The Lemon Index
201720192nd generation
17 owner complaints, first 3 years 23–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Lexus RX 192018 Acura MDX 562018 BMW X5 40
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 14 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 23V827000 (seat belts), 21V273000 (electrical) and 18V800000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
- Volvo sent dealers 550 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This is a Technical Journal: If rear brake noise while braking can be heard , mainly at low…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Volvo's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 17 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 21K miles (8K to 34K km) on the car (14 of all 17 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Problems Volvo told dealers about
Volvo sent dealers 550 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This is a Technical Journal: If rear brake noise while braking can be heard , mainly at low…
- This is a Technical Journal: Brake vibrations due to lockable wheel screws
- This is a Technical Journal: The check engine light (CEL) may be illuminated without any other…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Seat belts · recall issued 2023
The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
- Electrical · recall issued 2021
Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
- Electrical · recall issued 2018
The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC90 T5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volvo XC90 T5 SUV FWD | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Volvo XC90 T6 SUV FWD | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Volvo XC90 T6 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,800–$3,250 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Volvo XC90 year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/volvo-xc90/?y=2018" title="Volvo XC90 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="514" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/volvo-xc90/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Volvo XC90 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 53; 100 is average, lower is better). The Volvo XC90 year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2019.
What are the most common 2018 Volvo XC90 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (29%), electrical (24%) and fuel system (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: seat belts). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Volvo XC90 get?
23 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Volvo XC90 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Volvo XC90 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,800 to $3,250 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volvo XC90 year is better than the 2018?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works