KnownCarProblems2018 Volvo XC90 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volvo XC90, most often about the electrical (29% of complaints, typically around 21,000 miles). It is 7th of 22 XC90 model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2018 Volvo XC90 problems
Electrical
15 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 21,000 miles.
When the car is parked, I unlock the driver's door, the tailgate opens on it's own (possibly into traffic) then afterwards, every time when starting the car, a "12v battery charging fault stop safely" error occurs twice. It seems to be ok to drive, but it is not clear as to whether the fault can cause a safety issue…
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…
Brakes
12 complaints · 24%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…
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…
Other or unspecified
9 complaints · 18%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…
When the car is parked, I unlock the driver's door, the tailgate opens on it's own (possibly into traffic) then afterwards, every time when starting the car, a "12v battery charging fault stop safely" error occurs twice. It seems to be ok to drive, but it is not clear as to whether the fault can cause a safety issue…
Engine
6 complaints · 12%Fuel system
6 complaints · 12%Check engine light came on, dealership inspected and determined the fuel filler pipe had a leak which was replaced under warranty (23k miles). I was informed this is a common issue with the XC90 and they too were surprised a recall has not been issued.
Visibility and wipers
5 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system.
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…
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.
Transmission
5 complaints · 10%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.
Body and structure
4 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: body.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2018 Volvo XC90 recalls
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: software
Risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: software
Risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
Summary
Nhtsa received a petition on or about july 18, 2022, requesting that federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the united states. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11486072. Fmvss 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after march 1, 2021.on january 27, 2023, NHTSA opened defect petition (dp) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt
Questions about the 2018 Volvo XC90
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volvo XC90?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (15 complaints, typically around 21,000 miles); brakes (12 complaints); other or unspecified (9 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 7, 2023 (seat belts). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2018 a bad year for the Volvo XC90?
- It is 7th of 22 XC90 model years by number of complaints, with 51 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.