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2006 Volvo XC90

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Volvo XC90 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 34.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

41 reports with mileage · 12 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports4 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

53 reports
49,000 miles · Mar 7, 2011
Traction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN THE SNOW AND THE REAR WHEELS WOULD NOT TURN AND THE VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ALL WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ANGLE GEAR WAS NOT WORKING BECAUSE THE GEARS WERE SPINNING AND WORN OUT. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN THE SNOW AND THE REAR WHEELS WOULD NOT TURN AND THE VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ALL WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ANGLE GEAR WAS NOT WORKING BECAUSE THE GEARS WERE SPINNING AND WORN OUT. THE DEALER STATED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BECAUSE THE GEARS COULD WEAR SIMILAIR TO THE WAY BRAKE PADS COULD WEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER EXHIBITED A WARNING THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 05/04/11 *BF UPDATED 07/08/11

NHTSA ODI #10386670

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2010
Power TrainCrash

TRANSMISSION FAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10369598

48,000 miles · Oct 12, 2010
Visibility

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO XC90. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER WAS GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE; THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WATER WAS GETTING IN THROUGH THE SUNROOF AND THE DRAINAGE FROM THE SUNROOF…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO XC90. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER WAS GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE; THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WATER WAS GETTING IN THROUGH THE SUNROOF AND THE DRAINAGE FROM THE SUNROOF WAS CLOGGED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE AIR CONDITIONER AND BLOWER SHORT CIRCUITED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRAIN PLUGS FOR THE SUNROOF FAILED, WHICH CAUSED WATER AND ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/20/11

NHTSA ODI #10360071

85,000 miles · Sep 30, 2010
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, Electric

ANTI-SKID ERROR KEEPS COMING UP ON MY 2006 8 CYL VOLVO XC90. DEALER UNSURE HOW TO DIAGNOSE. I AM CONCERNED MY ANTI LOCK BRAKING AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT WORK. IS THIS A KNOWN DEFECT IN VOLVO XC90'S OF THAT YEAR? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10358506

40,000 miles · Sep 16, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

2006 VOLVO XC90 HEADLAMP FAILURE. WA.STATE VOLVO REP. DENIES INTERMITTENT HEADLAMP FAILURE EXISTS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THE VOLVO HEADLIGHTS JUST FAIL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN! I AND MANY OTHERS APPROX.93,487 OWNER'S OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS HAVING VOLVO SERVICE DEALER'S UNABLE TO CORRECT T…

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2006 VOLVO XC90 HEADLAMP FAILURE. WA.STATE VOLVO REP. DENIES INTERMITTENT HEADLAMP FAILURE EXISTS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THE VOLVO HEADLIGHTS JUST FAIL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN! I AND MANY OTHERS APPROX.93,487 OWNER'S OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS HAVING VOLVO SERVICE DEALER'S UNABLE TO CORRECT THE SERIOUS PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE A PRIORITY SAFETY RECALL AND VOLVO SHOULD IMMEDIATELY SEND OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN TO ALL DEALERSHIPS. APPARENTLY VOLVO DOES KNOW THIS PROBLEM EXISTS AND HAS PURPOSELY CHOSEN TO NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. VOLVO OWNER'S ARE AT RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. WHILE DRIVING THE VOLVO THE HEADLAMPS FLICKER AND FAIL . THE DRIVER USUALLY A MOTHER WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR IS SUDDENLY PLUNGED INTO DARKNESS AT ANY GIVEN SPEED AND AT NIGHT. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US MOTHERS WHO BELIEVE WE MADE THE BEST DECISION TO PROVIDE" SAFETY FIRST" FOR OUR FAMILY'S . THIS NEEDS TO BE A PRIORITY SAFETY RECALL . HAVING THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL WHILE DRIVING IS PUTTING INNOCENT LIVES IN GRAVE DANGER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355979

40,000 miles · Sep 16, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

INTERMITTENT LIGHTING FAILURE IN THE VOLVO XC90 2006 MODEL. THE HEADLAMPS JUST FAIL. VOLVOS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SAFE. MY FAMILY AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THE ISSUE AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. I CAN NOT DRIVE AT DUSK OR AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355968

22,000 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Tires

WE OWN A 2006 VOLVO XC90. IT CAME WITH PIRELLI TIRES WHICH LASTED LESS THAN 17,000 MILES. TIRES WERE REPLACED, PARTLY BY VOLVO, BUT LASTED ONLY 20,000 MILES. SO, TWO COMPLETE SETS OF TIRES AND THE CAR HAS ONLY 37,000 MILES. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO REPLACE THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10327639

