Volvo V90 problems

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The Volvo V90 is a mid-size luxury wagon manufactured and marketed by Swedish automaker Volvo Cars since 2016. Two months after the introduction of the sedan model, the Volvo S90, the V90 was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016.

Models

V90

The V90 is offered with various trim levels. In the United States the V90 was only available by special order, with dealers focusing on the V90 Cross Country.

In 2021, it was announced that the V90 would no longer be sold in the United States, with 2021 being the final model year.

photo of Volvo V90 car production

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Volvo V90 model years

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V90 2020
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4.7
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V90 1998
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V90 1997
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volvo v90 1993 photo
V90 1993
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Common Volvo V90 problems

The Volvo V90 is a large estate car known for its comfort, technology, and style. However, as with any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues with the Volvo V90:

  • Front Control Arm Bushings May Wear Out: The front control arm bushings are responsible for absorbing vibrations and maintaining the alignment of the front wheels. When they wear out, they can cause a clunking noise or affect the car's handling. This issue is common in the Volvo V90 and can be resolved by replacing the worn-out bushings.
  • Air Pump Check Valve Failure: The air pump check valve is responsible for regulating the flow of air into the engine. When it fails, it can cause a reduction in engine performance or even lead to a stall. This issue is common in the Volvo V90 and can be resolved by replacing the faulty valve.
  • Potential Engine Fire: Volvo recalled around 70,000 cars in the UK fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel engine due to potential engine fires. This issue affects cars constructed between 23 September 2016 and 30 October 2018. Any Volvo dealer should be able to perform a software update to fix the issue.
  • Software Issue: A problem was found with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. This issue affects cars constructed between 23 September 2016 and 30 October 2018. Any Volvo dealer should be able to perform a software update to fix the issue.
  • Airbags Might Not Deploy Correctly in an Accident: There have been recalls for airbags that might not deploy correctly during a collision. This issue affects models produced between 24 March 2016 and 30 October 2018. Vehicles may have the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body. This issue affects certain V90s built between 21 November 2016 and 1 March 2017.
  • Automatic Emergency Brake System May Not Always Engage: The Automatic Emergency Brake System, a function of the IntelliSafe system, may not always engage, increasing the risk of a collision. This issue affects 56,385 vehicles and can be resolved by downloading new software.
  • Premature Pad/Rotor Wear, Pulsation or Vibration, Antilock System, Parking Brake, Master Cylinder, Calipers, Squeaking, Brake Failure, Regenerative Braking: These are some of the common brake-related issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's stopping power and may require replacement of brake components.
  • Engine Computer, Engine Mounts, Engine Knock or Ping, Fuel Leaks, Oil Leaks: These are some of the common engine-related issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency and may require replacement of engine components.
  • Paint (Fading, Chalking, Peeling, or Cracking), Loose Interior or Exterior Trim or Moldings, Rust: These are some of the common cosmetic issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's appearance and may require replacement of affected parts.
  • Shocks or Struts, Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Wheel Bearings, Alignment, Steering Linkage (Includes Rack and Pinion), Power Steering (Pumps and Hoses, Leaks), Wheel Balance, Springs or Torsion Bars, Bushings, Electronic or Air Suspension: These are some of the common suspension-related issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's handling and ride comfort and may require replacement of suspension components.
  • Windows, Locks and Latches, Doors or Sliding Doors, Tailgate, Trunk or Hatch, Mirrors, Seat Controls (Power or Manual), Seat Belts, Sunroof, Convertible Top, Glass Defect: These are some of the common electrical and mechanical issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's convenience and safety features and may require replacement of affected parts.
  • Infotainment System (Audio, GPS, Phone), Rear Entertainment System, Backup or Other Camera/Sensors, Head-Up Display: These are some of the common infotainment-related issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's entertainment and convenience features and may require replacement of affected parts.
  • Muffler, Pipes, Catalytic Converter, Exhaust Manifold, Heat Shields, Leaks: These are some of the common exhaust-related issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency and may require replacement of exhaust components.
  • AC Compressor, Blower (Fan) Motor, Condenser, Evaporator, Heater System, Automatic Climate System, Electrical Failure, Refrigerant Leakage: These are some of the common air conditioning-related issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's comfort and may require replacement of air conditioning components.
  • Engine Cooling Radiator, Cooling Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat, Antifreeze Leaks, Overheating: These are some of the common cooling-related issues reported by owners of the Volvo V90. These issues can affect the car's performance and may require replacement of cooling system components.

