2020 Volvo XC90 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 XC90 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Volvo XC90 has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 10th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other XC90 years. It has 32 complaints, 7 recalls, and its top problem area is the Engine, with 10 complaints tied to that system.
- Complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 20.5 city / 27.5 hwy
Top 2020 Volvo XC90 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners describe the engine losing power on the highway followed by warning lights and, in some cases, an engine fire under the hood.
- Some drivers report unintended acceleration even while the brake pedal was depressed, leading to low-speed crashes.
- The vehicle reportedly shudders when starting from a stop around 18 mph, when slowing for turns, and at higher speeds.
- New vehicles exhibited a loud thumping noise from the front or rear air suspension over bumps, even at low mileage.
- Automatic emergency braking reportedly failed to engage in a low-speed rear-end situation.
- Brake sensor issues near the center console and early rear brake/rotor wear were reported by owners.
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?
- Relative to other XC90 model years, the 2020 is rated "Good," ranking 10th worst out of 16 years with a complaint index of 40, well below the worst year's index of 100.
- What problems does the 2020 Volvo XC90 have?
- NHTSA complaints point to the Engine (10 complaints, 31% share) and Electrical System (9 complaints, 28% share) as the top problem areas, including reports of engine fires and shuddering.
- Are there recalls on the 2020 Volvo XC90?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2020 XC90, covering the high-voltage battery, seat belt anchors, steering gear screws, brake hydraulic unit, fuel pump fuse, rear seat control display, and automatic emergency braking software.
- How does the 2020 XC90 compare to the 2016 and 2017 XC90?
- The 2020 XC90 has a complaint index of 40, much lower than the 2016 XC90's index of 100 and the 2017 XC90's index of 80, both of which carry an "Avoid" verdict.
- What is the median mileage for engine complaints on the 2020 XC90?
- The median mileage at failure for Engine complaints on the 2020 XC90 is 25,000 miles.