Volvo XC90 VIN Number Check

Decode a Volvo XC90 VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefixYV4YV1

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Volvo XC90

About the Volvo XC90

Volvo has sold the XC90 in the US since the 2003 model year, and there have been two generations. The Gen 1 came first (2003–2014), and the Gen 2 took over for 2016–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 37 vehicle recall campaigns and 1,534 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 1. Its 2004 and 2005 model years alone account for 685 of them, with owners bringing up powertrain most often and the electrical system after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 15–19 mpg combined, while the Gen 2, whose lineup includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, gets 21–27 mpg, counting the plug-in hybrid on gas alone. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2003–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2

NHTSA recall campaigns37

Owner complaints1,534 at NHTSA

Volvo XC90 photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Volvo XC90 generations

Two generations since the 2003 model year. The Gen 1 (2003–2014) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 2 (2016–2026) the most recall campaigns (25).

2 / 2

Gen 2

2016–20262nd generation

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

20032010201520202025

2016–2026· Generation 2 of 2

Gen 2 · 2nd generation

PlatformVolvo SPA

EPA combined mpg21–27

NHTSA recalls25

Engines (EPA)

2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2016–2022
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, supercharged) · 2016–2022
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, supercharged, plug-in hybrid) · 2016–2022
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, plug-in hybrid) · 2022–2026
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, mild hybrid) · 2023–2026
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, supercharged, mild hybrid) · 2023–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
automatic (2016–2026)

Known issues to check

Electrical system (171)Engine and cooling (154)Brakes (61)2 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 580 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 2YV4A22PK?G1······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2016 Volvo XC90 SV42 Momentum, built in Torslanda, Sweden

Check an XC90 VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which XC90 model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 37 campaigns on file for XC90 model years 2003–2026, and the 2020 shows up in more of them than any other year (9), ahead of the 2016 (8). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Volvo XC90 owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Between them, the 2004 and 2005 hold 685 of the 1,534 complaints, or 45%. Tap any bar or generation.

1,534NHTSA complaints, 2003–2026

43mention a crash

45mention a fire

59injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 2: 580 complaints · most for the 2016 (197)

Top complaint areas · Gen 2

Mentions in 580 complaints, 2016–2026.

Electrical system171

Engine and cooling154

Brakes61

Fuel system47

Structure and body44

Rear camera / back-over prevention40

Crashes 26Fires 25Injuries 38

2016–2026 (Gen 2)

NHTSA data summary

Its first model year, the 2016, drew more complaints than any other (197 of 580). Owners across the generation name electrical system most often (171 mentions), then engine and cooling (154).

What XC90 owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2016–present (2nd generation, SPA)

The 2016 draws by far the most complaints. NHTSA owners of the 2016 most often describe rear door latches that fail and doors that will not open, heavy oil consumption blamed on piston rings, and coolant leaks from a cracked bypass pipe. Owners of the 2017 more often mention coolant leaks. CarComplaints lists a total loss of power while driving, an auto braking malfunction and clogged sunroof drains for 2016, an A/C leak for 2017, and power steering failure for 2020. Recalls cover a coolant bleeder hose that may crack, an A/C drain hose that may leak into the cabin and third row curtain air bags. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the coolant hose, A/C drain and curtain air bag recalls.
Ask how much oil the engine uses and for piston ring, coolant pipe and door latch repair records.
Open every door from inside and outside.
Clear the sunroof drains.
On the drive, watch for coolant warnings, loss of power and false automatic braking.

Sources (5) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

XC90 complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid and plug-in XC90 versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

1,534complaints, 2003–2026

43mention a crash

45mention a fire

59injuries reported

Most complaints: 2004 (462), 2005 (223), 2016 (197)

2004 · 462 complaints

Crashes 9 · fires 3 · injuries 8

Electrical system158

Power train145

Fuel system43

Fuel/propulsion system34

Exterior lighting32

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

XC90 CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 77 XC90 versions for model years 2003–2026 (gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 131 g/mi, for the 2022 plug-in hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 12003–2014

15–19 mpg · CO₂ 455–592 g/mi

Gen 22016–2026

21–27 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 53–66 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 131–429 g/mi

Model year2025

26combined MPG

343CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$3,150EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

5/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybridPlug-in hybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

XC90 vs BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2016–2026. NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns for the XC90, against 49 for the BMW X5 and 73 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Pick a range to compare.

Volvo XC90Gen 2

Model years 2016–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 25
NHTSA owner complaints: 580
EPA combined mpg: 21–27
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L
Also listed: turbo, supercharged, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 171
Engine and cooling 154
Brakes 61

BMW X5

Model years 2016–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 49
NHTSA owner complaints: 968
EPA combined mpg: 15–25
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0 L · 8-cyl 4.4 L
Also listed: turbo, diesel, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 269
Engine and cooling 239
Brakes 163

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Model years 2016–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 73
NHTSA owner complaints: 679
EPA combined mpg: 14–25
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0, 2.1 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 3.5 L · 8-cyl 4.0, 5.5 L
Also listed: turbo, diesel, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, supercharged
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 151
Engine and cooling 150
Fuel system 81

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Volvo XC90 VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an XC90

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Silver Volvo XC90 (second generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The XC90's VIN sits on a plate at the lower driver's side windshield. Door jamb sticker, B-pillar label, and a cargo area sticker near the rear supplement the primary location. Engine bay stamp near the strut tower is also present. The Gen 2 generation starts with the 2016 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (G for 2016) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Volvo XC90 VIN questions

Which Volvo XC90 model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2004 leads with 462, ahead of the 2005 (223) and 2016 (197). Those first two alone make up 45% of the 1,534 XC90 complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Volvo XC90 had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 37 vehicle campaigns for model years 2003–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 2 leads with 25. Then come the Gen 1 (12), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Volvo XC90 recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 09V-483, 10V-566, 05V-529, 07V-221, 10V-147, 19V-308 and 25V-179. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which XC90 generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2003–2014 and the Gen 2 2016–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (G is 2016).

What fuel economy does the Volvo XC90 get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2016–2026 Gen 2 at 21–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, with the plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone (53–66 MPGe on gas and electricity), up from 15–19 mpg for the 2003–2014 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Volvo XC90 compare with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE on recalls?

For 2016–2026 models the XC90 has 25 NHTSA recall campaigns. The BMW X5 has 49, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 73. Complaints run 580, 968 and 679 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

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