Used Volvo V90 2016-2023 reliability
Category: Estate car
The V90 is a spacious, practical and classy estate car.
What should I look for in a used Volvo V90 estate?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
The V90 will 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.
Also, there are some lighter interior trim colours in some versions, so make sure there are no stains to the seats and carpet in both the footwells and boot.
What are the most common problems with a used Volvo V90 estate?
Potential engine fire
Volvo recalled around 70,000 cars in the UK fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, over potential engine fires. Read our news story on this for further information or contact Volvo directly.
Software issue
A problem was found with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. It applies to cars constructed between 23 September 2016 and 30 October 2018. Any Volvo dealer should be able to perform a software update to fix the issue.
Airbags might not deploy correctly in an accident
There have been a couple of recalls for airbags that might not deploy correctly during a collision. This first is due to airbags that don't meet the required specification and were fitted to models produced between 24 March 2016 and 30 October 2018. The second is for the retaining bolt on the curtain airbag; it could break and reduce the level of protection the airbag can provide. This recall affects certain V90s built between 21 November 2016 and 1 March 2017.
Vehicles may have the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit incorrectly tightened to the car body
How the manufacturer will repair: Inspect and tighten the SRS control unit. Number of affected vehicles: 704
The Automatic Emergency Brake System a function of the IntelliSafe system may not always engage increasing the risk of a collision
How the manufacturer will repair: Affected vehicles must have new software downloaded. Number of affected vehicles: 56385
Click here for more information. Contact your local Volvo dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Volvo V90 estate reliable?
Our data suggests the Volvo V90 is below average for reliability, albeit not atrociously so. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked 16th out of 24 cars in the executive car class.
Its reliability score was 88.9%, placing it above the 2012-2019 BMW 3 Series and well above the Audi A6, but below the BMW 5 Series and the top-place holder, the 2013-2021 Lexus IS.
Bodywork got the most flack from owners, with 8.5% of V90 owners in the survey seeing problems. Electrical faults and engine issues were cited as well, with 6.8% of owners (each) experiencing problems.
As a car brand, Volvo came a confidence-inspiring ninth out of 32 manufacturers, beating BMW and Mercedes, but falling short of Mini and, in first, Lexus.
Used Volvo V90: owners' reliability data
Our readers painted a picture of a generally reliable vehicle, with many owners reporting little to no problems at all. The V90's build quality and robustness were frequently praised, contributing to the car and brand's reputation for dependability.
Despite the V90's strong reliability record, a few owners did report minor electronic and software glitches – these 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.
