Jump LinksReal Maintenance Cost Of Volvo XC90Transmission Failure Software GlitchBrake WearAir Suspension FailureIs the maintenance on a Volvo XC90 expensive?Is the Volvo XC90 a reliable vehicle?Is a Volvo very expensive to maintain?Is the Volvo XC90 expensive to run?No luxury vehicle is cheap to own, as they normally come with premium features and state-of-the-art technology, which makes them a hassle to deal with after a certain amount of time. However, with proper maintenance at the right time, these luxury automobiles can also last a shockingly long time. The same goes for Swedish luxury brand Volvo.The true maintenance cost of the Volvo XC90 can be a bit overwhelming to understand from first glance, considering it's packed with the latest technology and luxury features. But this Volvo flagship is popular for a reason, and if you are considering getting one in 2026, we'll take a deep dive into the true ownership cost of the XC90 in 2026.This article explores the common problems, maintenance costs, and price of repairs of the Volvo XC90. The information is reported by owners and local authorities. Information is correct at the time of writing and your mileage may vary. Volvo XC90 Overview: The Luxury Formula Continues 2026 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid front three-quarterEver since its introduction in 2003 as Volvo's first-ever SUV, the XC90 was the definition of Swedish Luxury SUV. With a spacious cabin, powerful yet smooth powertrain options and that lovely Swedish-designed cabin, it's a new breeze of air in the luxury SUV segment. Entering its second generation in 2016, the current iteration has been on the market for a decade. However, as people have said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The second-generation facelift was introduced in 2025, with a minor upgrade to the exterior and a big focus on technological features. Entering the electric era, the once famous Yamaha V8 was replaced with a hybrid powertrain that comes in both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, further emphasizing Volvo's approach to the electric era.*Excludes options, destination, and offers Volvo XC90 Maintenance: When And How Much 2017 volvo xc90 excellence (1)-1Maintaining a luxury vehicle is never an easy job, but there are ways to make it easier for you as the owner. The first rule is to simply follow the maintenance schedule issued by the manufacturer. In the case of the XC90, Volvo has a detailed maintenance schedule sheet that states what needs to be replaced at a given mileage on your XC90. While the regular maintenance on the Volvo XC90 includes various inspections which check and adjust certain components of the vehicle, there are still a number of critical parts that needs to be replaced at a fixed mileage or time.Schedule of factory maintenance service by Volvo: Engine oil, oil filter and gasket: Every 10,000 miles or 12 months Cabin air filter: Every 20,000 miles Brake fluid: Every 40,000 miles or 3 years Engine air cleaner (ACL): Every 40,000 miles Automatic transmission fluid: Every 50,000 miles Spark plugs: Every 60,000 miles Accessory drive belt, belt tensioner and idler pulley: Every 150,000 miles Timing belt, tensioner and idler pulley: 150,000 miles As we can see from the above, the items that need to be replaced at a certain mile are clearly listed by Volvo. The most noticeable one is obviously the oil change, which is required every 10k or every 12 months. This is more generic as it will happen every time you go in for a service. A big service on the Volvo XC90 will happen later at 50k and 60k miles, as it requires the replacement of transmission fluid every 50k miles and spark plugs every 60k miles. The components that are more important to the drivetrain, such as the drive belt and timing belt, will be replaced every 150k miles according to the maintenance sheet. Real Maintenance Cost Of Volvo XC90 VolvoBeing the flagship that sits above Volvo's product lineup, the maintenance cost of the XC90 isn't going to be cheap by any standards. According to CarEdge, the XC90 will cost $13,196 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of ownership, which is above the industry average for a luxury SUV by $743. Moreover, there's a 37% chance that the XC90 will need a major repair in its first five years, while that is better 2% better than similar vehicles in the segment, it's still a pretty high number. Our recommendation for the longevity of this Swedish flagship is to stick to the maintenance schedule and purchase an extended warranty to prevent any mishaps during your ownership. Annual maintenance/repair cost: $851 Cost of maintenance/repair in first 5 years: $4199 Cost of 10 years ownership: $13,196 Chances of major repair in first 5 years: 37% XC90 Common Issues And Problems 2019 Volvo XC90Having some prior knowledge of the common issue regarding the XC90 can potentially prevent you from spending tons of money on repairs and maintenance. While the XC90 has performed relatively well when compared to its German competitors in terms of reliability, there are still some common issues that you should be aware of. Transmission Failure This is potentially the most common issue that was found on earlier XC90s, particularly for the first-generation model between 2003 and 2016. The transmission is known to cost owners thousands of dollars to repair. The issue of the failure is mainly down to the premature automatic transmission that was installed on earlier models. Normally, the failure will have to be diagnosed to determine if a replacement or repair is necessary. Software Glitch The second-generation XC90 saw the introduction of a large touchscreen for the infotainment system. While it may elevate the user experience, a vehicle without software updates may be plagued with issues such as Apple Carplay crashing, a blank infotainment screen, and more. Therefore, it is better to make sure that your XC90 always has the latest software updates. Brake Wear This is another issue commonly experienced by second-generation models. For the non-hybrid models, the brakes are prone to excessive wear, which results in the brake pads and discs needing to be replaced regularly. In case you are getting a second-gen XC90, it's best to check when the brake pads and discs were last replaced and be aware of any squeals in a test drive. Air Suspension Failure The air suspension is a feature that's normally found on higher-spec models such as the T8 plug-in hybrid XC90s. Before buying the vehicle, check if the air suspension is working normally, as the compressors on these vehicles tend to fail and can be costly to replace them. Which Years Of XC90 Should You Avoid? 2004 Volvo XC90 V8Throughout the years that the XC90 has been on sale, there are a couple of model years that we would recommend staying away from, as purchasing these particular models may not only empty your wallet but also ruin your ownership experience. The first to avoid are the models between 2003 and 2005 from the first generation, as these earlier models were plagued by transmission, electrical and engine issues, all of which are costly and time-consuming to repair.As for the second generation, the model year that we recommend avoiding is the 2016 iteration. The newly upgraded second generation saw numerous upgrades to the powertrain and software systems. However, the new upgrades also cause problems for earlier models, such as the 2016 model year. The issues include piston ring failure and coolant leak on the engine as well as a number of electrical issues on earlier models as well. The 2016 model received 192 complaints according to NHTSA, which is significantly more when compared to later model years. FAQs Is the maintenance on a Volvo XC90 expensive? Yes, the maintenance of the Volvo XC90 is expensive even when compared to other luxury brands, as the vehicle will normally cost its owners over $13,000 through a 10 years ownership. Is the Volvo XC90 a reliable vehicle? The XC90 is generally considered a reliable option if you pick the correct model and years to own, as the earlier models tend to be plagued with issues that will be resolved in later model years. Is a Volvo very expensive to maintain? Considering the fact that Volvo is a luxury brand, the running and maintenance costs are generally more expensive when compared to non-luxury brands. However, when compared against German luxury brands such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz, Volvo is normally the cheaper option if you are looking for a European luxury brand. Is the Volvo XC90 expensive to run? The XC90, being the flagship within Volvo's lineup, is expensive to run when compared to other Volvo models. The most expensive parts are the maintenance, spare parts, and even the insurance for the vehicle.