Volvo S90 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Volvo S90 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Volvo S90 has 62 owner complaints and 26 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- S90
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 62
- Safety recall campaigns
- 26
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (36 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Volvo S90: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe VOLVO S90 has 62 NHTSA complaints and 26 recalls on record. 2 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 62 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 26 federal recall campaigns
- 2 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
26 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SEATS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SEATS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 62 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
62 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Rear right door lock failed, stuck closed. Extremely unsafe if someone was sitting in the back and unable to leave vehicle. It has been confirmed by others. It has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There has been zero warning lights to indicate the issue
At 5pm while driving home, which was 2 hours away, I needed to stop and refuel. At the pump I pushed the fuel door and it would not release to open. After many tries it would not open. I called Volvo On Call and informed them of the problem. The agent relayed that I should go to the back of the car near the fuel door, and with the remote lock and unlock the door which should release the door. It did not work. I tried it again with no success. The agent then informed me that there is no other way to open the door and to go to a Volvo dealership to get repaired. I asked the agent is there a way to open the door from the trunk, for instance like a rope to pull to manually open the door. He said unfortunately no. So, I am no where near a dealership and if I was it would be closed, it is after 5pm on February 17 and its 20 degrees outside and I need fuel to get home. I get in my car and search the internet on a possible way to open the door and I see that this is a big problem with Volvo that has affected many families and individuals that, as I, have been put in a compromised possibly dangerous position. While at the gas station I fortunately saw a tow truck and asked the driver if I could borrow a screw driver to try to pry open the door to which I was successful. A simple pull cord in the trunk, as some vehicles have, would have solved this issue without putting anyone in a precarious situation. I took my car to a mechanic and he replaced the fuel door lock solenoid.
The rear door will not open from the inside or the outside. Apparently this is a door lock actuator issue experinced by many volvo owners. It is extremely dangerous not to be able to open a rear door in the case of an accident or other incident where you need to enter or exit the car. Dealer confirms that there is an issue with these. No warning message appears when inoperable.
255/35 R20 Bleb in sidewall with air leak through tread adjacent. No unusual trauma to tire.
water get inside the car in the back on the floor mat behind driver seat. was not aware of this problem at all.
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the steering wheel would violently shake without warning. The contact has had two sets of brake rotors replaced on the vehicle due to the failure. Since owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the failure would occur approximately every 8,000-10,000 miles. After the third failure, the contact was informed that the repair for the rotors would not be covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed a claim; the contact was called back and was informed that the claim was denied. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) had an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. The contact stated the "Volvo on Call Service Required" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V800000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Hi, When you drive over 70mph, steering, floors and whole cabin start vibrates, I have changed tires as Volvo recommended, alignment done. Everything dealer requested I have done. I have driven couple of more volvo as a loaners and noticed they all vibrates , but not bad as mine. Try to reach out Volvo head office but no proper resolution. They are keep blaming tires which I have changed 3 times but actually vibration happen from engine or somewhere else. Lots of Volvo owners online shares same issues online. Please help me out on this matter.
