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Volvo · Known Issues

2017-2025 Volvo V90 Problems: 10 Known Issues

2017-2025 model years · 960+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 960+ owner reports, the 2017-2025 Volvo V90 has 10 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Emergency Brake System May Fail to Detect Obstacles — Free ASDM Reflash, V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000) and Recall 25V179000 — 2022 V90 Plug-In Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Module Short Circuit. The most commonly reported issue is Rear Air Suspension Air Spring Leak and Compressor Failure with 580 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • V90 Safety/Recalls4
  • V90 Electrical3
  • V90 Engine2
  • V90 Suspension1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls4
  • Electrical3
  • Engine2
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 10 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS202520242023202220212020201920182017

Both the V90 wagon and the V90 Cross Country are named in NHTSA recall 20V144000 for model years 2019 and 2020. The defect is not mechanical: a software/hardware incompatibility in the car's active-safety electronics means the Automatic Emergency Brake system may not detect obstacles and may not engage as intended. Nothing about the brakes themselves is defective — normal pedal braking is unaffected — but the automated intervention layer a V90 owner is paying for may be inert, which NHTSA states can increase crash risk. The campaign as a whole covers 121,605 Volvo vehicles across all models included; that figure is not specific to the V90.

Common Symptoms

  • Automatic emergency braking does not engage when an obstacle is detected ahead
  • No warning or intervention from the collision-avoidance braking system

How to Fix

Have a Volvo dealer perform the free recall correction, which is a software update to the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) module. It is a programming visit, not a parts repair. Notifications went out beginning April 9, 2020; if your V90 or V90 Cross Country was purchased used or you are unsure of its service history, check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 about recall R29998.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The 2021 Volvo V90 — the wagon and, per NHTSA's listing, the V90 Cross Country — is included in Volvo Car USA's recall 21V682000. The defect is in the front seat belt automatic locking retractor, the mechanism that locks the belt once it is drawn fully out so it can clamp a child seat in place. On affected V90s that mechanism may deactivate early, which can prevent a child restraint system from being secured properly. NHTSA logged the recall as a failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," with the consequence that an unsecured child restraint increases the risk of injury in a crash. The 19,149-vehicle figure attached to this recall is the campaign-wide total covering every Volvo model in it.

Common Symptoms

  • Belt fails to stay locked after pulling it all the way out to engage the automatic locking retractor
  • Belt-mounted child seat will not stay firmly secured

How to Fix

Have a Volvo dealer perform the recall at no charge — they inspect the seat belt assemblies and replace them as necessary. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. V90s are low-volume cars that often change hands, so verify status yourself: enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and look for 21V682000. Volvo Car customer service is 1-888-458-1552; Volvo's number for the recall is R10111.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Only the 2022 model year of the V90 is named in this Volvo rear-visibility recall (the V90 Cross Country is listed separately in the same campaign). On these wagons, the rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse, so the car does not comply with FMVSS 111, "Rear Visibility." NHTSA lists the defective component as back-over prevention software. The practical effect for a V90 owner is the one NHTSA describes: without the camera image, your view behind a long wagon is reduced and the risk of a backing crash increases. Because it is a software fault, no camera or harness parts are involved in the fix. The 413,151 units NHTSA reports is the total across the entire campaign and all models in it — it is not a count of 2022 V90s. Note that 25V908000 replaces the earlier recall 25V282.

Common Symptoms

  • No rearview camera picture on the display after shifting into reverse
  • Diminished view behind the vehicle when reversing

How to Fix

Free of charge. A Volvo dealer will install updated software, or the update may arrive over-the-air, after which the reverse camera image displays properly again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026; VINs went into NHTSA's database on February 16, 2026. Check your 2022 V90's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls first — with OTA delivery in play, the remedy may already be complete on your car. Volvo Car customer service: 1-800-458-1552, recall number R10333. If your V90 was repaired under the earlier recall 25V282, this campaign supersedes that work and still applies.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The 2022 V90 wagon is one of the vehicles covered by Volvo Car USA recall 25V282000. On affected cars, selecting reverse may not bring up the rearview camera image at all. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 requires that rear view to be shown, so a V90 that behaves this way is out of compliance. NHTSA's consequence statement is straightforward: without the camera image the driver sees less of what is behind the car, which raises crash risk — a real concern in a long wagon body. The cause is software; the remedy is a software update rather than a camera replacement. Only the 2022 model year of the V90 is named in this campaign. The 413,151-unit figure NHTSA publishes applies to the entire campaign across all the Volvo models involved.

