2005 Volvo XC90 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 28%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Volvo XC90, 28% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission completely failed. This was the 2nd transmission, as the first one failed at 45000 miles. I had to replace the transmission at a cost of $6000. Rebuilding failed trans was slightly cheaper but not worth it. I understand there is a class action lawsuit, but was settled before my transmission failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10641999, filed 2014-10, 155,000 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“At 111,000 thousand miles the counter balance shaft bearing went inside the motor. I did a little research on line and found out that it is a design problem, that Volvo knows about. It could cost any where from $5000.00 to $15000.00. I believe that they should be forced to do a recall for this known problem, and help there customers with the repairs. Thank you for your help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10498317, filed 2013-02, 111,000 miles“My car was at traffic light, on green light, I tried to accelerate , I heard a big noise from somewhere in engine area. After that noise, a light come on with a message transmission service urgent . The car has real hard time to accelerate. Even at 4000 RPM, it did not accelerate. Browse on internet for 3 hours and finally come to know that this particular model has transmission problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10476961, filed 2012-09, 96,005 miles“We have recently had transmission failure on 2005 Volvo XC90 t6 awd at 59,700 miles. We are 2nd owner and bought 12/31/09 with 59,074 and carfax check was stellar. The vehicle is just 9,700 miles out of warranty. We have contacted Volvo USA concerning 'goodwill policy' and vehicle is at tulsa dealer who are also working from their end.”
NHTSA complaint #10298981, filed 2010-01, 59,700 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10052500Jun 18, 2013Volvo: on some vehicles, the software for transmission control module (tcm) fails to contain optimal calibration settings, and would need to install upgraded tcm software. Models…
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10043574Mar 16, 2012Front left frost plug displacement can cause axle grease to mix with the automatic transmission fluid (atf).
- 10037896Jan 5, 2011Volvo: abs light on, four-wheel drive is not working. There is a software problem.
- 10032425Jul 10, 2009Volvo: the 5 speed automatic transmission, aw55-50/51, has a bolt on top that anchors the b4 band, which applies 3rd gear. If that bolt is removed, the band will be disengaged…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 13% |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 5 | 10% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 4 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 62 | 28% |
| 2004 | 145 | 31% |
| 2003 | 49 | 53% |
Other parts of the 2005 Volvo XC90
51 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsExterior lighting
25 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