2018 Volvo S90
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2018 Volvo S90. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2018 Volvo S90. Newest first.
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The driver and passenger front seat rail rear flange nuts may not have been installed during assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the nuts are missing, in the event of a crash, the front seat structure and position may be affected, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat rails for missing flange nuts, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R19931.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
16 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electrical system
Volvo is aware of a major safety issue that has to do with the drain hose of AC. They have issued a recall on models 2016 and 2017 and produced replacement parts.My car was purchased in 2017, but is a 2018. I have had the AC hose leak into my passenger compartment and cause my filter behind my…
Volvo is aware of a major safety issue that has to do with the drain hose of AC. They have issued a recall on models 2016 and 2017 and produced replacement parts.My car was purchased in 2017, but is a 2018. I have had the AC hose leak into my passenger compartment and cause my filter behind my glove box to be soaking wet. This has also damaged my speaker in my passenger door. I have paid over two thousand dollars.Trying to get this a c fixed with no results before finding out about the recalls. I have since found out.This leakage can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying in an accident. I have reached out to volvo directly they are denying any responsibility. I not only can not afford what could end up being over 5,000 dollars if not more to repair the AC the speaker and potentially the airbag as I am disabled. Although volvo is refusing to do the right thing, even though they know this is a problem. I have asked them what changes were made between 2016 to 2018 in the production of my vehicle. They are not responding.
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
ISSUE 1 – VOLVO ON CALL / VCM "SERVICE REQUIRED" MESSAGE: My vehicle has displayed a persistent "Volvo On Call Service Required" error message in the Driver Information Module (DIM) for over one year. This is directly covered by: • Volvo Technical Journal TJ 36916.1.0 (NHTSA ID: MC-10253788)…
ISSUE 1 – VOLVO ON CALL / VCM "SERVICE REQUIRED" MESSAGE: My vehicle has displayed a persistent "Volvo On Call Service Required" error message in the Driver Information Module (DIM) for over one year. This is directly covered by: • Volvo Technical Journal TJ 36916.1.0 (NHTSA ID: MC-10253788), issued April 2024 • Fault code: VCM-U105000 (Vehicle Communication Module) • TSB explicitly covers 2018 S90 vehicles • The TSB states the required software packages are free of charge I contacted Volvo Cars USA at [XXX] , who acknowledged the issue and arranged a complimentary diagnostic and fix with the Manasquan dealer. But, the dealer would not perform the diagnostic at no charge, leaving me unable to confirm the fault code or proceed with the TSB-specified remedy without paying out of pocket. I have had this unresolved warning message for over one year now. The dealer told me that if I did not pay for the repair my car could lose power and stop suddenly. ISSUE 2 – PARK ASSIST SYSTEM FALSE ALERTS: My Park Assist System sensors generate false proximity warnings for objects more than 20 feet away — far beyond the system's normal detection range. Cleaning the sensors did not resolve the issue. This is directly covered by: • Volvo Technical Journal TJ 31558.8.0 (NHTSA ID: 10161789), issued April 2019 • Root cause: Water ingress into park assist sensors and connectors due to a defective splice in the cable harness • Volvo introduced a harness splice correction in production starting June 2018 — meaning vehicles built before that correction may contain the defective harness • TSB covers 2016–2019 Volvo vehicles A malfunctioning park assist system is a direct safety concern — drivers rely on accurate proximity alerts when maneuvering, and persistent false alerts undermine confidence in the system and may cause drivers to disregard genuine warnings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Wheels
There is a great deal of vibration at highway speeds. It has been like this since I purchased the car.