59,900 miles · Dec 19, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY VOLVO XC90 (2006) ABRUPTLY STALLS AND DIES ON FREEWAY WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL (TYPICALLY AT 70-75 MPH). HAVE HAD TWO REPEATED INCIDENTS, SO FAR LUCKY HAVE NOT BEEN HIT. DEALERSHIP FOUND NO PROBLEM., CAR DIED AGAIN. FIRST INCIDENT WAS AT ABOUT 59,000 MILES, SECOND WAS NEXT TIME I USED CRUISE ON FREEWAY. I ALWAYS USE PRE…

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MY VOLVO XC90 (2006) ABRUPTLY STALLS AND DIES ON FREEWAY WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL (TYPICALLY AT 70-75 MPH). HAVE HAD TWO REPEATED INCIDENTS, SO FAR LUCKY HAVE NOT BEEN HIT. DEALERSHIP FOUND NO PROBLEM., CAR DIED AGAIN. FIRST INCIDENT WAS AT ABOUT 59,000 MILES, SECOND WAS NEXT TIME I USED CRUISE ON FREEWAY. I ALWAYS USE PREMIUM FUEL, REGULAR SERVICE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296427

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2009
Latches/locks/linkagesWheels

I OWN A 2006 VOLVO XC90 AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING MAY BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO A VOLVO DEALER (JULY 2008 WHILE STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) AS I FELT THAT IT WASN'T RUNNING PROPERLY AND IT WAS MAKING WEIRD NOISES THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM (I MADE THE DEALERSHIP PROVI…

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I OWN A 2006 VOLVO XC90 AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING MAY BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO A VOLVO DEALER (JULY 2008 WHILE STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) AS I FELT THAT IT WASN'T RUNNING PROPERLY AND IT WAS MAKING WEIRD NOISES THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM (I MADE THE DEALERSHIP PROVIDE ME WITH A CAR FAX REPORT AS I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AS A DEMO). JUST LAST WEEK, 4,000 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THE NOISES GOT WORSE AND I DISCOVERED BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE BAD ALONG WITH BOTH REAR TIE RODS. I CONTACTED CORP. VOLVO AND THEY AGREED TO COVER A LITTLE OVER 50% OF THE ENTIRE REPAIRS. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE WHILE I WAS RESEARCHING OVER THE INTERNET I DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I EVEN RECEIVED CONFIRMATION FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE IS KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM. I FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE THAT THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY WAS A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE (06V-155). IF VOLVO REPLACED THIS PART AS RECALL ON MY VEHICLE WHY WOULD THEY GO BAD AGAIN IN SUCH A SHORT TIME FRAME? WOULD A DEFECTIVE TIE ROD CAUSE WEAR AND TEAR ON THE WHEEL BEARINGS? I AM CONCERNED THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO OTHER CONSUMERS OR EVEN WORSE THIS DEFECT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT? I DID NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS AND I HOPE THAT OTHER CONSUMERS IN MY POSITION WOULD NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AS IT DOES APPEAR TO BE A KNOWN AND COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10254799

17,600 miles · Aug 14, 2008
Tires

SUNDAY,JUNE 29, 2008 DRIVING ON I-83 SOUTH APPROACHING MD 695, REAR RIGHT TIRE SHREDDED AND BLEW. TIRE DRIVEN LESS THAN 18,000 MILES. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY. WE WERE INFORMED TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO REPLACE BOTH REAR TIRES AT A COST OF $489. WE NOW HAVE CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FRONT TIRES. WE DO NOT FEEL…

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SUNDAY,JUNE 29, 2008 DRIVING ON I-83 SOUTH APPROACHING MD 695, REAR RIGHT TIRE SHREDDED AND BLEW. TIRE DRIVEN LESS THAN 18,000 MILES. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY. WE WERE INFORMED TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO REPLACE BOTH REAR TIRES AT A COST OF $489. WE NOW HAVE CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FRONT TIRES. WE DO NOT FEEL WE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238132

Official recalls

3

10V566000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Nov 8, 2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: 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 NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

06V155000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

May 5, 2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF THE CLAMPING FORCE AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS WITH IMPROVED OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V144000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 28, 2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, IF THE WIPER ARM IS ACTIVATED IN EXTREME WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WITHOUT LIFTING THE WIPER ARMS AND CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD PRIOR TO MOVING, THE WIPER ARM MIGHT SLIP ON ITS DRIVESHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPERS FROM THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER ARMS AND RETAINING NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.