Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 S90 vehicles. The windows may be improperly secured and detach.
Campaign #25V10400019/02/2025
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."
🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Volvo S90 problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Volvo S90. Free, no account needed.
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,050+ owner reports, the 2017-2025 Volvo S90 has 28 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: S90L Automatic Emergency Braking Software Incompatibility (NHTSA Recall 20V144000), S90 Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Blow a Fuse and Quit (Safety Recall 21V414000), Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk. Of these, 11 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Volvo S90 reliable?
The 2017-2025 Volvo S90 has 28 known issues documented across 2,050+ owner reports. 11 issues are rated critical: S90L Automatic Emergency Braking Software Incompatibility (NHTSA Recall 20V144000) and S90 Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Blow a Fuse and Quit (Safety Recall 21V414000) and Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk and Inflatable Curtain Airbag Mounting Bolts Can Fracture (Hydrogen Embrittlement) — Recall 17V104 / Volvo R39917 and Front Seat Rail Rear Flange Nuts Missing From Assembly — Recall 19V220 / Volvo R19931 and T8 Recharge ECM Cooling-Flow Software Bug Prevents Combustion Engine Start, Car Loses Propulsion When Battery Depletes — Recall 22V793 and Windshield and Window Bonding Adhesion Failure on Daqing-Built Cars, Glass Can Detach — Recall 25V104 and Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120 and Brake Pedal Pushrod Screw Joint Under-Torqued at Supplier, Pedal Can Detach From Brake Unit — Recall 24V788 / Volvo R10289 and Front Passenger Seat Belt Buckle Stud Can Loosen and Separate — Recall 16V798 / Volvo R89708 and Brake Control Module Software 3.5.14 Causes Loss of Braking After Extended 'B' Mode Coasting — Recall 25V392. 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 S90 problems?
Repair costs for known Volvo S90 issues range from $0 to $4,000, 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 S90 is the most reliable?
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.
Filter:
This recall applies to 2019-2020 S90L sedans (the long-wheelbase S90 build named in NHTSA's vehicle list). Volvo Cars USA determined that a software/hardware incompatibility can prevent the Automatic Emergency Brake system from detecting obstacles and engaging the way it is meant to. NHTSA's stated consequence is blunt: if AEB does not engage as intended, the risk of a crash increases. Because nothing about the car's normal driving behavior changes, an S90L owner has no reliable way to tell from the driver's seat whether their car carries the affected configuration — the VIN check is the answer. The 121,605-vehicle figure NHTSA publishes is the size of the entire campaign across all the Volvo models involved, not an S90-specific count.
Common Symptoms
Automatic Emergency Braking system does not engage when an obstacle is ahead
How to Fix
Volvo dealers correct this at no charge by updating the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software. Owner notification for the campaign started April 9, 2020. If you cannot find paperwork showing the update was done, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — an open recall will show there regardless of how many owners the car has had — or contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 and cite recall R29998.
Early-build 2017 S90 sedans (alongside 2017 XC90 and V90 Cross Country) were built with inflatable-curtain (IC) airbag securing bolts whose surface-treatment process at the supplier varied, leaving some bolts susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. An internal chemical process can begin once the bolt is torqued and, roughly 48 hours later, the bolt can snap. A fractured mounting bolt means the curtain airbag may not be held in position and can deploy improperly in a side impact or rollover. There is no warning to the driver; the defect is invisible until a crash.
Common Symptoms
No driver-visible symptom
Curtain airbag may deploy improperly in a side crash
Recall notice for Volvo campaign R39917
How to Fix
Free recall remedy. Volvo dealers inspect the IC airbag mounting bolts and replace any from the affected supplier lot (Volvo campaign R39917, NHTSA 17V104000, remedy began April 2017). Check the VIN on NHTSA or with a dealer; used-car buyers should confirm the campaign is closed because there is no symptom to notice.
On 2016-2017 SPA-platform Volvos including the first-year 2017 S90 (built Feb 16, 2015 to Aug 22, 2016), the stud that attaches the front passenger seat belt buckle to its bracket may loosen over time. If it backs out, the buckle can separate from the bracket entirely, leaving the front passenger unrestrained in a crash. About 74,000 US vehicles were involved. Owners occasionally notice the buckle feeling loose or wobbling in its mount before it separates, but most cases are caught only at inspection.
Common Symptoms
Front passenger seat belt buckle feels loose or wobbles at its mount
Buckle separates from seat bracket
No warning light
How to Fix
Free recall remedy. Dealers inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud and replace the buckle assembly as needed (Volvo R89708, NHTSA 16V798000, began January 2017). Verify completion by VIN on any used 2017 S90.
