2009 Volvo Xc90 problems
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and now in its second generation.
The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars. It was manufactured at Volvo's Torslandaverken. Volvo moved production equipment of the first generation to China and ended Swedish production at the end of 2014, renaming the car as the Volvo XC Classic (or Volvo XC90 Classic).
At the end of 2014, the second generation XC90 was introduced. It is based on a new global platform, the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Both generations of the XC90 have won Motor Trend's SUV of the Year award in their debuts.
In late 2022, the electric-only EX90 was introduced as the successor of the XC90.
Social links
Common 2009 Volvo Xc90 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Volvo XC90 2009, several common problems have been reported:
- Mass Air Flow Sensor Issues: Another common problem reported by owners of the 2009 Volvo XC90 is related to the mass air flow sensor. When dirty, this sensor can lead to abnormal engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and issues with acceleration. Regular cleaning of the mass air flow sensor is advised to prevent these problems and maintain optimal engine performance .
- Transmission Problems: Some owners have faced transmission issues with the 2009 Volvo XC90, including premature failure, slipping gears, rough gear shifts, and clicking noises while accelerating. These transmission problems can be costly to repair and may lead to an uncomfortable driving experience. It is crucial to address any transmission issues promptly to avoid further damage and ensure safe driving.
- Multimedia Block Malfunctions: The multimedia block in the 2009 Volvo XC90, responsible for displaying music, climate control, and parking sensor information, has been reported to experience breakdowns. Issues with the radio and restrictions on installing non-branded components have been highlighted. Problems with the multimedia block can impact the overall driving experience and convenience features of the vehicle, necessitating attention and potential repairs .
These common problems reported by owners of the 2009 Volvo XC90 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections to address issues early and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Is Volvo XC90 reliable 2009?
This car is safe and very well built. It handles well and is very reliable. It could be a little lighter as its a heavy car but the 3.2L engine is more than capable of getting up and going. It rides smooth and is roomy inside.
What is the most common problem of Volvo XC90?
Top Volvo XC90 Problems
- Transmission Failure Common. ...
- Software Upgrades Will Fix Audio System Problems. ...
- Software Upgrades Will Fix Climate Control System Problems. ...
- Hard Shifting, Erratic Shifting and Other Transmission Issues. ...
- Oil May Leak From AWD Differential Housing. ...
- Hard Shifts and Transmission Slips.
How many miles can a 2009 Volvo XC90 last?
The Volvo XC90 can typically last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles when given the proper care and maintenance it needs. Bring your model into our Quantrell Volvo Cars service center for check-ups, routine oil changes, battery replacements, or more serious repairs.
What year did Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?
2003-2005
A federal judge has approved a settlement agreement reached between Volvo and 95,000 owners of XC90 vehicles that had defective transmissions. In 2009, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2003-2005 Volve XC90 T6 sports utility vehicles (SUV).
Is Volvo XC90 reliable 2009?
This car is safe and very well built. It handles well and is very reliable. It could be a little lighter as its a heavy car but the 3.2L engine is more than capable of getting up and going. It rides smooth and is roomy inside.
What is the most common problem of Volvo XC90?
If you're looking for the Volvo XC90 years to avoid, these three are the worst. These years are the least reliable and expensive to keep in quality condition. They possess troubles like pricey transmission issues, malfunctions in the electronic system, engine failures, water leaks, and faults with the gearboxes.
How many miles can a 2009 Volvo XC90 last?
The Volvo XC90 can typically last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles when given the proper care and maintenance it needs. Bring your model into our Quantrell Volvo Cars service center for check-ups, routine oil changes, battery replacements, or more serious repairs.
Does the 2009 Volvo XC90 have a timing belt or chain?
The 2009 XC90 with the 6 cylinder is equipped with a timing chain rather than a timing belt. The chain shouldn't need replacement for the life of the vehicle.
