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2018 Volvo XC90 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Daniel Wilson

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Volvo XC90 has 52 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.0/ 10

Based on 52 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 17.3%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 13.5%

SERVICE BRAKES

6 11.5%

ENGINE

5 9.6%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 9.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 17.3% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 16 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Volvo XC90

The 2018 Volvo XC90 has 52 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 17% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Volvo XC90 are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7), SERVICE BRAKES (6).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 28 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Volvo XC90?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 XC90 complaints2019 XC90 complaints2020 XC90 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 16 of 16 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 FREEZES CONSTANTLY, BUT RECENTLY FREEZES AND WILL NOT RESTART UNTIL AFTER THE CAR IS STOPPED AND RESTARTED.

12/27/2017

WE HAVE OWNED OUR XC90 SINCE NOVEMBER 11, 2017. THE BRAKES WERE SQUEALING WHEN BRAKING IN NORMAL CONDITION(S), NO RAIN ON ROAD OR WATER ON BRAKES WHETHER WE WERE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS. VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIANS HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON 30 MARCH 2018, JUST A LITTLE OVER 4 MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. FOUR MONTHS LATER 8 AUGUST 2018, VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIANS HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 ROTORS AGAIN, BUT NOT THE BRAKE PADS. THERE IS NEARLY 25,000 MILES ON THIS CAR, WHICH NORMALLY ROTORS AREN'T TYPICALLY REPLACED UP TO 70,000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND THIS VARIES BASED ON DRIVING BUT TWICE IN 8 MONTHS FOR ALL 4 ROTORS IS INSANE. THEY ALSO FOUND ALL FOUR ROTORS EACH TIME WERE WARPED. WE OWNED A 2012 VOLVO XC60 FOR 5 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THE BRAKES OR ROTORS REPLACED DURING THAT ENTIRE TIME. SECONDLY A GRINDING SOUND IS COMING FROM THE SUNSHADE WHEN IT IS BEING OPENED OR CLOSED. OUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 14 AUGUST 2018 WHERE THEY REPLACED THE SUNSHADE, ONLY TO HAVE TO REPLACE IT AGAIN 21 AUGUST 2018. WE WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND THE GRINDING SOUND IS BACK AGAIN, WHICH NOW VOLVO WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE SUNSHADE FOR A THIRD TIME. I AM A VOLVO CUSTOMER FOR LIFE, BUT THESE ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED FOR FUTURE MODELS. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE COURTESY VEHICLE DURING THIS TIME, BUT I REALLY WANT MY VEHICLE BACK. I ASSUME MY NEXT COURSE OF ACTION IF WE GET THE VEHICLE BACK A THIRD TIME WITH A DEFECTIVE SUNSHADE OR BRAKES IS LEMON LAW.

8/22/2018

7 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SPONTANEOUS SUNROOF BREAKAGE

5/20/2019

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. THIS ACTION IS LOCKING UP THE VEHICLE AND SEAT BELTS LOCK UP SQUEEZE MY WIFE UNEXPECTEDLY. DEALOR CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WHEN RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS AND WILL NOT REPLACE THE MODULES THAT CONTROL THIS FEATURE WITHOUT THEM SHOWING BAD. THIS HAS HAPPENDED ON THE SAME ROAD ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.

8/1/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

6 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 FREEZES CONSTANTLY, BUT RECENTLY FREEZES AND WILL NOT RESTART UNTIL AFTER THE CAR IS STOPPED AND RESTARTED.

