2005 Volvo XC90 problems
Owners have filed 304 complaints about the 2005 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 21.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 16.8%.
Complaints304
Crashes2
Fires4
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 21.1% · 64
Electrical system 16.8% · 51
Engine and engine cooling 13.2% · 40
Engine 9.5% · 29
Exterior lighting 8.2% · 25
Fuel/propulsion system 7.2% · 22
Steering 3.0% · 9
Fuel system, gasoline 3.0% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 2 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Volvo XC90 in this data, 2005 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 88,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I have a 2005 Volvo XC90 t6. Bought this car brand new. Had so many problems including transmission out; the blinkers do not work. The quality and safety of this vehicle is misleading and this is a horrible safety issue since blinker don't work. Looking into it, seems like this is an ongoing issue with many owner of Volvo XC90 2005. They really need to recall this before it's too late and cause fatalities. Power train · reported at 90,000 miles
Transmission failure of Volvo XC90 t6. Known problem that the transmission in this car is bad. Left stranded in the middle of an intersection and was almost rear-ended! "Transmission service urgent" light came on and took to be checked out. Was told couldn't find problem and replaced fluid. To no avail and was left stranded! I have found countless complaints online from others with this same issue!! Power train · reported at 64,000 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. Power train · reported at 96,005 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…