Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Volvo XC90, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 4 | 11% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 11% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 8% |
| Engine | 2 | 5% |
| Wheels | 2 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 5% |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Air bags | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 departmen
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2007 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The local dealer was contacted, and it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the air ba
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
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 o
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
Drivers side fuel tank sending unit print or sending unit top leaking fuel, a check engine light appeared and almost instantly started smelling like gas. The check engine said small evap leak. This is a huge safety conce
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. This Recall Was Done for a 2004 Volvo xc90 . I am currently Experiencing
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
THE ISSUE FIRST STARTED ON MA 3RD, 2019. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO THE BEACH. THE ROAD WAS A LITTLE BUMPY AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR LOST ALL POWER AND SHUT ITSELF OFF. IT THROUGH 3 CODES, 1. IMM
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Steering
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
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2007 Volvo XC90. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Fix: 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 N
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE (CCM) MAY RECEIVE A 'SHUT-DOWN SIGNAL' FROM THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AFTER IGNITION KEY INSERTION. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL FUNCTIONS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE (INCLUDING THE DEFROSTER) D
Risk: INOPERATIVE DEFROSTERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE IMPAIRED VISIBILITY WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: THE ECM SOFTWARE WILL BE UPGRADED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
| Reliability raw | 80 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 78 | good |
| Maintenance | 64 | average |
| Depreciation | 53 | average |
| Performance | 66 | good |
| Efficiency | 30 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 4 of them (11%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 80/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 78/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2007 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.