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2018 Volvo S90 problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2018 Volvo S90 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 9, 2026.

  • 0safety recalls
  • 12owner complaints
  • 0crash reports
  • 0fire reports
  • 11%fail the UK MOT

The most complained-about Volvo S90 year on file: 12 complaints, against an average of 4 for the other 4 model years.

Every Volvo S90 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.

Buying a 2018 Volvo S90? Get the pre-purchase checklist →

What goes wrong with the 2018 Volvo S90?

The components named most often in the 12 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Electrical System3 (25%)
  2. Latches/Locks/Linkages2 (16.7%)
  3. Service Brakes2 (16.7%)
  4. Engine1 (8.3%)
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System1 (8.3%)
  6. Hydraulic1 (8.3%)
  7. Seats1 (8.3%)
  8. Structure1 (8.3%)

Has the 2018 Volvo S90 been recalled?

NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 Volvo S90 as of November 9, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.

Is the 2018 Volvo S90 recalled in the UK or Europe?

Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.

UK DVSAThere is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump from operating Recall R/2021/205 · Jun 7, 2021 · built Jun 2018 to Mar 2020 · Risk and fix

Risk: There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump operating.

Fix: Replace the 15A fuse with a 20A fuse which can withstand this peak.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSASoftware issue means that automatic emergency brake system may not engage Recall R/2020/073 · Mar 16, 2020 · built Nov 2018 to Mar 2020 · Risk and fix

Risk: The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision

Fix: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform Recall R/2019/180 · Oct 7, 2019 · built Nov 2012 to Apr 2019 · Risk and fix

Risk: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe driver and passenger seat rails may have been assembled incorrectly Recall R/2019/110 · Mar 25, 2019 · built Oct 2017 to Dec 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: The driver and passenger seat rails may have been incorrectly assembled.

Fix: Inspect and ensure that the seat rails are correctly installed.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAPossible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (vcm) Recall R/2018/314 · Nov 12, 2018 · built Mar 2016 to Nov 2018 · Risk and fix

Risk: There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

Fix: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

Check on GOV.UK

EU Safety GateThe nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are above the regulatory limits.Excessive NOx emissions pose a risk to the environment. Alert A12/02342/24 · reported by The Netherlands · Aug 23, 2024 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator to whom the measure(s) were ordered: Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateWhen liquid/droplets are present on the rear seat control display, there´s a risk that the signal to the display is maintained and…When liquid/droplets are present on the rear seat control display, there´s a risk that the signal to the display is maintained and perceived by the system as a “constant” touch. As a result, the front seat could be inadvertently moved until its end position, increasing the risk of injury. Alert A12/00653/21 · reported by Portugal · May 14, 2021 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/04/2021

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateDue to an excessive build-up of carbon deposits in the intake system, the plastic engine intake manifold may melt and deform.As a result, a localized engine bay fire may occur. Alert A12/1953/19 · reported by Portugal · Dec 13, 2019 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GatePossible missing screw connection on the front seat rails.In the event of a rear-end collision the seat position may be impacted and the vehicle occupant protection function may be impaired, increasing the risk of an injury. Alert A12/0921/19 · reported by Germany · Jun 21, 2019 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateA software problem has been detected in the communication module of the emergency call system.As a consequence, incorrect location information might be sent to the emergency services in the event of an accident. Alert A12/0228/19 · reported by Germany · Feb 8, 2019 · Measures

Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2018 Volvo S90 fail its MOT?

11.4% of 2,526 MOT tests in 2023 on Volvo S90s first registered in 2018 were a fail4.4 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Tyres46%
  2. Brakes33%
  3. Lights and electrics11%
  4. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)8%
  5. Suspension5%
  6. Body, chassis and structure2%

Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.

What do 2018 Volvo S90 owners report?

12 of the 12 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.

Rear right door lock failed, stuck closed. Extremely unsafe if someone was sitting in the back and unable to leave vehicle. It has been confirmed by others. It has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There has been zero warning lights to indicate the issue
Latches/Locks/LinkagesNHTSA complaint 11647854 · Mar 12, 2025
At 5pm while driving home, which was 2 hours away, I needed to stop and refuel. At the pump I pushed the fuel door and it would not release to open. After many tries it would not open. I called Volvo On Call and informed them of the problem. The agent relayed that I should go to the back of the car near the fuel door, and with the remote lock and unlock the door which should release the door. It did not work. I tried it again with no success. The agent then informed me that there is no other way to open the door and to go to a Volvo dealership to get repaired. I asked the agent is there a way…
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11643791 · Feb 19, 2025
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 confirms that there is an issue with these. No warning message appears when inoperable.
Electrical System, Latches/Locks/LinkagesNHTSA complaint 11573556 · Feb 23, 2024
255/35 R20 Bleb in sidewall with air leak through tread adjacent. No unusual trauma to tire.
TiresNHTSA complaint 11551417 · Oct 23, 2023
water get inside the car in the back on the floor mat behind driver seat. was not aware of this problem at all.
Seats, Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11490684 · Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the steering wheel would violently shake without warning. The contact has had two sets of brake rotors replaced on the vehicle due to the failure. Since owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the failure would occur approximately every 8,000-10,000 miles. After the third failure, the contact was informed that the repair for the rotors would not be covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed a claim; the…
Service Brakes, HydraulicNHTSA complaint 11469647 · Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) had an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. The contact stated the "Volvo on Call Service Required" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V800000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been…
Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11463882 · May 9, 2022
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 Volvo head office but no proper resolution. They are keep blaming tires which I have changed 3 times but actually vibration happen from engine or somewhere else. Lots of Volvo owners online shares same issues online. Please help me out on this matter.
Vehicle Speed Control, Wheels, Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11429514 · Aug 17, 2021
2018 VOLVO S-90. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A PRODUCT FLAW. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLES FLOOR MAT HAD UNSNAPPED AND BECOME WEDGED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. *JS
StructureNHTSA complaint 11354712 · Sep 15, 2020
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
Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11232055 · Jul 15, 2019
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 THE CAR AND WE HAVE NO INFORMATION ON WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE BREAKS. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THEY HAVE TOLD US NOTHING. WE HAVE MANY AUDIOS WITH THE NOISE, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP RMCHOOSES TO IGNORE BUT THE NOISE PERSISTS AFTER EACH REPAIR. WE ARE AFRAID THEY ARE HIDING THE…
Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11210221 · May 27, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLVO S90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN WHAT WAS STATED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (GUNTHER VOLVO CARS COCONUT CREEK, 4300 SR 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 590-3760) MORE THAN TWICE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO BE TEST DRIVEN, BUT THERE WAS NO PERMANENT REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND HAD NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11084567 · Apr 11, 2018

2018 Volvo S90: questions owners ask

Is the 2018 Volvo S90 reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volvo S90; the most common categories were electrical system (3, 25%), latches/locks/linkages (2, 16.7%), service brakes (2, 16.7%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volvo S90?

Across 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (25% of complaints), latches/locks/linkages (16.7% of complaints), service brakes (16.7% of complaints), engine (8.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2018 Volvo S90 have any recalls?

As of November 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 Volvo S90. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Check your own S90

Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 9, 2026. Model year 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for S90 T5, S90 T6 and S90 T8. How these reports are made.

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