Affected 2022-2025 S90 sedans may not show the rearview camera image on the center display when the transmission is placed in reverse. Volvo Car USA reported the condition to NHTSA as a back-over prevention software defect, and because the image can be missing precisely when the car is about to move backwards, the S90 fails Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, "Rear Visibility." NHTSA's stated risk is straightforward — with no camera image, the driver's view behind the vehicle is reduced and the chance of a crash goes up. The remedy confirms the root of it is software, not a bad camera. The recall covers 413,151 vehicles in total; that is the campaign-wide count across every Volvo model included, not an S90 number. This campaign replaces earlier recall 25V282.
Common Symptoms
Center display shows no camera view when reverse is selected
Reduced rearward visibility when backing up
How to Fix
Volvo covers the repair at no charge. The fix is a software update, applied either over-the-air or by a dealer, which restores the reverse camera image. Notification letters were mailed to owners on February 24, 2026, and VINs became searchable on NHTSA's site February 16, 2026. Before scheduling service, put your S90's VIN into nhtsa.gov/recalls — it will tell you whether the car is included and whether the remedy is still open. For help, call Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552 and reference recall R10333. An S90 already serviced under recall 25V282 is still covered by this superseding campaign.
Volvo Car USA is recalling 2022-2025 S90 sedans under NHTSA campaign 25V282000. The problem: when the driver places the car in reverse, the rearview camera image may fail to display. That makes the affected S90s non-compliant with FMVSS 111, "Rear Visibility." NHTSA's stated consequence is a reduced view of what is behind the car and an increased risk of a crash. Nothing in the recall record points to a failed camera, connector, or display panel — the remedy Volvo filed is a software update, which indicates the fault lies in software. The recall is one campaign covering several Volvo model lines; the 413,151 units NHTSA lists is the total across all of them, not an S90-specific number.
Common Symptoms
Rearview camera view missing when reverse is engaged
Backup camera display does not come up on the center screen
How to Fix
Have the software updated at no cost. Volvo is distributing the update over the air to eligible cars, and any Volvo dealer can also flash it during a visit. Notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025 — if yours never arrived, run your VIN through nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the remedy is still open on your S90, or contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552 (recall R10320).
The Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system and adaptive cruise control intermittently become unavailable, displaying error messages. Camera or radar sensor obstruction, calibration drift, or software bugs can trigger the issue. Heavy rain, snow, or direct sunlight may also cause temporary unavailability.
Common Symptoms
Pilot Assist unavailable message
Adaptive cruise cuts out
Camera blocked warning
Radar sensor error
How to Fix
Clean the windshield camera and front radar sensor. Software updates improve system reliability. If errors persist in clear conditions, the camera or radar module may need recalibration or replacement at the dealer.
2021 S90L sedans (with 2020-2021 XC60 and XC90) built with the Continental integrated brake system (IBS) had hydraulic units in which the rotor and shaft were not welded to specification. Under a hard braking maneuver the rotor and shaft can separate inside the unit; the driver then experiences a sudden reduction in brake assist (a hard, dead pedal needing much more force) together with loss of ABS and Electronic Stability Control. Volvo filed the recall in September 2021 (NHTSA 21V716000).
Common Symptoms
Sudden hard brake pedal / loss of brake boost during hard braking
ABS and ESC warning lights
Brake system warning message
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers replace the entire brake hydraulic unit (Volvo R10120, owner letters mailed October 22, 2021). Out of recall the same unit is a $2,500-$4,000 dealer repair.
A small batch (291 US vehicles) of 2020 S90 plug-in hybrids, together with 2020 S60/V60/XC60/XC90 hybrids built June 2 to November 11, 2019, received brake pedal assemblies whose pushrod screw joint — the link between the pedal and the hydraulic brake unit — was not torqued correctly because of a misaligned station at supplier Continental. A loose joint can work free over years of use; if it separates the pedal moves without actuating the brakes. Volvo issued the recall in late 2024, five years after the build window, after field reports of loose or 'clicking' brake pedals.
Common Symptoms
Brake pedal feels loose or has excess play
Clicking from brake pedal
Pedal moves with reduced or no braking effect
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers tighten the pushrod screw joint to specification (NHTSA 24V788000, Volvo R10289, letters mailed December 17, 2024). Owners who paid for a repair earlier can claim reimbursement.