12/27/2017

WE HAVE OWNED OUR XC90 SINCE NOVEMBER 11, 2017. THE BRAKES WERE SQUEALING WHEN BRAKING IN NORMAL CONDITION(S), NO RAIN ON ROAD OR WATER ON BRAKES WHETHER WE WERE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS. VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIANS HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON 30 MARCH 2018, JUST A LITTLE OVER 4 MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. FOUR MONTHS LATER 8 AUGUST 2018, VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIANS HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 ROTORS AGAIN, BUT NOT THE BRAKE PADS. THERE IS NEARLY 25,000 MILES ON THIS CAR, WHICH NORMALLY ROTORS AREN'T TYPICALLY REPLACED UP TO 70,000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND THIS VARIES BASED ON DRIVING BUT TWICE IN 8 MONTHS FOR ALL 4 ROTORS IS INSANE. THEY ALSO FOUND ALL FOUR ROTORS EACH TIME WERE WARPED. WE OWNED A 2012 VOLVO XC60 FOR 5 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THE BRAKES OR ROTORS REPLACED DURING THAT ENTIRE TIME. SECONDLY A GRINDING SOUND IS COMING FROM THE SUNSHADE WHEN IT IS BEING OPENED OR CLOSED. OUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 14 AUGUST 2018 WHERE THEY REPLACED THE SUNSHADE, ONLY TO HAVE TO REPLACE IT AGAIN 21 AUGUST 2018. WE WENT TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND THE GRINDING SOUND IS BACK AGAIN, WHICH NOW VOLVO WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE SUNSHADE FOR A THIRD TIME. I AM A VOLVO CUSTOMER FOR LIFE, BUT THESE ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED FOR FUTURE MODELS. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE COURTESY VEHICLE DURING THIS TIME, BUT I REALLY WANT MY VEHICLE BACK. I ASSUME MY NEXT COURSE OF ACTION IF WE GET THE VEHICLE BACK A THIRD TIME WITH A DEFECTIVE SUNSHADE OR BRAKES IS LEMON LAW.

8/22/2018

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

5 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED MY 2018 VOLVO XC90 T6 AWD (HEREINAFTER, THE '2018 XC90' OR 'THE VEHICLE') IN OCTOBER 2017, THROUGH LEASE AGREEMENT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL EFFICIENCY OF THE VEHICLE WAS WELL BELOW THE EPA RATING AND WARRANTED RANGE, BASED ON REPRESENTATIONS BY THE DEALER AT, AND PRIOR TO, THE TIME OF SALE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT, SO THE ISSUE COULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER. THE DEALER REPORTED THERE WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM, AND THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ISSUE CONTINUED TO RE-APPEAR AND THE FUEL EFFICIENTLY CONTINUED TO SUFFER. I AGAIN, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS (BETWEEN 5 OR 6) BETWEEN DECEMBER 2017 AND NOVEMBER 2018, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IN EACH OCCURRENCE, EXCEPT THE FINAL ONE PRIOR TO THIS COMPLAINT BEING FILED, IT WAS AGAIN REPORTED THAT NO ISSUE EXISTED OR HAD BEEN REMEDIED WITH A SOFTWARE FIX. FURTHERMORE, IN (OR AROUND) JULY OF THIS YEAR, THE COMPRESSOR (OR ANOTHER COMPONENT CONTROLLING THE HVAC SYSTEM IN THE 2018 XC90) FAILED, WHILST DRIVING TO HOUSTON, TEXAS. THE HEAT INSIDE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY RAISED. THIS PART WAS REPLACED IN HOUSTON. IN OCTOBER 2018, I AGAIN, FINALLY, TOOK THE 2018 XC90 TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE (1) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; AND (2) THE ELECTRONIC SAFETY SYSTEMS, SUCH AS THE AUTO BRAKING, HAD AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED WITHOUT ANY CARS AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO DRIVING AND HANDLING IN A STRANGE MANNER. FUEL EFFICIENCY WAS AGAIN A CONCERN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROX. TWO-AND-A-HALF WEEKS. THEY, ULTIMATELY, DETERMINED THE FUEL PARTS, WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY REPLACED THESE PARTS AND NOTED IT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL PRIOR FUEL ISSUES. HOWEVER, THEY ALSO STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE LIST. NO RECALL NOTICE EXISTS WITH THE NHTSA.

11/20/2018

On Monday [XXX] I started my car and immediately a warning signal on the dashboard read ENGINE LOW Performance , and the dashboard went black and the engine cut off. The car was then towed to the Glen Cove Volvo. After a diagnostic I was informed the following needed to be replaced - FUEL FILLER PIPE 2) FUEL PRESSURE LOW FUEL indicator 3) the aforementioned replacements will require calibrated software update. . I bought this car brand new and I am the only owner and it has only been serviced by Volvo. This car ONLY has 59, 300 miles. I researched the problem online and noted it was a common problem with the. same make and year of my car and could not understand why there is not a recall for my car, by Volvo for this issue no matter the mileage. I came across correspondence on the internet from [XXX] referencing service action S29843 - fuel tank filler pipe insert was manufactured out of specification for ONLY T8 engines. I reached out to Volvo Car USA customer care and inquired about them covering the cost of the repairs and also informing them that this problem is not only affecting T8 engines. I just received a response for my concern stating THEY ARE SORRY THEY CAN NOT ASSIST ME WITH THIS MATTER. I cannot begin to express how sadden and disappointed in the corporation, to experience their lack of compassion and. concern about their product after I spent thousands of dollars of my hard earned money on this defective car. I have no faith in Volvo and no longer feel safe driving this car. I will tell all my relatives and friends of my experience to save them from Volvo's lack of concern about their CUSTOMERS' safety. This is clearly no wear and tear. There are multiple posts on the internet. There's a case of replacement at 10,000 miles, another case where it was replaced and failed again and the dealer is requesting the owner to pay. This this not right. There should be a recall for the entire system when it fails.-clearly defective INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

