2020 Volvo S90 problems

The Volvo S90 is an executive sedan manufactured and marketed by Swedish automaker Volvo Cars since 2016. Its estate variant is called the Volvo V90.
Models
For the model year of 2017 (the first model year), a short and long wheelbase sedan as well as an estate model were made available. For 2017, the short wheelbase model was sold in North America and Europe, while the long wheelbase model was primarily sold in China. Volvo has hinted at possible coupe variants, but not until at least 2020 as the Polestar 1.
S90
Before its reveal, the first official pictures of the S90 were shown on Wednesday, 2 December 2015. The S90 was unveiled to the public in January 2016, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The S90's design was well received, winning the Production Car Design of the Year award for 2015.
While not a direct successor to the second-generation S80, the S90 replaces it as the flagship sedan in Volvo's lineup. Several trim levels are available, ranging from Momentum to Inscription. In July 2016, an optional, cosmetic R-Design package was announced. A long wheelbase version was announced for availability in the United States.
For the 2022 model year in the United Kingdom, the range was limited to the S90 Recharge, a mild-hybrid sedan. The S90 Recharge was limited to Plus and Ultimate trim levels with the T8 AWD mild-hybrid engine, a 2.0-litre 455-horsepower (339 kW; 461 PS) 4-cylinder available with all-wheel-drive only.
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Common 2020 Volvo S90 problems
Common problems reported by owners of the 2020 Volvo S90 include issues with the software and infotainment system, powertrain problems, and climate control system malfunctions.
- Software and Infotainment System Issues:
- Owners have reported problems with the touchscreen freezing or malfunctioning, difficulty connecting to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and glitches with safety features. These issues can often be resolved through software updates or resets.
- Powertrain Problems:
- Some owners have experienced issues with the vehicle hesitating or stalling when accelerating, or rough shifting. These problems may stem from faulty sensors, transmission issues, or fuel system problems, requiring diagnostic testing and repair by a qualified mechanic.
- Climate Control System Malfunctions:
- Owners have reported issues with heating or cooling the cabin, fan or blower motor problems, which could be caused by faulty sensors or controls. Diagnostic testing and repair by a qualified mechanic may be necessary to address these issues effectively.
Addressing these problems promptly through professional inspection and repair is crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of the 2020 Volvo S90. Delaying repairs can lead to more severe issues and potential safety risks for the driver and other road users.
How reliable are the Volvo S90?
Is a used Volvo S90 saloon reliable? Volvo as a brand has had mixed results in recent years, and according to our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey it finished in 17th place out of 32 manufacturers. Data on the S90 shows it came in fifth place out of 10 cars in the luxury car class, with a high rating of 90%.
How long should a Volvo S90 last?
200,000 miles
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
Are Volvo S90 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Volvo S90 is $522. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
What is the rival of the Volvo S90?
Q5 and EV6 are top competitors of S90. Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Range Rover Velar are also among popular S90 rivals and have compariable features and specifications. Q7 are similar Cars like S90 and can be good alternative choices.
How reliable are the Volvo S90?
Is a used Volvo S90 saloon reliable? Volvo as a brand has had mixed results in recent years, and according to our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey it finished in 17th place out of 32 manufacturers. Data on the S90 shows it came in fifth place out of 10 cars in the luxury car class, with a high rating of 90%.
Are Volvo S90 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Volvo S90 is $522. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
How long should a Volvo S90 last?
200,000 miles
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
Is Volvo S90 made in China?
Volvo has three factories in China including plants in Chengdu and Taizhou. However, its plant in Daqing is the only one that services the United States market. The full-size S90 sedan comes straight from this plant. Like Volvo's Torslanda factory, the Daqing facility runs on 100% climate-neutral electricity.
2020 Volvo S90 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Volvo S90.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2020 Volvo S90 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2020 Volvo S90.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
- Consequence: Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
- Summary: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
- Consequence: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.
