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Volvo

2020 Volvo S90

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2020 Volvo S90 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: on 8/22 while driving on a city road in extreme rainy conditions the vehicle in front of me drove through standing water, which created significant spray. as a result the city safety feature of my volvo s90 engaged in an extreme fashion. without any risk of an impending collision the city safety fea. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

5

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

2 complaints
40%
  • On 8/22 while driving on a city road in extreme rainy conditions the vehicle in front of me drove through standing water, which created significant spray. As a result the City Safety feature of my Volvo S90 engaged in an extreme fashion. Without any risk of an impending collision the City Safety fea
  • While driving on a rainy day my forward collision warning (FCW) system cam on signifying and impending collision via the "Red Warning Vehicle Crash" in the heads-up display. The car started to automatically break as well. There were no other vehicles in my land or close to me at the time. It was pur
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

On 8/22 while driving on a city road in extreme rainy conditions the vehicle in front of me drove through standing water, which created significant spray. As a result the City Safety feature of my Volvo S90 engaged in an extreme fashion. Without any risk of an impending collision the City Safety fea

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING12/03/2020

Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.

Risk: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Volvo S90

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,920
Per month
$160
Per mile
16.0¢
MPG
25
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,286/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,549/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Volvo S90

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,143
Full coverage / month
$179
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+28%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volvo S90 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2020 S90, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
WHEELS(~50K mi)
$500
SUSPENSION(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: On 8/22 while driving on a city road in extreme rainy conditions the vehicle in front of me drove through standing water, which created significant spray. As a result the City Safety feature of my Volvo S90 engaged in an extreme fashion. Without any risk of an impending collision the City Safety fea

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: - Brakes, Wheels, and possibly suspension. - Car shudders under braking, impacts stopping ability. All tires vibrate while driving. Wheels are warped/damaged. - Vehicle went to the dealer. Replaced all four rotors, repaired all for rims. - I have reached out to the manufacturer for support. They de

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • WHEELS: - Brakes, Wheels, and possibly suspension. - Car shudders under braking, impacts stopping ability. All tires vibrate while driving. Wheels are warped/damaged. - Vehicle went to the dealer. Replaced all four rotors, repaired all for rims. - I have reached out to the manufacturer for support. They de

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SUSPENSION: - Brakes, Wheels, and possibly suspension. - Car shudders under braking, impacts stopping ability. All tires vibrate while driving. Wheels are warped/damaged. - Vehicle went to the dealer. Replaced all four rotors, repaired all for rims. - I have reached out to the manufacturer for support. They de

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Volvo S90 — Year Comparison

How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
5
Recalls
3
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
8

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2020 Volvo S90