← All Volvo XC90 years

2018 Volvo XC90 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Volvo XC90 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 40 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Volvo XC90. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (7), Unknown Or Other (5), Structure (4).

XC90 reliability snapshot

71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$851
Avg annual repair cost vs $807 category avg
#8/14
Ranking in luxury midsize SUVs · better than 43% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Volvo XC90 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Volvo XC90 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System7
  • Unknown Or Other5
  • Structure4
  • Power Train3
  • Engine3
  • Service Brakes3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Volvo XC90

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect fuel filler pipe for leaks or replacements
  • Test windshield wipers for random activation or failure
  • Check brake booster for hissing noise and hard pedal
  • Examine sunroof seals for water leakage into cabin
  • Ensure rear door latches operate correctly from inside and outside
  • Verify infotainment system responsiveness, especially rearview camera
  • Test start-stop system for unintended acceleration

2018 XC90 recalls (3)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 XC90. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 23V827000Dec 7, 2023

    Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

    Consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

  2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V273000Apr 21, 2021

    Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.

    Consequence: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.

  3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 18V800000Nov 13, 2018

    Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

    Consequence: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

    Remedy

    Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.

2018 Volvo XC90 on the road

31,609 2018 Volvo XC90 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Volvo XC90 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Volvo XC90

The 2018 Volvo XC90 demonstrates moderate reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. Complaints are spread across various categories, with the electrical system being the most reported issue, followed by a few concerns in areas like structure and engine. This distribution suggests no single, overwhelming defect but rather a variety of minor issues.

With three recalls, the recall count is elevated, indicating some manufacturing or design attention was required. However, the overall number of complaints remains relatively low, which may reflect a generally stable ownership experience for most users.

In summary, the 2018 Volvo XC90 presents a moderate reliability risk, with some potential for minor issues but no major systemic failures.

What you get in a 2018 Volvo XC90 report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2018 Volvo XC90 now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2018 Volvo XC90 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Volvo XC90 reliable?

The 2018 Volvo XC90 demonstrates moderate reliability, scoring slightly above the segment average. Complaints are spread across various categories, with the electrical system being the most reported issue, followed by a few concerns in areas like structure and engine. This distribution suggests no single, overwhelming defect but rather a variety of minor issues.

How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have?

3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Volvo XC90. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Volvo XC90 problems?

The most-reported 2018 Volvo XC90 problem areas are: Electrical System (7), Unknown Or Other (5), Structure (4).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Volvo XC90?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Volvo XC90, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.