How many electrical complaints does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have?

NHTSA lists 16 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 XC90, which makes up 32% of the 50 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2018 Volvo XC90?

Yes. Recall 18V800000 covers a Vehicle Connectivity Module software issue on 2017-2019 XC90 and other Volvo models. A separate recall, 21V273000, addresses a rear seat control display defect on 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2018 XC90?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 20,500 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 XC90.

Are electrical failures on the 2018 XC90 linked to crashes or fires?

NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires among the Electrical System complaints for the 2018 XC90.

Is the electrical problem rate on the 2018 XC90 worse than other years?

The 2018 XC90's Electrical System complaints represent 32% of its total complaints, higher than the 24% share seen in 2017 and similar to the 31% seen in 2021, based on NHTSA complaint data by model year.

2018 Volvo XC90 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 16 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Volvo XC90, 32% of its 50 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure is 20,500. Two related recalls address a rear seat display defect and a Vehicle Connectivity Module software issue.

Electrical System complaints: 16; 32% of 50
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 20,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Instrument panel shows a headlamp system malfunction warning along with backup camera failure and a city safety system unavailable message, sometimes resolved with a software update.
The tailgate opens on its own while the vehicle is parked, and a 12V battery charging fault warning appears repeatedly at startup.
Water leaks into the compartment behind the rearview mirror, disrupting the drive assist computer and causing pilot assist to malfunction.
The vehicle loses motive power after coming to a stop, sometimes failing to restart with no warning lights illuminated, traced to starter motor issues.
The vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving through intersections, with dashboard lights going dark and an "engine not in P" notification appearing.
The transmission module fails while driving, reportedly due to water intrusion from a failed sunroof seal reaching the module's compartment.

When 2018 Volvo XC90 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 27, 2017, latest Aug 25, 2026.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2017 to Aug 2026; peak Aug 2026 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Volvo XC90

NHTSA 21V273000Apr 21, 2021Electrical System162 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
Risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.
NHTSA 18V800000Nov 13, 2018Electrical System17,548 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
Risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.

Electrical System complaints by XC90 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200563 (28%)
200616 (30%)
200714 (37%)
20089 (31%)
20093 (43%)
20100 (0%)
20115 (26%)
20121 (33%)
20132 (18%)
20140 (0%)
20150 (0%)
201657 (29%)
201719 (24%)
201816 (32%)
201911 (27%)
20209 (28%)
202111 (31%)
202213 (45%)
20239 (23%)
202418 (50%)
20257 (24%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have?: NHTSA lists 16 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 XC90, which makes up 32% of the 50 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2018 Volvo XC90?: Yes. Recall 18V800000 covers a Vehicle Connectivity Module software issue on 2017-2019 XC90 and other Volvo models. A separate recall, 21V273000, addresses a rear seat control display defect on 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2018 XC90?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 20,500 at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 XC90.
Are electrical failures on the 2018 XC90 linked to crashes or fires?: NHTSA records show 1 crash and 0 fires among the Electrical System complaints for the 2018 XC90.
Is the electrical problem rate on the 2018 XC90 worse than other years?: The 2018 XC90's Electrical System complaints represent 32% of its total complaints, higher than the 24% share seen in 2017 and similar to the 31% seen in 2021, based on NHTSA complaint data by model year.