RoadVitals

2017 Volvo S90

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
Latest Jan 19, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Nov 13, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Volvo S90, most frequently naming the body & structure, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 542 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure125.0%
  • Fuel system125.0%
  • Powertrain (other)125.0%
  • Suspension125.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V800000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Nov 13, 2018
17,548 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The 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.
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacturer number R39917View on NHTSA.gov
17V104000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Feb 16, 2017
10,476 units potentially affected
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The bolts that secure the Inflatable Curtain (IC) air bags in place may break, possibly resulting in the IC air bag deploying improperly in the event of a crash. As, such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
The risk: If the IC air bags do not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 1, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89714.
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacturer number R89714View on NHTSA.gov
16V798000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Nov 2, 2016
74,027 units potentially affected
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loosen, allowing the buckle to separate from the seat belt bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
The risk: If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89708.
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacturer number R89708View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Suspension
Filed Jan 19, 2023

Volvo re-engineered the front struts due to the ones they used to be defective/known to fail. This re-engineering requires both left and right struts to be what they call "upgraded" at the same time, because they changed the mounting brackets and no longer make the defective part. My safety is at risk because this is a major component in keeping my car stabilized on the road. I now no longer take the highway due to the danger of an accident at high speeds. The issue is known at both the dealership level and local level. The issues was reported to me by a Volvo dealership upon a routine oil change. No warning indicating light or notice by the manufacture (ether by mail or through there app).

NHTSA ID
11502554
Incident
Nov 10, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Oct 17, 2022

The door latches freeze at low temperatures (e.g. -10F) and I can not access the vehicle. This can be very dangerous in emergency situations (sick child that needs to go to the hospital, a dangerous person in a dark parking lot, extreme cold in a remote location etc.). Volvo does not have a fix and cannot recommend preventative maintenance for this.

NHTSA ID
11489618
Incident
Jan 10, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Apr 30, 2022

I could smell gasoline coming from the vents for several days. I opened the hood and found gasoline leaking from one of the hoses near the engine. I had the car towed to the volvo dealership and they found a leaking low pressure fuel sensor and replaced it.

NHTSA ID
11462877
Incident
Apr 30, 2022
Filed Jan 30, 2022

At low temperatures, the door latches are inoperable and you cannot open the doors. In instances of emergency this would make it very hard to get access to somebody inside the car. In addition, in extreme weather conditions or cases where you are personally in danger you may not be able to gain access to your car.

NHTSA ID
11449434
Incident
Jan 29, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 21, 2021

I HAVE HAD AN UNRESOLVED ISSUE WITH A PERSISTENT VIBRATION THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHILE AT 50MPH OR HIGHER. THIS SEEMS TO BE A UNIVERSAL ISSUE WITH VOLVOS POST 2017 ACROSS MODELS. I HAVE ATTACHED A COPY OF MY EMAILS AND NON-RESPONSES FROM VOLVO DEALER REPS WHO HAVE CLAIMED IT IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WITH WHOM I TEST DROVE THE CAR AFTER THEIR FAILURE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE AND THE SAME RESPONSE. THE AUSTIN, TEXAS VOLVO MECHANIC WHO DROVE WITH ME INDICATED THAT VOLVO CARS OF AMERICA MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM AND JUSTIFY A REPAIR TO THIS ISSUE WHICH SEEMS LIKE AN ORGANIZED CONSPIRACY. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE THAT THE DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS FAIL TO RECOGNIZE. HTTPS://WWW.SWEDESPEED.COM/THREADS/DISCOVERED-VOLVO-S90-XC90-XC60-T6-T5-AWD-VIBRATION-ISSUE-SPA-AWD-PROPELLER-SHAFT.615071/

NHTSA ID
11397167
Incident
Feb 20, 2021
Mileage
40,000 mi
Filed Dec 13, 2017

I PERSONALLY, BACK IN AUGUST OF 2016 ORDERED A NEW 2017 VOLVO S90 T5 INSCRIPTION, AND TOOK DELIVER IN NOVEMBER 2016. I BEGAN NOTICING A LITTLE VIBRATION AROUND JULY TIME FRAME BUT AFTER THE VEHICLE FIRST MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIDN'T FEEL IT AS MUCH. IT WASN'T UNTIL THE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER WHEN DRIVING TO WORK WHEN REACHING SPEEDS OF 40 MPH OR MORE, MOST NOTICEABLY AT 55 MPH PLUS ON AN INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAY THERE WAS AN VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVER SEAT SO BAD THE CAR (PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT) FEEL LIKE THE CAR IS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL. AFTER SEVERAL VISITS TO MY LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT ONE OR MAYBE 2 OF MY OEM TIRES (PIRELLI P ZERO (PZ4) TIRES MAX PERFORMANCE SUMMER TIRES SIZE: 255/35ZR20 MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT THE OEM TIRES ONLY HAD ROUGHLY 14,200 MILES ON THEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES (AT MY EXPENSE OF COURSE) SINCE THEY CAN?T DETERMINE WHICH ONE IS BAD. I CHECKED THE INTERNET ON SEVERAL VOLVO FORUMS SITES AND DISCOVERED THAT SEVERAL 2017 VOLVO OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER(OEM) PIRELLI P ZERO TIRES THAT COMES WITH THE 20'' VOLVO OEM RIMS. LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST LOG ENTINFORMATION REDACTED [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ID
11054520
Incident
Dec 5, 2017
Mileage
14,000 mi
Filed Oct 15, 2017

SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. DRIVING AT 50MPH. ROAD WAS CLEAR. TEMPERATURE IN MID 70S.VOLVO CORP AND DEALER DENIED WARRANTY ISSUE

NHTSA ID
11033427
Incident
Oct 2, 2017
Mileage
8,000 mi
Filed May 15, 2017
Crash reported

I LEASE A 2017 VOLVO S90 WITH AUTO-BRAKE AND START/STOP TECHNOLOGY. RECENTLY I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE. I ROLLED FORWARD A FEW FEET AND REALIZED I NEEDED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR SOMETHING. I BECAME DISTRACTED DUE TO AN ITEM ON MY DRIVERS SEAT AND SINCE THE VEHICLES ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING DUE TO START-STOP TECHNOLOGY I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND THAT THE IGNITION WAS IN THE ON POSITION. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED THE DRIVERS DOOR. WHEN I DID SO , THE START-STOP TECHNOLOGY ENGAGED AND THE CAR DROVE OFF WITHOUT ME. THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR WAS THAT IT RAN INTO MY HOME. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY FLAW THAT VOLVO NEEDS TO CORRECT IMMEDIATELY. THE AUTO BRAKE BUTTON WAS NOT ENGAGED.

NHTSA ID
10985775
Incident
Apr 11, 2017
Mileage
5,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

33031.6.0

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment - If remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in DIM "Car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not working, please follow advice for detecting key

36496.10.0

POWER TRAIN

This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.

34521.11.1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp

35526.1.8

ENGINE

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

34521.10.0

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo S90 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025030—
2024120—
2023230—
2022231—
2021021—
2020331—
2019341—
2018162153.7
2017Viewing840—
2016020—
1999102—
1998250139.1
1997700—
1996000—
1995000—
1994000—
1993000—
1992000—
1991000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.