2017 Volvo XC90 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2017 Volvo XC90 has a Complaint Index of 85, ranking 4th worst of 21 model years, and is rated Avoid. Engine complaints (35% share) dominate, with several reports of engine bay fires, plus 7 recall campaigns covering seat belts, airbags, and electrical software.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 85/100
- #4 of 21 XC90 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 79
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23.5
- 22 city / 25.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2017 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report engine compartment smoke followed by rapid fire, sometimes preceded by a low coolant warning light.
- Some vehicles caught fire while parked and turned off, with flames spreading to the whole car within minutes.
- One owner described the vehicle suddenly shutting off at highway speed, causing the steering wheel to seize and loss of control.
- The forward collision avoidance system reportedly failed to warn before a low-speed rear-end crash, and airbags did not deploy in that and other crash reports.
- Electrical issues include doors locking without warning and a remote start app that misreported engine status.
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
- Is the 2017 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 XC90 a Complaint Index of 85, the 4th worst of 21 model years for this model, with an Avoid verdict driven mainly by engine complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Volvo XC90?
- Engine problems lead, making up 35% of complaints, including several reports of engine bay fires with a median failure mileage of 19,000 miles.
- Does the 2017 Volvo XC90 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2017 XC90, covering seat belts, airbag bolts, electrical/connectivity software, and an air conditioning drain hose.
- How does the 2017 XC90 compare to other XC90 years?
- With a Complaint Index of 85, the 2017 XC90 ranks worse than most other years; only the 2016 (index 100) and 2025 (index 95) and 2024 (index 90) score higher, all also rated Avoid.
- 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.