5/5/2024

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED MY 2018 VOLVO XC90 T6 AWD (HEREINAFTER, THE '2018 XC90' OR 'THE VEHICLE') IN OCTOBER 2017, THROUGH LEASE AGREEMENT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL EFFICIENCY OF THE VEHICLE WAS WELL BELOW THE EPA RATING AND WARRANTED RANGE, BASED ON REPRESENTATIONS BY THE DEALER AT, AND PRIOR TO, THE TIME OF SALE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT, SO THE ISSUE COULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER. THE DEALER REPORTED THERE WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM, AND THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER BE AN ISSUE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ISSUE CONTINUED TO RE-APPEAR AND THE FUEL EFFICIENTLY CONTINUED TO SUFFER. I AGAIN, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS (BETWEEN 5 OR 6) BETWEEN DECEMBER 2017 AND NOVEMBER 2018, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IN EACH OCCURRENCE, EXCEPT THE FINAL ONE PRIOR TO THIS COMPLAINT BEING FILED, IT WAS AGAIN REPORTED THAT NO ISSUE EXISTED OR HAD BEEN REMEDIED WITH A SOFTWARE FIX. FURTHERMORE, IN (OR AROUND) JULY OF THIS YEAR, THE COMPRESSOR (OR ANOTHER COMPONENT CONTROLLING THE HVAC SYSTEM IN THE 2018 XC90) FAILED, WHILST DRIVING TO HOUSTON, TEXAS. THE HEAT INSIDE THE VEHICLE QUICKLY RAISED. THIS PART WAS REPLACED IN HOUSTON. IN OCTOBER 2018, I AGAIN, FINALLY, TOOK THE 2018 XC90 TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE (1) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; AND (2) THE ELECTRONIC SAFETY SYSTEMS, SUCH AS THE AUTO BRAKING, HAD AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED WITHOUT ANY CARS AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO DRIVING AND HANDLING IN A STRANGE MANNER. FUEL EFFICIENCY WAS AGAIN A CONCERN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROX. TWO-AND-A-HALF WEEKS. THEY, ULTIMATELY, DETERMINED THE FUEL PARTS, WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY REPLACED THESE PARTS AND NOTED IT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL PRIOR FUEL ISSUES. HOWEVER, THEY ALSO STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE LIST. NO RECALL NOTICE EXISTS WITH THE NHTSA.

11/20/2018

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. FUEL FILLER PIPE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES AND HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE CAR ONLY HAD 13K MILES FOR THE THIRD REPLACEMENT.

4/12/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CRACKED WINDSHIELD EVEN WITH LESS THAN MINOR CHIP. THE CAR WAS DRIVING AT 68MPH ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY ON A 'CLIP' SOUND WAS HEARD HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER 10 MINUTES A 14 INCH CRACK WAS NOTED FROM THE TOP EDGE TO THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR HAS <2000 MILES ON IT. IS THE QUALITY OF WINDSHIELD WORSE IN CARS WITH DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGES. HAVE DRIVEN DIFFERENT VEHICLES WITHOUT DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND NEVER ENCOUNTERED SUCH AN INCIDENT. THE EXTENT OF CRACK WITH A CHIP (WHICH IS NOT EVEN VISIBLE), IS QUITE SURPRISING. I HOPE NHTSA WILL LOOK INTO THIS. IS THIS ISOLATED TO THIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR WITH MOST MANUFACTURER WINDSHIELDS WITH DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGES. THIS MAY BE LIFE-THREATENING IF THE GLASS IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH AND SHATTER WITH SUCH MINOR ROAD HAZARDS.

