFECT HEIGHT AND IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION
7/18/2017
THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE OBSERVED BEHAVIOR OF A UBER SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE IN PITTSBURGH, PA. ON MAY 8TH 2017 AROUND 7:30PM EDT, I WAS DRIVING ON CENTER AVE TOWARDS THE INTERSECTION OF CENTER AND SOUTH HIGHLAND AVE, AND AN UBER XC90 WAS PASSING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION HEADING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. A PEDESTRIAN WAS WAITING TO CROSS AT THE CURB NEAREST TO THE APPROACHING VOLVO, STANDING A LITTLE CLOSE TO THE EDGE BUT DEFINITELY NOT IN THE STREET. THE VOLVO WAS IN THE CENTER OF ITS LANE AND HAD AMPLE SPACE TO PASS THE PEDESTRIAN. JUST AS IT REACHED THE CURB/CROSSWALK, IT SUDDENLY JERKED TO ITS LEFT AND VERY QUICKLY SWUNG BACK TO RETURN TO LANE CENTER IN A TIGHT ARC. IT CAME CLOSE TO THE OPPOSING LANE AND MAY HAVE CROSSED OVER. IT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN AT ANY POINT. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO KNOW IF THE UBER WAS IN SELF-DRIVING MODE AT THE TIME, BUT THE (UNNECESSARY) EVASIVE MANEUVER BY THE VOLVO WAS UNLIKE ANYTHING I HAVE EVER WITNESSED OF A HUMAN DRIVER.
7/25/2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE PILOT ASSIST AND LANE ASSIST SYSTEMS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY CHANGE LANES AND/OR CHANGE DIRECTIONS. ON OCCASION, THE FEATURES WOULD ERRONEOUSLY SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ *AS
4/5/2017
WHILE DRIVING WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR, VOLVO HOOD STARTED TO SMOKE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SIGNALS WENT OFF. WE PULLED OVER, TURNED ENGINE OFF, REMOVED KIDS FROM THE CAR, AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, THE ENTIRE HOOD OF THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, EVEN THOUGH FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. WE HAVE NO INFORMATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE - ENGINE, ELECTRICAL, ETC - BUT THE CAR ONLY HAD 18,000 MILES ON IT. VOLVO HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE ROTORS TWICE IN TWO YEARS - HIGHLY UNUSUAL - BUT OTHERWISE WE HAD NO REASON TO SUSPECT A PROBLEM. WE WERE VERY LUCKY WE WERE ON CITY STREETS AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL OVER.
10/22/2018
SERVICE BRAKES
7 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON 7 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY AND AGGRESSIVELY BRAKED ON ITS OWN. THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SENSED THAT I WAS ABOUT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE ON THIS MODEL. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T GET REAR ENDED AS THE 7 INSTANCES ALL HAPPENED ON HIGHWAYS. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO HAS AGREED TO REPURCHASE MY VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
7/27/2017
BRAKES SQUEAK BADLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MULTIPLE TIMES TO BE REPAIRED. IT SOUNDS LIKE GREMLINS ARE IN THE CAR WHEN YOU BRAKE. IT IS A KNOW ISSUE ON THESE VEHICLES ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND TO VOLVO. THEY SPRAYED STOP SQUEAK ON THE BRAKE BAD WHICH IS NOW ALL OVER MY CAR AND THE BRAKES STILL SQUEAK.
10/30/2017
STRUCTURE:BODY
6 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
PASSENGER DOORS (FRONT AND BACK) UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN WHILE DRIVING AND OPEN /BECOME AJAR. INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND ALARM SOUNDS OFF.
1/28/2017
NEW VEHICLE (LESS THAN 19000 MILES) - VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY - IN A PARKING LOT, IGNITION OFF. APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MINUTES LATER, FIRE IGNITED IN ENGINE BAY, RAPIDLY SPREADING TO THE WHOLE CAR... ENTIRE CARE BURNED TO SHELL.
