2018 Volvo XC90 recalls and problems

The 2018 Volvo XC90 has 3 safety recalls and 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 1

Injuries / deaths

3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Volvo XC90 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Volvo XC90 recalls

Recall 23V-827: Seat Belts

Reported Dec 7, 2023 · 2,911 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA, LLC

Problem: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

Recall 21V-273: Electrical System

Reported Apr 21, 2021 · 162 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA, LLC

Problem: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.

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.

Fix: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.

Recall 18V-800: Electrical System

Reported Nov 13, 2018 · 17,548 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: 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 information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

Risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

Fix: 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.

2018 Volvo XC90 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	15
Service Brakes	12
Unknown or Other	10
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Engine	5
Power Train	5
Visibility/Wiper	4
Structure	4
Forward Collision Avoidance	3
Steering	2
Latches/Locks/Linkages	2
Seat Belts	2

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Structure › Body › Door › Handle › Interior — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 19,400 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Volvo XC90 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Oct 25, 2026

While driving my 2018 Volvo XC90 at approximately 50 miles per hour, the right rear door suddenly swung open even though it appeared fully closed. My [XXX] old child was seated in the back seat next to the door when this occurred. There was no warning, no impact, and no indication the door was improperly closed. My left rear door does the same thing. Yes, Volvo is aware. I called the dealership in Tacoma, WA they told me there is no recall the upgraded latch kit is $238.00 PER door not including labor. This is a manufacturing defect that has affected thousands of people. I can't use my back…

Service Brakes · reported Oct 1, 2026

On Wednesday 9/23, I was driving on a residential road and came to a stop sign. When I tried to stop at the intersection my brake pedal seized up and the car would not stop. The check engine light came on. I had to shift the car into park in order to stop the vehicle. I towed it to the dealer and found out today that the brake booster failed.

Service Brakes · reported Aug 25, 2026

This submission supplements NHTSA Complaint #11759206, filed on August 24, 2026, regarding a 2018 Volvo XC90, in order to provide additional relevant information that came to light after the original filing. At the time of the first safety-critical malfunction (in-vehicle warnings including "Transmission Acceleration Performance Reduced" "Gear Lever Locked" and related electrical system symptoms), the service manager at Volvo Cars Brooklyn was able to remotely diagnose the likely cause by telephone, before the vehicle was even towed to the shop, specifically instructing the owner to check for…

Service Brakes · reported Aug 24, 2026

The vehicle first experienced a safety-critical malfunction while driving on the highway on August 11, 2026, producing in-vehicle warnings reading "Transmission Acceleration Performance Reduced" and "Gear Lever Locked," along with broader electrical system symptoms, requiring the 2018 Volvo XC90 to be towed to Volvo Cars Brooklyn on August 11, 2026. At that time, dampness was discovered under the driverâs floor mat, leading to the discovery of a sunroof leak and resulting water intrusion. The dealership represented the vehicle as fully repaired and safe to drive. The same safety-critical…

Seat Belts · reported Aug 19, 2026

At first I was having issues with stop and start, replaced the battery then was told I wasted coffee in my center Console and it cause electrical issues and was told the repairs would be 3,400 in which collision issuance paid for. After the repairs my driver side seat belt would latch then the passenger side wouldnât latch either so I currently donât have working A/C or working seatbelts which is known problem for these vehicles.

Other Volvo XC90 years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 201920182017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Compare all Volvo XC90 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Volvo XC90: 23V-827 (seat belts), 21V-273 (electrical system), 18V-800 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Volvo XC90?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (15 reports), followed by service brakes (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 19,400 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.