2020 Volvo XC90 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Updated on March 22nd, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

Luxury SUVs continue to grow in popularity, with the 2020 Volvo XC90 at the top of the charts. The automaker claims that this is “the SUV with first-class comfort and world-class safety.” However, current owners are taking to the internet to complain about the steering, service brakes, electrical system and suspension.

Click on other model year to view more problems:   2018   2021   2022

NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Volvo XC90

Problems with the Steering

Having control over the vehicle is priority number one. With the XC90, customers are struggling to perform this essential task.

Here is one example from an Edmunds review. “If having precise control of your car is important to you, look elsewhere. It is sleek and aesthetically pleasing sure, but does that matter in a bad storm? Top heavy and loose handling in my opinion.”

When looking through the manufacturer communications, there are no bulletins related to the steering problems. Instead, the automaker would rather customers think that it’s only with their vehicle alone, even though complaints prove otherwise. There’s no question that the XC90 looks good and might even provide plenty of comforts, but it’s hard to compete for “world-class safety” when owners have to wrestle the steering wheel to stay on the road.

Problems with the Brakes

Another basic concept is the ability to brake when the vehicle must stop. Yet again, customers are unhappy with Volvo.

Here’s another Edmunds review. “Just two weeks in one of the tires where popped so I had that fixed. Less than a week later the brakes need to be replaced. I wish I can go back to my Nissan Rogue.”

Sadly, there is a recall that has to do with the forward collision avoidance system. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V144000 states that more than 120,000 vehicles are equipped with a software and hardware incompatibility that causes the AEB system to miss obstacles and refuse to engage. If this happens, the chance of an accident is much higher. Once again, how can a vehicle claim to be at the top of safety when the basic stopping systems don’t prevent accidents? Hey, at least owners can experience that “first-class comfort” right before the accident.

Problems with the Electrical System

Moving onto the electrical system, there seem to be just as many defects as with the other components.

Here is one more Edmunds review. “The entertainment center SUCKS during real world driving. You really need to set things before you leave or pull over – very dangerous. The menus are still confusing a month in and finding things remains a mystery.”

However, the electrical system complaints go beyond just convenience features. Even the automaker talks about high voltage battery repairs within Service Bulletin #TJ3429510-2019-0. Whether the battery is failing and owners can’t get to work or the entertainment system fails to provide the comforts needed, it’s difficult to justify the expensive price tag on the XC90. At this point, it might be better to save some money and buy a jalopy instead.

Problems with the Suspension

One final look at the XC90 shows some major issues with the suspension system. When combining this defective system with the steering concerns, it becomes even more difficult to control this luxury SUV.

Just look at this NHTSA complaint. “Purchased a new 2020 XC90 T6 Inscription with the air suspension. From the first time pulling into our driveway, there was a distinct, muffled, aggressive ‘thump’ in the front and rear end. The sound is independently from the front or rear suspension, depending on which is going over a bump. This occurs consistently when in slow speeds and going over an abrupt bump, such as a speed bump or an aggressive cut out in a driveway which is made for water run off. Once the suspension compresses, the thump occurs on decompression (rebound). I took it into the original dealer. A 2019 XC90 T8 Momentum (with air suspension) was given as a loaner. As expected, the loaner vehicle made the exact same thump sound from the front and rear suspension over the exact same bumps. The dealer could not replicate the sound on my car. I provided them with [service bulletins]. No response yet as to the problem or correction.”

As this customer has been left in the dark, Volvo continues to remain quiet about problems. Apparently, the company feels that enough has been said already to contradict its stance on producing a safe vehicle. At this point, the XC90 has become a very expensive lawn ornament as it sits waiting for constant repairs.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Volvo pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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