Problems · NHTSA complaints

2007 Volvo XC90 problems

Owners filed 38 complaints about the 2007 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA between Jul 2007 and Feb 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (14).

Complaints
38
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system14
  2. Power train5
  3. Steering4
  4. Engine4
  5. Fuel/propulsion system3
  6. Suspension3
  7. Exterior lighting3
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)2
  9. Service brakes2
  10. Wheels2
  11. Service brakes, hydraulic2
  12. Engine and engine cooling2
  13. Visibility/wiper1
  14. Air bags1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20074
20083
20091
20102
20112
20125
20132
20142
20154
20161
20172
20183
20192
20200
20210
20221
20233
20240
20250
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

14 reports4 fires
“While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, a sudden electrical fire occurred, requiring immediate evacuation. The vehicle was pulled over safely and the driver exited before the fire escalated. The fire department responded and the vehicle was declared a total loss due to fire damage. The failure is believed to have originated from an electrical short involving the climate control/defroster system. The affected wiring and components were destroyed by the fire and are not available for inspection. The day prior to the fire, the fuse controlling both the climate control system and the instrument cluster blew twice when the defroster was activated. The fuse was replaced, and the defroster was not used again. At the time of the fire, the defroster systems was not operating. There were no warning lights or alerts immediately prior to the fire. The fire occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a serious safety risk to the occupant and surrounding traffic. The incident has not been reproduced or inspected by a dealer. The vehicle was inspected by the fire department. No manufacturer inspection has occurred.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperFire reportedODI 11715108

Power train

5 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF FIVE YEARS BUT NO CAUSE FOR FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 09/10/13*LJ”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2013Power trainODI 10534206

Steering

4 reports
“ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 06, 2019, OUR 2007 VOLVO XC-90 EXPERIENCED A STEERING LOCK FAILURE. THAT IS THE LOCK COULD NOT ADVANCE TO THE START POSITION AND CONSEQUENTLY LOCKED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE LOCK WOULD NOT ADVANCE. CONSEQUENTLY PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING: A) CONSULTED VOLVO OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUAL WAS SILENT ON THIS. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NOSE FIRST IN OUR GARAGE, AGAIN CONSULTED THE VOLVO OWNER'S MANUAL TO FIND OUT HOW TO MANUALLY GET THE VOLVO OUT OF PARK. VOLVO'S MANUAL WAS SILENT ON THIS. B)CONTACTED NORTH TOWN VOLVO DEALER FOR ADVICE. RESPONSE WAS TO GET THE VEHICLE IN BY TOWING. NO ADVICE AS TO HOW TO DISENGAGE THE VOLVO'S PARK FEATURE. C)CONTACTED VOLVO'S ON LINE CHAT SERVICE AND RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE. NO HELP! GET THE CAR TOWED IN! D)CONTACTED IN COLLISION AND AUTO REPAIR. THEY SUGGESTED A 2006 YOU TUBE VIDEO SHOWING HOW TO DISENGAGE THE PARK FUNCTION. THIS WORKED AND THE VOLVO 2007 XC-90 WAS TOWED TO IN COLLISION AND AUTO REPAIR. IT TOOK THREE WEEKS TO REPAIR THE LOCK FOR THE PARTS HAD TO COME FROM GERMANY. PICTURES OF THE FAILED LOCK ASSEMBLY ARE ENCLOSED. AFTER THE LOCK REPAIR, IN COLLISION PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING:…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2019Steering, Electrical systemODI 11194414

Engine

4 reports1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO XC90. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND TIMING CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SENT A SIGNAL TO THE TIMING CONTROL MODULE, WHICH CAUSED AN ENGINE SEIZURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V563000 (VISIBILITY). THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 197,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2018EngineODI 11113983

Fuel/propulsion system

3 reports
“I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my recently acquired 2007 Volvo XC90. Upon refueling the vehicle to a level exceeding half the tank capacity, there is a discernible and persistent odor of gasoline within the cabin. Given the potential safety implications associated with such an issue, I am seeking your guidance on the appropriate course of action. In researching this matter, I have come across similar concerns raised by other owners of the same vehicle model. This has heightened my awareness of the need to address this issue promptly and comprehensively. In an effort to troubleshoot the matter, I have inspected the fuel cap and surrounding areas for visible leaks. However, the matter persists, prompting my inquiry. Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could advise on any potential recalls, technical service bulletins, or common issues related to the fuel system in the 2007 Volvo XC90. Thank you for your time and expertise in addressing this concern. I look forward to your guidance on resolving this matter promptly and ensuring the continued safety and reliability of my vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 27, 2023Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11556993

Suspension

3 reports
“ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STATE NEEDS SERVICE. THE AIR CONDITIONER WORKS INTERMITTANTLY AND THE TCS (TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM) SOMETIMES FAILS TO COME ON. LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE, ONLY SOME OF THE TIME. PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH 180.000 MILES”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 12, 2017Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11004766
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.