2017 Volvo XC90 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 XC90 years
The 2017 Volvo XC90 has 79 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 80, and ranks 4th worst of 16 model years, with a verdict of Avoid relative to other XC90 years. Engine problems, including engine-bay fires, dominate at 35% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 79
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23.5
- 22 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2017 Volvo XC90 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine28 (35%)
- Other24 (30%)
- Electrical System19 (24%)
- Structure & Body12 (15%)
- Brakes8 (10%)
- Fuel System7 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (6%)
- Airbags3 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine compartment emitting smoke followed by a rapid fire, sometimes while the vehicle is parked and off.
- Several complaints describe a coolant-low warning appearing shortly before the engine catches fire.
- One owner reported the vehicle suddenly shut off at highway speed, causing the steering to seize and loss of control leading to a crash.
- Owners describe the low-speed automatic emergency braking indicator failing to illuminate before a low-speed rear-end collision.
- Some owners report doors locking automatically without warning, with no diagnosis found.
- One owner reported a remote-start feature that showed a failure message on the phone app while the engine was actually running.
2017 Volvo XC90 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V827000Dec 7, 2023Seat Belts2,911 vehicles
Seat belts:critical fasteners
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
- NHTSA 21V273000Apr 21, 2021Electrical System162 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
Risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.
- NHTSA 18V800000Nov 13, 2018Electrical System17,548 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
Risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
2017 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 23.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,375
- 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.
2017 compared with other XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
- Should I avoid the 2017 Volvo XC90?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2017 model 4th worst of 16 XC90 model years, with a Complaint Index of 80 and a verdict of Avoid relative to other years. Engine problems, including fires, make up 35% of its complaints.
- Does the 2017 Volvo XC90 have engine fire problems?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 8 fire incidents for the 2017 XC90, and engine issues account for 28 of 79 complaints (35%), with a median failure mileage of 19,000 for that category.
- What recalls affect the 2017 Volvo XC90?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls touching the 2017 XC90, covering seat belts, airbags, electrical systems, and other components, including seat belt retractor and inflatable curtain airbag bolt issues specific to 2017 models.
- How does the 2017 XC90 compare to the 2016 XC90?
- The 2016 XC90 has a Complaint Index of 100 with 197 complaints and an Avoid verdict, worse than the 2017 model's index of 80 and 79 complaints, though both years rank among the worst for this model.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Volvo XC90?
- EPA rates the 2017 XC90 at 23.5 mpg combined (22 city / 25.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,375.