Common Symptoms

  • No rear camera picture when the transmission is put in reverse
  • Center display stays on another screen or shows no camera feed while reversing

How to Fix

Volvo updates the software free of charge, either through an over-the-air update or at a dealership. Owner letters were mailed June 27, 2025. If you bought the V90 used or changed address, check the VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the remedy is still outstanding; Volvo Car customer service is at 1-800-458-1552 and the campaign is R10320 internally.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Only the 2022 model year V90 plug-in hybrid falls under NHTSA campaign 25V179000, making this a narrow but serious recall for V90 owners. The defect is a possible short circuit within a module of the high-voltage battery, occurring when the battery is fully charged and the car is parked. NHTSA lists the consequence as an increased risk of fire. Volvo's interim guidance is unusually blunt for a recall: do not charge the vehicle until it has been repaired. The 7,483-unit figure NHTSA publishes is the size of the whole campaign across every Volvo plug-in hybrid model named in it, and says nothing about how many 2022 V90s are involved.

How to Fix

The fix is free at a Volvo dealer. Dealer technicians inspect the high-voltage battery, replace the battery module where inspection shows it is necessary, and apply a software update that monitors the battery. Leave the car uncharged until that is complete. Confirm your specific 2022 V90 is covered by entering the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552 and quote recall R10312. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The wiring harness that flexes through the tailgate hinge area chafes and breaks wires from repeated opening and closing. This causes the rear wiper, license plate lights, rear camera, or power tailgate to malfunction intermittently.

Common Symptoms

  • Rear camera intermittent
  • License plate light out
  • Rear wiper stops working
  • Power tailgate malfunction
  • Intermittent rear electrical issues

How to Fix

Inspect the wiring harness at the tailgate hinge. Repair broken wires with solder and heat shrink. Route the repaired harness with additional protective loom to prevent recurrence.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $400

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

The Sensus touchscreen infotainment system freezes, goes black, or reboots randomly. This affects navigation, climate control (which is controlled through the screen), and media. Early models are most affected, but it persists to some degree across model years.

Common Symptoms

  • Screen goes black
  • System reboots while driving
  • Touch inputs unresponsive
  • Climate controls inaccessible
  • Bluetooth disconnects

How to Fix

Perform a software update at the dealer. A hard reset (hold the home button for 30 seconds) can temporarily resolve freezes. If the issue persists after updates, the infotainment module may need replacement.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,500

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
Community reported
380 owners

The electromagnetic clutch that engages the Eaton supercharger on V90 T6 engines can fail, eliminating the low-RPM boost provided by the supercharger. The T6 uses a compound charging system where a Roots-type supercharger provides boost below 3,500 RPM and a turbocharger takes over above that. When the supercharger clutch fails, the engine loses significant low-end torque and responsiveness, feeling noticeably sluggish below 3,000 RPM. The clutch coil burns out from heat or the bearing seizes. The supercharger itself is still functional - only the clutch fails.

Common Symptoms

  • Noticeable loss of low-RPM power and torque
  • Engine feels sluggish below 3,000 RPM
  • Supercharger whine absent (normally audible at low RPM)
  • No boost pressure reading below 3,500 RPM on scan tool
  • Check engine light with supercharger-related fault codes

How to Fix

Replace the supercharger electromagnetic clutch assembly (Volvo part 31350313). The supercharger does not need to be removed from the engine - the clutch can be replaced in place. Inspect the supercharger drive belt (Volvo part 31480211) and replace if worn. Clear fault codes and perform supercharger clutch adaptation using VIDA diagnostic tool. If the supercharger bearing is also damaged, complete supercharger replacement may be needed (Volvo part 36010125).

Typical repair cost:$800 - $3,000

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Based on 380 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence380 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

The T6 compound-charged (turbo + supercharger) engine can accumulate condensation in the intercooler, causing a stumble or misfire on initial acceleration, especially in humid conditions. The charge air cooler design traps moisture at the bottom.

Common Symptoms

  • Stumble on initial acceleration
  • Misfire in humid weather
  • Hesitation from stop
  • Puff of white smoke on acceleration

How to Fix

Install an aftermarket charge air cooler drain or catch can. A software update may adjust throttle mapping to reduce the stumble. Accelerating gently initially can clear accumulated moisture.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $500

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
Community reported
580 owners

The V90 with optional rear air suspension (standard on Cross Country) develops air spring leaks and compressor failure following the same pattern as the S90 and XC90. The rear air springs crack from thermal cycling and UV exposure, leaking air slowly. The compressor then overworks to maintain ride height, eventually failing. The V90 Cross Country is particularly affected because the air suspension is standard equipment and the higher ride height puts more stress on the air springs. Failure typically occurs between 50,000-80,000 miles.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle rear sagging after sitting overnight
  • Rear suspension warning on instrument cluster
  • Air compressor running excessively (buzzing from rear)
  • Vehicle sitting unevenly - one side lower than other
  • Harsh ride quality from failed air springs

How to Fix

Same repair approach as S90 air suspension. Replace rear air springs (Volvo left 31360949, right 31360950). Replace compressor if failed (Volvo 31360720) along with relay and dryer. Arnott aftermarket air springs available at 40% savings. Cross Country models should have alignment checked after air spring replacement as ride height affects geometry. Some V90 owners convert to standard coil springs (Eibach Pro-Kit) but this changes the ride characteristics significantly.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $3,500

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Based on 580 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence580 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V28200008/05/2025

AIR BAGS

Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.

