Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 66/100 (GOOD)

2020 Volvo S90 Reliability Report

The 2020 Volvo S90 has good reliability, close to average for 2020 sedans, with two recalls touching fuel, electrical and collision-avoidance systems.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

6.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$976

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,750

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity72/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Middle of nine scored years, with good reliability, only two owner complaints and two recalls, though 2019 and 2021 both rate better.

Top Issues to Watch

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
SUSPENSION (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2020 received a first facelift update for the First generation (SPA).

Changes: Taillights updated to have sequential LED indicators; Chrome garnish added to Inscription variants.
Year 4 in this generation (2017–present).
1st generation S90 (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

2017: First generation (SPA) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year (Refresh)

2020 received a first facelift update for the First generation (SPA).

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2020 Volvo S90?

Reliability is good for this model year, and it sits close to average among 2020 sedans. Within the S90 lineup it lands in the middle of nine scored years, and both 2019 and 2021 rate better. That makes 2020 a reasonable buy but not the one to chase. It is the first facelift year of the first generation.

Owners filed just two complaints, about 6.3 per 10,000 sold. The data does not say what those complaints describe, so no repeat symptom can be named. Two federal recalls cover the electrical system, the fuel system and forward collision avoidance. The records do not say which recall covers which area, or whether any of them keeps the car off the road.

Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed, especially the fuel, electrical and collision-avoidance work. Compare with the 2021, which also has two recalls, and the 2019, which has four. For budgeting, independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $976 across the model.

Compared to the 2021 Volvo S90, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2019 Volvo S90 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

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

Cons

−Frequent unscheduled repairs
−FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
−SUSPENSION (1)

Compare 2020 Volvo S90 With

2020 BMW 5 Series

Reliability: 67/100

Good

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability: 56/100

Mixed

2020 Tesla Model S

Reliability: 37/100

Risky

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

MODERATE

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
SUSPENSION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2020 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

6.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.9

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

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

2020 Volvo S90 Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Volvo S90. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V4140002021-06-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.

Consequence

Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.

20V1440002020-03-12

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.

Consequence

If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Volvo S90? Check its history first

Forward collision avoidance problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 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

2020 Volvo S90 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Head Restraint (Driver)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)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)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 MPG

Running cost: $3,750/yr

Fuel + repair

21 city / 31 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

30 MPG

Running cost: $3,300/yr

Fuel + repair

28 city / 31 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 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
S90 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	21	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)	28	31	30	$2,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Volvo S90.

Test City Safety system in various weather conditions to ensure proper function
Inspect brake rotors for wear or warping
Check for wheel damage or warping that could cause vibrations
Drive the vehicle to detect any shuddering during braking

2020 Volvo S90 Common Problems by Component

2 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

2022-08-22

On 8/22 while driving on a city road in extreme rainy conditions the vehicle in front of me drove through standing water, which created significant spray. As a result the City Safety feature of my Volvo S90 engaged in an extreme fashion. Without any risk of an impending collision the City Safety feature determined the water spray to be an obstacle and fully engaged the brakes (ABS event) to avoid the impending collision including engaging seat-belt pre-tensioning. I was lucky as the drive behind me was paying attention and swerved to avoid rear ending my abruptly stopping vehicle without any intervention from me as the driver. I believe that the issue was caused due to the City Safety system incorrectly detecting the water spray as an impeding crash. This seems to be a system calibration that could have been addressed during development. I wanted to notify NHTSA of this situation so you can be aware and monitor the impact of these driver assist features on overall road safety.

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2021-12-01

- Brakes, Wheels, and possibly suspension. - Car shudders under braking, impacts stopping ability. All tires vibrate while driving. Wheels are warped/damaged. - Vehicle went to the dealer. Replaced all four rotors, repaired all for rims. - I have reached out to the manufacturer for support. They declined to get involved. - No messages or warnings

Best & Worst Volvo S90 Years

Best Volvo S90 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

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(selected)	66/100	-3	Good	2	2
2019	69/100	+2	Good	4	0
2018	67/100	—	Good	2	12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Volvo S90 reliable?

Yes, its reliability standing is good. Among 2020 sedans it is close to average, and within the S90's nine scored model years it falls in the middle. The 2019 and 2021 models both rate better, so 2020 is solid but not the strongest year in the lineup.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo S90?

The data shows no clear pattern of problems. Owners filed only two complaints, and their symptoms are not described here. The clearest issues are the two recalls, which touch the electrical system, the fuel system and forward collision avoidance. Check that those recalls were completed.

Does the 2020 Volvo S90 have recalls?

Yes, federal records list two recalls for this model year. The areas involved are the electrical system, the fuel system (gasoline) and forward collision avoidance. The data does not say which recall covers which area, so confirm completion with a dealer using the VIN.

How much does it cost to maintain a Volvo S90?

Independent repair-cost data estimates about $976 a year in repairs for the S90. That figure covers the model as a whole, not only the 2020 year, so treat it as a general budgeting guide rather than a quote for one car.

Is the 2020 Volvo S90 better than the 2019 or 2021?

No, both neighbors rate better. The 2019 has no owner complaints but four recalls. The 2021 also has no owner complaints and two recalls, the same recall count as 2020. If prices are close, the 2021 looks like the stronger choice on this data.

Don’t buy a 2020 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 2020 Volvo S90

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 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.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Volvo S90.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.