2/2/2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON 7 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY AND AGGRESSIVELY BRAKED ON ITS OWN. THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SENSED THAT I WAS ABOUT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE ON THIS MODEL. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T GET REAR ENDED AS THE 7 INSTANCES ALL HAPPENED ON HIGHWAYS. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO HAS AGREED TO REPURCHASE MY VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
7/27/2017
ON 2018-09-17, THE VEHICLE, A 2017 VOLVO XC90 T8 HYBRID, REPORTED AN ERROR STATING "REDUCED PERFORMANCE" WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, WITHOUT THE HYBRID SYSTEM, ONLY WORKING ON THE GAS ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES AFTER THE ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED. THE NEXT DAY, 2018-09-18, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WITH THE SAME ERROR. AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN A QUARTER OF A MILE, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY HALTED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, AND THEN LIMITED THE VEHICLE SPEED TO 17 MILES PER HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO IT'S ORIGIN, UNABLE TO EXCEED THE 17 MPH RESTRICTION, AND A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED IN. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE NEAREST VOLVO DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR 20 DAYS UNDERGOING REPAIRS. AS OF 2018-10-15, THE VEHICLE HAS BEGIN TO EXHIBIT A SIMILAR PROBLEM AS WAS ORIGINALLY REPORTED WITH 2 MONTHS OF VEHICLE PURCHASE IN SEPTEMBER, 2017, AND WHAT LED TO A MULTI-DAY REPAIR IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, 2018, PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT OCCURRING IN MID SEPTEMBER, 2018.
10/15/2018
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE LOW SPEED AUTO EMERGENCY BRAKING/FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOWE PEARSON VOLVO BOISE (7805 W GRATZ DR, BOISE, ID 83709, 208-377-3900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
9/6/2018
THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED, I WAS DRIVING DURING A RAIN STORM AT NIGHT AT 45 MPH, AND THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE ALARM WENT OFF WITHOUT ANYTHING IN FRONT OF MY CAR, THEN THE BRAKES SLAMMED ON BY THEMSELVES AND THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE ONTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID HITTING ME IN THE REAR
4/15/2019
POWER TRAIN
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON 2018-09-17, THE VEHICLE, A 2017 VOLVO XC90 T8 HYBRID, REPORTED AN ERROR STATING "REDUCED PERFORMANCE" WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, WITHOUT THE HYBRID SYSTEM, ONLY WORKING ON THE GAS ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES AFTER THE ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED. THE NEXT DAY, 2018-09-18, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WITH THE SAME ERROR. AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN A QUARTER OF A MILE, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY HALTED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, AND THEN LIMITED THE VEHICLE SPEED TO 17 MILES PER HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO IT'S ORIGIN, UNABLE TO EXCEED THE 17 MPH RESTRICTION, AND A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED IN. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE NEAREST VOLVO DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR 20 DAYS UNDERGOING REPAIRS. AS OF 2018-10-15, THE VEHICLE HAS BEGIN TO EXHIBIT A SIMILAR PROBLEM AS WAS ORIGINALLY REPORTED WITH 2 MONTHS OF VEHICLE PURCHASE IN SEPTEMBER, 2017, AND WHAT LED TO A MULTI-DAY REPAIR IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, 2018, PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT OCCURRING IN MID SEPTEMBER, 2018.
10/15/2018
While driving in hybrid mode while both the gasoline and electric motor are running or shifting back and forth, occasionally the electric motor will come on with a sharp, sometimes loud, metallic âbangâ. The sound and feel appears to be coming from the rear. The last two times it happened, the car lunged forward on its own without additional pressure on the accelerator, and once over the past week it lunged forward near an intersection when lifting off the accelerator pedal and engaging the brake. The lunge almost caused me to rear end the car in front of me which I was not very close to. This occurs about once every 50 miles travelled or once per day and at various speeds. To date it has not generated a CEL or any other type of warning.
4/12/2022
AIR BAGS
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE AND THE ELECTRONIC GAUGES TO SHUT OFF. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A POND. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (WEAVER BROTHERS VOLVO, 4409 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
11/28/2018
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag and check engine warning lights intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the message "Pullover Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that failure was caused by the drain hose for the air conditioning leaking into the passengerâs side compartment due to a drain hose installation error during manufacturing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V690000 (Equipment, Air Bags). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 92,000.
