2020 Volvo XC90 Problems and Complaints

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 6, 2024

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize SUV that has a practical interior on offer full of best-in-class materials, a slew of latest features aboard, potent powertrain options, and also a renowned safety quotient. Coming onto the reliability front, the 2020 XC90 has a decent J.D. Power reliability score of 71 on 100, considering it has been recalled 4 times in the same year.

2020 Volvo XC90 front-angled exterior image

The 2020 Volvo XC90 carries a sticker price of $48,350 for the base Momentum trim, while the top-tier Inscription trim is priced at $63,100, and it goes against the likes of the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and the Audi Q7. Although the SUV sees a pretty good response from the market, it has come into the limelight for issues with its electricals and its engine. People have repeatedly complained about small electrical niggles inside the cabin which violate the otherwise silent cabin. The engine is reported to burn oil excessively and leak fluids at very low mileage too. Let's dive in and find out more about the same.

2020 Volvo XC90 Problems

Electrical issues:

Instrument panel failure: The XC90 instrument panel fails and does not show anything. People claim the panel shut down while the SUV is moving. Such an issue also affects the speedometer and increases the chance of speeding.
Infotainment system issues: Along with the instrument panel, there have been reports of the infotainment system rebooting randomly. These reboots disconnect any connected device and, sometimes, factory reset the whole system. People have also reported rattling sounds coming from the speaker when the system reboots.

Mechanical issues:

Engine fire: A handful of owners have experienced engine fire issues in the Volvo XC90. Although the reasons are varying, the most common reason is due to fuel leakage from the fuel lines. The leaked fuel comes in contact with an ignition source and causes fire in the engine compartment.
Abnormal engine oil consumption: This issue has been there in the XC90 since it was launched back in 2016. The engine burns through engine oil at an excessive rate due to which one has to top up every 10,000 miles.
Air suspension issues: Many people have reported that the air suspension of the XC90 failed after 50,000 miles. The owners report a thumping noise from either the front or the rear struts while going over an obstacle. The repair costs were borne by the owners since the issue happened post-warranty expiration.
Brake noise: People have experienced a grinding noise from the brakes after just 10,000 miles on the odometer. The noise is also reported by other Volvo owners as well. Although not a failure, the grinding noise is prominent at low speeds and intrudes the cabin’s silence.

2020 Volvo XC90 Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	March 12, 2020	20V144000	Forward Collision-Avoidance	An incompatibility in software and hardware of the car may affect the functioning of the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system, increasing the risk of a crash.	The recall began on April 9, 2020. The dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge.
2.	April 21, 2020	21V273000	Electrical System	The front seat may move all the way back due to condensation in the rear seat control display, trapping the rear passenger. This increases the risk of injury.	The recall began on July 14, 2021. The dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge.
3.	June 2, 2021	21V414000	Fuel System	Failure of the fuse for the low-pressure fuel pump in the fuel tank may stall the engine, increasing the risk of a crash.	The recall began on July 2, 2021. The dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge.
4.	September 15, 2021	21V716000	Service Brakes	Separation of the rotor and shaft in the integrated braking system increases the risk of a crash.	The recall began on October 22, 2021. The dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge.

Should you buy the 2020 Volvo XC90?

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is a solid package with lots of value at its price point. Although most of the niggles in the SUV can be solved easily, the frequent recurrence does make people alarmed about the overall quality. The SUV has reports of engine fire but all of them are isolated incidents and have no mass appeal. That said, if you want a used XC90, always keep a close eye on the maintenance record and recall history to be safe.