2025 S90 T8 plug-in hybrids that received brake control module software version 3.5.14 (released April 25, 2025, OTA and at dealers) can lose brake function entirely in a specific scenario: coasting downhill in 'B' (regenerative) drive mode for more than about 1 minute 40 seconds without touching the brake or, to a degree, the accelerator. The regen-blending logic stops responding and when the driver finally presses the pedal there is no braking. 14,014 US Volvo EVs and PHEVs were involved; at least one XC90 T8 owner reported a crash after the update.
Common Symptoms
Brake pedal ineffective after long downhill coast in B mode
Loss of regenerative and friction braking
Occurs only after 3.5.14 brake software update
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: brake module software updated to version 3.6.4 over-the-air or at a dealer (NHTSA 25V392000, rollout began June 16, 2025). Until updated, Volvo advised not to use 'B' mode. Confirm the software level in the car's settings/service history rather than assuming the OTA landed.
S90 and V90 owners across 2017-2021 report a recurring 'Parking brake service required' warning, sometimes with the electric parking brake refusing to release or apply. Volvo has issued multiple bulletins: TJ 34647 (2019, revised through 2024) directs a software upgrade for the message, and TJ 32525 (2023) covers fault-tracing. Forum diagnoses on the Volvo Owners Club and Swedespeed show the physical causes when software does not clear it: the driver-side EPB motor wiring rubs on the chassis and fractures internally, corrosion at the caliper motor connectors, or lost communication with the parking-brake module in the trunk. A wiring fault appears 'regularly' on SPA models per forum technicians.
Common Symptoms
'Parking brake service required' on driver display
Parking brake will not release or apply
Message clears on restart then returns
How to Fix
Have the dealer load the current parking-brake software per TJ 34647 first. If the fault returns, inspect the rear caliper EPB motor harnesses for chafe and corrosion and repair the wire (often under $200) rather than replacing calipers; a failed parking-brake module is the expensive outcome ($400-$900).
From the first model year, S90 owners complained about persistent brake squeal at low speed and heavy brake dust, bad enough that Swedespeed's 'Brake Squeal on 2017+ S90 or V90' thread became a long-running reference. Volvo's fault-tracing bulletin TJ 34246 'SPA Brake noise' (Dec 2018) and TJ 33506 'Squealing noise from rear brakes at low speed' (Mar 2018) cover it. For cars with the 17-inch front brake package, the documented Volvo fix was a hardware change: reinforced front caliper carriers, damped dust shields, and new front discs and pads. Owners also reported vibration under braking traced to lockable wheel screws (TJ 33239).
Common Symptoms
Brake squeal at low speed and light pedal
Excessive brake dust on front wheels
Vibration when braking
How to Fix
Have the dealer apply the TJ 34246 fault-tracing procedure; on affected 17-inch-brake cars Volvo replaced the front carriers with reinforced carriers, fitted damped dust shields and new discs/pads under warranty. Out of warranty, a pad change to a low-dust ceramic compound with new shims/hardware typically cures the noise ($250-$500).
Volvo Car USA recalled 2020-2021 S90 plug-in hybrid sedans under NHTSA campaign 25V179000 (Volvo reference R10312). On the affected S90 Recharge, the high-voltage battery may short circuit internally within a battery module when the battery has been charged to full and the car is sitting parked. Because the fault develops on a fully charged, stationary vehicle, an S90 left plugged in overnight in a garage is exactly the scenario of concern. NHTSA lists 7,483 units affected across the entire campaign, which also covers several other Volvo plug-in hybrid models — that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of S90s. Volvo instructed owners not to charge the vehicle at all until the repair has been performed.
Common Symptoms
How to Fix
The remedy is free at any Volvo dealer. The dealer inspects the high-voltage battery and replaces the battery module if needed, and also installs a software update that monitors the battery. Until that work is done, follow Volvo's instruction not to charge the car. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your S90 is included, or call Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 and reference recall R10312. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025.
The Sensus infotainment system in the S90 suffers from significant lag, screen freezes, and black screen episodes. Since the system controls climate, seat heating, navigation, and vehicle settings through the central touchscreen, a crash renders many vehicle functions inaccessible. The system runs on a Tegra K1 processor that struggles with the software load, especially when running multiple features simultaneously. Volvo has released numerous software updates, and the transition to Google-based Android Automotive OS in 2024 addressed the hardware limitations but introduced new software bugs.
Touchscreen becomes unresponsive or extremely laggy
Screen goes completely black during driving
Climate controls inaccessible during system crash
Navigation freezes or shows incorrect position
Phone connectivity drops repeatedly
System takes 60+ seconds to boot after starting the car
How to Fix
Install all available OTA updates or visit dealer for latest Sensus software. Perform factory reset of the infotainment system through settings. If freezing persists, the infotainment module (ICM) may need replacement. Limit the number of synced phone contacts. Clear navigation cache periodically. For 2024+ models with Google Built-In, ensure Android Automotive OS is up to date. Some owners report improvement after replacing the USB hub module.
