Is the 2006 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Volvo XC90 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Volvo XC90?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Volvo XC90 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 Volvo XC90

● Typical for this model

2006 Volvo XC90
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:37.088Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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: 53
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2006: 53 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	81
2018	52
2019	42
2020	34
2021	38
2022	31
2023	41
2024	38
2025	28

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

30% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing switch.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Fire started in rear near battery compartment. Within seconds, it exploded.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-05-16

Also filed under Structure

Vehicle is slightly off-balance no matter if I do an alignment ball joints seem to always get affected. Iâm not sure if the hydraulics are working correctly. Yesterday I just started leaking antifreeze fluid.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-16

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Awakened to lights flashing, horn going off, wipers running on a vehicle that was parked with keys removed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-11

Tires

15% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

Engine

11% · 6 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2006 Volvo XC90. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor of fuel detected in the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-09

Exterior lighting

8% · 4 reports

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel pump.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

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

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

2006 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 8 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V155000 · Steering
Recall 06V144000 · Visibility
Recall 10V566000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Volvo XC90 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Volvo XC90 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Volvo XC90?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Volvo XC90 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.