2009 Volvo Xc90 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo Xc90 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Volvo Xc90 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2009 Volvo Xc90 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Volvo Xc90.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-28
- VIN: YV4CT852091
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: A plastic Fuel Pressure Sensor bracket holder, part number: 30720139, found on Volvo V8 XC90 and S80 (2005-2011) can crack, resulting in a fuel leak within the engine compartment. See attached picture of 30720139, with highlight of plastic assembly. No replacement part is available from Volvo, since ~Dec 2021, per this link: https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/06-xc90-v8-fuel-pressure-sensor-mount-snapped.640161/post-7969481 However, an aftermarket solution is now recently available: https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/volvo-v8-fuel-pressure-sensor-bracket-replacement-billet-6061.656808/#post-7986238 https://www.ebay.com/itm/115630747349
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-20
- VIN: YV4CZ982691
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system disengaged and the braking system engaged causing the vehicle to go from 85 mph to 45 mph. 2) I was driving on C-470. The transmission system would not transition between the gears automatically. The vehicle remained in a low gear until I removed the device. 3) I was driving on I-70 when all of the warning lights went and an alarm sounded. The message console read all system failure. The engine shut down. Once the device was removed, I was able to restart the vehicle.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-11
- VIN: YV4CZ982491
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: REAR SPARE TIRE DROPPED OFF VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC SLIDING ACROSS THE FREEWAY, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF CABLE HOLDING REAR TIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV4CZ982591
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: OPENED TRUNK HATCH DOOR TO PUT ITEMS IN TRUNK AND LIFTED DOOR TO THE FULL OPEN POSITION, THE HYDRAULIC ARMS BOTH FAILED AND THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE DOOR FELL DIRECTLY ONTO HEAD CAUSING SEVERE HEAD INJURY WITH RESIDUAL EFFECTS. NO PROBLEMS WITH TRUNK DOOR PRIOR TO THIS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND A FUSE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ECM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-11
- VIN: YV4CY982091
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: DURING SWITCHING OFF IGNITION A WARNING LIGHT WAS VISIBLE, ON TURNING ON IGNITION AGAIN MULTIPLE FAULTS REGISTERED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.NO ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS FAULT OCCURRED. LIST OF FAULTS NOTICED: 1: SRS WARNING LIGHT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 2: ABS FAILURE (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 3: PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 4: PASSENGER AIRBAG FAULT-SERVICE REQUIRED (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 5: PASSENGER ELECTRICAL ASSIST SEAT NOT WORKING 5: HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN IGNITION IS ON 6: VEHICLE CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK 7: REAR TAIL LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF IGNITION KEY. 8: NO BRAKE LIGHTS 9: NO TURN RIGHT SIGNALS (BACK OR FRONT) 10: HEADLIGHT FAULT (INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOTIFICATION) 11: REV COUNTER NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY, SITS AT 6:00 WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF. 12: REV COUNTER RESTS AT 7000RPM ON ENGINE IDLE AND CONTINUES CLOCKWISE. 13: ENGINE WILL NOT PASS 4000RPM 14: ENGINE STOPPED ENROUTE TO VOLVO DEALERSHIP TRAVELING AT 65MPH WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RE START AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. 15: TRIP COMPUTER DOES NOT REGISTER MILES TRAVELED. 16: MILES LEFT TILL EMPTY SHOWS 9999. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-01
- VIN: YV4CT852291
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING IDLE FOR FOUR DAYS. AFTER FOUR DAYS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER THE ELECTRICAL DRAIN COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
2009 Volvo Xc90 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2009 Volvo Xc90.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- 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 NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Negative 2009 Volvo Xc90 car reviews
Positive 2009 Volvo Xc90 car reviews
-
This is my second Volvo XC90 and we absolutely love it! I was surprised to find that there aren't more reviews on this car. Our previous XC90 was unfortunately in an accident where we were t-boned by a driver who ran a red light. Thankfully, my two children (5 & 9) and I were unharmed. The other driver's car was totaled and they suffered from whiplash and minor back injuries. This car is truly a tank! While it may not have the best gas mileage, I don't mind trading a few extra dollars at the pump for the peace of mind that comes with A+ safety. The XC90 is the perfect family car with plenty of room, comfortable seating, and a sporty yet safe driving experience.
-
I have driven 20,000 miles in my V-8 without any issues and have been getting an average of 19.7 mpg in mixed driving. I absolutely adore the premium leather, the drive train, the ride quality, and the overall appearance of the car. However, I do have some concerns about the all-wheel-drive system when paired with the 19
-
You're an excellent performer! The road handling is also excellent, just as the manufacturer promised. This beast may have deceivingly dreamy-looking headlights, but it really swallows gas when you press for performance. However, I'm not complaining, just making a statement because fuel is cheap here, so the petrol consumption doesn't bother me.
-
We leased our second XC 90 in August 2008 and we couldn't be happier. Our first lease was a 2006 XC 90 with the 5 cylinder turbo, and while it was a decent car, it was a bit underpowered. It struggled to get good gas mileage and passing on the highway was a challenge. We did have some warranty work done, but nothing too concerning. However, based on the improved reliability cited by Consumer Reports, we decided to lease a new V8. It is light years better and feels like a completely different car, while still getting similar gas mileage to our previous model. There are only minor differences between the model years, and the incentives made them the same price!