Negative 2020 Volvo S90 car reviews
Positive 2020 Volvo S90 car reviews
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I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your AWD stretch near limo! It sounds like a great car, and it's even better that you were able to get it at such a great price. It's always a good feeling to get a great deal on a high-quality car. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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I really like this car, but the start/stop feature can be quite annoying and unfortunately, I cannot permanently disable it as the owner. Even my passengers have noticed the shaking that occurs each time we stop and go. While I can disable it by selecting Dynamic, I find myself doing this 2-3 times a day. I have been informed that Volvo will not disable it due to concerns about MPG and emissions. Perhaps Volvo could consider adding an 'I agree' button to satisfy their legal department. The start/stop feature is much more noticeable than in my Lexus Hybrid. Despite this, I can live with the not-so-great GPS and voice activation, as the rest of the car is perfect. I have read many comments from other customers who feel the same way and I believe it would be beneficial for Volvo to offer the option to disable start/stop. After all, it is our car and our right. The only other issue I have encountered is that the blind spot warning light is not bright enough to catch my eye. While the elongated strip design is visually appealing, it fails to function effectively in alerting the driver's peripheral vision.
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It sounds like you got all the bells and whistles with your car! I'm glad to hear that you love the techy features. It seems like the car has taken care of all the intricate details, which is great. I understand your disappointment that the mud flaps and floor mats weren't provided, especially considering the price of the car and the Volvo logo. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your 2018 Volvo! It sounds like you've had experience with many different car brands, and it's great to hear that the Volvo is the best one you've owned. Not only is it a great value for the money, but it's also more luxurious than its competitors. It's impressive that you're averaging 150 miles per gallon over the first 1,000 miles of driving, and it's great to hear that the car has performed beautifully so far with incredible gas mileage in the city of over 150mpg and 32mpg on the highway.
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I recently got a Volvo S90 T5 at a lease price that was too good to refuse, even though I usually prefer sportier cars. I must say, I got a lot of bang for my buck! This luxury car is perfect for being chauffeured around in, with a huge and comfortable rear passenger area. The driver's seat is also very pleasant and was designed by an orthopedist. The interior is elegant, with a blonde (white) finish that looks wonderful (although it needs occasional cleaning). In fact, I would say it is the most nicely appointed car I have ever owned, even compared to my previous MB and BMWs. The tech is amazing, although the touch screen can be a bit overwhelming at times. However, the Auto Assist Pilot is from the future and does much to keep you safe while also removing the tedium of stop-and-go traffic. Driving is now an 'AHHH'. The car is wonderfully solid and I would lend it to any of my family members knowing they will be safe in it. Gotta love that Swedish engineering! The trade-off is the sporty feel of performance, but the Volvo is still powerful for a 4 cylinder and I get 25.5 mpg (better than my previous Infiniti). The ride is firm and you 'float' over the road, making long trips a pleasure.All in all, this car is a pleasure to ride in. If you can get a great deal on this extremely plush car, don't hesitate. (P.S. I also drove the Volvo S60 for a while. The ride and feel of the S90 is much better). {A buying note: Volvo pricing is company set and it is difficult to negotiate a lower price when visiting other dealers. There is not much wiggle room, so choose the dealership with the best service.} One year later, it is still the most comfortable car I have ever owned. It is a pleasure to take a ride in for long road trips. The seats are orthopedic and it can seat 5 people with enough backseat legroom to play football in. No more squishing upfront seat to allow backseat room. The trunk is large and deep. I love how in winter the seats and steering wheel heat up to settings automatically when the temperature is below 40 degrees. It has 3 individual temperature settings, which not even my son's Tesla S has. The Swedes made it solid and sure-footed in harsh weather. It is my go-to car in snow and slush. It has much better handling than my wife's Mercedes C Class (which isn't bad). This car is tank-like sturdy. An SUV driver already backed into my rear fender in a parking lot, and I had no major damage. I have no doubt it will do a great job protecting passengers and family in a crash. (HF). The only downside is that I still find the screen controls cumbersome and confusing. The car has only one USB port, so I had to plug in a hub to use both phone and SD music card (no biggie). I have found that the autopilot is not perfect. It will veer off the road (not follow the road lines in certain situations, with steep curves in the road at higher speeds), so keep your hands on the wheel and pay some attention (so NO napping!), but it is still a great feature 90% of the time. It is still a pleasure to take the stress out of everyday driving. I still love this car as the next evolution in driving. Two years in, and I am still enjoying the ride. It is still a very comfortable, plush, and quiet car to drive.Volvo has created a fantastic car with some amazing Lux tech features. For example, I can preset the temperature like an alarm clock, so I can enjoy my preferred climate during my daily commute. However, the center panel navi-entertainment system can be a bit tiresome and not very user-friendly. Although the Nav system is 98% accurate most of the time, it does not adjust the best route for traffic and other delays. I miss my old Garmin-made system (i.e. MB). Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoy the S90's ride.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Volvo S90 problems:
Volvo S90 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top Volvo S90 Problems · Vibration from rear brake rotors are common · "No start" and Check Engine Light Due to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure · Front ...
