Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 65/100 (GOOD)

2023 Volvo S90 Reliability Report

The 2023 Volvo S90 rates good for reliability but is the weakest S90 year, with three recalls, two of them for back over prevention.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

9.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$976

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,300–$2,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity72/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Weakest of the nine scored S90 years, though still rated good, with three recalls including one for the engine and engine cooling.

Top Issues to Watch

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2023 received a current generation update for the First generation (SPA).

Changes: Mild hybrids become the only engine option in the US after removing conventional engines.
Year 7 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: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: This Model Year (Refresh)

2023 received a current generation update for the First generation (SPA).

Should You Buy the 2023 Volvo S90?

Buy it if the price is right, but know it is the weakest of the nine scored S90 model years. Reliability standing is still good. Against other 2023 sedans, though, it comes in below average. The 2022 and 2024 rate about the same, so the gap between years is small.

Owners filed only two complaints, which works out to about 9.9 per 10,000 sold. The data does not describe the symptoms in those complaints, so there is no pattern of failures to point to. The more visible issue is recalls. Federal records show three: two for back over prevention and one for engine and engine cooling. Model-wide, independent repair-cost data puts yearly repair spending around $976.

Before you buy, ask for proof that all three recalls were completed, with the engine cooling one first. If you want fewer recall items, the 2024 has two on record and one complaint, against three recalls for the 2022.

Compared to the 2024 Volvo S90, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2022 Volvo S90 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
+Well-established generation
+Only 2 complaints reported

Cons

−Frequent unscheduled repairs
−Moderate recall count
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

Compare 2023 Volvo S90 With

2023 BMW 5 Series

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability: 63/100

Good

2023 Tesla Model S

Reliability: 32/100

Risky

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

MODERATE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2023 Volvo S90. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

9.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 14.4

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

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

2023 Volvo S90 Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Volvo S90. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V9080002025-12-23

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.

25V2820002025-05-08

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.

22V7930002022-10-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence

The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Volvo S90? Check its history first

Back over prevention problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Volvo S90, and 3 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

2023 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, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

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

Plug-in Hybrid

26–30 MPG

Running cost: $3,300–$3,650/yr

Fuel + repair

23–28 city / 32–33 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 2023 EPA label cycle.

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
S90 T8 AWD Recharge ext. Range 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	28	33	30	$2,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Volvo S90.

Inspect sunroof for cracks or damage
Test backup camera functionality after software updates
Verify recall completion for backup camera issues

2023 Volvo S90 Common Problems by Component

2 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2025-08-18

My Volvo was left in the garage for three weeks while on vacation, came back and the sunroof was cracked. The dealer inspected the car, but claim the sunroof was hit (which is not true). There is no evidence that the sunroof was hit.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

2025-05-20

Backup camera problem is more prevalent after recall software update when backing up, or when trying to view the rear camera manually, the message says "Camera Temporarily Unavailable" for the entire duration I was driving for 40 minutes.

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(selected)	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	67/100	—	Good	2	12

2023 Volvo S90 Reliability by Powertrain

The 2023 Volvo S90 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
Powertrain	Complaints	Recalls	Crash Rating
Gas	2	3	N/T
PHEV	0	0	N/T
Total	2	3

NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Volvo S90 reliable?

Yes, it has a good reliability standing. It is still the weakest of the nine scored S90 years and below average among 2023 sedans, so it does not lead its class. Only two owner complaints were filed, and the 2022 and 2024 models rate about the same.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volvo S90?

Owner complaints are too few to show a common problem. Only two were filed, and the data does not describe their symptoms. The clearest issues are in federal recall records: two recalls for back over prevention and one for the engine and engine cooling.

Does the 2023 Volvo S90 have recalls?

Yes, federal records list three. Two fall under back over prevention and one under engine and engine cooling. The data does not give more detail than those areas. Ask the seller for paperwork showing each recall was completed.

How much does it cost to repair a Volvo S90?

Independent repair-cost data estimates about $976 a year for the S90. That figure covers the model as a whole, not only the 2023 year, so treat it as a general guide rather than a figure for one car.

Is the 2023 Volvo S90 better or worse than the 2022 and 2024?

It rates about the same as both, though it is the weakest S90 year overall. The 2022 has one complaint and three recalls. The 2024 has one complaint and two recalls, so it has one fewer recall than the 2023.

Don’t buy a 2023 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 2023 Volvo S90

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Volvo S90 does best on recall impact (75/100) 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.