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The Volvo XC90 Years To Avoid

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Silver Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 by Vauxford - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV selection from the iconic Volvo name, first manufactured in 2002. It’s continued strong today with more than two decades of models available. However, some years are better than others. You might wonder - what are the Volvo XC90 years to avoid when searching for your next car?

An investment in a vehicle is a big deal, especially if you’re looking for a luxury option like the Volvo XC90. Some years are quality selections, but if you purchase a terrible year, it will cost precious time and money. Read on to learn more about the Volvo XC90 years to avoid, the worst year for the XC90, the best years, and other critical information. 


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Volvo XC90 Years to Avoid

The hunt for a new car is stressful, especially if you’re set on one variety with many years in production. The Volvo XC90 has been a steadfast luxury option for a long time, so we’ve compiled a list of the years to avoid simplifying the search process on your end.

Here are the Volvo XC90 years to keep away from at all costs during your hunt:

  • 2004 Volvo XC90
  • 2005 Volvo XC90
  • 2007 Volvo XC90
  • 2016 Volvo XC90

If you’re looking for the Volvo XC90 years to avoid, these three are the worst. 

These years are the least reliable and expensive to keep in quality condition. They possess troubles like pricey transmission issues, malfunctions in the electronic system, engine failures, water leaks, and faults with the gearboxes. They had vast complaints from customers. Though any year will have trouble, these are the worst from the luxury car.

What Was the Worst Year for The Volvo XC90?

The above years are the worst for the Volvo XC90, but one is by far the worst of the bunch. According to motorbiscuit.com, the 2007 year is the worst of the bunch. It has the most reported issues and customer complaints from drivers.

There were many issues with the Volvo XC90, including the following troubles:

  • Premature transmission failure
  • Slipping gears
  • Clicking noise from the front while accelerating
  • Rough gear shifts

These cost drivers more than anticipated and an uncomfortable driving experience. 

Your bank account should avoid all the worst years for the Volvo XC90. However, take extra care to stay away from the 2007 selection. Not only is it expensive, but it will also lead to sudden breaks and an uncomfortable driving experience all around.

Best Volvo XC90 Years

We’ve talked about the years to stay away from the Volvo XC90, but what if you’re determined to invest in this vehicle for yourself? Luckily, several years stand out as the best from the brand. These offer extensive value in every drive.

Here are the best years available for the Volvo XC90:

  • 2009 Volvo XC90
  • 2014 Volvo XC90
  • 2020 Volvo XC90

If you’re looking for the Volvo XC90 years to avoid, keep away from these three selections whenever possible.

You’ll find minimal issues reported from this vehicle and the fewest recalls. These have raving customer reviews and excellent safety reports. If you want a luxury mid-size option, go with these from Volvo. The older the car, the less you will pay for it on the current market.


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE VOLVO XC90

It’s been on the market for two decades, which can be intimidating if you want one for yourself. You might wonder - what is the most reliable Volvo XC90 year available for drivers on the market today?


How Many Miles Does a Volvo XC90 Last?

Every car has a predicted number of miles it will last. The better the mileage, the fewer repairs you will make on your vehicle and the less money you will spend on necessary repairs. How many miles will a Volvo XC90 last?

According to enginepatrol.com, the Volvo XC90 is predicted to last 200,000-250,000 miles. It’s a sturdy luxury vehicle with an extensive lifespan if you take proper care of the machine as an owner.

According to carloanscanada.com, here are some items that will impact the lifespan of a car:

  • How often you change the oil
  • Rust, wear, and tear
  • The overall condition of your transmission
  • How you drive behind the wheel

Watch for these as you drive down the road.

The more effort you put into your vehicle, the longer it will last. Take care of the conditions you drive in, address breaks and other issues as soon as they appear and watch for various wear and tear. With proper care, your Volvo XC90 is sure to last the entire 200,000-250,000 lifespan before breaking down.


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Common Issues with the Volvo XC90

Whether you purchase the most reliable or least reliable year, some issues might appear in the Volvo XC90. It’s ideal to know about them before making an investment.

According to enginepatrol.com, here are the troubles associated with the Volvo XC90:

  • Water leaks
  • Oil consumption troubles
  • Fuel filler pipe leaks
  • Brake faults

Look out for these if you drive the Volvo XC90.

These might come up in any year of the Volvo XC90. However, they are most likely to come up with the least dependable selections for the vehicle.

How Reliable Is the Volvo XC90?

Reliability plays a role in the best years to purchase. The more dependable the year, the longer it will run and the less you will pay for repairs. Is the Volvo XC90 generally a reliable vehicle?

The Volvo XC90 is decent in reliability. According to repairpal.com, the Volvo XC90 scores 3.55, placing it 8th out of 14 other mid-size vehicles. It’s right in the middle of the pack.

You will have fun behind the wheel of the Volvo XC90 if you go with the best available years. It’s not the most dependable year, but it’s a strong contender.

Final Thoughts 

If you’re interested in the Volvo XC90, we recommend avoiding the 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2016 selections. They have extensive issues and require expensive repairs.

There are some bad years, but there are also some excellent selections available. If you’re set on purchasing the Volvo XC90, we recommend purchasing the 2009, 2014, or 2020 versions.



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