2018 Volvo Xc90 Safety Report
2018 Volvo XC90: Low complaint volume, but critical safety recalls and recurring issues with seat belts, door latches, and powertrain components.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Volvo Xc90
Reliability Score
The 2018 Volvo Xc90 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 Xc90
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Volvo Xc90:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belt Buckle/Anchor Bolt Improper Tightening Recall issued for improperly tightened second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts, increasing injury risk in a crash. |
High | Occasional | N/A (manufacturing defect) miles |
| Rear Passenger Entrapment Due To Front Seat Movement Recall for a software issue where liquid on the rear seat control display can cause the front passenger seat to move back, potentially trapping a rear passenger. |
High | Rare | N/A (software defect) miles |
| Emergency Call System Gps Failure Recall for software in the Vehicle Connectivity Module that may prevent GPS location from being provided to emergency personnel during a crash. |
High | Rare | N/A (software defect) miles |
| Door Latch/Lock Failure Multiple complaints about rear doors failing to latch or open from inside/outside, posing a significant egress risk in emergencies. Some linked to water ingress. |
High | Common | Varies, reported from new to 60000+ miles |
| Engine/Powertrain Sudden Failure/Stalling Reports of the vehicle losing motive power, stalling while driving, or complete ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) failure, leading to undrivable conditions and one reported fire. |
High | Occasional | 20000-70000 miles |
| Sunroof/Hvac Water Leaks Water leaks from panoramic sunroof or HVAC system (e.g., evaporator core crack) leading to water dripping on controls, electrical malfunctions, and cargo area saturation. |
Medium | Common | 20000-60000 miles |
| Premature Brake Wear Numerous complaints about excessive and premature wear of brake pads and rotors, often requiring replacement as early as 1,000-20,000 miles, with rear brakes wearing faster than fronts. |
Medium | Common | 1000-20000 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 Xc90:
General complaints not fitting specific categories, often related to overall vehicle reliability or multiple system failures.
Issues including sudden loss of motive power, ERAD failure, and transmission module failures, sometimes linked to water ingress.
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors, and instances of sudden unintended braking or hard brake pedal.
Water leaks from sunroofs and HVAC systems, leading to interior damage and potential electrical issues.
Wiper malfunctions, including random activation and complete failure, and issues with water dripping from rearview mirror area affecting driver assist systems.
Door latch failures, preventing doors from opening or closing properly, and issues with hood latch cables.
Engine stalling, 'engine low performance' warnings, and coolant leaks.
Fuel filler pipe leaks and general propulsion system failures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Volvo Xc90
Is the 2018 Volvo XC90 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Volvo XC90 has a relatively low number of overall complaints (40), but it has been subject to 3 safety recalls addressing critical issues like seat belt integrity, potential passenger entrapment, and emergency call system GPS failure. While official crash test ratings are not available, the recalls and several complaints about door latch failures and sudden engine/powertrain issues raise concerns about specific safety aspects.
What are common problems with the 2018 Volvo XC90?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Volvo XC90, based on NHTSA complaints, include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (10%), POWER TRAIN (7.5%), SERVICE BRAKES (7.5%), STRUCTURE (7.5%), and VISIBILITY/WIPER (7.5%). Specific recurring problems include door latch failures, premature brake wear, water leaks from sunroofs/HVAC, and instances of engine or powertrain stalling/failure.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Volvo XC90?
Yes, the 2018 Volvo XC90 has 3 active recalls. These include a recall for improperly tightened second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts, a software issue that could cause the front passenger seat to move back and trap a rear passenger, and a software defect in the Vehicle Connectivity Module that might prevent emergency personnel from receiving GPS location in a crash.
Does the 2018 Volvo XC90 have issues with its doors or latches?
Yes, there are multiple complaints regarding door latch and lock failures on the 2018 Volvo XC90. Owners report rear doors failing to latch or open from both inside and outside, which is a significant safety concern for egress. Some complaints link these issues to water ingress.
What are the powertrain issues reported for the 2018 Volvo XC90?
Powertrain issues for the 2018 Volvo XC90 include reports of sudden loss of motive power, the vehicle stalling while driving, and catastrophic failure of the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD). There are also mentions of transmission module failures, sometimes attributed to water leaks.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the critical safety recalls and recurring issues with door latches, powertrain, and water leaks, potential buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and thoroughly inspect the vehicle for signs of water damage or door mechanism issues before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Volvo Xc90
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Volvo Xc90. The data includes 40 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 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.