3/9/2022
SUSPENSION
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The air suspension dust covers on the rear air springs were originally installed from the factory using substandard plastic zip ties that are known to slip off. This is a known design flaw and is even documented by Volvo via technical journal and reported to the NHTSA as follows. NHTSA ID Number: 10158664 Manufacturer Communication Number: TJ30517.6.0-2019 All vehicles with this design flaw are at risk failure of the rear air springs. The manufacturer has taken a wait and see approach to pass on the cost of repairs to customers. One of the air springs was found to have its dust cover slip off and was confirmed by a Volvo dealer. This was caused due to use of plastic zip ties rather than crimped metal straps which have been used as a repair documented by the manufacturer and used in newer version of the air springs. The cost of repair for each spring affected is $1300-1500 and at the time of repair the require that the unaffected air spring be remediated with a metal strap to prevent failure which could lead to unexpected and catastrophic air spring collapse. I obtained two quotes from two Volvo dealers. Volvo has already voluntarily extended the warranty on another associated component for their air suspension system which they know to have a manufacturing flaw. This air spring design flaw should also be included or added as a separate voluntary or mandatory campaign. Fortunately, I noticed this failure while replacing winter tires for summer tires and was able to preemptively get this assessed by my servicing dealer. They explained the severity of the issue and recommended as per Volvo's Technical Journal to replace the entire air spring as it was compromised due to road debris exposure from having its dust cover drop. A component failure due to an inappropriate restraint being used to retain a safety shield around the air spring could lead to loss of control.
5/5/2022
The 2017 Volvo xc90 hybrid regularly experiences these two issues when it is below freezing in Montana: 1) doors do not catch in the latch so they do not close and/or will fly open when turning. This occurs every time the temperature is below zero. 2) when below zero temperature occurs,
5/22/2023
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Passenger and driver side rear door lock are inoperable from outside and inside. The issue has been widely reported by other vehicle owners. The root cause has been reported as water damaging the locking mechanisms. Volvo redesigned the mechanisms but has not issued a recall.
2/4/2024
The rear passenger door will not open.
2/10/2024
STEERING
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE AND THE ELECTRONIC GAUGES TO SHUT OFF. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A POND. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (WEAVER BROTHERS VOLVO, 4409 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
11/28/2018
FRONT END, WHEELS BEGIN TO BOUNCE AND VIBRATE UNEXPECTEDLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH. THE BOUNCE/VIBRATION/WOBBLE AFFECTS STEERING AND CAN BE FELT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL. STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES SIDE TO SIDE AFFECTING HANDLING. WHEN BRAKING DURING THIS EVENT THE STEERING BECOMES WORSE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS LEFT/RIGHT WITH HARDER FORCE MAKING HANDLING AND STOPPING DIFFICULT. PROBLEMS TEMPORARILY RESOLVED WHEN VEHICLE STOPS BUT CAN RETURN WITHIN MINUTES. PROBLEM NOT PERSISTENT BUT FREQUENT ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS 60+ MPH AND THE PROBLEM IS UNEXPECTED. PROBLEM OCCURS AT ABOUT 1.5 HOURS OF DRIVING, BUT CAN OCCUR AT LONGER INTERVALS. ONCE THE ISSUE STARTS IT GENERALLY CONTINUES UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS
7/24/2020
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN THE VEHICLE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED, THE SEATBELT TENSIONS BECOME SO TIGHT HE CAN CAUSE INJURY.
10/21/2019
There is a belt tensioning failure which means the belt doesnât snug to your body or engage as you apply brakes. I contacted Volvo North America on 10/31 after visiting the dealer and have not heard back regarding this problem. There is a code which appeared regarding this problem which is why it was taken to the dealership Volvo of Lisle in Illinois. They estimate the cost to repair as approximately $4,000.00 They said the vehicle is out of warranty 5 years from first service date. We believe safety equipment as basic as seat belts are the manufacturers responsibility. This vehicle has never been involved in an accident and would appreciate your help. I can forward copies of the estimate to repair if you require them. Feel free to contact me
12/2/2024
WHEELS
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
AFTER JUST 23K MILES, THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND TIRES ALL SHOW OVERWEAR AND WILL REGULARLY NEED REPLACEMENT ABOUT EVERY 20-30K MILES. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS IS IN PART DUE TO DESIGN OF THE CHASSIS AND, IF USED REGULARLY, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. VOLVO DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS A REGULAR COMPLAINT THEY SEE WITH THE 2017 AND NEWER MODELS. TIRE COMPANY (PIRELLI) SAYS IT IS NOT THE TIRES.
12/1/2019
My car experienced a cracked front left control arm. It was not in an accident and the crack caused a creaking sound when conducting turns.
