Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 67/100 (GOOD)

2018 Volvo S90 Reliability Report

The 2018 Volvo S90 has good reliability, near the sedan average, but owners report rear doors that will not open and shaking under braking.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

12.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$976

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,550–$2,750

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity78/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Middle of the pack among S90 years, with a rear door that can stop opening and brake shake as the main complaints, plus 2 recalls.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2018 is year 2 of the First generation (SPA).

Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
A refresh arrives in 2020.
1st generation S90 (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2017 (redesign year) vs 2018+ pricing and recalls.

2017: First generation (SPA) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 2 of the First generation (SPA).

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Volvo S90?

Reliability here is good, and it runs close to average among 2018 sedans. Within the S90's scored model years it sits in the middle of nine. Owners filed 12 complaints, or 12.1 per 10,000 sold. The 2019 rates about the same, so neither year has a clear edge.

The worst complaint is a rear door that stops opening from both inside and outside, with no warning message. Owners say that could trap passengers or block rescuers after a crash. The fuel door can also stay shut at the pump, and the remote does not release it. Brakes are the other weak spot. Pressing the pedal can shake the steering wheel hard, and new rotors do not stop it for long. One owner saw it return every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Federal recall records show 2 recalls, covering seats and the electrical system.

Ask for proof that both recalls were done. Ask for brake and door repair records, and test every rear door from inside and outside. The 2019 has 4 recalls, so check its records too.

Compared to the 2019 Volvo S90, which scored 2 points higher.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low recall count
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

−Frequent unscheduled repairs
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Doors sometimes refuse to open (3 complaints)
−SERVICE BRAKES: Pressing the brake pedal can make the steering wheel shake violently without... (2 complaints)

Compare 2018 Volvo S90 With

2018 BMW 5 Series

Reliability: 59/100

Mixed

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability: 55/100

Mixed

2018 Tesla Model S

Reliability: 46/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2018 Volvo S90 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

12.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 25.7

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Volvo S90 Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Volvo S90. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V2200002019-03-20

SEATS

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The driver and passenger front seat rail rear flange nuts may not have been installed during assembly.

Consequence

If the nuts are missing, in the event of a crash, the front seat structure and position may be affected, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat rails for missing flange nuts, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R19931.

18V8000002018-11-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Volvo S90? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Volvo S90, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Volvo S90 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Volvo S90Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$976

Repair Frequency

0.8

unscheduled repair visits per year

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

25–27 MPG

Running cost: $3,550–$3,750/yr

Fuel + repair

22–24 city / 31–34 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

29 MPG

Running cost: $3,400/yr

Fuel + repair

26 city / 33 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
S90 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	24	34	27	$2,550
S90 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	23	32	26	$2,650
S90 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	22	31	25	$2,750

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
S90 AWD PHEV 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	26	33	29	$2,400

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Volvo S90.

Open every door, especially the rear doors, from both inside and outside to confirm each latch releases.
Press the fuel door and confirm it pops open every time.
With the car running, check the instrument cluster for a "Volvo on Call Service Required" warning.
Ask a Volvo dealer whether the Vehicle Connectivity Module software has been updated.
Brake firmly from highway speed and feel for the steering wheel shaking.
Brake gently at low speed with the windows down and listen for screeching.
Check service records for repeated rotor replacements or repeat visits for brake noise.

2018 Volvo S90 Common Problems by Component

12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)SERVICE BRAKES (2)LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)TIRES (1)SEATS (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)STRUCTURE (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)Other (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

Doors sometimes refuse to open. In these 3 complaints, a rear door stops opening from both the inside and the outside, and no warning message appears. That could trap passengers or block rescuers after a crash. The fuel door can also stay shut at the pump. Locking and unlocking with the remote does not release it, so the only fix described is a dealer visit. A separate report describes a Vehicle Connectivity Module software error at about 75,000 miles. It lights the "Volvo on Call Service Required" warning and makes the telematics and driver support systems work improperly.

3 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Pressing the brake pedal can make the steering wheel shake violently without warning. New rotors do not stop it for long. In one account the shake comes back every 8,000 to 10,000 miles, and warranty coverage for the repeat repair was denied. The other complaint describes a loud screech when braking at low speeds. It started by about 10,100 miles and continued after several dealer visits, and the owner never got a diagnosis. Neither of the 2 complaints reports a crash, but both describe dealer repairs that did not fix the problem.

2 complaints total

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

2025-03-09

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

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2023-10-20

255/35 R20 Bleb in sidewall with air leak through tread adjacent. No unusual trauma to tire.

SEATS (1 complaints)

SEATS

1 complaint

2022-09-14

water get inside the car in the back on the floor mat behind driver seat. was not aware of this problem at all.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2021-01-04

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.

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2020-09-15

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2019-07-09

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

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2018-02-01

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.

Best & Worst Volvo S90 Years

Best Volvo S90 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2021

2Recalls

0Complaints

Good

2019

4Recalls

0Complaints

Good

2018

(Current Model)

2Recalls

12Complaints

Volvo S90 Years to Avoid

No Volvo S90 years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 65 and 75 across 9 scored model years.

See full Volvo S90 years-to-avoid analysis

Volvo S90 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Volvo S90 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	67/100	Good
2019	69/100	Good
2020	66/100	Good
2021	71/100	Good
2022	65/100	Good
2023	65/100	Good
2024	66/100	Good
2025	69/100	Good
2026	75/100	Good

Volvo S90 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	75/100	+6	Good	0	0
2025	69/100	+3	Good	4	0
2024	66/100	+1	Good	2	1
2023	65/100	0	Good	3	2
2022	65/100	-6	Good	3	1
2021	71/100	+5	Good	2	0
2020	66/100	-3	Good	2	2
2019	69/100	+2	Good	4	0
2018(selected)	67/100	—	Good	2	12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Volvo S90 reliable?

Yes, it has good reliability and sits close to average among 2018 sedans. Among the S90's scored model years it ranks in the middle of nine. Owners filed 12 complaints, and the main ones involve doors and brakes. Dealer repairs did not fix some of those problems.

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

Electrical complaints lead, with 3 reports of doors that will not open, including a rear door and the fuel door. Brakes follow with 2 complaints: steering wheel shake when braking, and a loud screech at low speeds. One owner also reported a connectivity module software error.

Does the 2018 Volvo S90 have door problems?

Some owners say so. In three electrical complaints, a rear door stopped opening from inside and outside with no warning message, which could trap passengers. The fuel door can also stay shut at the pump, and the remote does not release it. The only fix described was a dealer visit.

Does the 2018 Volvo S90 have brake problems?

A few owners report them. Pressing the pedal can make the steering wheel shake hard, and new rotors do not stop it for long. One owner says it returns every 8,000 to 10,000 miles and warranty coverage was denied. Another heard a loud screech at low speeds that dealers never diagnosed.

Was the 2018 Volvo S90 recalled?

Yes. Federal recall records list 2 recalls for this model year, covering seats and the electrical system. Before buying, ask the seller for proof that both were completed. The 2019 S90 has 4 recalls, so check those records if you are comparing the two years.

Don’t buy a 2018 Volvo S90 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Volvo S90

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Volvo S90 does best on recall impact (80/100) and worst on repair costs (50/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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