It's important to note that not all Volvo V90s will experience these issues, and many owners have reported a positive ownership experience. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of potential issues when considering a used car purchase. If you're considering a Volvo V90, it's recommended to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing to ensure that it's in good condition.

Volvo V90

Is the Volvo V90 a reliable car?

Used Volvo V90: owners' reliability data

The V90's build quality and robustness were frequently praised, contributing to the car and brand's reputation for dependability.

Why did Volvo discontinue the V90?

In the US, the XC40, XC60, and XC90 accounted for 75 percent of the brand's sales in June. Volvo's lineup in the UK now looks different. The automaker has removed the S60, V60, and V90 from its lineup, citing the growing demand for its SUVs as interest dwindles in its saloons and estates.

Is Volvo V90 a safe car?

Scoring maximum points in many NCAP tests, the V90 achieved a huge overall 95% Adult, 80% child and 76% pedestrian protection in NCAP's 2017 tests.

Do Volvo V90 hold their value?

For those looking for a vehicle that holds its value, the Volvo V90 fits the bill, as the car that depreciates the slowest according to our data. With only 7.9% of the vehicle's value lost after four years, this model is definitely a sounder investment than others.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volvo V90 years

We have researched Volvo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volvo V90 cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Volvo V90 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volvo V90 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volvo V90 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Volvo V90 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volvo V90 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Visibility problems
  • Structure problems
  • Wheels problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volvo V90 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by V90 model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by V90 model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volvo V90 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volvo V90 vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Volvo V90 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-05-20
  • Date Complaint: 2010-06-15
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: TWO YEARS AGO, I REPLACED MY 1993 VOLVO V90 RADIATOR WITH A NEW VOLVO RADIATOR. IT STARTED LEAKING AT THE SEAM A MONTH AGO. THE RADIATOR IS OUT OF WARRANTY SINCE IT IS OVER 12 MONTHS. I WENT TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN. THEY SAID THAT THEY SEE THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM WITH MANY VOLVOS. I WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR. FOR NOW IT LEAKS ONLY A LITTLE BIT OF WATER BUT EVENTUALLY IT COULD HAVE A LARGER LEAK AND THUS OVERHEAT AND DESTROY MY CAR'S ENGINE. *TR
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-08-17
  • Date Complaint: 2007-08-17
  • VIN: YV1KW9605W1
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: THE HEADLIGHTS CEASED OPERATING ON MY 1998 VOLVO V90. AFTER CHECKING FOR FAULTY BULBS AND FUSES, I FOUND NHTSA SAFETY RECALL # 04V504000 FOR 1998 VOLVOS OF THE S70/VIA/C70 SERIES. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO CHECK THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE OF MY HEADLIGHTS TO OPERATE. THE DEALER FOUND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO BE FAULTY AND REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. V90S ARE NOT CURRENTLY COVERED BY MENTIONED RECALL. *JB
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-12-28
  • Date Complaint: 2005-12-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9605W1
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: VOLVO 1998 MODEL V90--PARKING BRAKE FAILS TO RELEASE AND REAR BRAKE LOCKS. *NM
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-09-20
  • Date Complaint: 2003-10-23
  • VIN: YV1KW9606W1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: REPEATED FAILURE OF SUNROOF "RAILS." *LA
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-03-30
  • Date Complaint: 2001-04-09
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-31
  • Date Complaint: 2001-04-09
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THIS CAR IS REALLY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NO ALARM OR WARNING LIGHT WHEN DOOR IS AJAR. *AK
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-04
  • Date Complaint: 1999-11-10
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: YV1KW9609W1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE VOLVO AUTOMOBILE WAS HIT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A MERCEDES- BENZ ML 320 SPEEDING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE SIPS DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ; NEITHER DID THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIRBAG. THE FAILURE TO DEPLOY CAUSED OR FAILED TO MINIMIZE SEVERE INJURIES TO MY WIFE' S NECK AND BACK. WHEN I DISCUSSED THESE CIRCUMSTANCES WITH MR. WILLIAM THOMAS OF BERGERON VOLVO, THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD THE CAR TO US, HE STATED THAT THESE SIPS AIRBAGS WERE INTENDED ONLY TO ACTIVATE WHEN STRUCK DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE VOLVO ADVERTISING, SALES LITERATURE, COMMENTS MADE BY THE SALES STAFF AND THE SALES MANAGER AT THE VARIOUS VISITS PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE ALL LED US TO BELIEVE THAT WE WERE PROVIDED WITH SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION. THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE 1998 VOLVO MODELS V90, S90, S70 AND C70. I AM INTERESTED IN ANY OTHER REPORTS BY OWNERS/ OPERATORS OF THESE VEHICLES TO NHTSA REGARDING SIDE AIRBAG FAILURE, AS WELL AS HAVING NHTSA INVESTIGATE THESE DESIGN DEFECTS, FALSE ADVERTISING, INTENTIONALLY MISLEADING STATEMENTS, AND FAILURES TO ADEQUATELTY APPRISE PURCHASERS AND PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE TRUE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THESE SIPS AIRBAGS.
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: SUN ROOF GASKET WAS FALLING APART. YH
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: AIR VENTILIATION TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING. YH
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD BLADE IS DEFECTIVE. YH
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: AIR VENTILIATION TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING. YH
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: NO WARNING LIGHT OR SOUNDS FOR DOOR AJAR. YH
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: ALUMINUM WHEEL ALLOY RUSTED. YH
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DOORS SEALS FAILED CAUSING COLD AIR TO LEAK. YH
Volvo V90 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-29
  • VIN: YV1KW9602W1
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: SUN ROOF GASKET WAS FALLING APART. YH