3/19/2018

VOLVO XC90 2018 MODELS WILL NOT ALWAYS DISPLAY REAR VIEW CAMERA CONTENT WITHIN 2 SECONDS OF SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AS PER FMVSS 111. THIS IS DUE TO REALLY SLOW AND LAGGING INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM. BEHAVIOR IS EVIDENT ON MULTIPLE MODELS AND VEHICLES WHICH SHARE SAME SENSUS INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM.

11/9/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SOMETIMES WHEN THE START STOP SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED AT A STOP AND YOU START BACK OFF THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES FORWARD WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. ON 3 OCCASIONS IT CAUSED ME TO ALMOST RUN INTO THINGS. I REPORTED IT TO VOLVO AND THEY SAID THE SYSTEM IS FINE.

12/13/2018

On 8/20/2025, my 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 suffered catastrophic failure of the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD). The vehicle suddenly developed a loud whining noise from the rear and became undriveable. This ERAD had previously been replaced under warranty at Boston Volvo Cars. On 10/28/2025, Queens Volvo inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure was caused by improper prior service. Their technician documented that the ERAD housing was likely not properly torqued, which led to transmission fluid leaking over time, sludge buildup, and internal damage to gears and motor. The failure was sudden, confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealer, and the ERAD is no longer serviceable. This created a safety risk by causing immediate loss of propulsion and stability. If it had occurred at highway speeds, the risk of crash would have been significant. The failed component remains available for inspection.

9/19/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The rear doors can inadvertently open in cold when driving down the road without warning. This has happened on a few occasions, even when the dash lights are showing the doors are closed and locked.

1/12/2023

The secondary hood latch release cable is not functioning, preventing the hood from opening. Thousands of owners complaining about that. There is a Volvo Service Bulletin Action but they are pretending to charge for that. Quality bulletin service action: S89651 What can I do?

3/29/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR SUDDENLY ACTIVATED THE BRAKES, BRINGING IT TO A FULL STOP FROM 35MPH. IT WAS ON A CITY STREET. THERE WAS A 3-WHEELED MOTORCYCLE APPROACHING IN THE ONCOMING LANE, BUT IT WAS CENTERED IN ITS LANE, WITH NO RISK OF COLLISION. WE WERE APPROACHING AN UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION (NO SIGNAL, NO SIGNS) WHEN IT OCCURRED. THE CAR STOPPED SO SUDDENLY THAT THE SHOULDER HARNESSES CAUSED SOME DISCOMFORT. HAD ANYONE BEEN FOLLOWING AT A CLOSE DISTANCE, A REAR-END COLLISION WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKELY.

5/8/2021

3 weeks ago we had the transmission module fail on our vehicle while it was being driven. According to Volvo forums, this is a multi-model year, multi vehicle issue for those with sunroofs. Accrding to the dealer in our case, the seal failed, and water runs into the compartment where the transmission module is located, causing it to fail. We had it happen twice, and both times on the highway, with the engine running ragged causing it ot accelerate and then quickly decelerate. There were 3 warnings that popped up-"Gear lever locked," "transmission acceleration performance reduced," and "Parking Brake unaavialble." It happened twice and and was towed to the dealer both times, as it was not drivable-once the vehicle was parked it would no longer move out of park. The first time the diagnosis and module reset was comped by the dealer (Borton Volvo, Golden Valley, MN) and the second time, the transmission module was "dried out," and the sunroof seal was replaced, which was just under $700. It is available to be inspected if necessary. The vehicle was a hazard to others on the road while it was "acting up." Dealer was familia with the issue. No inspection was done other than by the dealer Warning lamps as outlined above

7/28/2025

STEERING

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The car starting leaking water into the rear view mirror in June. This wouldn’t be much of an issue, but the cars computer system for drive assist is located in this area and has caused the car to malfunction in all areas. This XC90 pilot assist is now malfunctioning causing a huge safety issue. This is apparently a known problem with their cars with the panoramic sunroof, but is now a safety hazard. The Volvo dealership did not fix the issue and is now happening again effecting all of the electrical system.

1/2/2023

While actively driving into an intersection, driving on the street and or stopped at a light or at a stop the vehicle will shut off, the lights on the dashboard will sometimes be on, other times go completely black, a notification pops up on the dashboard saying "engine not in P". There is no way I'm aware of to re create this action. My children's safety as well as mine has been put at significant risk and in harms way as well as others due to the severity and nature of this unexpected risk while driving on the freeway, through intersections and in general driving through traffic and busy streets. I've had multiple close calls of almost being hit when the car stopped while I'm driving with my children. The problem has yet to be reproduced by the dealer at this time however we have photos and video of it's ongoing safety concern. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer nor police but is currently at the dealer undergoing inspection. There has not been any notifications or warnings prior to any one of these serious events, the message only comes up when the car is off and won't go.

