Volvo XC90 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year XC90 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2016 Volvo XC90 has the most documented problems with a problem score of 0 — driven primarily by 0 recalls, 0 complaints, and issues with No complaints on record.

Q: What is the best year XC90 to buy?

The 2016 Volvo XC90 is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 0, meaning 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record.

Q: Which XC90 has the fewest problems?

The 2016, 2017, 2018 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Volvo XC90 model year (2016–2022) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Volvo XC90 Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2016

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

#2 WORST

2017

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

#3 WORST

2018

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Problem score: 0

Best Volvo XC90 Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2016

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#2 BEST

2017

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

#3 BEST

2018

0 recalls · 0 complaints

Main area: No significant complaints

Problem score: 0

Found the right year? Verify that specific XC90 with a free VIN report.

Volvo XC90 — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Problem Score	Verdict
2022	0	0	0	Excellent
2021	0	0	0	Excellent
2020	0	0	0	Excellent
2019	0	0	0	Excellent
2018	0	0	0	Excellent
2017	0	0	0	Excellent
2016	0	0	0	Excellent

Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.

Volvo XC90 Shopping Guide by Era

2018–Present

Best: 2022

Recent XC90 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2022 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.

2013–2017

Best: 2017

Mid-decade XC90 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year XC90 should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2016 Volvo XC90 if possible. It has 0 recalls, 0 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is No complaints on record. The overall problem score is 0 — the highest in our dataset.

What is the best year XC90 to buy?+

The 2016 Volvo XC90 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which XC90 has the fewest problems?+

The 2016, 2017, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.

More Volvo XC90 Research

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Volvo XC90.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Volvo XC90.

Check a Specific Volvo XC90 VIN

Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.

Run a Free VIN Report →