GradeVolvo XC90 Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific Volvo XC90
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Volvo XC90 earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 19th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 533 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Volvo XC90 reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2007, 2010 and 2013
Years to avoid: 2004–2005 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Volvo XC90 last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Volvo XC90 vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | B+ | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| Lexus IS | A | A | A |
| Lexus GX | A | A | A |
| Infiniti G37 | A | A- | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | B+ | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| Volvo XC60 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B- | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Cadillac XT5 | B+ | B | B+ |
| Infiniti G35 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Acura TL | A | C+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B- | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| Volvo XC90 | B- | A- | B |
| BMW X1 | B- | B- | B- |
| Porsche Cayenne | B | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac SRX | A | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac CTS | A- | D | B- |
| Audi A3 | C+ | C | C+ |
| Audi A6 | C- | B- | C+ |
| Audi Q7 | C- | B | C+ |
| BMW X5 | C | C | C |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C | B- | C |
| Land Rover Range Rover | C+ | C+ | C |
| Acura MDX | C+ | D | C- |
| Acura TLX | C- | D | D |
Own a Volvo XC90?
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Rate your XC90Volvo XC90 reliability FAQ
Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
Above-average reliability. The Volvo XC90 earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B- for its engine and an A- for its transmission. It ranks 19th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (B-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 533 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Volvo XC90 last?
We estimate a well-maintained Volvo XC90 lasts around 180,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Volvo XC90?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Volvo XC90 model years are 2007, 2010 and 2013.
What Volvo XC90 years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Volvo XC90 years to be most careful with are 2004 and 2005. The 2004 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers. The 2005 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Volvo XC90 transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volvo XC90 transmission an A- (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Volvo XC90 engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volvo XC90 engine a B- (average reliability).