Volvo V90 reliability
The Volvo V90 fails its MOT about as often as most cars up to 5 years old: 14.5% of 6,628 tests failed in 2023, against 14% on average.
16 DVSA recalls for the Volvo V90
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.
BCM2 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: V90 · 138 vehicles
SPA1 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: V90 · 197 vehicles
BCM2 – 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: V90 · 39 vehicles
There 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: V90 · 10,197 vehicles
A 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: V90 · 4,755 vehicles
Potentially 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: V90 · 28 vehicles
Pressure 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: V90 · 256 vehicles
There 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: V90 · 14,380 vehicles
Vehicles may have the supplementary restraint system control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body
Vehicles may have the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body.
Fix: Inspect and tighten the SRS control unit.
Recalled models: V90 · 704 vehicles
Software 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: V90 · 56,385 vehicles
The 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: V90
Possible 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: V90 · 7,322 vehicles
Retaining 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: V90 · 2,409 vehicles
One 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: V90 · 1,415 vehicles
Detachable 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: V90 · 1,042 vehicles
Detachable 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: V90 · 1,042 vehicles
Checking a Volvo V90 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.