Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
Sell your 2005 Volvo XC90 for cash
The 2005 Volvo XC90 is a SUV that came with a choice of 2.5L 5-cyl, 2.9L 6-cyl and 4.4L 8-cyl engines. At 21 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2005 XC90 in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
VolvoXC902005
2005 Volvo XC90 at a glance
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 5-cyl, 2.9L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S5), Automatic (S4), Automatic (S6) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 13–16 city / 19–21 highway / 15–18 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $4,550–$5,500 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 494–592 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations: XC90 FWD, XC90 AWD |
| Age | 21 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 21 years old, most of a 2005 XC90's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a SUV, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2005 XC90. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the electrical system, typically around 97,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2005 Volvo XC90 recalls
NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls covering the 2005 Volvo XC90. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 s80, model year 2001-2004 v70, s60, xc70 and model year 2003-2005 XC90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of alabama, arizona, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina…
Risk: If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
On certain passenger vehicles, it has been determined that while doing battery maintenance the jack's crank handle can be misplaced under a bracket which retains the battery.
Risk: Misplacement of the jack's crank handle can pose a safety risk as it can result in a short circuit of the battery which could then lead to a fire.
On certain passenger vehicles,the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod ball joint.
Risk: The driver may notice that the vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash.
On certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on its driveshaft, resulting in an inability to move the wipers from the park position.
Risk: Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, due to an error in the factory assembly instruction, the b+terminal may be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. If this occurs, the conflict between the b+terminal and the starter motor solenoid may develop into a short circuit of the battery cable to ground.
Risk: Smoke may appear from under the hood and it may be impossible to start the car. If the short circuit happens during driving, electrical power could be lost resulting in the warning lamps being deactivated. An electrical short could result i
Common 2005 XC90 problems
Owners have filed 223 complaints about the 2005 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA. 1 report involved a crash and 3 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 1 injury.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Electrical System97,000 mi
- Power Train70,000 mi
- Engine100,000 mi
- Exterior Lighting103,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling86,000 mi
- Fuel/Propulsion System121,000 mi
2005 Volvo XC90 crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Volvo XC90.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr | Not rated | — | — | ★★★★☆ | 17.9% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
2005 Volvo XC90 service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 219 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2005 Volvo XC90. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to
This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily
This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that t
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 4 defect investigations covering the 2005 Volvo XC90.
Central Electronic Module Failure
Volvo acknowledged a problem affecting some subject vehicles involving water seepage into the plenum box area in the engine compartment.When this occurs water may enter into the interior / passenger compartment and track along the wiring harness for the Central Electronic Module (CEM), the device that controls many of
Volvo XC90 battery cable failures
During pe05-057 and ea06-006 odi identified two conditions involving the positive battery cable in model year (my) 2005 Volvo XC90 sport utility vehicles that could result in a vehicle fire:(1) positive battery cable grounding to the starter solenoid housing; and (2) misplaced jack crank handles under the battery brack
Windshield wiper arm performance
The manufacturer notified NHTSA by letter dated april 21, 2006, that a safety recall has been initiated for correction of this problem on certain model year 2003 - 2006 Volvo XC90 vehicles. The recall affects approximately 122,400 subject vehicles produced between august 2002 and october 2005.NHTSA has assigned no. 06v
Volvo XC90 battery cable failures
The office of defect investigations opened a preliminary evaluation, pe05-057 based on early warning data submitted to odi by Volvo. The data contained field reports of thermal failures of the positive battery cable. On november 17, 2005, Volvo notified odi that it had identified a safety defect in the positive battery
Selling a 2005 XC90: questions
How much is a 2005 Volvo XC90 worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2005 XC90 that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2005 XC90s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 2005 XC90 with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2005 Volvo XC90; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2005 XC90?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
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