In the European service world, Volvo transmission and driveline failures land on our lifts with regularity. 121 complaints across 17 year-model entries (2005–2025) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The 2005 Volvo XC90 carries about 46% of the transmission and driveline complaints — typical of a generation-specific design pattern that gets resolved in the next refresh but never recalled for the affected years. 4 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Across the 53 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 72,350 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $2,500; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin VOLVO / POWERTRAIN
17 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Volvo powertrain problems
121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Volvo vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
121
Recalls
0
Year-models
17
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
Worst-affected Volvo model-years for powertrain Top 17 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
2005 Volvo XC90
56 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2025 Volvo EX90
7 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Volvo XC70
7 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Volvo VNL
6 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Volvo XC90
5 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 Volvo S60
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Volvo S60
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 Volvo S60
4 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2008 Volvo XC90
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2024 Volvo XC40
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Volvo XC70
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Volvo S40
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Volvo S60
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Volvo V70
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Volvo XC90
3 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Volvo S40
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Volvo V70
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Volvo powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
121 complaints across 17 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Volvo.
Which Volvo model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2005 Volvo XC90 leads with 56 complaints in this category. Next: 2025 EX90 (7) and 2005 XC70 (7).
What does it cost to fix Volvo powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Volvo lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Volvo powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Volvo vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Volvo.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.