2018 Volvo V90 Safety Report

2018 Volvo V90: Low Complaint Volume, But Recurring Tail Light Failures and Airbag Non-Deployment Reported

10Complaints
1Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Exterior Lighting (2)Vehicle Speed Control,Wheels,Service Brakes (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes (1)Structure (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Structure (1)Unknown Or Other,Lane Departure (1)Air Bags,Structure (1)Unknown Or Other (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Volvo V90

The 2018 Volvo V90 presents a mixed safety picture, with a low overall complaint volume but several recurring issues that raise concerns. With only 10 total NHTSA complaints, 1 crash, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported, the vehicle's incident rate appears low. However, a significant pattern emerges around exterior lighting, specifically rear tail light malfunctions due to moisture intrusion, accounting for multiple complaints. This issue, described as causing 'brake malfunction' errors and deactivating brake/signal lights, poses a clear safety hazard, especially in adverse weather conditions. The vehicle also has one recall related to the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE' affecting emergency response capabilities, which is a critical safety concern. Crash test performance data from NHTSA is not available for the 2018 Volvo V90, making it difficult to assess its structural integrity and occupant protection in a controlled environment. Despite the lack of ratings, one complaint details a head-on collision where airbags reportedly did not deploy, resulting in injuries and the vehicle being totaled. This specific incident, if verified, would be a serious concern regarding the vehicle's passive safety systems. Beyond lighting, other notable complaints include unexpected automatic tailgate closure causing head injuries (reported multiple times), and recurring wheel sensor failures leading to a cascade of system malfunctions like ABS, ESC, and loss of power. While the total number of complaints is low, the nature of these recurring issues, particularly those affecting visibility, braking, and occupant safety (airbag deployment, tailgate), suggests specific design or manufacturing weaknesses that warrant attention. The single recall, though not directly related to mechanical failure, highlights a potential flaw in the vehicle's connectivity system that could impede emergency services.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Volvo V90 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Volvo V90

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Volvo V90:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rear Tail Light Malfunction Due To Moisture
Moisture ingress into rear tail lights causes 'brake malfunction' errors, deactivating brake and signal lights, particularly in rainy or humid conditions. Multiple complaints cite this as a recurring issue.		 High Common N/A miles
Automatic Tailgate Unexpected Closure
Tailgate randomly closes without prompting, striking individuals. Multiple complaints report head and shoulder injuries.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Wheel Sensor Failure
Repeated wheel sensor failures lead to immediate loss of ABS, ESC, tire pressure monitoring, and power, creating dangerous driving conditions.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Airbag Non-Deployment In Crash
One complaint reports airbags did not deploy in a head-on collision, resulting in injuries and the vehicle being totaled.		 High Rare N/A miles
Sensus Navigation System Freezing
Navigation map gets overlaid with a blank window, freezing the Sensus system and making navigation and related information unavailable.		 Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Volvo V90:

Exterior Lighting 50% of complaints

Multiple complaints (5 out of 10) specifically detail rear tail light malfunctions, often due to moisture intrusion, leading to non-functional brake and signal lights.

Structure 30% of complaints

Complaints related to the automatic tailgate unexpectedly closing (2 complaints) and one complaint about airbag non-deployment in a crash point to structural or safety system concerns.

Electrical System 30% of complaints

Beyond lighting, electrical system issues include wheel sensor failures (1 complaint) and the recall for software affecting emergency response.

Air Bags 10% of complaints

One complaint specifically mentions airbags failing to deploy in a head-on collision.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Volvo V90

Is the 2018 Volvo V90 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Volvo V90 has a low overall complaint count (10 total), but recurring issues like rear tail light malfunctions due to moisture, unexpected tailgate closures causing injury, and a reported airbag non-deployment in a crash raise significant safety concerns. There is also one recall related to emergency response system software.

What are common problems with the 2018 Volvo V90?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Volvo V90 are related to EXTERIOR LIGHTING (50% of complaints), specifically rear tail light malfunctions caused by moisture. Other recurring problems include unexpected automatic tailgate closures (2 complaints) and wheel sensor failures (1 complaint) leading to multiple system malfunctions.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Volvo V90?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2018 Volvo V90 (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V044000) concerning the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE'. This recall addresses a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module that could prevent GPS location from being provided to emergency personnel, inhibiting emergency response in a crash.

How does the 2018 Volvo V90 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA does not provide specific crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2018 Volvo V90. Therefore, its performance in controlled crash scenarios cannot be assessed using NHTSA data.

What are the most serious safety concerns for the 2018 Volvo V90?

The most serious safety concerns for the 2018 Volvo V90 include the recurring rear tail light malfunctions that can deactivate brake and signal lights, the unexpected automatic tailgate closures causing head injuries, and the reported instance of airbags failing to deploy in a head-on collision. The recall regarding emergency response system software is also a critical safety concern.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the recurring safety-critical issues like tail light failures and unexpected tailgate closures, potential buyers should thoroughly inspect these components and verify all recall work has been completed. Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical systems and tailgate operation.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Volvo V90

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Volvo V90. The data includes 10 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.