-
This is my fourth Volvo, but my first SUV. I purchased a 2008 V8 Special Edition with practically all the options and I have no regrets. The ride is smooth, the steering is responsive, and the road grip and stability are far better than my wife's Acura MDX. Although the second row is a bit cramped, it's meant for kids and they are more interested in the entertainment system, so it's not a big issue. The air conditioning for the rear seats is always on, as it enhances the overall airflow. The air quality system and BLIS make highway traffic very comfortable. I drive the car pretty hard and get a mileage below 12, but the V8 sound is so great that it's hard not to use the power.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Volvo Xc90 problems:
Looking to buy an '09 XC90. Is there anything I should be aware of ...
Jun 7, 2016 ... Anyways, an individual about 30 miles from where I live is selling his 2009 Volvo XC90. ... problems so far with them. ... common failure on the awd ...
2009 Volvo XC90 Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top 2009 Volvo XC90 Problems · Transmission Failure Common. 337 people have reported this · Software Upgrades Will Fix Audio System Problems. 158 people have ...
General Opinion on XC90 V8 | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance ...
Mar 29, 2016 ... Any big issues to look for? Carfax is a 2 owner no accident car with over 20 service records (all at Volvo dealers) and it seems super clean. I' ...
Opinions on 6cyl 2009 XC90? : r/Volvo
Jun 4, 2019 ... ... issues as well (Both legs gone ATK). Any known issues with a XC90 2009 6cyl he should look for when inspecting? 147,000 mi. I know this is ...
XC90 common problems - Volvo Owners Club Forum
Aug 27, 2021 ... Check for smooth running and visible smoke. There's a rubber core plug on the engine that can fail and cause a goodly oil leak. Not a difficult ...
Other years of Volvo Xc90
Are you having problems with your 2009 Volvo Xc90?
Jermey Upton 2025-11-10
I recently purchased a used 2009 Volvo XC90 and unfortunately discovered that there are some major transmission issues with many of their vehicles from around 2008 and earlier. The cost to have it replaced or repaired can be quite high, ranging from $3000 to $7000. I found out that there was even a class action suit on their vehicles with T6 transmissions. Despite these challenges, I am fortunate to have some experience with major repairs and will do my best to get mine fixed. If you search the Volvo transmission forums online, you'll see that this is a widespread issue.
Carleton Will 2025-09-21
Many blogs have reported that transmission failure is a widespread issue, and what's even more surprising is the repeat replacement issue. It seems that Volvo has not yet addressed this issue publicly, nor have they made any design or manufacturing changes, even for their new models. While there have been no fatalities linked to this issue, I believe that it's only a matter of time before something happens. It's disappointing that a luxury car manufacturer like Volvo has not taken a more proactive stance on this, and I understand that dealing with dealers can be difficult.
Adolphus Jacobson 2025-09-09
I bought an XC90 because of its appearance, tall trunk space, and clearance, which are features that many modern SUVs compromise on. While the vehicle is not particularly special, it is still a decent choice. The interior quality is not the best, as the leather wears easily and the trims fade quickly. However, the car drives fine, and although it is heavy, the safety features are top-notch. The acceleration and fuel economy could be better, and the car does get stuck in snow easily, which defeats the purpose of having ground clearance. Additionally, the transmission has some sloppy shifting, and there are a few rattles when driving on the highway. Despite these drawbacks, the car does have ample cargo space, which is a plus.
Olin Krajcik 2025-08-03
We are thrilled to have just purchased our second XC90, after owning an 06 since Jan 06. Our previous experience was so positive that buying another one was an easy decision, especially with the unbelievable new warranty that includes five years of routine maintenance plus wear & tear items. Not only is it safe and functional, but it's also incredibly fun to drive. The only downsides are the lousy gas mileage and the third row seats, which may not be the most comfortable for anyone older than ten.
Edwardo Wisozk 2025-05-18
We have owned both the XC90 and S60 and unfortunately, we have experienced some frustrating issues with both vehicles. Over the past two years, we have had to repair or replace numerous parts and sensors that seem trivial to have to fix in such an early life of a vehicle. For example, we had to replace the ignition switch and the right and left side of the seat panel due to plastic cracking. Additionally, the sunroof leaked. While these issues are frustrating, we remain hopeful that Volvo will take our concerns seriously and work to improve their vehicles. We have reached out to Volvo to share our concerns and are currently awaiting a response. We appreciate your understanding and hope that our experience will help improve the quality of Volvo's vehicles in the future.