Is the 2017 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Volvo XC90 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volvo XC90?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Volvo XC90 have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2017 Volvo XC90

◆ Worse than typical

2017 Volvo XC90
RENDERED 2026-11-01T05:57:41.357Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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: 81
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2017: 81 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.

Engine

31% · 25 reports

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While on the highway, the system reported that engine coolant was low and to pull over safely. I pulled into a parking lot and within a couple of minutes the engine burst into flames. The local fire department responded and extinguished the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-13

The contact owned a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, a white-colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle's engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-18

The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, she noticed smoke from the engine compartment. The vehicle spontaneously caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-11

Electrical system

23% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

2017 Volvo XC90 manufacturing defect where panoramic sunroof drainage network fails under normal rain, pooling water directly in the floorboard channels over safety module networks and wire harnesses.Water infiltration caused a catastrophic...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-22

The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the window power switch was enabled; however, the window switch failed to function as intended.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-10

Service brakes

10% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Structure

9% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing body.

FIRE

Vehicle speed control

6% · 5 reports

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2016-11-21Air bags, equipment16V690000 Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Volvo XC90 and S90 vehicles manufactured April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain hose for proper installation, replacing the hose as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November the 14, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-12-16Seat belts16V798000 Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2017Complaint volume 81 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2017-04-14Air bags17V104000 Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country vehicles.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 1, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-08-04Seat belts17V370000 Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90 vehicles.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the third row passenger's side seatbelt retractor, free of charge. The recall began August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-12-26Electrical system18V800000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-07-14Electrical system21V273000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
R

2024-01-19Seat belts23V827000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2017 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 25 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V690000 · Air bags, equipment
Recall 16V798000 · Seat belts
Recall 17V104000 · Air bags
Recall 17V370000 · Seat belts
Recall 18V800000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V273000 · Electrical system
Recall 23V827000 · Seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2017 Volvo XC90 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Volvo XC90 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volvo XC90?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Volvo XC90 have?: 7 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.