2006 Volvo XC90
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 195 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 37 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FIRE STARTED IN REAR NEAR BATTERY COMPARTMENT. WITHIN SECONDS, IT EXPLODED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160516
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, 20250316
Awakened to lights flashing, horn going off, wipers running on a vehicle that was parked with keys removed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240411
11% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20210809
9% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20250316
6% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 THE
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.
Campaign 06V155000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ITS
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.
Campaign 06V144000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
Campaign 10V566000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V155000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V144000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V566000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Volvo XC90 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.