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2018 Volvo XC90

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Volvo XC90 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 34.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 16 of 50 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

5 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

While actively driving into an intersection, driving on the street and or stopped at a light or at a stop the vehicle will shut off, the lights on the dashboard will sometimes be on, other times go completely black, a notification pops up on the dashboard saying "engine not in P". There is no way I'm aware of to re create this a…

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While actively driving into an intersection, driving on the street and or stopped at a light or at a stop the vehicle will shut off, the lights on the dashboard will sometimes be on, other times go completely black, a notification pops up on the dashboard saying "engine not in P". There is no way I'm aware of to re create this action. My children's safety as well as mine has been put at significant risk and in harms way as well as others due to the severity and nature of this unexpected risk while driving on the freeway, through intersections and in general driving through traffic and busy streets. I've had multiple close calls of almost being hit when the car stopped while I'm driving with my children. The problem has yet to be reproduced by the dealer at this time however we have photos and video of it's ongoing safety concern. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer nor police but is currently at the dealer undergoing inspection. There has not been any notifications or warnings prior to any one of these serious events, the message only comes up when the car is off and won't go.

NHTSA ODI #11657576

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2025
Engine

The engine coolant bleeder hose in my 2018 Volvo XC90 cracked in the middle of my journey causing a severe coolant leak. This happened in August of 2024 while driving and the engine coolant suddenly started showed warning with low level and the engine started overheating. The vehicle would not accelerate past 20 mph, and the te…

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The engine coolant bleeder hose in my 2018 Volvo XC90 cracked in the middle of my journey causing a severe coolant leak. This happened in August of 2024 while driving and the engine coolant suddenly started showed warning with low level and the engine started overheating. The vehicle would not accelerate past 20 mph, and the temperature warning light flashed continuously, creating a safety hazard in traffic. The Volvo dealership diagnosed the issue and confirmed that the coolant bleeder on the supercharger is broken and leaking. They replaced the bleeder hose and vacuum fill system. I believe similar issues happened to the 2016 models and a recall was issued for the coolant bleeder hose (part # 32249907-0) to be replaced by Volvo. This has not been recalled for the 2018 models, making it an expensive replacement for me. I urge NHTSA to investigate Volvo XC90 coolant hoses for material defects, as this issue endangers drivers through unexpected breakdowns and engine failure.

NHTSA ODI #11655729

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

The vehicle engine will fail while driving. The electronics reflect the vehicle is still running. Restarting is not immediate and is difficult. This is a known problem that Volvo recalled for 2019/2020 XC90s. Volvo will not diagnose and repair under goodwill despite my repeated attempts.

NHTSA ODI #11655417

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

On Monday [XXX] I started my car and immediately a warning signal on the dashboard read ENGINE LOW Performance , and the dashboard went black and the engine cut off. The car was then towed to the Glen Cove Volvo. After a diagnostic I was informed the following needed to be replaced - FUEL FILLER PIPE 2) FUEL PRESSURE LOW FUEL …

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On Monday [XXX] I started my car and immediately a warning signal on the dashboard read ENGINE LOW Performance , and the dashboard went black and the engine cut off. The car was then towed to the Glen Cove Volvo. After a diagnostic I was informed the following needed to be replaced - FUEL FILLER PIPE 2) FUEL PRESSURE LOW FUEL indicator 3) the aforementioned replacements will require calibrated software update. . I bought this car brand new and I am the only owner and it has only been serviced by Volvo. This car ONLY has 59, 300 miles. I researched the problem online and noted it was a common problem with the. same make and year of my car and could not understand why there is not a recall for my car, by Volvo for this issue no matter the mileage. I came across correspondence on the internet from [XXX] referencing service action S29843 - fuel tank filler pipe insert was manufactured out of specification for ONLY T8 engines. I reached out to Volvo Car USA customer care and inquired about them covering the cost of the repairs and also informing them that this problem is not only affecting T8 engines. I just received a response for my concern stating THEY ARE SORRY THEY CAN NOT ASSIST ME WITH THIS MATTER. I cannot begin to express how sadden and disappointed in the corporation, to experience their lack of compassion and. concern about their product after I spent thousands of dollars of my hard earned money on this defective car. I have no faith in Volvo and no longer feel safe driving this car. I will tell all my relatives and friends of my experience to save them from Volvo's lack of concern about their CUSTOMERS' safety. This is clearly no wear and tear. There are multiple posts on the internet. There's a case of replacement at 10,000 miles, another case where it was replaced and failed again and the dealer is requesting the owner to pay. This this not right. There should be a recall for the entire system when it fails.-clearly defective INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ODI #11587090

11,500 miles · Nov 20, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I PURCHASED MY 2018 VOLVO XC90 T6 AWD (HEREINAFTER, THE '2018 XC90' OR 'THE VEHICLE') IN OCTOBER 2017, THROUGH LEASE AGREEMENT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL EFFICIENCY OF THE VEHICLE WAS WELL BELOW THE EPA RATING AND WARRANTED RANGE, BASED ON REPRESENTATIONS BY THE DEALER AT, AND PRIOR TO, THE TIME OF SALE. I TOOK…

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I PURCHASED MY 2018 VOLVO XC90 T6 AWD (HEREINAFTER, THE '2018 XC90' OR 'THE VEHICLE') IN OCTOBER 2017, THROUGH LEASE AGREEMENT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL EFFICIENCY OF THE VEHICLE WAS WELL BELOW THE EPA RATING AND WARRANTED RANGE, BASED ON REPRESENTATIONS BY THE DEALER AT, AND PRIOR TO, THE TIME OF SALE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT, SO THE ISSUE COULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER. THE DEALER REPORTED THERE WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM, AND THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ISSUE CONTINUED TO RE-APPEAR AND THE FUEL EFFICIENTLY CONTINUED TO SUFFER. I AGAIN, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS (BETWEEN 5 OR 6) BETWEEN DECEMBER 2017 AND NOVEMBER 2018, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IN EACH OCCURRENCE, EXCEPT THE FINAL ONE PRIOR TO THIS COMPLAINT BEING FILED, IT WAS AGAIN REPORTED THAT NO ISSUE EXISTED OR HAD BEEN REMEDIED WITH A SOFTWARE FIX. FURTHERMORE, IN (OR AROUND) JULY OF THIS YEAR, THE COMPRESSOR (OR ANOTHER COMPONENT CONTROLLING THE HVAC SYSTEM IN THE 2018 XC90) FAILED, WHILST DRIVING TO HOUSTON, TEXAS. THE HEAT INSIDE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY RAISED. THIS PART WAS REPLACED IN HOUSTON. IN OCTOBER 2018, I AGAIN, FINALLY, TOOK THE 2018 XC90 TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE (1) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; AND (2) THE ELECTRONIC SAFETY SYSTEMS, SUCH AS THE AUTO BRAKING, HAD AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED WITHOUT ANY CARS AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO DRIVING AND HANDLING IN A STRANGE MANNER. FUEL EFFICIENCY WAS AGAIN A CONCERN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROX. TWO-AND-A-HALF WEEKS. THEY, ULTIMATELY, DETERMINED THE FUEL PARTS, WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY REPLACED THESE PARTS AND NOTED IT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL PRIOR FUEL ISSUES. HOWEVER, THEY ALSO STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE LIST. NO RECALL NOTICE EXISTS WITH THE NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI #11152941

Official recalls

3

23V827000 · Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

Dec 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 & remedy

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.

21V273000 · Electrical System:software

Apr 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 & remedy

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.

18V800000 · Electrical System:software

Nov 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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.