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Problems & Complaints

2026 Volvo XC90

42 documented issues across 8 categories from real owner reports

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All Reported Problems

Every documented issue for this vehicle, organized by category

Documentation Opacity

1 issue reported

Volvo does not publicly disclose the full subscription pricing for connected services in the 2026 XC90, forcing buyers to contact dealers or purchase to learn ongoing costs like app features or naviga...

Electronic Alerts & Nags

6 issues reported

The auto start-stop system shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel but owners report it cannot be reliably disabled despite settings options. It resets every drive, ignoring driver profiles, and ca...

The auto start-stop feature restarts the engine abruptly after stops, lacking smoothness. Owners find it particularly annoying during parking maneuvers.

The dashboard displays erroneous warnings for turn signal bulb failures that aren't actually faulty.

Supplemental Restraint System (airbag) failure warnings appear unexpectedly on the dashboard.

The check engine light illuminates randomly without an apparent cause, persisting for a day before clearing.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts trigger falsely even when tire pressures are correct.

Interface Friction

14 issues reported

The XC90's central touchscreen controls most vehicle functions like climate, audio, and drive modes. Owners and reviewers report noticeable delays in response, causing uncertainty if inputs registered...

The infotainment system supports Bluetooth and wired Android Auto, but Android phones often fail to connect properly, with no audio output or control despite pairing. iPhones connect without issues, f...

The XC90 requires a wired USB connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto instead of wireless, forcing users to plug in phones each time. This is seen as a dated omission in a luxury SUV.

The heads-up display (HUD) projects speed and navigation info onto the windshield and should save settings per driver profile. Owners report it requires readjustment every drive despite correct profil...

The rearview backup camera should show a direct rear view when reversing. It often defaults to a top-down surround view, requiring a screen tap to switch during parking.

The steering wheel buttons are minimalistic for audio, cruise, and menus. Reviewers find them confusing due to limited labeling and functions, making quick adjustments difficult while driving.

Drive modes adjust throttle, suspension, and steering feel, typically via buttons. The XC90 requires tapping a small screen icon, complicating quick changes.

Hybrid XC90s prioritize EV mode on startup to maximize electric range. Cold weather users struggle to force the gas engine on for cabin heat without remote start.

Wiper service position raises blades for winter ice removal without scratching. It reverts to normal when remotely starting the car, defeating the purpose.

The Volvo Cars app shows vehicle status including hybrid battery level remotely. Battery percentage fails to display despite other functions working, requiring dealer diagnosis.

Console USB ports support charging and Android Auto. Newer phones like Galaxy Note 20 Ultra fail to charge or start AA, unlike older models, despite trying cables.

The infotainment stays on low volume after shutdown, without a power button. Users must open a door or wait for timeout to silence it completely.

The park button shifts the transmission to P. It lacks tactile click, causing uncertainty if engaged, leading to accidental rollaways.

Auto high beams automatically switch headlights based on traffic. The feature must be manually reactivated every drive as it doesn't persist.

OTA Behavior

4 issues reported

Volvo's over-the-air (OTA) software updates are delivered wirelessly to improve vehicle features and fix bugs. A specific update on plug-in hybrid XC90 models (software version 3.5.14) caused brake bl...

The XC90's power trunk lid can be controlled remotely or automatically via software. After an OTA software update, the trunk began opening on its own every 20-30 minutes regardless of the car's lock s...

Owners use software tricks to permanently disable the auto start-stop system, which shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel. A software update broke this method, preventing permanent disablement an...

Volvo's OTA update 3.0.3 was released but quickly pulled due to multiple faults, though some dealers continued manual installations despite known issues. Volvo acknowledged the problems.

Privacy & Surveillance

4 issues reported

Volvo's connected services collect detailed vehicle telemetry including GPS location, speed, acceleration, braking, steering, seat belt use, infotainment interactions, diagnostics, and energy consumpt...

Volvo gathers data from interior cameras, radars, and biometric information such as facial images for identification. This enables surveillance of occupants inside the vehicle.

Volvo aggregates and shares non-personal vehicle data with third parties for analysis and statistics, and may share personal data with advertising partners or service providers. Documentation reveals ...

Volvo retains trip data for 400 days, intrusion detection for 1 year, and some battery data for the vehicle's lifetime, with users responsible for deleting personal info upon sale. This prolonged stor...

Remote Control Capability

4 issues reported

The Volvo Cars app allows remote starting of the XC90 to precondition the cabin. Multiple owners report that after remote start, pressing the brake and start button fails to fully engage drive mode, r...

Google Assistant integration with the Volvo app previously enabled voice commands to remotely start or precondition the XC90. Recent changes have disabled this functionality, preventing remote start, ...

Volvo OnCall (predecessor to Cars app) provides remote lock status and start for the XC90. Owners report the app syncs basic data like temperature but fails to execute locks or remote start.

Volvo's remote services for the XC90, including app connectivity, can be blocked or deactivated remotely upon ownership changes, OTA updates, or credit issues without notice.

Software Stability

7 issues reported

The Volvo app's remote start feature preconditions the cabin but fails to fully enable driving. Owners must shut off and restart the car after entering to proceed.

The traffic sign recognition system misreads speed limits, especially on highways and exits. It displays incorrect signs even when not directly facing them.

The car's built-in GPS and cellular connectivity suddenly fail, limiting navigation and online features. A 12V battery disconnect can temporarily resolve it.

Rear auto brake and park assist features display reduced functionality warnings. These electronic failures occur early in ownership on some models.

The Google-integrated infotainment screen freezes with persistent pop-ups, navigation errors, audio playback issues, or wrong album art. Hard resets or workarounds are often needed.

All vehicle sounds cease, including music, warnings, and turn signals, for extended periods like 24 hours. No chimes or clicks function during the outage.

The check engine light activates sporadically on new vehicles but turns off without intervention. It points to underlying software or sensor instability.

Subscription Lock-in

2 issues reported

The Volvo XC90's remote start feature, which allows starting the engine via the Volvo app for preconditioning, requires a paid subscription after any initial trial period. Owners express frustration o...

Volvo XC90's built-in internet connectivity for infotainment, hotspot, and app features requires a subscription for data after trial, with owners unable to use personal SIMs or facing signal issues wi...

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