2020 Volvo XC90
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 195 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 37 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
5 of 28 total reports mention: engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I was driving when a turtle popped up on my dashboard I pulled over to Google what that meant and popped the hood cause I seen a little smoke within 3 sec the car busted in flames I ran back and grab my daughter out the back seat we were almost...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260430
I was driving the speed limit on the highway in my Volvo 2020 XC90 which was less than one year old. The vehicle lost acceleration power and then an engine performance light came on, then a check engine light.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210908
4 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON FEBRUARY 5, 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR FENDER BENDER WHICH RESULTED WHEN I DROVE OFF ALIGHT AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DID NOT TAKE OFF AND I HIT IT IN THE REAR AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED. THE AUTO BRAKE DID NOT ENGAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200428
3 of 28 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
3 of 28 total reports mention: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 20V144000 — check if this car was fixed
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.
Campaign 21V414000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V273000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
Campaign 21V716000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
Campaign 23V001000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V827000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery.
Campaign 25V179000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V144000 (forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V414000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V273000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V716000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V001000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V827000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V179000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Volvo XC90 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo XC90?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo XC90 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.