2022 Volvo Xc90 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2022 Volvo Xc90 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine control module (ecu/ecm) and steering. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Propulsion system failure and turtle mode on highway.” Volvo schedules maintenance every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first — the cluster's service reminder counts down to it. Drive-E four-cylinder engines (2015+) require Volvo-spec 0W-20; the older five-cylinder turbos (XC70, C30) run on a timing belt with a firm replacement interval, not a chain. AWD Volvos use a Haldex-style rear coupling whose fluid service is the difference between an AWD system that lasts and a four-figure pump-and-clutch repair.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Campaign #22V793000 · Oct 20, 2022

Issue: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.

Risk: The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.

STEERING

Campaign #23V001000 · May 1, 2023

Issue: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.

Risk: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #23V827000 · Jul 12, 2023

Issue: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V179000 · Mar 24, 2025

Issue: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.

Risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2022 Volvo Xc90.

Reported to NHTSA

Propulsion system failure and turtle mode on highway

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2025-09

turtle mode light, loss of power, no propulsion, able to just get off the freeway on the left. Two hour wait for assistance on side of freeway in 98 degree heat. Dealership kept car for 40 days: replaced BDU, AC compressor, IGM
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481092
I was driving up hill at night with my kids in the car and my vehicle had a propulsion error and my car shut off on a blind corner. I couldn’t even put it in neutral and push it to the side. I was stranded without any way to move my vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486820

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Infotainment display blackout and system reset

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2026-05

the entire infotainment system and cluster panel (all digital--odometer, tachometer, everything) shut off entirely (go black) and the climate system also shuts off. It goes through some reset cycle and then eventually restarts after several seconds
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592932
The center infotainment display on my 2022 Volvo XC90 intermittently goes completely black and remains inoperable for days at a time. When the screen is black, the factory rearview camera image does not display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735479

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Engine compartment smoke and vehicle fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2024-04

while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the odor of smoke was suddenly present inside the vehicle and moments later smoke was viewed coming from under the hood. The vehicle was stopped and moments after exiting the vehicle the vehicle was engulfed in flames
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11583268
A strong smell of something burning started to permeate the car coming from under the hood of the engine. My family was beyond terrified of this. The threat and fear for their life was…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480246

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SRS airbag warning with repeated unresolved repair attempts

AIR BAGS

1 NHTSA complaint · 2024-09 → 2024-09

I received an SRS airbag, service urgent, drive to workshop warning. I took the car in six times the first two times they said it was a software update and they failed to update the software the third time they updated the software. It didn’t work
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615583

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Sunroof drain blockage and water intrusion

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 NHTSA complaint · 2025-10 → 2025-10

6 months after purchasing my car, there was a leak into my car due to a clogged sunroof drains causing damage to electronics and potentially to computers within the car. I fixed it at a quote of over $2k. Volvo refused to cover it under my warranty
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696466

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Fuel system leak without dashboard warning

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 NHTSA complaint · 2023-06 → 2023-06

Another driver pulled next to me and shouted out of the window, "YOUR CAR IS SPILLING GAS OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF YOUR CAR, PULL OVER OR YOUR CAR MAY CATCH FIRE." As I was near an exit, I got off the highway, and there was a service station right there. When I got…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528023

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Door lock self-activation with occupant or pet inside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

1 NHTSA complaint · 2023-09 → 2023-09

The vehicle locking system malfunctioned, locking itself with the keys inside the vehicle. The vehicle was in park, the engine was off, I was only out of the vehicle for 30 seconds to 1 minute in time while filling my gas tank. My dog was inside the vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543428

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Hybrid pedestrian audible alert absence at low speed

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 NHTSA complaint · 2025-07 → 2025-07

When I start the car and put it in D or B mode, it does not make any sound. This happens in any of the vehicle modes including "Pure" electric where the ICE is not engaged unless the battery runs out. There is no way for oncoming pedestrians to hear the vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675175

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Annual Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace every 10,000 miles or 12 months with Volvo-spec oil (VCC 0W-20 on Drive-E engines). Turbo five-cylinders in the older XC70/C30 are harder on oil — many specialists suggest 7,500 miles on those.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (5-Cylinder — XC70, C30)

Every 105,000 mi

Volvo's five-cylinder engines use a timing belt: replace around 105,000 miles or 10 years (verify your year's exact interval). Interference engine — do the tensioner and idlers in the same job. Drive-E four-cylinders (2015+) use a chain instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate at every annual service. AWD models: replace tires in matched sets — tread mismatch works the Haldex coupling constantly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and hoses at every service. Heavy XC90s wear front pads quickly in city duty; check electronic parking-brake function on 2016+ models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 fluid every 2 years regardless of miles — standard practice for the moisture-absorbing fluid, and cheap insurance for the ABS unit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

AWD Coupling Fluid (Haldex)

Every 40,000 mi

AWD models: replace the rear coupling's fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (Volvo's published interval varies by generation — check your manual). Skipping it clogs the pump filter and kills the AWD unit; whirring from the rear axle is the classic late symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

The Aisin 8-speed is labeled long-life, but Volvo specialists broadly recommend fluid service around 60,000 miles — sooner with towing. Use the specified JWS/Toyota WS-type fluid for your gearbox.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Drive-E turbo fours: plugs around every 60,000 miles. Supercharged+turbocharged T6/T8 engines run higher cylinder pressures — don't stretch the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace roughly every 30,000 miles; inspect annually in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 10,000 mi

Volvo specifies frequent cabin-filter replacement — annually on most models, in keeping with the brand's air-quality focus (CleanZone on newer cars).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Volvo long-life coolant typically runs ~10 years on the schedule; refresh with Volvo-spec coolant around 100,000 miles per independent-specialist practice.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2022 Volvo Xc90 reflects Volvo's published service intervals and the Volvo Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.