Campaign #21V00100007/01/2021

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volvo V90 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 960+ owner reports, the 2017-2025 Volvo V90 has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Emergency Brake System May Fail to Detect Obstacles — Free ASDM Reflash, V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000), Recall 25V179000 — 2022 V90 Plug-In Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Module Short Circuit. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Volvo V90 reliable?

The 2017-2025 Volvo V90 has 10 known issues documented across 960+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Automatic Emergency Brake System May Fail to Detect Obstacles — Free ASDM Reflash and V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000) and Recall 25V179000 — 2022 V90 Plug-In Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Module Short Circuit. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Volvo V90 problems?

Repair costs for known Volvo V90 issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Volvo V90 is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Volvo V90. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2017-2025 Volvo V90 with 10 documented issues documented across 960+ owner reports.

What is the 2019-2020 Volvo V90 Automatic Emergency Brake System May Fail to Detect Obstacles — Free ASDM Reflash?

Both the V90 wagon and the V90 Cross Country are named in NHTSA recall 20V144000 for model years 2019 and 2020. The defect is not mechanical: a software/hardware incompatibility in the car's active-safety electronics means the Automatic Emergency Brake system may not detect obsta… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 960+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #21V68200001/09/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.

Campaign #25V17900024/03/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V90800023/12/2025

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2021 Volvo V90 V90 Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor Deactivates Early (Recall 21V682000)?

The 2021 Volvo V90 — the wagon and, per NHTSA's listing, the V90 Cross Country — is included in Volvo Car USA's recall 21V682000. The defect is in the front seat belt automatic locking retractor, the mechanism that locks the belt once it is drawn fully out so it can clamp a child… Severity: high.

What is the 2022 Volvo V90 Recall 25V179000 — 2022 V90 Plug-In Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Module Short Circuit?

Only the 2022 model year V90 plug-in hybrid falls under NHTSA campaign 25V179000, making this a narrow but serious recall for V90 owners. The defect is a possible short circuit within a module of the high-voltage battery, occurring when the battery is fully charged and the car is… Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2024 Volvo V90 Rear Air Suspension Air Spring Leak and Compressor Failure?

The V90 with optional rear air suspension (standard on Cross Country) develops air spring leaks and compressor failure following the same pattern as the S90 and XC90. The rear air springs crack from thermal cycling and UV exposure, leaking air slowly. The compressor then overwork… Repairs typically run $600-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2022 Volvo V90 T6 Supercharger Electromagnetic Clutch Failure?

The electromagnetic clutch that engages the Eaton supercharger on V90 T6 engines can fail, eliminating the low-RPM boost provided by the supercharger. The T6 uses a compound charging system where a Roots-type supercharger provides boost below 3,500 RPM and a turbocharger takes ov… Repairs typically run $800-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022 Volvo V90 2022 V90: Reverse Camera Image May Not Display (Recall 25V908000)?

Only the 2022 model year of the V90 is named in this Volvo rear-visibility recall (the V90 Cross Country is listed separately in the same campaign). On these wagons, the rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse, so the car does not comply with F… Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2025 Volvo V90 Power Tailgate Wiring Harness Chafing?

The wiring harness that flexes through the tailgate hinge area chafes and breaks wires from repeated opening and closing. This causes the rear wiper, license plate lights, rear camera, or power tailgate to malfunction intermittently. Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2022 Volvo V90 2022 V90 Backup Camera May Not Show an Image When Shifting Into Reverse?

The 2022 V90 wagon is one of the vehicles covered by Volvo Car USA recall 25V282000. On affected cars, selecting reverse may not bring up the rearview camera image at all. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 requires that rear view to be shown, so a V90 that behaves thi… Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2025 Volvo V90 Sensus Infotainment System Freezing and Rebooting?

The Sensus touchscreen infotainment system freezes, goes black, or reboots randomly. This affects navigation, climate control (which is controlled through the screen), and media. Early models are most affected, but it persists to some degree across model years. Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2021 Volvo V90 T6 Supercharger Intercooler Condensation and Hesitation?

The T6 compound-charged (turbo + supercharger) engine can accumulate condensation in the intercooler, causing a stumble or misfire on initial acceleration, especially in humid conditions. The charge air cooler design traps moisture at the bottom. Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.