- Unknown or other
The AC system releases refrigerant into the cabin due to Volvo improperly engineering the climate control and allowing the evaporator core to freeze and crack. They acknowledge the issue and have released a resister cable to prevent the evaporator core from cracking. I have tested the air in the…
The AC system releases refrigerant into the cabin due to Volvo improperly engineering the climate control and allowing the evaporator core to freeze and crack. They acknowledge the issue and have released a resister cable to prevent the evaporator core from cracking. I have tested the air in the cabin, and the VOC level is at a dangerous level due to the refrigerant leak. I have the car currently at a dealer, where they have quoted over $3,800 to repair the issue. A quick search shows a large and quickly growing number of people complaining about this. The leaks in some cases are so bad that you can smell the refrigerant when you open the car door, as was the case with ours. This is a huge environmental and health safety issue. I have reached out to Volvo, and they refuse to assist with the repair, despite acknowledging that it is an engineering error. I don't feel safe having my kids be exposed to that level of refrigerant gas, and we don't know what to do with the car.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Lock
Rear right door lock failed, stuck closed. Extremely unsafe if someone was sitting in the back and unable to leave vehicle. It has been confirmed by others. It has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There has been zero warning lights to indicate the issue
- Electrical system
At 5pm while driving home, which was 2 hours away, I needed to stop and refuel. At the pump I pushed the fuel door and it would not release to open. After many tries it would not open. I called Volvo On Call and informed them of the problem. The agent relayed that I should go to the back of the…
At 5pm while driving home, which was 2 hours away, I needed to stop and refuel. At the pump I pushed the fuel door and it would not release to open. After many tries it would not open. I called Volvo On Call and informed them of the problem. The agent relayed that I should go to the back of the car near the fuel door, and with the remote lock and unlock the door which should release the door. It did not work. I tried it again with no success. The agent then informed me that there is no other way to open the door and to go to a Volvo dealership to get repaired. I asked the agent is there a way to open the door from the trunk, for instance like a rope to pull to manually open the door. He said unfortunately no. So, I am no where near a dealership and if I was it would be closed, it is after 5pm on February 17 and its 20 degrees outside and I need fuel to get home. I get in my car and search the internet on a possible way to open the door and I see that this is a big problem with Volvo that has affected many families and individuals that, as I, have been put in a compromised possibly dangerous position. While at the gas station I fortunately saw a tow truck and asked the driver if I could borrow a screw driver to try to pry open the door to which I was successful. A simple pull cord in the trunk, as some vehicles have, would have solved this issue without putting anyone in a precarious situation. I took my car to a mechanic and he replaced the fuel door lock solenoid.
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The rear door will not open from the inside or the outside. Apparently this is a door lock actuator issue experinced by many volvo owners. It is extremely dangerous not to be able to open a rear door in the case of an accident or other incident where you need to enter or exit the car. Dealer confirms that there is an issue with these. No warning message appears when inoperable.
- Tires › Sidewall · Tires › Tread/belt
255/35 R20 Bleb in sidewall with air leak through tread adjacent. No unusual trauma to tire.
- Seats · Unknown or other
water get inside the car in the back on the floor mat behind driver seat. was not aware of this problem at all.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the steering wheel would violently shake without warning. The contact has had two sets of brake rotors replaced on the vehicle due to the failure. Since owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the steering wheel would violently shake without warning. The contact has had two sets of brake rotors replaced on the vehicle due to the failure. Since owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the failure would occur approximately every 8,000-10,000 miles. After the third failure, the contact was informed that the repair for the rotors would not be covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed a claim; the contact was called back and was informed that the claim was denied. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) had an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. The contact stated the "Volvo on Call Service Required" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the…
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo S90. The contact stated that the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) had an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. The contact stated the "Volvo on Call Service Required" warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V800000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control · Wheels
Hi, When you drive over 70mph, steering, floors and whole cabin start vibrates, I have changed tires as Volvo recommended, alignment done. Everything dealer requested I have done. I have driven couple of more volvo as a loaners and noticed they all vibrates , but not bad as mine. Try to reach out…
Hi, When you drive over 70mph, steering, floors and whole cabin start vibrates, I have changed tires as Volvo recommended, alignment done. Everything dealer requested I have done. I have driven couple of more volvo as a loaners and noticed they all vibrates , but not bad as mine. Try to reach out Volvo head office but no proper resolution. They are keep blaming tires which I have changed 3 times but actually vibration happen from engine or somewhere else. Lots of Volvo owners online shares same issues online. Please help me out on this matter.