8/18/2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ERAD (Electronic Rear Axle Drive) clutch failure. Upon depressing accelerator pedal, when in drive modes that rely more on ERAD (Hybrid/Pure modes), the clutch occasionally does not engage correctly, resulting in no power for a full 1-2 seconds, then power kicking in, in full. Not being consistent means not having a good way to anticipate when the problem will arise in order to compensate for it. The hazard came when attempting to cross traffic (to take a left into a commercial driveway), the delay happened, then before the ability to fully "cancel the attempt" (by releasing the accelerator and pressing the brake while still in the turn lane), the power kicked in and sent the vehicle into traffic. The delay-then-subsequent full-power meant that the gap was suddenly significantly smaller when pulling into the oncoming lanes, and attempting to correct for a delay in power meant the possibility of then not having the accelerator down, which could have left me in in the lane of oncoming traffic for much longer than necessary due to human reaction times in addition to vehicle "reaction times" to inputs. This is apparently a relatively common issue on Volvos of this generation, with multiple "ERAD versions" to account for transmission clutch failures within these units, as well as other failures.
7/13/2025
On thanksgiving day i drove to train station in the morning, and had no issue. After work i got in the car started to drive, i was going 25-35 miles per hour in the maplewood township, and i wanted to slow down just in case i dont see any kid or person at dark. I almost had no brake! I was so scared and i pushed th brake pedal so hard, i was very dangerous for the society at this moment. I just wish i was not on the highway going higher speed, or there were no people around! I really cannot trust this car anymore, i could have hit something!!!
11/28/2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
1/6/2017
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE PILOT ASSIST AND LANE ASSIST SYSTEMS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY CHANGE LANES AND/OR CHANGE DIRECTIONS. ON OCCASION, THE FEATURES WOULD ERRONEOUSLY SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ *AS
4/5/2017
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLVO OF MONTEREY (1711 DEL MONTE BLVD, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 899-8800) WHERE THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE HYBRID SYSTEM REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT TRADE IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
11/13/2019
EQUIPMENT
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag and check engine warning lights intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the message "Pullover Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that failure was caused by the drain hose for the air conditioning leaking into the passengerâs side compartment due to a drain hose installation error during manufacturing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V690000 (Equipment, Air Bags). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 92,000.
3/9/2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The consumer stated the problem was software updates which resolved all the problems, but wants to understand why the software update caused so many issues.
8/24/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The consumer stated the problem was software updates which resolved all the problems, but wants to understand why the software update caused so many issues.
8/24/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The consumer stated the problem was software updates which resolved all the problems, but wants to understand why the software update caused so many issues.
8/24/2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, a vehicle approximately 50 yards in front of him stopped and caused the Forward Collision Avoidance feature to be activated. The vehicle came to a complete stop with an audible beeping sound and a warning illustration displayed on the instrument panel. The contact contended that he was a safe distance away from the vehicle and that the Forward Collision Avoidance feature should not have activated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
1/30/2023
STRUCTURE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, there was water leaking from the rearview mirror, which leaked into the vehicle, causing the electrical system to fail. There was an abnormal sound of water swishing around inside the vehicle. The on-call warning and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked sunroof cassette leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
3/3/2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, approximately one week later, the warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the small coolant hose was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
5/5/2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owned a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after driving 35 miles at 70 MPH on I-95 South in South Carolina, the contact started smelling an abnormally gasoline odor inside the vehicle entering through the AC vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact and her husband continued driving, believing that the odor was coming from the outside because the air recirculation switch was set to recirculate the air inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after driving an additional 5 miles, the gasoline odor grew stronger, and the contact suggested to her husband to pull over so that they could exit the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband pulled over and they both exited with a child. The contact stated that while running away from the vehicle she could see flames underneath the vehicle coming from the engine before the vehicle exploded and was engulfed in flames. The contact and her husband ran away from the vehicle and there was grayish white smoke coming from the vehicle. The Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that Fire Department and Police Department filed incident reports, but the contact had not yet received the documents. The contact stated that the entire front of the vehicle including the engine compartment had melted down to the wheels. The contact sustained soreness to the neck and left shoulder, as well as a headache from the fuel odor. The contact, her child, and her husband were emotionally distressed from the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The Insurance Provider and a claims adjuster was notified of the fire and the contact was informed that further investigation was needed to determine the cause of the fire. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
12/15/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Volvo XC90?
Are complaints about the 2017 Volvo XC90 a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Volvo XC90?
Are complaints about the 2017 Volvo XC90 severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Volvo XC90: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 101
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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