2020 Volvo XC90 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Volvo XC90 has a complaint index of 55 and ranks 10th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 32 complaints, 7 recalls, and 2 reported fires, with Engine issues the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 XC90 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20.5 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (31%)
- Electrical System9 (28%)
- Other7 (22%)
- Structure & Body5 (16%)
- Brakes4 (13%)
- Fuel System3 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (9%)
- Airbags2 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine loses acceleration power and can catch fire under the hood shortly after a check engine light appears.
- Automatic emergency braking has failed to engage at low speed, leading to a rear-end collision.
- Unintended acceleration has occurred while the brake pedal was depressed, resulting in a crash into a parked vehicle.
- Front and rear air suspension produces a distinct thumping noise over bumps starting almost immediately after purchase.
- Vehicle shudders when taking off from a stop around 18 mph, when slowing for turns, and at higher speeds.
- Brake sensor fault light stays on, with dealers attributing it to coffee stains on an exposed sensor under the center console.
2020 Volvo XC90 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V179000Mar 24, 2025Electrical System7,483 vehicles
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
- NHTSA 23V827000Dec 7, 2023Seat Belts2,911 vehicles
Seat belts:critical fasteners
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
- NHTSA 23V001000Jan 5, 2023Steering74 vehicles
Steering
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
Risk: A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
2020 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20.5 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 XC90 carries a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 55, ranking 10th worst among 21 model years of the XC90.
- What are the most common complaints on the 2020 Volvo XC90?
- Engine problems make up 31% of complaints, followed by Electrical System issues at 28% and Structure & Body issues at 16%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2020 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2020 XC90, covering the high-voltage battery, seat belt anchorage, steering gear screws, brake system welding, fuel pump fuses, electrical seat control, and automatic emergency braking software.
- Has the 2020 Volvo XC90 caught fire?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 2 reported fires for the 2020 XC90, including one engine compartment fire linked to a loss of acceleration power.
- How does the 2020 Volvo XC90 compare to other XC90 years?
- The 2020 model's complaint index of 55 is lower than the 2016 (100) and 2017 (85) Avoid years but higher than Good or Best years like 2022 (45) and 2013 (15).