2005 Volvo XC90 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#5 most-complained of 21 XC90 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Volvo XC90 has 223 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 80 out of 100 — #5 highest of 21 XC90 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (73 complaints, 33% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash, 3 fires, and 1 injury.
- Complaints
- 223
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16.5
- 14.5 city / 19.5 hwy
Top 2005 Volvo XC90 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine73 (33%)
- Electrical System63 (28%)
- Transmission & Powertrain62 (28%)
- Fuel System33 (15%)
- Other14 (6%)
- Brakes8 (4%)
- Steering8 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers7 (3%)
- Structure & Body6 (3%)
2005 Volvo XC90 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Other416 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
Remedy: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable gps device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.
- NHTSA 09V483000Dec 18, 2009Fuel System158,733 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 s80, model year 2001-2004 v70, s60, xc70 and model year 2003-2005 xc90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of alabama, arizona, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina, tennessee, texas, utah, virginia and the u.s. Territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange.
Risk: If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on january 15, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
- NHTSA 07V221000May 25, 2007Electrical System42,211 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
On certain passenger vehicles, it has been determined that while doing battery maintenance the jack's crank handle can be misplaced under a bracket which retains the battery.
Risk: Misplacement of the jack's crank handle can pose a safety risk as it can result in a short circuit of the battery which could then lead to a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and ensure proper placement of the jack crank handle and a warning label with approved text will be affixed to the bracket which retains the battery. This warning label will inform an operator not to place the jack crank handle between the bracket and the battery free of charge. The recall began on july 7, 2007. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2005 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14.5 MPG
- Highway
- 19.5 MPG
- Combined
- 16.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,850
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Volvo XC90 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Volvo XC90 ranks #5 of 21 among XC90 model years (Complaint Index 80/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 223 complaints and 6 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo XC90?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (73 complaints), electrical system (63 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (62 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 85,812 miles.
- Does the 2005 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2005 Volvo XC90, most recently reported 2010, covering other, fuel system, electrical system, and steering.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Volvo XC90?
- EPA rates the 2005 Volvo XC90 at 16.5 MPG combined (14.5 city / 19.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.