Is the 2005 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Volvo XC90 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo XC90?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo XC90 have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Volvo XC90

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2005 Volvo XC90
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 223
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2005: 223 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	93
2004	462
2005	223
2006	53
2007	38
2008	29
2009	7
2010	12
2011	19
2012	3
2013	11
2014	4
2015	0
2016	197
2017	80
2018	51
2019	42
2020	32
2021	36
2022	29
2023	40
2024	36
2025	28

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

29% · 64 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

Electrical system

23% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing cables.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Driving in pitch black night on backroads of charleston, sc. Lights went out after left headlight flickered for a few days. Lights went out and car went off road as we were in a curve. Regained control after spinning on wet grass.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-02

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Tl* - the contact owns a 2005 Volvo X90. While driving 10 MPH smoke came from under the hood. There were no warning indicators. The vehicle was pulled over, and the fire was extinguished by the fire department.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-03-28

I was driving my 2005 Volvo XC90 awd a from my home to work(About 20 miles) when I was parking the car on a parking lot, I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The next moment I saw a little fire coming from under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-03-13

Engine and engine cooling

18% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

Engine

13% · 29 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

When cranking it stalls and cuts off and after doing it around 10 times it finally cranks then I have to hurry to put in drive to get the motor going in order to keep her crunk and couple weeks ago because this problem she stalled out and I hit a...

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-18

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Exterior lighting

11% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal.

CRASH

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2005Complaint volume 223 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2005-11-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-03-23 Volvo XC90 battery cable failures
I
2005-12-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-05-10 Windshield wiper arm performance
R

2006-01-31Electrical system05V529000 On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, due to an error in the factory assembly instruction, the b+terminal may be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. If this occurs, the conflict…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and increase distance between the b+terminal and the starter motor solenoid by adjusting the terminal. The recall began on January 31, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo AT…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2006-03-21Engineering analysisClosed 2007-06-14 Volvo XC90 battery cable failures
R

2006-06-23Steering06V155000 On certain passenger vehicles,the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the outer ball joint tie rods with improved outer ball joint tie rods free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo AT 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-09-05Visibility06V144000 On certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper arms and retaining nuts. The recall began on September 5, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-07-03Electrical system07V221000 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.

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-01-15Fuel system, gasoline09V483000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2010-07-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-11-22 Central Electronic Module Failure
R

2010-11-18Equipment10V566000 Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 64 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 51 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 40 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V529000 · Electrical system
Recall 06V155000 · Steering
Recall 06V144000 · Visibility
Recall 07V221000 · Electrical system
Recall 09V483000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 10V566000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

202032

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Volvo XC90 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Volvo XC90 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo XC90?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo XC90 have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.