- Structure
2018 volvo S-90. Consumer writes in regards to a product flaw. *Ld the consumer stated the vehicles floor mat had unsnapped and become wedged under the accelerator pedal. The consumer was unable to drive forward or in reverse. *js
- Unknown or other
I purchased a volvo S90 2018 from ecar one . On july 6 2019. I was told by the saleman virgil . That there was a recall on the dashboard and all I have to do was call volvo dealership and they would fix for free. When I called volvo after my purchase they said no recall on this vehicle. 0709
- Service brakes
While driving at low speeds there IS a loud screeching sound when breaking. The dealership has had the car in for repair 4 times, the current mileage IS 10,100. the dealership has not told us what IS the issue but the noise remains. I am concerned because I drive with my kids and their friends in…
While driving at low speeds there IS a loud screeching sound when breaking. The dealership has had the car in for repair 4 times, the current mileage IS 10,100. the dealership has not told us what IS the issue but the noise remains. I am concerned because I drive with my kids and their friends in the car and we have no information on what IS going on with the breaks. We do not know if the car IS a safety hazard since they have told us nothing. We have many audios with the noise, which the dealership rmchooses to ignore but the noise persists after each repair. We are afraid they are hiding the real issue and it may be dangerous.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2018 volvo S90. The contact stated that the service engine indicator illuminated. In addition, the fuel mileage was less than what was stated in the owner's manual. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (gunther volvo cars coconut creek, 4300 sr 7, coconut creek, fl 33073…
TL* the contact owns a 2018 volvo S90. The contact stated that the service engine indicator illuminated. In addition, the fuel mileage was less than what was stated in the owner's manual. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (gunther volvo cars coconut creek, 4300 sr 7, coconut creek, fl 33073, (954) 590-3760) more than twice for diagnostic testing and to be test driven, but there was no permanent remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and had not issued any recalls. The failure mileage was not available.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011735This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
- 11009818This is a Technical Journal: White patch defect in paint when removed rapgard. Expose vehicle to outside daylight for 48hrs.
- 11009817This is a Technical Journal: DIM message about parking brake. Manually order and download software part number 32429456
- 11009815This is a Technical Journal: Apple CarPlay Not OK - iPhone with USB-C, SENSUS. The 56 kO resistor ensures safe and appropriate power delivery.
- 11009803This is a Technical Journal: Outer rear view mirror intermittently not folding. May required replacing terminals.
- 11009498This is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA Sensus - Unable to reload/install software after CSD replacement. restore CSD functionality and/or complete software download
- 11007932This is a Technical Journal: Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. Improved 12V battery test in VIDA
- 11007926This is a Technical Journal: DIM message about parking brake. Manually order and download software part number 32429456
- 11007925Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 11006576This is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
- 11006564This is a Technical Journal: SENSUS - IHU Software Improvement (Voice Control). software is available in VIDA beginning 2024 week 21.
- 11006562This is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
- 11006560This is a Technical Journal: DIM message about parking brake. Download the available total upgrade software.
- 11006558This is a Technical Journal: High Temperature Message in DIM after Coolant Pump Replacement. Replace coolant pump
- 11006557This is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
- 11006554This is a Technical Journal: Improved 12V battery test in VIDA. Improved 12V battery test in VIDA
- 10254406This is a Technical Journal: Check Engine Light in DIM (BCM2 P25A268 / U003700). Download software.
- 10254402This is a Technical Journal: T8 P0EA773 Auxiliary Cooling System Performance. install component 32139082
- 10254399This is a Technical Journal: Vibration/shudder while braking. Replace front brake pads
- 10253788This is a Technical Journal: VCM Backup Battery Replacement with VCM-U105000. Replace the VCM Backup Battery and download the relevant Software.
- 10253771This is a Technical Journal. If you experience difficulty programming remote keys on Hybrid vehicles, please follow the advise in Technical Journal under service.
- 10252722This is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
- 10252719This is a Technical Journal: ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) Bearing Noise. Bearing kit replacement.
- 10252682This is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
- 10251606This is a Technical Journal: SPA/CMA - 12V Battery Testing / Maintenance Guide. After capturing a NEW VIDA readout, conduct the steps in VIDA.
- 10251166This is a Technical Journal: High Voltage Battery repairs. Always repair the battery according to the methods in VIDA.
- 10251147This is a Technical Journal: VIDA Main battery diagnostic - Prompted to charge battery a second time. Use had held tester.
- 10251143This is a Technical Journal: SR PHEV Cell Module Replacement. Updated BECM software was released
- 10249465This is a Technical Journal: WPC, none or unstable charging. recalibrate the WPC by performing a WPC reload.
- 10249396Creaking noise from right engine pad
- 10249393OHC replaced too often due to CEM U134187,download software prior replacement
- 10249386PHEV Intermittent Start of the Combustion Engine in Hybrid or Pure Mode
- 10249383Creaking noise from Steering Wheel Module (SWM)
- 10249382DIM message ?Parking brake service required?
- 10249366Volvo Cars App Remote climate or ERS, not possible
- 10249362PHEV Intermittent Start of the Combustion Engine in Hybrid
- 10249344P5(SPA)/P6(CMA) Software Download Guide
- 10249194This is a Technical Journal: DIM message about parking brake. Download the available total upgrade software.
- 10249193This is a Technical Journal: AC evaporator repair, additional parts needed. Add resister in line jumper cable.
- 10249192This is a Technical Journal: Unnecessary Replacements of TurboCord Charge Cable (PN 31419235)
Every Volvo S90 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.