2018 VOLVO S-90. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A PRODUCT FLAW. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLES FLOOR MAT HAD UNSNAPPED AND BECOME WEDGED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. *JS
I PURCHASED A VOLVO S90 2018 FROM ECAR ONE . ON JULY 6 2019. I WAS TOLD BY THE SALEMAN VIRGIL . THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DASHBOARD AND ALL I HAVE TO DO WAS CALL VOLVO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD FIX FOR FREE. WHEN I CALLED VOLVO AFTER MY PURCHASE THEY SAID NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. 0709
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THERE IS A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN BREAKING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES, THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 10,100. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT TOLD US WHAT IS THE ISSUE BUT THE NOISE REMAINS. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I DRIVE WITH MY KIDS AND THEIR FRIENDS IN THE CAR AND WE HAVE NO INFORMATION ON WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE BREAKS. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THEY HAVE TOLD US NOTHING. WE HAVE MANY AUDIOS WITH THE NOISE, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP RMCHOOSES TO IGNORE BUT THE NOISE PERSISTS AFTER EACH REPAIR. WE ARE AFRAID THEY ARE HIDING THE REAL ISSUE AND IT MAY BE DANGEROUS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLVO S90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN WHAT WAS STATED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (GUNTHER VOLVO CARS COCONUT CREEK, 4300 SR 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 590-3760) MORE THAN TWICE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO BE TEST DRIVEN, BUT THERE WAS NO PERMANENT REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND HAD NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Rear right door lock failed, stuck closed. Extremely unsafe if someone was sitting in the back and unable to leave vehicle. It has been confirmed by others. It has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There has been zero warning lights to indicate the issue
At 5pm while driving home, which was 2 hours away, I needed to stop and refuel. At the pump I pushed the fuel door and it would not release to open. After many tries it would not open. I called Volvo On Call and informed them of the problem. The agent relayed that I should go to the back of the car near the fuel door, and with the remote lock and unlock the door which should release the door. It did not work. I tried it again with no success. The agent then informed me that there is no other way to open the door and to go to a Volvo dealership to get repaired. I asked the agent is there a way to open the door from the trunk, for instance like a rope to pull to manually open the door. He said unfortunately no. So, I am no where near a dealership and if I was it would be closed, it is after 5pm on February 17 and its 20 degrees outside and I need fuel to get home. I get in my car and search the internet on a possible way to open the door and I see that this is a big problem with Volvo that has affected many families and individuals that, as I, have been put in a compromised possibly dangerous position. While at the gas station I fortunately saw a tow truck and asked the driver if I could borrow a screw driver to try to pry open the door to which I was successful. A simple pull cord in the trunk, as some vehicles have, would have solved this issue without putting anyone in a precarious situation. I took my car to a mechanic and he replaced the fuel door lock solenoid.
The rear door will not open from the inside or the outside. Apparently this is a door lock actuator issue experinced by many volvo owners. It is extremely dangerous not to be able to open a rear door in the case of an accident or other incident where you need to enter or exit the car. Dealer confirms that there is an issue with these. No warning message appears when inoperable.
255/35 R20 Bleb in sidewall with air leak through tread adjacent. No unusual trauma to tire.
water get inside the car in the back on the floor mat behind driver seat. was not aware of this problem at all.
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the steering wheel would violently shake without warning. The contact has had two sets of brake rotors replaced on the vehicle due to the failure. Since owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the failure would occur approximately every 8,000-10,000 miles. After the third failure, the contact was informed that the repair for the rotors would not be covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed a claim; the contact was called back and was informed that the claim was denied. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) had an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. The contact stated the "Volvo on Call Service Required" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V800000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Hi, When you drive over 70mph, steering, floors and whole cabin start vibrates, I have changed tires as Volvo recommended, alignment done. Everything dealer requested I have done. I have driven couple of more volvo as a loaners and noticed they all vibrates , but not bad as mine. Try to reach out Volvo head office but no proper resolution. They are keep blaming tires which I have changed 3 times but actually vibration happen from engine or somewhere else. Lots of Volvo owners online shares same issues online. Please help me out on this matter.
Showing 20 of 62 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Volvo S90
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Volvo S90, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Volvo S90 has 62 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Volvo S90 has 26 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 2 of the Volvo S90's 62 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Volvo S90 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Volvo S90 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Volvo S90 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Volvo S90 stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Volvo S90 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Volvo S90.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Volvo S90 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo S90 reliable?
Average. The Volvo S90 has 62 NHTSA owner complaints and 26 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Volvo S90 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (36 complaints), 2017 (16 complaints), 2022 (4 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Volvo S90 problems?
Top reported issues: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints).
Does the Volvo S90 have recalls?
Yes — 26 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Volvo S90. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.