High Confidence850 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
2017-2019 S90 (and the rest of the SPA 90/60 range) shipped with Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) software containing an error that can make the Telematics and Driver Support systems misbehave. The specific safety consequence is that when Volvo On Call places an automatic emergency (SOS) call after a crash, the GPS position is not transmitted to emergency responders. Owners typically see no symptom at all, although some report intermittent 'Volvo On Call service required' or 'SOS service required' messages on the driver display. The same VCM is the source of the recurring 'SOS service required' complaints that require a VCM backup-battery replacement (Volvo TJ 36916) on higher-mileage cars.
Common Symptoms
No symptom in most cases
Intermittent 'Volvo On Call service required' or 'SOS service required' message
GPS location not sent during automatic emergency call
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers reflash the VCM software (NHTSA 18V800000). Separately, if an out-of-recall car shows persistent 'SOS/Volvo On Call service required', the usual cause is a depleted VCM backup battery; Volvo's 2024 bulletin covers replacing it with a software download (roughly $250-$600 at a dealer).
A widely reported SPA-platform fault on 2017-2020 S90s: the right-hand steering-wheel button cluster (volume, track, mute, voice, phone) goes dead, sometimes intermittently and often first on a single button, before the whole pad fails. Owners describe pressing hard near the connector to restore function temporarily. Volvo's Technical Journal TJ 32033 'Audio switches on steering wheel, no function' (April 2018, revised September 2018) attributes some cases to a Driver Information Module software fault, but forum owners and dealers report the more common fix is hardware: the button pad, the steering-wheel harness, or the switch module behind the pad. Dealers on Swedespeed and the Volvo Owners Club forum have called it 'a known issue' and 'very common'.
Common Symptoms
Volume/track/mute buttons on steering wheel do nothing
Buttons work intermittently or after pressing hard
Cannot clear driver-display notifications with wheel buttons
Function briefly returns after system restart
How to Fix
First have the dealer apply the TJ 32033 software update to the DIM. If the buttons still fail, replace the switch pad(s) and the steering wheel wiring harness (Volvo part numbers cited on forums include 31443499 / 31443498 switches and 31404245 / 32131071 harnesses). Covered under the 4-year/50k warranty; out of warranty expect roughly $300-$900 depending on whether one pad or pads plus harness are replaced.
2025 S90 sedans built at Volvo's Daqing, China plant between September 11 and December 11, 2024 had their windshield and fixed glass bonded over a surface contaminated by plasticizers migrating from PVC masking, which weakened the polyurethane bond to the body. Affected glass can loosen and detach while driving, and a poorly bonded windshield may not support passenger-airbag deployment in a crash. Volvo introduced a clean-and-prime step from December 11, 2024 onward.
Common Symptoms
Wind noise or whistling around windshield/side glass
Visible gap or lifting at glass edge
Water leak at window perimeter
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers remove and re-bond the affected windows (NHTSA 25V104000, owner letters mailed March 24, 2025). Wind noise or a visible gap at the glass edge on a late-2024-built car warrants an immediate dealer visit.
A recurring SPA complaint that also appears in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 S90 under Latches/Locks: a rear door (often the passenger side) suddenly will not open from either handle. Owners note the safety implication for rear passengers. Causes documented on forums are the electronic lock motor failing in the locked position, a poor electrical connection at the lock, or the electronic child lock tripping; getting in requires removing the door card from inside to release the latch manually. Dealers quote roughly $600-$860 for the lock actuator, and parts have been back-ordered.
Common Symptoms
Rear door will not open from inside or outside handle
Door lock does not respond to lock/unlock
Child lock indicator behaves erratically
How to Fix
Try a battery disconnect/reset and cycling the electronic child lock first. If the door stays shut, the door panel must be removed to manually release the latch and then the lock actuator (latch assembly) is replaced. Under the 4yr/50k warranty it is a no-charge repair; out of warranty budget $600-$900 at a dealer.
The S90's fuel flap is locked by a small electric actuator tied to central locking. On 2017-2019 cars the actuator (or its push-fit internal connection) fails, leaving the fuel door locked even when the car is unlocked; some owners report it working intermittently first. NHTSA complaints on the 2018 S90 describe being unable to refuel at all, and Volvo issued Technical Journal TJ 32887 'Fuel door lid not possible to open' in July 2017. The emergency release is buried behind the trunk-side trim, and the Swedespeed 'butterknife' thread documents owners prying the flap to get fuel in.
