VehicleVerdict

2018 Volvo XC90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2018 Volvo XC90 sits mid-pack among XC90 years: 64 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (12), other (8), and brakes (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

64

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other XC90 years?

XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted669 complaints2003: 149 complaints2004: 669 complaints2005: 304 complaints2006: 73 complaints2007: 59 complaints2008: 44 complaints2009: 11 complaints2010: 16 complaints2011: 30 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 307 complaints2017: 114 complaints2018: 64 complaints2019: 53 complaints2020: 45 complaints2021: 56 complaints2022: 46 complaints2023: 69 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 34 complaints
XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Volvo XC90 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1219%
Brakes813%
Other813%
Fuel System69%
Engine69%
Visibility & Wipers58%
Body & Structure46%
Transmission35%
Driver Assistance35%
Latches & Locks23%
Steering23%
Airbags12%
Seat Belts12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Lighting12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

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

23V827000Seat BeltsDecember 7, 2023 · 2,911 units

Defect

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

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.

21V273000Electrical SystemApril 21, 2021 · 162 units

Defect

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

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.

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.

“BRAKES CONTINOUSLY SQUEAK. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE BREAK SYSTEM TWICE AND MADE ONE ATTEMPTED REPAIR. ONE WEEK LATER THE BRAKES ARE BACKING TO SQUEAKING. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE LESS THAN 90 DAYS, I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES FOR MORE THAN HALF THAT TIME. THE CENTER DISPLAY COMPUTER SCREENS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 26, 2017

“My 2018 Volvo XC 90 engine light came on with a green turtle light indicating engine impaired performance while I was driving on the NJ Turnpike. I got off the exit, pulled over and the car started to smoke from the right front hood. The smoke worsened and the car went on fire. At that point myself…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 18, 2023 · fire

“BRAKES CONTINOUSLY SQUEAK. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE BREAK SYSTEM TWICE AND MADE ONE ATTEMPTED REPAIR. ONE WEEK LATER THE BRAKES ARE BACKING TO SQUEAKING. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE LESS THAN 90 DAYS, I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES FOR MORE THAN HALF THAT TIME. THE CENTER DISPLAY COMPUTER SCREENS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 26, 2017

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 28, 2025

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 28, 2025

2018 Volvo XC90 — common questions

Is the 2018 Volvo XC90 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC90: 64 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2018 XC90 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), other (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).

Does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Volvo XC90 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Volvo XC90 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC90 years to avoid are 2004, 2016, 2005, 2003, 2017. The cleanest record among XC90 years belongs to 2015.

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.