2010 Volvo XC90 Problems
- Complaints
- 12filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 97,500miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl FWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Volvo XC90 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2010 Volvo XC90. The part named most often is fuel system, with 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by steering (2) and body and structure (2). 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 97,500 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 218 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part. Steering complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system4 33%
- Steering2 17%
- Body and structure2 17%
- Tires2 17%
- Air bags1 8.3%
- Brakes1 8.3%
- Engine1 8.3%
- Other or unknown1 8.3%
- Wheels1 8.3%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Engine stalled and shut down at highway speed of approximately 70 MPH. Two consecutive tankfuls at about 1/4 tank or 135 miles to empty. Check engine light came on. Restarted engine and limped to nearest gas station. After fillup engine light cleared and it drove fine until down to approx a quarter tank again when it reoccurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11299955, filed 2020-01, 151,500 milesBody and structure: “The contact owns a 2010 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in her garage, the spare tire became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician diagnosed that the winch that was holding the spare tire in place fractured, causing the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10588537, filed 2014-05, 60,000 milesTires: “I pulled down the spare tire in our 2010 XC90 today to repair a flat (I think this may be the first time we have had to do so). There are 4 large burned and melted areas (as if it had been on a giant grill) on the sidewall of the spare tire that faces the undercarriage where it is suspended underneath the rear of the vehicle. I assume this is from the muffler or some other hot metal. In addition to wondering if this is a fire hazard, I am also apprehensive about the integrity and safety of the spare tire once it is placed on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10641814, filed 2014-10, 45,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
10% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 61,000 and 125,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Volvo XC90. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Volvo XC90 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| XC90 AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| XC90 FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V286000May 18, 2011SteeringCovers: Volvo XC90 2010–2011
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 xc90 vehicles manufactured from january 29, 2010, through august 16, 2010. The power steering fluid may leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing.
- 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)Covers: Volvo XC90 2003–2010, S80 2000–2010, V70 2001–2010 +6 more
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
- 10V147000Apr 16, 2010Fuel system, gasoline › DeliveryCovers: Volvo XC90 2010
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 xc90 vehicles. A leak may develop in the fuel line between the line and a connector.
Recall details for the 2010 Volvo XC90 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 218 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11032678Apr 23, 2026Engine. This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle…
- 11032671Apr 7, 2026Other or unknown. This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added…
- 11027173Dec 6, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
- 11020437Apr 10, 2025Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated…
- 11016002Feb 21, 2025Other or unknown. Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations…
- 11015994Feb 13, 2025Other or unknown. Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations…
- 11014113Jan 16, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
- 11014112Jan 16, 2025Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated…
- 11007925Aug 14, 2024Electrical system. Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 10249191Jan 12, 2024Electrical system. This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
Other model years of the Volvo XC90
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 | 4,500 | 2 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 37 | 18,750 | 3 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 41 | 17,000 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 79 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 31 | 11,200 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 40 | 21,000 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 61 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 34 | 25,000 | 7 | 5 | 25 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 42 | 50,000 | 6 | 5 | 24 | 23 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 52 | 16,718 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 81 | 20,000 | 7 | 5 | 24 | 79 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 197 | 20,000 | 8 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 11 | 47,476 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 19 | 94,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 12 | 97,500 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 7 | 76,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 29 | 52,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 38 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 53 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 223 | 85,755 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 462 | 86,000 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 93 | 74,650 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Volvo XC90 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Volvo XC90 have?
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2010 Volvo XC90 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Volvo XC90 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by steering with 2.
Has the 2010 Volvo XC90 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Volvo XC90 get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Volvo XC90 (XC90 FWD, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Volvo XC90 reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 97,500 miles and the middle half falls between 61,000 and 125,000 miles; 10% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.