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Model reliability

Volvo S90 reliability

The Volvo S90 fails its MOT less often than most cars up to 5 years old: 11.7% of 4,257 tests failed in 2023, against 14% on average.

Up to 5 years old
11.7% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 4,257 MOT tests of Volvo S90s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 2× as oftenMechanical brake components3.8% vs 1.8%
Fails 31% more oftenTyre tread depth2.1% vs 1.6%Fix about £90
Advised 36% more oftenMechanical brake components16.4% vs 12.1%
6 to 10 years old
12.7% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 1,689 MOT tests of Volvo S90s this age.
Safety recalls

17 DVSA recalls for the Volvo S90

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/21123 Jun 2025Built 2022–2023BCM2 SW – Safety Notice

Affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of braking functionality after coasting downhill with ‘B’ mode selected or when using One Pedal Drive. This could potentially lead to a collision.

Fix: Install modified software via an Over the Air (OTA) update.

Recalled models: S90 · 1 vehicles

R/2025/11724 Mar 2025Built 2019–2021SPA1 Cell Modules

On affected vehicles the High Voltage (HV) Battery may have a manufacturing defect which could cause the battery cells to overheat when the HV Battery is fully charged. In a worst-case scenario there is a risk of fire when the vehicle is parked up with a fully charged HV Battery.

Fix: Check and replace the HV Battery if necessary and install modified software.

Recalled models: S90 · 115 vehicles

R/2024/4465 Nov 2024Built 2019–2020BCM2 – Push Road

The rod connecting the brake pedal to the brake booster may not have been assembled correctly. The final torque might not be according to manufacturing specification due to deviations in the equipment. If the rod does disconnect the mechanical connection between brake pedal and brake booster cannot be guaranteed. In the worst-case scenario if the rod disconnects the brake pedal function cannot be guaranteed

Fix: A Volvo retailer will check and if necessary tighten the rod to correct specification.

Recalled models: S90 · 14 vehicles

R/2023/02524 Jan 2023Built 2022–2023There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.

There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.

Fix: Update the brake control module software.

Recalled models: S90 · 10,197 vehicles

R/2022/31327 Oct 2022Built 2021–2022A software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine

The Engine Control Module (ECM) may prevent the combustion engine from starting.�

Fix: Download updated software.

Recalled models: S90 · 4,755 vehicles

R/2021/33118 Sept 2021Built 2019–2020Potentially insufficient or missing welding connection in the hydraulic unit of the brake system

There may be an insufficient or missing welding connection in the Hydraulic Unit of the Brake System.

Fix: Replace the Hydraulic Unit.

Recalled models: S90 · 28 vehicles

R/2021/2822 Aug 2021Built 2021Pressure in the fuel tank could cause the fuel level sender to indicate fuel in the tank when it could be empty

Pressure in the fuel tank could cause the fuel level sender to indicate fuel in the tank when it could be empty.

Fix: Update software which will allow the electronic fuel tank ventilation valve to release pressure when required.

Recalled models: S90 · 256 vehicles

R/2021/2057 Jun 2021Built 2018–2019There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump from operating

There is a risk that the 15amp fuse could blow which will prevent the low pressure fuel pump operating.

Fix: Replace the 15A fuse with a 20A fuse which can withstand this peak.

Recalled models: S90 · 14,380 vehicles

R/2020/07316 Mar 2020Built 2019–2020Software issue means that automatic emergency brake system may not engage

The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision

Fix: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded

Recalled models: S90 · 56,385 vehicles

R/2019/1807 Oct 2019Built 2014–2018The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.

Recalled models: S90

R/2019/11025 Mar 2019Built 2017–2018The driver and passenger seat rails may have been assembled incorrectly

The driver and passenger seat rails may have been incorrectly assembled.

Fix: Inspect and ensure that the seat rails are correctly installed.

Recalled models: S90 · 71 vehicles

R/2018/31412 Nov 2018Built 2016–2018Possible software issue in the vehicle connectivity module (vcm)

There may be a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

Fix: Upgrade software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module.

Recalled models: S90 · 7,322 vehicles

R/2017/1058 Mar 2017Built 2016–2017Retaining bolt for inflatable curtain may be broken

The retaining bolts used to assemble the Inflatable Curtain may be broken and offer less protection in the event of an incident.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace all retaining bolts.

Recalled models: S90 · 2,409 vehicles

R/2017/0023 Jan 2017Built 2016One or more airbags may fail to deploy in the event of a collision

It has been identified by the manufacturer that the air-bag initiator does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bags with a new quality assured component.

Recalled models: S90 · 1,415 vehicles

R/2016/2571 Nov 2016Built 2016Seatbelt may separate from the buckle

It has been identified there is a possibility the front seatbelt buckle stud may not have been punched correctly during production. This may result in a separation between the buckle and seatbelt bracket if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the seatbelt buckle and if required to replace the seatbelt buckle.

Recalled models: S90 · 47 vehicles

R/2003/00810 Jan 2003Detachable tow bar may work loose

Under certain conditions the detachable tow bar may work loose resulting in the tow bar becoming detached from the vehicle.

Fix: Replace the tow ball and housing with a calibrated unit.

Recalled models: S90 · 1,042 vehicles

R/2002/09711 Jul 2002Detachable tow bar may work loose

A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurelydetach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.

Fix: All towballs and housing will initially be modified and then replaced with calibrated units at a later date.

Recalled models: S90 · 1,042 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Volvo S90 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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