Common Symptoms
Fuel door will not open when car is unlocked
Fuel flap sometimes opens, sometimes does not
No click from fuel-door actuator on lock/unlock
How to Fix
Try locking/unlocking with the key fob and, if intermittent, a dealer software update. The lasting fix is replacing the fuel-door lock actuator (about $60-$150 for the part, 1 hour labor; $150-$350 at a dealer). Learn where the manual release cable is in the trunk before you are stranded at a pump.
2022-2023 S90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrids (part of 15,674 Volvo PHEVs) have an Engine Control Module software error: when the hybrid system calls for maximum cooling, the ECM incorrectly commands the cooling-circuit flow to zero, and the engine's start conditions are never satisfied. The car keeps driving on the high-voltage battery until it is depleted, then loses propulsion. Owners see a staged sequence — a 'Propulsion system service required' message on startup, then a turtle icon with speed limited to roughly 47 mph, then 'Stop safely' as the car goes dead. Volvo's Technical Journal TJ 36415 ('PHEV intermittent start of the combustion engine in hybrid mode') documents the same behavior for technicians.
Common Symptoms
'Propulsion system service required' message at startup
Turtle/reduced-power icon, speed limited to ~47 mph
'Stop safely' message and loss of propulsion when battery depletes
Combustion engine will not start in Hybrid mode
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers update the ECM software (NHTSA 22V793000, owner letters around December 8, 2022). If the message appears after the recall is done, ask the dealer to check TJ 36415 and the current ECM/BECM software level rather than replacing hardware.
A distinct click or clack from the front-left of the engine bay when accelerating from a stop, lifting off, or during gear changes. Volvo's TJ 33442 'Left engine pad click sound' (2018, revised through 2020) confirms the source is the upper left hydraulic engine pad itself and warns technicians to rule out the drive shaft first. The bulletin's remedy is not a new mount: the pad is removed, split by removing a small screw, lubricated at specific points with graphite grease or aluminum paste, and reassembled to 8 Nm. Swedespeed owners report work orders citing TJ 33442 and the click resolved after the lubrication procedure; a related 2023 bulletin (TJ 36563) addresses creaking from the right engine pad.
Common Symptoms
Click/clack from front-left engine bay on acceleration or deceleration
Noise during gear changes or when shifting into gear
No drivability change
How to Fix
Dealer performs the TJ 33442 procedure (remove, split, lubricate and reassemble the left upper engine pad) — about 1 hour labor, free under warranty, $100-$250 otherwise. If the click persists or the mount shows fluid loss, replace the hydraulic engine pad ($200-$450 part plus labor).
If you drive a 2019 or 2020 S90, Volvo Car USA identified a defect in which the low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail. Losing the low-pressure pump means the engine loses its fuel supply, and NHTSA's stated consequence is a stall - a risk because a stall in traffic can lead to a crash. The safety recall was filed as NHTSA campaign 21V414000 (Volvo reference R10100); the 85,550-unit figure NHTSA publishes is the total for the entire campaign, which spans several Volvo car and SUV lines, not a count of S90 sedans.
Common Symptoms
Sudden engine stall
Loss of engine power while driving
Vehicle shuts down and may not restart
How to Fix
Volvo dealers correct this by replacing the fuse, at no cost to the owner. Owner letters were mailed July 2, 2021, so if you bought your S90 used you may never have received one - check the VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether recall 21V414000 is still open on your car, or call Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552.
About 2,300 2018-2019 S90 and XC60 vehicles left the line without the rear flange nuts that secure the driver and front-passenger seat rails to the floor. With the nuts missing, the seat structure is held only by the front fasteners; in a collision the seat can shift or rotate, changing occupant position relative to the belts and airbags and increasing injury risk. Some owners noticed a slight rock or clunk from the front seat under braking, but most cars were asymptomatic.
Common Symptoms
Front seat rocks or clunks under braking/acceleration
Usually no symptom
Recall notice R19931
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers inspect both front seat rails and install the missing flange nuts (NHTSA 19V220000, Volvo R19931, began May 2019). An S90 with a front seat that rocks fore/aft should have this checked first.
The T6 twin-charged engine in the S90 has a coolant crossover pipe (also called the coolant bridge or manifold) that runs between the cylinder head and the turbocharger. This pipe develops leaks at the O-ring seals, causing coolant loss that can lead to overheating if not caught. The plastic components in the coolant routing deteriorate from heat cycling. The leak is often slow and can be mistaken for condensation. Volvo updated the pipe design in 2021 with improved materials. The issue also affects XC60 and XC90 T6 models.
