Volvo V90
Strongest Drive-E diesel with 173 kW and PowerPulse technology against turbo lag. Twin-turbo with variable turbine geometry for 480 Nm at low RPM. Only available with eight-speed automatic; SCR system for Euro 6.
Efficient diesel four-cylinder
120 kW VEA diesel: economical and adequate in daily use. Not a highlight, but a solid touring diesel.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The D5 bi-turbo D4204T23 develops problems with the high-pressure turbocharger at high mileage. Loose turbine shaft and oil in the air pipe are typical findings. Repair of both turbos has cost owners €2,500–7,500 at the dealer.
Symptoms: Oil in air pipe after turbo, whistling from turbo area, power loss, smoke under load
The D5 Drive-E (235 hp) shows turbocharger failure, sometimes at relatively low mileages. SwedeSpeed forum documents turbine wheel collapse. Debris can contaminate the intercooler and intake tract.
Symptoms: Heavy power loss, black smoke, metallic noise from engine bay, car goes into limp mode
The D5 bi-turbo is also affected by the EGR cooler recall. Although higher exhaust temperatures slow down soot paste formation somewhat, EGR problems also occurred on this engine variant.
Symptoms: EGR fault code, engine throttling, in worst cases fire risk
EGR valve and cooler on the D5 are prone to soot contamination, as on the D4. Regular motorway driving slows the process.
Symptoms: Check engine light (EGR fault code P0400/P0401), idle fluctuations, power loss
DPF clogging from frequent short trips, as regeneration temperature is not reached. Incomplete regeneration cycles cause fuel dilution of engine oil and raise the oil level.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power drop, elevated oil level, diesel smell in engine oil
Volvo's exclusive PowerPulse compressed-air reservoir system for faster turbo response has rubber hoses that crack under temperature and pressure cycling. Pressure loss reduces the PowerPulse effect and can trigger boost fault codes.
Symptoms: Boost pressure fault code, slightly delayed response under load, whistling noise
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
A faulty weld between the rotor shaft and the hydraulic brake assembly was found on the V90 II and S90 II. If it fails, ABS, ESC and brake assist are disabled. Volvo issued a recall in 2021.
On XC60 II vehicles built between September 2018 and April 2019, nuts and bolts at the rear axle may be too loose. Handling can change abruptly; check recall status.
Plastic intake manifolds on diesel engines up to model year 2018 can overheat and pose a fire risk. Check for Volvo recall; affected models were fitted with metal manifolds.
Water gets into the windscreen wiper motor and causes it to fail. SPA platform models are affected; a 2020 recall addressed incorrectly tightened wiper arms. Visibility in rain significantly impaired.
The air suspension elements on the V90 Cross Country models show wear from as early as 70,000–100,000 km. A warning message and loss of ride comfort announce the failure; repair costs are substantial.
The Sensus infotainment system on the SPA platform (XC60 II, S90 II, V90 II, S60 III, V60 II) freezes or reboots while driving. Software updates improve stability. Steering wheel controls drop out sporadically.
The optional panoramic roof on the V90 II and S90 II shows malfunctions when opening/closing automatically. Faulty sensors or motor controllers can be expensive; water ingress possible if the seal is damaged.
The Sensus infotainment freezes or goes black and does not respond to touch. Smartphone connectivity problems are common; software updates usually help.
Bodywork issues are the most commonly reported weak point by S90 and V90 owners in reliability surveys (8.5%). These usually involve minor paint damage and localised rust spots.
Rear brake pads on the V90 II wear unevenly and generate heavy brake dust. The cause is the electric parking brake and automatic braking functions.