2005 Volvo XC90 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 11%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Volvo XC90, 11% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. I need the headlights repaired by Volvo at their expense and reimbursement for the failed engine I had to replace.”
NHTSA complaint #10490743, filed 2013-01, 103,000 miles“While driving back from work the passenger low beam went out. I bought a new bulb and the light still did not work l then checked. The wiring going into the headlight and there was no power for the low beam how does this happen it was bad enough I had to replace the whole transmission just 3months ago and now this I also read nonlinear they had problems with the trannys.”
NHTSA complaint #10543169, filed 2013-09, 146,342 miles“While driving vehicle at 55-60 MPH all dashboard lights came on and car lost power. This caused a frightening and extremely dangerous situation. Without headlights or tail lights I could not be seen by other drivers. I tried to cross 2 lanes and get onto the shoulder with no power steering or engine power. While I was very fortunate I was not in or did not cause a serious accident I had an extremely close calls. I changed lanes and almost collided with another vehicle traveling at 55. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649780, filed 2014-10, 170,000 miles“I have a 2005 Volvo XC90 awd. My head lights have intermittent failures almost every time I am driving at night. It started about 10 months ago and has been getting more frequent. Sometimes left head light fails, sometimes right head light fails, sometimes both go out. They will resume working, sometimes if I do nothing, but always if I turn them off & back on. But will continue to fail. The dealer said they cannot find any problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10358883, filed 2010-10, 41,000 miles“Aside from normal care, I have only replaced my tires and a gas cap. I started to experience some water seepage onto the driver-side. I covered the vehicle when it rained and figured I would have a look at it when I had time. July 2015, I took my Volvo to savannah Volvo, fixed my breaks along with other safety fixes, after 14 hrs of having my vehicle and 2800 later, pete stated everything was taken care of and the water seepage was due to the drains being clogged, but, they are all clear now, we did a water test and everything is ok. …”
NHTSA complaint #10779801, filed 2015-10, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11020437Apr 10, 2025This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the…
- 11014112Jan 16, 2025This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the…
- 10155199Jan 17, 2019Technical Journal TITLE : Headlamp , Leak Test REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States TJ 17076 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars…
- 10128164Oct 25, 2017Title BLIS fault tracing . Status Released Status 2012 - Ref No US25788.1.1 en - US Date 04 - 16 Issue 2012 - Issuer - Date 01 - 19 Vida Partner 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North…
- 10051798Mar 15, 2013Headlamp moisture due to broken guide pin. Volvo.
- 10027285Jul 6, 2009Volvo: headlamp low beam connector replacement. A new method of repair for halogen type low-beam headlamps has been developed to address complaints for vehicles. Updated 3/27/09…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 8% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 25 | 11% |
| 2004 | 32 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2005 Volvo XC90
62 complaintsElectrical system
51 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Volvo XC90
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology