repaired · 2026 Q3
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
2020 Volvo XC90Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 35 owner complaints about the 2020 Volvo XC90, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-827 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Volvo XC90 has problems
35 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Electrical system
7Engine2 crash/fire/injury
5Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
4Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
3Structure
3Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
2Wheels
2Latches/locks/linkages
87 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 11 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 8 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2020 Volvo XC90 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk. An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Steering
Risk. A screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control…
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q2
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. Failure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Electrical system: software
Risk. The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Risk. If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other XC90 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the XC90 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Volvo XC90, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What XC90 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
My 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid is subject to Volvo safety recall R10312 (NHTSA 25V-179) for a potential internal short circuit in the LG high-voltage battery module that can cause a thermal event and fire. On June 11, 2026, AutoNation Volvo Cars San Jose inspected my vehicle (82,680 miles)…
2020 Volvo XC90 suffered a sudden catastrophic engine blowout, blinding exhaust smoke, and dropped to a 10 mph limp mode on the highway with zero prior dashboard warning lights or oil alerts. the vehicle lacks a manual dipstick, making the me entirely dependent on a digital safety warning system…
Own a 2020 XC90?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.