YearToAvoid

2010 Volvo XC90 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

20/100

#17 most-complained of 21 XC90 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2010 Volvo XC90 has 12 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 20 out of 100 — #17 highest of 21 XC90 model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is fuel system (4 complaints, 33% of the total).

Complaints
12
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
17
15 city / 21 hwy

Top 2010 Volvo XC90 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System4 (33%)
  2. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (25%)
  3. Steering2 (17%)
  4. Structure & Body2 (17%)
  5. Airbags1 (8%)
  6. Brakes1 (8%)
  7. Engine1 (8%)
  8. Other1 (8%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)
2010 Volvo XC90 complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2014Mar 2016Mar 2018Oct 2018Sep 2019Sep 2020
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2014 to Apr 2023; peak May 2014 (2).

2010 Volvo XC90 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V286000May 18, 2011Steering350 vehicles

    Steering

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 xc90 vehicles manufactured from january 29, 2010, through august 16, 2010. The power steering fluid may leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing.

    Risk: This condition could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power steering rack free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

  2. 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.

  3. NHTSA 10V147000Apr 16, 2010Fuel System2,494 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 xc90 vehicles. A leak may develop in the fuel line between the line and a connector.

    Risk: Fuel odor may be detected. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can lead to a fire at the right front wheel.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code printed on the fuel line and replace the fuel pressure line if it falls within the recalled range free of charge. The recall began on april 23, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

2010 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15 MPG
Highway
21 MPG
Combined
17 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
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.

2010 compared with other XC90 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008Good3029316
2009Good257116
2010Best2012317
2011Good3519118
2012No verdict53018.5

All Volvo XC90 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Volvo XC90 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Volvo XC90 ranks #17 of 21 among XC90 model years (Complaint Index 20/100, verdict: Best). It has 12 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Volvo XC90?
The most reported problem areas are fuel system (4 complaints), suspension, wheels & tires (3 complaints), and steering (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 97,500 miles.
Does the 2010 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2010 Volvo XC90, most recently reported 2011, covering steering, other, and fuel system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Volvo XC90?
EPA rates the 2010 Volvo XC90 at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.