Gradual coolant level drop with no visible external leak
Sweet smell from engine bay (coolant odor)
Small puddle of green/pink coolant under the engine
Low coolant warning on dashboard
Overheating if coolant loss is significant
How to Fix
Replace coolant crossover pipe and O-ring seals with updated design (Volvo part 31492411 updated pipe). Pressure test cooling system to identify all leak points. Flush and refill cooling system with Volvo-approved coolant. Inspect thermostat housing and water pump for related leaks. The updated pipe uses improved O-rings and reinforced plastic that resists heat degradation.
High Confidence480 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
The electric auxiliary coolant pump develops a leak or fails, affecting cabin heating performance and turbo/supercharger cooling on T6 models. The pump circulates coolant to the heater core and turbo when the engine is off or at idle.
Common Symptoms
Poor cabin heating at idle
Coolant leak under center of car
Turbo heat soak after shutdown
Low coolant warning
How to Fix
Replace the auxiliary coolant pump. Bleed the cooling system. Inspect the coolant hoses and connections near the pump for related leaks.
The S90 equipped with rear air suspension (standard on Inscription and optional on other trims) experiences air spring leaks and compressor failure, typically after 50,000-70,000 miles. The rear air springs develop cracks in the rubber bladder, causing slow leaks that worsen in cold weather. The compressor then overworks to compensate, eventually burning out. The S90 uses the same Continental air suspension components as the XC90, which share this failure pattern. Some owners report repeated failure within 20,000 miles of repair if only one component is replaced.
Common Symptoms
Rear of vehicle sagging after sitting overnight
Suspension warning message on dashboard
Compressor running continuously (audible from trunk area)
Harsh ride quality from rear suspension
Vehicle sitting noticeably lower in the rear
How to Fix
Diagnose using VIDA to determine which component has failed. Replace rear air springs (Volvo part 31360949 left, 31360950 right, approximately $500-800 each). Replace air compressor if overworked or failed (Volvo part 31360720). Always replace the compressor relay and air dryer when replacing the compressor. Arnott aftermarket air springs (A-3360/A-3361) are available at about 40% less than OEM. Consider replacing both rear air springs simultaneously.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
replace a VIDA-confirmed failed compressor only after air leaks are repaired and extended-warranty eligibility is checked Fitment/availability: Volvo S90 equipped with optional rear auto-leveling suspension using the 31360720/32315091 co…
High Confidence720 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Roughly 43,800 US-market 2016-2017 XC90 and 2017 S90 vehicles built April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016 had the air-conditioning condensate drain hose installed incorrectly at the factory. Instead of routing outside, condensate can drain into the passenger compartment under the carpet. Beyond the wet floor, musty smell and fogged windows owners notice in humid weather, Volvo determined that significant water accumulation can reach the wiring harness and adversely affect airbag deployment in a crash, which is why it was filed as a safety recall rather than a service campaign.
Common Symptoms
Wet front passenger floor carpet after running A/C
Musty or mildew smell in cabin
Window fogging in humid weather
Water under carpet reaching wiring harness
How to Fix
Free recall remedy. Dealers inspect the A/C drain hose installation and replace/re-route it as needed; if water is found under the carpet the dealer also performs wire-harness repair work (Volvo R89707, NHTSA 16V690000, began November 2016). Owners of an early 2017 S90 with a damp passenger-side floor should have the campaign status checked before paying for a leak diagnosis.
2017-2020 S90 owners report moisture fogging inside the LED headlamps, sometimes pooling at the lower edge, that does not clear after driving. Volvo's position, documented in a 2018 S90 Technical Journal, is that light condensation is normal but if it does not dissipate after a set running time the dealer must perform a leak test; if the test fails (air leak at the housing seal), headlamp replacement is authorized. Because the S90's full-LED 'Thor's hammer' units are sealed assemblies, the out-of-warranty cost is severe — UK owners on the Volvo Owners Club forum cite over £2,000 per lamp, and US replacements run $1,500-$2,500 each. Dealer denials on the grounds that 'condensation is normal' are a common owner complaint.
Common Symptoms
Fog or droplets inside headlamp lens that do not clear after driving
Water pooled at bottom of headlamp
Dealer says condensation is normal
How to Fix
Photograph the condensation and its persistence, and insist on the TJ leak test while under the 4yr/50k warranty (headlamp replaced free if it fails). Out of warranty, a failed unit is a $1,500-$2,500 replacement; some owners reseal the housing or replace the vent membranes instead for under $100.
