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Volvo · Known Issues

2018 Volvo V90 Problems: 5 Known Issues

2018 model year · 960+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 960+ owner reports, the 2018 Volvo V90 has 5 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. 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 Engine2
  • V90 Electrical2
  • V90 Suspension1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Electrical2
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS202520242023202220212020201920182017
Community reported
380 owners

On the 2017-2022 Volvo V90, 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

Research This Issue

Based on 380 owner reports

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

On the 2017-2021 Volvo V90, 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

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2017-2025 Volvo V90, 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

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2017-2025 Volvo V90, 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

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
Community reported
580 owners

On the 2017-2024 Volvo V90, 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

Research This Issue

Based on 580 owner reports

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

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, 2022-2025 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

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."

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Other Volvo Models

Volvo S9028Volvo V6028Volvo S6024Volvo XC6019Volvo V7018Volvo XC9017

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volvo V90 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 960+ owner reports, the 2018 Volvo V90 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Air Suspension Air Spring Leak and Compressor Failure, T6 Supercharger Electromagnetic Clutch Failure, Power Tailgate Wiring Harness Chafing. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Volvo V90 reliable?

The 2018 Volvo V90 has 5 known issues documented across 960+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. 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 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 2017-2025 Volvo V90 Power Tailgate Wiring Harness Chafing?

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 #25V90800023/12/2025

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."

Campaign #21V68200001/09/2021

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

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 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.