2020 Volvo S90 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Volvo S90? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Volvo S90 - 2017 vs 2020 any major upgrades? | SwedeSpeed ...
Apr 29, 2021 ... However buying first model-year cars usually means you'll have to fix a lot of their issues. So all other factors like price and condition aside ...
Here Are The Volvo S90 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Oct 23, 2023 ... Common Issues With the Volvo S90 · Vibration from rear brake rotors · Check engine light thanks to coolant issues · Leaks from AC evaporator.
Reliability Issues Volvo S90 | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance ...
Mar 5, 2020 ... 10 MAY 19 - Faulty Speaker replaced. 10 MAY 19 - L/H/F Window Motor Fault. Clunking noise. Window Motor replaced. 10 MAY 19 - Voice Control Not ...
Werner Kassulke 2025-07-04
I like the look, drive and leg room of my 2018 S90. However, I have had some issues with water leaking into my car every time it rains. Unfortunately, my car has been in the shop each year to try and fix the issue, and I have not received the support I was hoping for from Volvo. As a result, I am hesitant to purchase another Volvo in the future.
Donnie DuBuque 2025-07-03
I recently purchased a Volvo S-90 T-5, but unfortunately experienced some issues with the computer system. Despite having only 309 miles on the car, the door lock malfunctioned and required a computer update. Even after having it reset at the dealership, the system continued to malfunction, with the gas gauge jumping around at 700 miles. It is clear that Volvo needs to improve their computer system before promoting it further. As a result, I am hesitant to take my new car out of town. It is important for Volvo to address these issues to ensure customer satisfaction.
Ambrose Mueller 2025-06-12
This is my first (and last) Volvo. As someone who has owned 7 Audi cars in a row, I have to say that the reliability of my S90 has been disappointing. Unfortunately, I've had to take it in for service over 5 times to fix AC issues. Living in Florida, it's not practical to travel anywhere without AC, so this has been a real inconvenience. However, I'm hopeful that the team at Volvo will be able to resolve the issue soon.
Garnett Monahan 2025-04-23
It's such a shame that such a luxurious car has the worst GPS I've ever used. I had to resort to using my cellular's Google GPS to get me there. Unfortunately, the dealership wasn't much help either. They simply stated that this is the GPS system that Volvo offers.
Brooks Cassin 2025-04-16
Hi there! I recently traded my 2018 Audi A5 for a Volvo and while it's a nice looking and comfortable car to drive, I've had a few issues. Unfortunately, my Volvo has depreciated about twice as much as the Audi did. Additionally, I've been having trouble with the auto stop/start feature and the Pilot Assist system. The shaking when I stop and go is quite annoying, but I've found that pushing a button every time I drive the car helps. The Pilot Assist system works well on straight highways, but I've noticed that it can be a bit wobbly on other roads. Lastly, I've had some trouble with the GPS and voice recognition, but I've found that sending the destination from my phone helps. Overall, I'm still enjoying my Volvo despite these minor issues. Thanks for listening!