The Aisin TG-81SC 8-speed in the T5 and T6 S90 (not the T8's hybrid version of the same box) is the subject of two Volvo Technical Journals: TJ 32546 'TG81-SC harsh shift P-R, R-D, N-D' (March/April 2017) and TJ 35075 'TG-81SC rough/hard shift in 3-2' (2020). Owners on Swedespeed describe a mechanical clunk and jerk when selecting Reverse or Drive from Park, and a hard 3-2 downshift when slowing, sometimes worse cold. A 2018 S90 Inscription owner reported the P-R/R-D harshness was resolved by a software update; others went back repeatedly for torque-converter-related hard shifting before TCM software finally cured it.
Common Symptoms
Clunk or jerk shifting from Park into Reverse or Drive
Harsh 3-2 downshift when slowing
Worse in first minutes after cold start
How to Fix
Ask the dealer to apply the TCM software specified in TJ 32546 / TJ 35075 through VIDA — this is the documented fix and is free under warranty. If harshness persists after the update, have the lower transmission/torque mount inspected before any valve body or converter work.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
Campaign #22V79300020/10/2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
Reliability varies across model years of the Volvo S90. 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 S90 with 28 documented issues documented across 2,050+ owner reports.
What is the 2019-2020 Volvo S90 S90L Automatic Emergency Braking Software Incompatibility (NHTSA Recall 20V144000)?
This recall applies to 2019-2020 S90L sedans (the long-wheelbase S90 build named in NHTSA's vehicle list). Volvo Cars USA determined that a software/hardware incompatibility can prevent the Automatic Emergency Brake system from detecting obstacles and engaging the way it is meant… Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 Volvo S90 S90 Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Blow a Fuse and Quit (Safety Recall 21V414000)?
If you drive a 2019 or 2020 S90, Volvo Car USA identified a defect in which the low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail. Losing the low-pressure pump means the engine loses its fuel supply, and NHTSA's stated consequence is a stall - a risk because a stall in traffic can… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Volvo S90 Recall 25V179000 — S90 Recharge High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit Fire Risk?
Volvo Car USA recalled 2020-2021 S90 plug-in hybrid sedans under NHTSA campaign 25V179000 (Volvo reference R10312). On the affected S90 Recharge, the high-voltage battery may short circuit internally within a battery module when the battery has been charged to full and the car is… Severity: high.
What is the 2017 Volvo S90 Inflatable Curtain Airbag Mounting Bolts Can Fracture (Hydrogen Embrittlement) — Recall 17V104 / Volvo R39917?
Early-build 2017 S90 sedans (alongside 2017 XC90 and V90 Cross Country) were built with inflatable-curtain (IC) airbag securing bolts whose surface-treatment process at the supplier varied, leaving some bolts susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. An internal chemical process can… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2019 Volvo S90 Front Seat Rail Rear Flange Nuts Missing From Assembly — Recall 19V220 / Volvo R19931?
About 2,300 2018-2019 S90 and XC60 vehicles left the line without the rear flange nuts that secure the driver and front-passenger seat rails to the floor. With the nuts missing, the seat structure is held only by the front fasteners; in a collision the seat can shift or rotate, c… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2022-2023 Volvo S90 T8 Recharge ECM Cooling-Flow Software Bug Prevents Combustion Engine Start, Car Loses Propulsion When Battery Depletes — Recall 22V793?
2022-2023 S90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrids (part of 15,674 Volvo PHEVs) have an Engine Control Module software error: when the hybrid system calls for maximum cooling, the ECM incorrectly commands the cooling-circuit flow to zero, and the engine's start conditions are never satisf… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Volvo S90 Windshield and Window Bonding Adhesion Failure on Daqing-Built Cars, Glass Can Detach — Recall 25V104?
2025 S90 sedans built at Volvo's Daqing, China plant between September 11 and December 11, 2024 had their windshield and fixed glass bonded over a surface contaminated by plasticizers migrating from PVC masking, which weakened the polyurethane bond to the body. Affected glass can… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2021 Volvo S90 Integrated Brake System Hydraulic Unit Rotor/Shaft Weld Can Separate, Losing Boost, ABS and ESC — Recall 21V716 / Volvo R10120?
2021 S90L sedans (with 2020-2021 XC60 and XC90) built with the Continental integrated brake system (IBS) had hydraulic units in which the rotor and shaft were not welded to specification. Under a hard braking maneuver the rotor and shaft can separate inside the unit; the driver t… Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2020 Volvo S90 Brake Pedal Pushrod Screw Joint Under-Torqued at Supplier, Pedal Can Detach From Brake Unit — Recall 24V788 / Volvo R10289?
