Used Volvo S90 2016-2023 reliability review

The Volvo S90 is spacious, comfortable and refined, and good value as a used buy. However, its poor reliability lets it down.

What should I look for in a used Volvo S90?

What are the most common problems with a used Volvo S90?

An S90 will likely have been used on motorways as well as on school runs, so check the bodywork for stone chips and parking scuffs, as well as for any damage to the alloy wheels.

So far, reported problems with the S90’s mechanical bits are few. There have been issues raised with non-engine electrics, but these have usually been fixed under warranty and within a week.

Is a used Volvo S90 reliable?

Used Volvo S90 2016-2023 boot

Our data suggests the Volvo S90 is below average for reliability. In our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked 22nd out of 23 cars in the executive car class.

Its reliability score was 76.7%, placing it below all its rivals except the Mercedes C-Class.

Bodywork got the most flack from owners, with 8.5% of S90 owners in the survey seeing problems. Electrical faults and engine issues were cited as well, with 6.8% of owners (each) experiencing problems.

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As a car brand, Volvo came in a disappointing 21st out of 30 manufacturers with a score of 90.9%, beating BMW and Mercedes, but falling short of Mini and Lexus at the top.

Used Volvo S90: owners' reliability data

Our readers painted a mixed picture, with many owners reporting few or no problems. The S90's build quality and robustness were frequently praised, contributing to the car and brand's reputation for dependability.

Despite the S90's mixed reliability record, a few owners reported only minor electronic and software glitches, which were typically resolved quickly by dealers.

As for dealer service, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Volvo's dealership network was commended for its exceptional customer service, with staff members described as attentive, knowledgeable and efficient. Issues, when they did occur, were handled promptly and professionally, often leaving owners impressed with the level of care and transparency provided.

Used Volvo S90 2016-2023 rear side

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Volvo S90 2.0 D5 PowerPulse R-Design Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D5 PowerPulse R-Design Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,990

Volvo S90 2.0 D4 Inscription Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D4 Inscription Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,750

Volvo S90 2.0 D5 PowerPulse R-Design Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D5 PowerPulse R-Design Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,000

Volvo S90 2.0 D4 Momentum Plus Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D4 Momentum Plus Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,450

Volvo S90 2.0 D4 Momentum Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D4 Momentum Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,995

Volvo S90 2.0 D4 R-Design Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D4 R-Design Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,450

Volvo S90 2.0 D4 Momentum Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D4 Momentum Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,590

Volvo S90 2.0h T8 Twin Engine 10.4kWh Inscription Pro Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0h T8 Twin Engine 10.4kWh Inscription Pro Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,900

Volvo S90 2.0 D4 R-Design Pro Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Volvo S90

2.0 D4 R-Design Pro Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,000

About the writer

Mark Pearson

Name: Mark Pearson

Title: Used cars editor

Follow Mark Pearson on

Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.

Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.

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