2018 Volvo XC90
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 52 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 197 |
| 2017 | 81 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 38 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
29% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-06-23
Also filed under Air bags
At first I was having issues with stop and start, replaced the battery then was told I wasted coffee in my center Console and it cause electrical issues and was told the repairs would be 3,400 in which collision issuance paid for.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-19
Also filed under Seat belts
Service brakes
23% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
When driving the vehicle at a speed of 15-40 MPH, the SUV is activating the crash imminent braking "City crash avoidance" Without anything in the path of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-01
On Wednesday 9/23, I was driving on a residential road and came to a stop sign. When I tried to stop at the intersection my brake pedal seized up and the car would not stop. The check engine light came on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01
The vehicle first experienced a safety-critical malfunction while driving on the highway on August 11, 2026, producing in-vehicle warnings reading "Transmission Acceleration Performance Reduced" and "Gear Lever Locked," along with broader electrical...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-24
Fuel/propulsion system
12% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
At approximately 6:30 PM, after normal driving and parking at a local park, our family was unloading children from the vehicle. One child was standing next to the vehicle while we removed a younger child from the rear seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-06-16
Power train
10% · 5 reportsEngine
10% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018-12-26Electrical system18V800000 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.
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.
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2021-07-14Electrical system21V273000 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.
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.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2024-01-19Seat belts23V827000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V800000 · Electrical system
- Recall 21V273000 · Electrical system
- Recall 23V827000 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Volvo XC90 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volvo XC90?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.