The Lemon Index
201920212nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: brakes
Better years to buy
9 owner complaints, first 3 years 21–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 Lexus RX 232020 Acura MDX 1092020 BMW X5 40
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V179000 (electrical), 23V827000 (seat belts) and 23V001000 (steering) done? It has 7 recalls in all. 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?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Volvo sent dealers 248 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This is a Technical Journal: PAC 360 side camera, intermittent no image”?
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 9 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 →
In owners' words
I need new rear brakes and rotors at 26,296. I have leased cars for the past twenty plus years and never had to replace brakes/rotors after a year and a half.
2020 Volvo XC90 owner · NHTSA complaint 11455609
Problems Volvo told dealers about
Volvo sent dealers 248 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This is a Technical Journal: PAC 360 side camera, intermittent no image
- This is a Technical Journal: Check Engine Light (BCM2 requesting MIL)
- If the check engine lamp may appear in the DIM (Driver Information Module) and the listed DTC is
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 7
- Electrical · recall issued 2025
The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2023
The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
- Steering · recall issued 2023
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.
Show all 7 recalls
- Brakes · recall issued 2021
An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
- Electrical · recall issued 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail.
- 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.
- Automatic emergency braking · recall issued 2020
Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volvo XC90 T6 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,800–$3,600 (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. 2020 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 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/volvo-xc90/?y=2020" 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-xc90/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Volvo XC90 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Volvo XC90 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a quarter as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 27; 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 2020 Volvo XC90 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (33%), engine (22%) and suspension (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo XC90 have?
7 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Volvo XC90 get?
21 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Volvo XC90 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Volvo XC90 cost in fuel a year?
About $2,800 to $3,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Volvo XC90 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volvo XC90 year is better than the 2020?
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