A small batch (291 US vehicles) of 2020 S90 plug-in hybrids, together with 2020 S60/V60/XC60/XC90 hybrids built June 2 to November 11, 2019, received brake pedal assemblies whose pushrod screw joint — the link between the pedal and the hydraulic brake unit — was not torqued corre… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017 Volvo S90 Front Passenger Seat Belt Buckle Stud Can Loosen and Separate — Recall 16V798 / Volvo R89708?
On 2016-2017 SPA-platform Volvos including the first-year 2017 S90 (built Feb 16, 2015 to Aug 22, 2016), the stud that attaches the front passenger seat belt buckle to its bracket may loosen over time. If it backs out, the buckle can separate from the bracket entirely, leaving th… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Volvo S90 Brake Control Module Software 3.5.14 Causes Loss of Braking After Extended 'B' Mode Coasting — Recall 25V392?
2025 S90 T8 plug-in hybrids that received brake control module software version 3.5.14 (released April 25, 2025, OTA and at dealers) can lose brake function entirely in a specific scenario: coasting downhill in 'B' (regenerative) drive mode for more than about 1 minute 40 seconds… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2023 Volvo S90 Sensus Infotainment System Lag, Crashes, and Black Screen?
The Sensus infotainment system in the S90 suffers from significant lag, screen freezes, and black screen episodes. Since the system controls climate, seat heating, navigation, and vehicle settings through the central touchscreen, a crash renders many vehicle functions inaccessibl… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2024 Volvo S90 Rear Air Suspension Strut and Compressor Failure?
The S90 equipped with rear air suspension (standard on Inscription and optional on other trims) experiences air spring leaks and compressor failure, typically after 50,000-70,000 miles. The rear air springs develop cracks in the rubber bladder, causing slow leaks that worsen in c… Repairs typically run $600-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Volvo S90 T6 Twin-Charged Engine Coolant Crossover Pipe Leak?
The T6 twin-charged engine in the S90 has a coolant crossover pipe (also called the coolant bridge or manifold) that runs between the cylinder head and the turbocharger. This pipe develops leaks at the O-ring seals, causing coolant loss that can lead to overheating if not caught. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Volvo S90 Auxiliary Coolant Pump Leak?
The electric auxiliary coolant pump develops a leak or fails, affecting cabin heating performance and turbo/supercharger cooling on T6 models. The pump circulates coolant to the heater core and turbo when the engine is off or at idle. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2022-2025 Volvo S90 Rearview Camera Does Not Display in Reverse — FMVSS 111 Recall (Volvo R10333)?
Affected 2022-2025 S90 sedans may not show the rearview camera image on the center display when the transmission is placed in reverse. Volvo Car USA reported the condition to NHTSA as a back-over prevention software defect, and because the image can be missing precisely when the… Severity: medium.
What is the 2022-2025 Volvo S90 S90 Rear Visibility Recall: Camera Image May Not Display in Reverse?
Volvo Car USA is recalling 2022-2025 S90 sedans under NHTSA campaign 25V282000. The problem: when the driver places the car in reverse, the rearview camera image may fail to display. That makes the affected S90s non-compliant with FMVSS 111, "Rear Visibility." NHTSA's stated cons… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2020 Volvo S90 Rear Door Lock Actuator / Latch Fails Locked, Door Cannot Be Opened From Inside or Outside?
A recurring SPA complaint that also appears in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 S90 under Latches/Locks: a rear door (often the passenger side) suddenly will not open from either handle. Owners note the safety implication for rear passengers. Causes documented on forums are the elec… Repairs typically run $600-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017 Volvo S90 A/C Evaporator Drain Hose Misrouted, Leaks Water Into Cabin and Can Compromise Airbag Deployment — Recall 16V690 / Volvo R89707?
Roughly 43,800 US-market 2016-2017 XC90 and 2017 S90 vehicles built April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016 had the air-conditioning condensate drain hose installed incorrectly at the factory. Instead of routing outside, condensate can drain into the passenger compartment under… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2019 Volvo S90 Vehicle Connectivity Module Software Error Disables GPS Location for Emergency Calls — Recall 18V800 / Volvo R39917?
2017-2019 S90 (and the rest of the SPA 90/60 range) shipped with Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) software containing an error that can make the Telematics and Driver Support systems misbehave. The specific safety consequence is that when Volvo On Call places an automatic emerge… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.