Recalls Volvo V90

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Volvo V90.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Volvo V90 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2021-06-02
  • 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.
  • Model: Volvo V90 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2020-03-12
  • 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.

Latest negative Volvo V90 car reviews

  1. Paxton Mohr 2024-08-01

    Vehicle year: 1998

    This car model has been known to have several issues with its brakes, suspension, interior parts, and air conditioning. These problems have been well documented across multiple forums on the internet and have affected other models as well. Repairs for these issues can be quite expensive, and often require the replacement of entire systems rather than individual components. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues before considering purchasing this car.

  2. Mason Jones 2024-06-16

    Vehicle year: 1997

    This car model has been known to have several issues with its brakes, suspension, interior parts, and air conditioning. These problems have been well documented across multiple forums on the internet and have affected other models as well. Repairs for these issues can be quite expensive, and often require the replacement of entire systems rather than individual components. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues before considering purchasing this car.

Latest positive Volvo V90 car reviews

  1. Clifton Bechtelar 2024-11-14

    Vehicle year: 1998

    This is my second Volvo wagon. I kept my 1986 240 wagon for 9 years and gave it to my Dad who drove it another 4 years. Then sold it for more than retail! I think these wagons are great - they're comfortable and hold tons of stuff. I really like the look of the car, too. It has great pick up and a tight turning radius. I just love this car.

  2. Blake Hoppe 2024-11-12

    Vehicle year: 1998

    Overall, I'm very pleased with the car. It rides very smoothly while still being sporty. Passengers have commented that they were pleasantly surprised by the comfort, smooth ride, and acceleration, especially when compared to the Mercedes M-class, Infiniti, and other cars. Although the rear seats are not very roomy when the front seats are pushed back, the front seats are very comfortable. The check engine light comes on too frequently, but it is harmless.

  3. Lawrence Nader 2024-10-17

    Vehicle year: 2020

    Congratulations on your new 2019 V90 Cross Country! Equipped with the “Advanced” package, this solid and well-built wagon is a real pleasure to drive. Although the fuel mileage is rather mediocre, in the mid-20s mpg in the city and near 30 on freeways, the driver/passenger safety and security of this vehicle trumps any other shortfalls, as minimal as they are. The performance is more than adequate, but can be enhanced by choosing “Dynamic” driving mode. Overall, this is a quality car with an excellent manufacturer pedigree.

  4. Ferne O'Keefe 2024-10-14

    Vehicle year: 2020

    This car really impressed me with its range of options and features, not to mention its excellent safety rating. It has great gas mileage and performance, and even has the ability to drive itself. The built-in booster seats in the rear are a fantastic option for families with kids. I've received so many compliments on this car!

  5. Tony Brakus 2024-10-14

    Vehicle year: 1998

    Great all round car.

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