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2020 Volvo XC90: common problems and reliability
One of the worst XC90 years.
One of the Volvo XC90 years to avoid. All XC90 years
96 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 XC90?The 2020 Volvo XC90 has 96 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Volvo XC90 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other XC90 years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the XC90?
Across the 23 XC90 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2012) to 592 (2016). With 96 complaints, the 2020 XC90 sits above the model's median of 58.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2020 XC90
forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Campaign 20V144000Volvo 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Campaign 21V716000Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Campaign 21V414000Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
electrical system:software
Campaign 21V273000Volvo 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.
Show 3 more recalls
steering
Campaign 23V001000Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
seat belts:critical fasteners
Campaign 23V827000Volvo 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.
electrical system:software
Campaign 25V179000Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XC90. See the full XC90 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used XC90 listings typically run $19,496–$39,767.
Other XC90 model years
Compare every XC90 year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the XC90 against its rivals
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