2020 Volvo XC90
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 34
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 34 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
32% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid has been out of service for 78+ days due to a hybrid battery defect covered under an active manufacturer warranty (Claim Type XXX, valid through XXX).
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22
Also filed under Engine
Engine
21% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2026-04-30
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, 2021-09-08
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Service brakes
12% · 4 reportsShow 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, 2020-04-28
Vehicle speed control
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Structure
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing body and interior.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-04-09Forward collision avoidance20V144000 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.
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2021-07-02Electrical system, fuel system, gasoline21V414000 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.
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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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2021-10-22Service brakes, hydraulic21V716000 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.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-01-31Steering23V001000 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.
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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.
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2025-05-14Electrical system25V179000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V144000 · Forward collision avoidance
- Recall 21V414000 · Electrical system, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 21V273000 · Electrical system
- Recall 21V716000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 23V001000 · Steering
- Recall 23V827000 · Seat belts
- Recall 25V179000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Volvo XC90 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo XC90?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo XC90 have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.