2019 Volvo Xc90 Safety Report

2019 Volvo XC90: Low complaints, but six recalls address critical safety systems including steering, seat belts, and AEB.

31Complaints
6Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
8Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (6)Engine (4)Electrical System (3)Service Brakes (2)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Steering,Electrical System,Engine (1)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (1)Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Back Over Prevention (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Volvo Xc90

The 2019 Volvo XC90 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a relatively low number of overall complaints but a significant recall history addressing critical safety systems. With 31 total complaints, including 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 8 injuries, the vehicle has demonstrated some concerning real-world incidents. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this specific model year, Volvo generally maintains a strong reputation for safety. However, the six recalls issued for this vehicle highlight potential vulnerabilities in key areas such as seat belts, steering, electrical systems, and automatic emergency braking. These recalls, affecting components like seat belt anchors, steering gear, fuel pump, and AEB software, indicate that while the vehicle's design may be robust, manufacturing defects or software glitches have necessitated corrective action to ensure intended safety performance. The presence of fire incidents (3) and injuries (8) among the complaints, despite the low overall volume, warrants attention.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Volvo Xc90 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Volvo Xc90

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Volvo Xc90:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Steering Gear Assembly Defect
Double screws in the steering gear can cause the steering wheel to lock up, increasing crash risk, as per recall 20V-601.		 High Rare N/A miles
Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
A blown fuse can cause the low-pressure fuel pump to fail, leading to a stall and increased crash risk, as per recall 19V-875.		 High Rare N/A miles
Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Malfunction
Software/hardware incompatibility can prevent the AEB system from engaging as intended, increasing crash risk, as per recall 20V-033.		 High Rare N/A miles
Seat Belt Buckle/Anchor Bolt Improper Tightening
Second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly, increasing injury risk in a crash, as per recall 23V-820.		 High Rare N/A miles
Hvac Evaporator Coil Failure
Multiple complaints describe premature failure of the HVAC evaporator coil, leading to refrigerant leaks and AC malfunction, sometimes with smoke or odors.		 Medium Occasional 27000-56500 miles
Brake Booster Failure
Several complaints detail sudden and complete brake failure due to a faulty brake booster, with no prior warning.		 High Rare N/A miles
Engine Stalling/Reduced Power
Reports of the vehicle stalling while driving, reduced powertrain mode, and issues with supercharger or engine valve rings leading to oil consumption.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Electrical System Issues (Various)
Complaints include the car shutting off and rebooting, infotainment system crashes, and water damage to electrical components from sunroof drainage issues.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Volvo Xc90:

Unknown Or Other 19% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, indicating diverse issues not fitting specific component classifications.

Engine 13% of complaints

Engine-related complaints include stalling, reduced power, supercharger issues, valve ring problems leading to oil consumption, and even engine fires.

Electrical System 10% of complaints

Issues range from general electrical failures, infotainment system crashes, vehicle shutting off, and water damage affecting electrical components.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

Specific complaints about brake failure, including brake booster malfunction and issues with rotors causing steering shake.

Hvac 10% of complaints

Multiple reports of evaporator coil failure leading to AC malfunction, refrigerant leaks, and associated odors or smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Volvo Xc90

Is the 2019 Volvo XC90 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Volvo XC90 has a relatively low number of complaints (31 total) but has been subject to 6 recalls addressing critical safety components like steering, seat belts, and automatic emergency braking. While specific NHTSA crash test ratings are not available, the recalls indicate potential safety vulnerabilities that Volvo has actively sought to correct. There have been 2 reported crashes, 3 fires, and 8 injuries among the complaints.

What are common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC90?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Volvo XC90 include a significant number of 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' complaints (19%), followed by ENGINE-related problems (13%) such as stalling, reduced power, and oil consumption. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues (10%) and SERVICE BRAKES (6%) are also notable, with specific reports of brake booster failure. HVAC evaporator coil failure is also a recurring problem.

What recalls affect the 2019 Volvo XC90?

The 2019 Volvo XC90 has 6 recalls. These include issues with improperly tightened second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts (23V-820), steering gear assembly defects that can cause the steering wheel to lock up (20V-601), low-pressure fuel pump failure due to a blown fuse (19V-875), a software/hardware incompatibility affecting the automatic emergency braking system (20V-033), and issues with the Vehicle Connectivity Module software affecting GPS location for emergency services (19V-068). There was also a recall for XC90 Excellence models regarding a rear seat control display issue (20V-034).

Are there any fire risks with the 2019 Volvo XC90?

Yes, NHTSA complaint data for the 2019 Volvo XC90 includes 3 reported fire incidents. One complaint explicitly states 'My engine caught on fire. Unknown cause at this time.' Another mentions smoke coming from the front passenger's side wheel well. The recall for low-pressure fuel pump failure (19V-875) could also indirectly contribute to fire risk if fuel leaks were to occur, though the primary consequence listed is stalling.

How reliable is the 2019 Volvo XC90?

Based on the NHTSA data, the 2019 Volvo XC90 has a moderate reliability profile. While the total number of complaints is low (31), the presence of 6 recalls addressing significant safety and operational components suggests potential manufacturing or design flaws that required correction. Recurring issues like HVAC evaporator coil failure and engine problems also point to areas of concern for long-term ownership.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the recall history addressing critical safety components and recurring issues like HVAC and engine problems, potential buyers should ensure all recalls have been completed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical system, brakes, and HVAC.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Volvo Xc90

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Volvo Xc90. The data includes 31 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.