VehicleVerdict

2018 Volvo S90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2018 Volvo S90 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

23

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other S90 years?

S90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted38 complaints1997: 8 complaints1998: 38 complaints1999: 1 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 8 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 2 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 0 complaints
S90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Volvo S90 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels417%
Other417%
Latches & Locks313%
Electrical System313%
Brakes29%
Driver Assistance29%
Fuel System14%
Speed Control14%
Body & Structure14%
Seats14%
Engine14%

Does the 2018 Volvo S90 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V220000SeatsMarch 20, 2019 · 2,297 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The driver and passenger front seat rail rear flange nuts may not have been installed during assembly.

Consequence

If the nuts are missing, in the event of a crash, the front seat structure and position may be affected, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat rails for missing flange nuts, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R19931.

18V800000Electrical SystemNovember 13, 2018 · 17,548 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Hi, When you drive over 70mph, steering, floors and whole cabin start vibrates, I have changed tires as Volvo recommended, alignment done. Everything dealer requested I have done. I have driven couple of more volvo as a loaners and noticed they all vibrates , but not bad as mine. Try to reach out…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 4, 2021

“I PURCHASED A VOLVO S90 2018 FROM ECAR ONE . ON JULY 6 2019. I WAS TOLD BY THE SALEMAN VIRGIL . THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DASHBOARD AND ALL I HAVE TO DO WAS CALL VOLVO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD FIX FOR FREE. WHEN I CALLED VOLVO AFTER MY PURCHASE THEY SAID NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. 0709”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 9, 2019

“The rear door will not open from the inside or the outside. Apparently this is a door lock actuator issue experinced by many volvo owners. It is extremely dangerous not to be able to open a rear door in the case of an accident or other incident where you need to enter or exit the car. Dealer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · February 12, 2024

“The rear door will not open from the inside or the outside. Apparently this is a door lock actuator issue experinced by many volvo owners. It is extremely dangerous not to be able to open a rear door in the case of an accident or other incident where you need to enter or exit the car. Dealer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 12, 2024

“WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THERE IS A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN BREAKING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES, THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 10,100. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT TOLD US WHAT IS THE ISSUE BUT THE NOISE REMAINS. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I DRIVE WITH MY KIDS AND THEIR FRIENDS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 15, 2018

2018 Volvo S90 — common questions

Is the 2018 Volvo S90 reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 S90 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (4 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 Volvo S90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Volvo S90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Volvo S90 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo S90 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S90 years to avoid are 1998. The cleanest record among S90 years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.