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2020 Volvo XC90

Plug-in hybridGas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
4 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
36 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical9
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA30
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA27 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas midsize or large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the XC90 AWD PHEV, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 30 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
XC90 AWD PHEVPlug-in hybridAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo + 34 and 65 kW 3-phase Sync.262827 (34 MPGe blended)18 mi electric583 h$2,850
XC90 FWDGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo213025———$3,100
XC90 AWDGasAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo202723———$3,350
XC90 AWDGasAWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo182621———$3,700

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 41948, 41510, 41528, 41897.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2020 Volvo XC90 is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (9)

Source: NHTSA recall database
○minor

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

R10329
11,469 vehicles
ProblemVolvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.RiskA loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.FixOwners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10329.
NHTSA campaign 25V392000reported Jun 12, 2025Volvo Car USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

R10312
7,483 vehicles
ProblemVolvo 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.RiskA short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.FixOwners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10312.
NHTSA campaign 25V179000reported Mar 24, 2025Volvo Car USA, LLC
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

R10289
291 vehicles
ProblemVolvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020 S60, V60, S90I, XC60 and XC90 hybrid vehicles. The pushrod screw joint, connecting to the brake pedal to the hydraulic brake unit, may be loose.RiskA loose brake pedal can result in a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will tighten the brake pedal pushrod screw joint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10289.
NHTSA campaign 24V788000reported Oct 23, 2024Volvo Car USA, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

R10259
2,911 vehicles
ProblemVolvo 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.RiskAn improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V827000reported Dec 7, 2023Volvo Car USA, LLC
▲high

Steering

R10213
74 vehicles
ProblemVolvo 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.RiskA screw inside the gearbox housing can cause the steering wheel to lock up and increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10213.
NHTSA campaign 23V001000reported Jan 5, 2023Volvo Car USA, LLC
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

R10120
9 vehicles
ProblemVolvo 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.RiskSeparation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
NHTSA campaign 21V716000reported Sep 15, 2021Volvo Car USA, LLC
▲high

Electrical System

R10100
85,550 vehicles
ProblemVolvo 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.RiskFailure of the low-pressure fuel pump can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10100.
NHTSA campaign 21V414000reported Jun 2, 2021Volvo Car USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

R10093
162 vehicles
ProblemVolvo 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.RiskThe rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.FixVolvo 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.
NHTSA campaign 21V273000reported Apr 21, 2021Volvo Car USA, LLC
○minor

Forward Collision Avoidance

R29998
121,605 vehicles
ProblemVolvo 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.RiskIf the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.FixVolvo 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V144000reported Mar 12, 2020Volvo Car USA LLC

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
30complaints filed

2 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2020: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2025: 8 · 2026: 10

Most-cited components

Electrical System8
Engine6
Unspecified6
Service Brakes4
Structure4
Vehicle Speed Control4

What owners describe

“My tire somehow got a nail in it. I drove straight to Volvo when noticing the issue around 730am on 3/13/26. At 745am I spoke with [XXX] at Schumacher Volvo, he advised that they were too busy today to assist me. I advised I was afraid to drive with this and needed help and he told me to buy a tire lock kit and I could…”Mar 14, 2026 · Wheels · NHTSA owner report
“Vehicle: 2020 Volvo XC90 Mileage at first incident: ~60,000 miles Mileage at second incident: ~70,000 miles In July 2025, while my wife was driving our 2020 Volvo XC90 the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of braking. The brake pedal did not provide stopping power, and the vehicle had to be steered off the…”Feb 13, 2026 · Service Brakes · NHTSA owner report
“In early December (2025), I experienced Hybrid System Failure, with the vehicle showing this fault in the dashboard and the check engine light coming on. I took it to the dealership, as the hybrid system is still within warranty, and they diagnosed a failed hybrid battery module. They said I could continue to drive the…”Jan 27, 2026 · Engine · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%
SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning.

Other XC90 model years

A

2027 Volvo XC90

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Volvo XC90

1 recalls · 6 complaints

A

2025 Volvo XC90

3 recalls · 27 complaints

B

2024 Volvo XC90

4 recalls · 34 complaints

F

2023 Volvo XC90

7 recalls · 39 complaints

F

2022 Volvo XC90

5 recalls · 29 complaints

F

2021 Volvo XC90

7 recalls · 35 complaints

D

2019 Volvo XC90

6 recalls · 41 complaints

B

2018 Volvo XC90

3 recalls · 50 complaints

F

2017 Volvo XC90

7 recalls · 77 complaints

F

2016 Volvo XC90

8 recalls · 198 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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