2023 Volvo XC90 B5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 41 owner complaints for the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5. Most complaints involve back over prevention (12) and electrical system (11). The EPA rates it 25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Back over prevention12
- Electrical system11
- Forward collision avoidance6
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Service brakes4
- Steering3
- Power train3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Seat belts2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Back over prevention
“We lease this car from Volvo and are the first and only owners of the vehicle. No history of collision or accidents. The vehicle has a rear backup camera. The camera system also allows the option to select a 360-degree, top down "birds-eye" view of the entire vehicle. The backup camera turns on automatically when the car is shifted into reverse and originally provided a normal view directly behind the vehicle that extended at least a car length or more. At some point, we noticed that the rear backup camera view changed and was angled sharply down to the ground, including a partial view of our rear license plate and back bumper. The view now extends less than 7 feet behind the vehicle, angled down from the height of the camera (40-inches) so we can only see inches above the ground just a few feet behind the car. We can no longer see approaching vehicles, pedestrians, or any obstacles. The service technicians suggested this change in camera angle resulted from a routine system software update that was automatically downloaded to the vehicle. I don't know exactly when that occurred. On June 27, 2025 we received a safety recall notice from Volvo - Recall R10320 -…”
Electrical system
“WHAT COMPONENT OR SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, AND IS IT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION? The Pilot Assist / Adaptive Cruise Control system becomes physically stuck, causing sudden unintended acceleration. Additionally, the central vehicle electrical system/wiring harness is experiencing a verified spontaneous failure. The vehicle is currently located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and is fully available for federal inspection upon request. HOW WAS YOUR SAFETY OR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS PUT AT RISK? My life and the safety of everyone on the road was placed in immediate, catastrophic danger. On multiple occasions, the vehicle took total control away from me, overrode my inputs, and independently accelerated to 100 miles per hour on the highway. This maximum-throttle acceleration severely compromised my ability to slow down, brake, or control the vehicle. As a professional therapist and professor, surviving these multiple near-death events has caused me severe psychological trauma and a profound fear of driving. HAS THE PROBLEM BEEN REPRODUCED OR CONFIRMED BY A DEALER? Yes, a dealer has officially replicated and confirmed part of the underlying electrical failure. The vehicle…”
Forward collision avoidance
“I was driving on the internstate and my blind spot indicator came on and stayed on even though there were no cars in my blind spot. I needed to change lanes and tried to despite the blind spot indicator being on and the automatic collision avoidance system put me back into the lane I was in. I had to fight the vehicle to get over to be able to exit the interstate.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 B5 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $3,200 | 358 |
- 25mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 17.9%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2023 XC90 B5 questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 problems?
Owners filed 41 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are back over prevention (12), electrical system (11), forward collision avoidance (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 at 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 5 out of 5 stars overall.