4/29/2025

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ERROR MESSAGE SHOWED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, ' HEADLAMP SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, SERVICE REQUIRED', HOWEVER THE LIGHT WORKS BUT BACKUP CAMERA STOP WORKING. IT ALSO SHOWS ANOTHER ERROR MESSAGE 'CITY SAFETY SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE'. ASK THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS AN SOFTWARE ISSUE. FIXED AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE.

3/1/2019

WHEELS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR IS THE TIRES. THAT IS THE MOST SEVER PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. THE AIR IN THE TIRES WORK ON COMPARING THE AIR IN TIRES. IF ONE IS LOW IT SHOWS WHICH ONE IS LOW. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A TIRE.

2/7/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON IN OUR SON'S 2018 VOLVO XC90 ON OCTOBER 14, 2020. WE SELECTED THE VOLVO BRAND SINCE IT IS SYNONYMOUS WITH "SAFETY". *BF I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO VOLVO SERVICE ON OCTOBER 15, 2020 AND LEARNED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL LEAK DETECTION PUMP WAS DAMAGED DUE TO RODENTS CHEWING THROUGH THE WIRING. SAFETY ISSUE #1: THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION UNLESS THE DAMAGE WAS FIXED. LEARNED THAT THE WIRING IS MADE OF A SOY BASED MATERIAL. I DID MY OWN RESEARCH AND LEARNED THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS INSTANCES FOR VOLVO OWNERS AND ACROSS OTHER BRANDS OF RODENTS BEING ATTRACTED TO SOY BASED WIRING AND CAUSING HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE. THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTIES THUS COSTING THE CONSUMER UNNECESSARILY FOR A MATERIAL CHOICE MANUFACTURERS ARE MAKING. SAFETY ISSUE #2: THE REPAIR WAS MADE WITH ANOTHER SOY BASED WIRE. HOW LONG IS THE PROBLEM REALLY FIXED FOR? SAFETY ISSUE #3: IF A FOOD PRODUCT IS BEING USED IN CAR COMPONENTS, THIS BECOMES AN ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE AS ONE CANNOT CONTROL RODENTS BEING ATTRACTED TO IT AND/OR PREDICT THE TYPE OF DAMAGE AND SAFETY ISSUE THEY MAY CAUSE TO A VEHICLE. MY RESEARCH UNCOVERED THAT SOY BASED WIRING HAS BEEN USED FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS. THE ISSUE OF RODENTS HAVING A FEAST ON THESE WIRES CONTINUES, AS SHARED IN ARTICLES BY VOLVO AND OTHER BRAND OWNERS TOO WHICH JEOPARDIZES THE INTEGRITY OF A VEHICLES SAFETY. SAFETY ISSUE #4: IN MY CASE, GIVEN THAT THE FUEL DETECTION PUMP HAS TO DO WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM/EMISSIONS AND FUEL IS WHAT IS NEEDED TO POWER THE CAR, THIS POSED AN ISSUE OF THERE BEING A POWER FAILURE IF THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. I AM LUCKY THE CAR DIDN'T SUDDENLY STOP WHILE DRIVING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JS

12/7/2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The car starting leaking water into the rear view mirror in June. This wouldn’t be much of an issue, but the cars computer system for drive assist is located in this area and has caused the car to malfunction in all areas. This XC90 pilot assist is now malfunctioning causing a huge safety issue. This is apparently a known problem with their cars with the panoramic sunroof, but is now a safety hazard. The Volvo dealership did not fix the issue and is now happening again effecting all of the electrical system.

1/2/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:INTERIOR

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Door handle for drivers side door breaks off into hand. Exiting vehicle made extremely complicated: if window is compromised in any way or lock system is compromised in any way, exit of vehicle is impossible.

10/31/2024

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the A/C unit failed to operate as needed, causing the HVAC system to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, which showed that the evaporator core inside the HVAC system was cracked and needed to be replaced. The contact attempted to have the part replaced; however, the contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

5/27/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Volvo XC90?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Volvo XC90 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 9 owner reports. That is about 17% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES.

Are complaints about the 2018 Volvo XC90 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 28 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Volvo XC90?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Volvo XC90 severe?

28 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo XC90: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
52
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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