Last updated: 2026-04-20
2023 Volvo S90 Reliability Report
The 2023 Volvo S90 scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 2 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
2
Complaint Rate
9.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$976
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,300–$2,650
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
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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?
At 65/100, the 2023 Volvo S90 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 received a current generation 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 unknown or other (1). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
3
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 soldSegment avg: 14.6
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2023 Volvo S90? Check its history first
Every 2023 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
2023 Volvo S90 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
PHEV 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
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 complaintMy 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 complaintBackup 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
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
2023 Volvo S90 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2023 Volvo S90 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 2 | 3 | 0 | N/T |
| PHEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 2 | 3 | 0 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. 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?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volvo S90?
How many recalls does the 2023 Volvo S90 have?
Is the 2023 Volvo S90 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 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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