2018 Volvo XC90: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Volvo XC90: 3 recalls, 51 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #18V800000 · 2018 · 17,548 vehicles
What's wrong: The software installed in the vehicle connectivity module (vcm) May have an error causing the telematics and driver support systems to function improperly. As a result, the gps will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
Why it matters: If the gps location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #21V273000 · 2021 · 162 vehicles
What's wrong: Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display May cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
Why it matters: The rear passenger May become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #23V827000 · 2023 · 2,911 vehicles
What's wrong: The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts May not be tightened properly.
Why it matters: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle May not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (15): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), door / lock issues (5), leaks (5).
- Brakes (12): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Other / unknown (9): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), warning light on (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (6): the most common themes are warning light on (4).
The 2018 Volvo XC90 has 51 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 23 XC90 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 66). Complaints peaked in 2026 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 16,718 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (80 complaints, 7 recalls), 2019 (42 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Volvo XC90.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Volvo XC90 problems?
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (15), brakes (12), other / unknown (9).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Volvo XC90 get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Volvo XC90 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.