Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2020 Volvo XC90.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
The rear a/c evaporator coil has failed, leaking uv dyed green oil into the main battery pan. The a/c vents in the car in the driver and middle rows are now blowing hot air. This is a very commonly known problem with Volvo spa Xc90s from 2016-2021. It’s incredibly expensive to repair($3500 +). There should be a recall to replace/repair this problem in these relatively new and expensive cars.
My 2020 Volvo Xc90 plug-in hybrid is covered by recall 25v-179 (Volvo r10312) for high-voltage battery cell modules that may short circuit and catch fire when fully charged and parked. On June 3, 2025, Volvo cars arrowhead performed the recall inspection and software update (invoice 239958) and recorded “battery cell check ok no faults. ” the vehicle was returned to us as remedied. On December 17, 2025, the same dealer serviced the vehicle (invoice 244765) without flagging any open recall issue. On may 4, 2026, the high-voltage battery cell module failed and the system indicated "hybrid system failure. " it was towed to the dealer, which diagnosed a failed cell module. Before it was towed, we drove and charged the vehicle at our home for about a week, with our children in the house. That is the exact scenario the recall warns about. The vehicle has been at the dealer for more than five months waiting for a replacement module, with no expected delivery date. On October 14, 2026, the dealer told us in writing that Volvo cars USA had approved a software update as the “permanent fix,” that the failed cell module will remain in the vehicle, and that the vehicle can be used as designed. They are returning it to us on October 16, 2026. The remedy Volvo filed with NHTSA for this recall says dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary, and update the software to monitor the battery. Our module has been confirmed as failed, yet Volvo is leaving it in place and relying on software alone. The earlier inspection-and-software remedy on this same vehicle did not prevent the failure. I am asking NHTSA to review: whether leaving a confirmed-failed cell module in place, with only a software update, is an authorized remedy under 25v-179. Whether the June 2025 inspection method reliably identifies defective modules. Whether other owners are being given the same software-only “remedy” because of a parts shortage.
I was driving when a turtle popped up on my dashboard I pulled over to google what that meant and popped the hood cause I seen a little smoke within 3 sec the car busted in flames I ran back and grab my daughter out the back seat we were almost locked in due to the car melting the wire and flames started coming inside the car.
The camera system when backing up becomes unavailable intermittently. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. System has been updated and restarted but it fails to fix the issue. When it happens it states camera unavailable and service required. Shutting off the vehicle and restarting multiple times sometimes corrects it. Automotive dealer said there is no issue with it. We have pictures of when it happens and the vehicle is available for inspection.
The sunroof has leaked pouring water into the car. October 29, 2025 this is the second time this has occurred. First flood was January 3, 2023. Volvo covered the first repair done by a Volvo dealership. The current estimate to repair is $13,000 by the Volvo dealer. They have the car. The electronics have not been checked yet or are part of the estimate. It is unsafe to drive a car if the electronics may fail. I have filed a claim with Volvo and to date (42 days) there is no resolution. I cannot drive a car that fills with water when it rains. My daughter has a severe heart defect and cannot be in a car with mold and mildew.
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo Xc90. The contact stated that after plugging in the charger to the vehicle, the cable charger started blinking red. The contact had to jumpstart the vehicle to open the doors. The blinking red light on the cable charger had not stopped blinking. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18e086000 (equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The sunroof of the vehicle started leaking water after 4 years of ownership. Upon bringing it to Volvo dealer, I am quoted $2500-3000 to fix and check for faulty electrical or mold in carpeting. This is a safety issue as the water could damage critical electrical components. This is a 2020 vehicle, basic faulty sealing should be covered as recall or known issue that the consumer is not liable for.
The electrical rear axle system fails at around 39k miles in the Volvo Xc90 with little notice. I purchased my pre owned 2020 Xc90 recharge in Jan of 2023. The failure of the erad system caused complete power failure instantly and the engine to cease operating at a high rate of speed (55mph) on the highway in flowing nyc traffic . After researching, I have found hundreds s of complaints of this issue as most happen just after warranty expiration . Leading me to believe that Volvo is knowingly selling cars with one product defects that could result in injury or death.
I was driving the speed limit on the highway in my Volvo 2020 Xc90 which was less than one year old. The vehicle lost acceleration power and then an engine performance light came on, then a check engine light. I pulled over immediately and my car engine caught fire under the hood. The entire front of vehicle was engulfed in flames within minutes. There were approximately 11k miles on the car and it had never been maintenanced or worked on in any way that would have caused an engine fire. It was clearly a fuel line fire and Volvo did not properly investigate. My insurance company said it was a fuel line fire but could not get information from the black box because it was destroyed. This car is incredibly unsafe and should be recalled. I have multiple videos and case files concerning this "thermal event". Volvo recalled this car in europe because of this issue and says there are none in the USA.