Common problems

Volvo S90 Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 9 Volvo S90 model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated April 2026

Owner complaints
18

9 model years

Top recurring issue
Vehicle Speed Control

2 affected years

Crash reports
0

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
0

0 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Volvo S90 problem categories

#1

Vehicle Speed Control

2complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2024.

#2

Electrical System

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#3

Back Over Prevention

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2023.

#4

Forward Collision Avoidance

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.

#5

Latches Locks Linkages

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#6

Seat Belts

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2022.

#7

Seats

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#8

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#9

Suspension

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2020.

#10

Tires

1complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Volvo S90 model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Volvo S90 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the fuel door lock solenoid and rear door lock actuators. Complaints describe the fuel door failing to open, even with attempts to unlock it using the remote, which can leave drivers stranded without access to refuel. Another common issue involves the rear door not opening from either side, which owners note as a safety concern in emergencies. Additionally, the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may malfunction, impacting telematics and driver support systems, typically around 75,000 miles. These issues may pose safety risks, particularly the inability to quickly exit the vehicle through the rear door.

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2018 Volvo S90 report issues with the service brakes, highlighting two main failure patterns. One common issue involves the steering wheel shaking violently when the brake pedal is depressed, with this problem recurring approximately every 8,000-10,000 miles and requiring multiple rotor replacements. Another complaint describes a loud screeching noise when braking at low speeds, with the issue persisting despite four repair attempts by the dealership. The mileage at which these issues occur varies, with one owner noting problems at around 10,100 miles. Safety concerns are noted, particularly regarding the unknown nature of the screeching noise and its potential implications for driving with children.

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Volvo S90

When problems are reported to begin

  • Brake rotor issues — 8,000–10,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record
  • VCM malfunction — 75,000 miles on the 2018 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Check driver's display screen for map display issues after software updates
  • Test infotainment system for freezing or rebooting during operation
  • Verify functionality of vehicle speed control systems
  • Inspect for any software update issues affecting display or controls
  • Inspect sunroof for cracks or damage
  • Test backup camera functionality after software updates
  • Verify recall completion for backup camera issues
  • Inspect seat belt tensioners for unexpected activation

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Volvo S90 data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Volvo S90 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Volvo S90 research FAQ

What is the most common Volvo S90 problem?

Vehicle Speed Control is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 2 years with 2 complaints represented.

Which Volvo S90 year has the most reported problems?

The 2024 has the largest vehicle speed control count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Volvo S90 has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Volvo S90 you are considering.