Last updated: 2026-04-20
2020 Volvo S90 Reliability Report
The 2020 Volvo S90 scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 2 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
2
Complaint Rate
6.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$976
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,750
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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?
At 66/100, the 2020 Volvo S90 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 received a first facelift update for the First generation (SPA).
Owners log 2 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to forward collision avoidance (1). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Recall Overview
2
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 soldSegment avg: 17.3
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2020 Volvo S90? Check its history first
Every 2020 Volvo S90 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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
Volvo S90Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based 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 complaintOn 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- 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
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Volvo S90 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Volvo S90 year is 2021 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (69/100) and 2019 (69/100).
Volvo S90 Years to Avoid
No Volvo S90 years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Volvo S90 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Volvo S90 Reliability Score Trend
Volvo S90 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 67/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Volvo S90 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Volvo S90 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo S90?
How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo S90 have?
Is the 2020 Volvo S90 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Volvo S90 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Volvo S90.
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