Is the 2010 Volvo XC90 reliable?

The 2010 Volvo XC90 has 16 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: FUEL SYSTEM problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Volvo XC90?

Top problems: FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); TIRES (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Volvo XC90?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STEERING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Contact any Volvo dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Volvo XC90?

The 2010 Volvo XC90 gets 16 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Volvo XC90?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Volvo XC90 is approximately $1,821/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Volvo XC90

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2010 Volvo XC90 has 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 46. The most common issue is fuel system problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: drove volvo one day ago and while driving on rural highway road early morning in the dark, vehicle without warning totally shut down in middle of road and stalled out. had to veer off road and coast on incline with not much momentum due to cars behind me. was dangerous situation, but luckily got veh. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

FUEL SYSTEM

4 complaints

25%

• DROVE VOLVO ONE DAY AGO AND WHILE DRIVING ON RURAL HIGHWAY ROAD EARLY MORNING IN THE DARK, VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING TOTALLY SHUT DOWN IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND STALLED OUT. HAD TO VEER OFF ROAD AND COAST ON INCLINE WITH NOT MUCH MOMENTUM DUE TO CARS BEHIND ME. WAS DANGEROUS SITUATION, BUT LUCKILY GOT VEH
• THE VEHICLE GETS A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE DRIVING AREA WHEN GAS TANK FILLED. NO FUEL FOUND TO BE LEAKING. SMELL COMES FROM UNDER FLOOR BY BACKSEATS
• ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. TWO CONSECUTIVE TANKFULS AT ABOUT 1/4 TANK OR 135 MILES TO EMPTY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RESTARTED ENGINE AND LIMPED TO NEAREST GAS STATION. AFTER FILLUP ENGINE LIGHT CLEARED AND IT DROVE FINE UNTIL DOWN TO APPROX A QUART

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“DROVE VOLVO ONE DAY AGO AND WHILE DRIVING ON RURAL HIGHWAY ROAD EARLY MORNING IN THE DARK, VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING TOTALLY SHUT DOWN IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND STALLED OUT. HAD TO VEER OFF ROAD AND COAST ON INCLINE WITH NOT MUCH MOMENTUM DUE TO CARS BEHIND ME. WAS DANGEROUS SITUATION, BUT LUCKILY GOT VEH”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Volvo XC90

Based on 13 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 95K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

STEERING18/05/2011

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 XC90 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 29, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2010. THE POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE OIL PIPE CONNECTION AT THE STEERING GEAR VALVE HOUSING.

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL PIPES ON THE POWER STEERING RACK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Volvo XC90

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$3,001

Per month

$250

Per mile

25.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,693/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Volvo XC90

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,821

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volvo XC90 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2010 XC90, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 16 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
FUEL SYSTEM: DROVE VOLVO ONE DAY AGO AND WHILE DRIVING ON RURAL HIGHWAY ROAD EARLY MORNING IN THE DARK, VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING TOTALLY SHUT DOWN IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND STALLED OUT. HAD TO VEER OFF ROAD AND COAST ON INCLINE WITH NOT MUCH MOMENTUM DUE TO CARS BEHIND ME. WAS DANGEROUS SITUATION, BUT LUCKILY GOT VEH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HER GARAGE, THE SPARE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINCH THAT WAS HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FAIL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HER GARAGE, THE SPARE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINCH THAT WAS HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FAIL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: STEERING OFTEN SHAKES AND IS HARD TO CONTROL GOING OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR. STEERING COLUMN STICKS AT TIMES AND THEN IS VERY WOBBLY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)