2023 VOLVO XC90

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

5RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data1InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

The 2023 Volvo XC90 exhibits noteworthy reliability challenges, particularly with its engine control module and braking system. The prevalence of issues within these critical systems raises concerns about long-term dependability, as indicated by the peak failure range occurring within the first 20,000 miles.

Key Factor:Significant engine and brake faults

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Defects in fundamental systems like the engine and brakes can pose serious risks, not only to vehicle performance but also to driver safety. The engine control module's software error could prevent the vehicle from starting, leaving drivers stranded, while potential failures in the hydraulic brake system could lead to a loss of braking capabilities. For a luxury SUV like the XC90, which is expected to deliver both performance and protection, such vulnerabilities could tarnish its reputation among discerning buyers who prioritize reliability alongside luxury and technology.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary: Year-over-year trends indicate an increasing focus on refining safety protocols within Volvo's engineering. However, the frequency of recalls for vital systems in the 2023 XC90 suggests a troubling deviation from expectations for a brand synonymous with safety innovation. Compared to typical performance benchmarks in its segment, these issues may place Volvo at a disadvantage among competitors that maintain cleaner reliability records.
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

51/100
Below Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-4.25
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 VOLVO XC90

Model Year2023
MakeVOLVO
ModelXC90
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Apr22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jul23
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug25
RECALLRecall Issued
โœ…

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2023 VOLVO XC90. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICELECTRICAL SYSTEMSEAT BELTSBACK OVER PREVENTION

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Engine Control Module (ECM)

Issue: Software error may prevent engine start or cause loss of drive power.

โœ…

Schedule an immediate update at a qualified Volvo service center to rectify the ECM software issue.

๐Ÿ”

Verify that the ECM has been updated before finalizing any purchase or obtain documentation confirming repairs made.

Campaigns:23V12323V124
2

Hydraulic Brakes

Issue: Diagnostic error may disable ABS, ESC, and traction control systems.

โœ…

Have your brake control module checked by a professional as soon as possible if you notice any warning lights or decreased braking performance.

๐Ÿ”

Inquire about any past brake system diagnostics or repairs; ensure all updates are performed before taking ownership.

Campaign:23V125
3

Electrical System

Issue: "e-Call Service Required" message could indicate malfunctioning emergency call feature.

โœ…

"e-Call" diagnostics should be checked during routine service appointments; don't ignore warning lights related to this system.

๐Ÿ”

"e-Call" functionality should be tested; request confirmation that all electrical systems are operational prior to purchase.

Campaign:23V126
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (5)

Campaign: 22V793000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Summary

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.

Consequence

The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC

Campaign: 23V012000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.

Consequence

A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10217.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC

Campaign: 23V188000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).

Consequence

The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10225.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC

Campaign: 23V827000

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.

Consequence

An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

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. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC

Campaign: 25V282000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 XC90.

INV-2023-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding XC90 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 43,976

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
โœ“

No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

"What are common problems experienced with the 2023 Volvo XC90?"

"The most frequently reported issues involve the engine control module not allowing the vehicle to start due to software errors. Additionally, some owners have experienced braking system failures due to diagnostic errors which could disable critical safety features like ABS and ESC."

"How does the recall history affect my decision on buying a used 2023 Volvo XC90?"

"Given that there are multiple recalls affecting key components such as the engine and brakes, it is vital for prospective buyers to thoroughly investigate whether necessary repairs have been completed on any used XC90 they consider purchasing. A clean service record concerning these recalls can be an important factor in ensuring long-term satisfaction with your purchase."

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

โžก๏ธStable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official VOLVO records to ensure no 5 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in VOLVO's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every VOLVO recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later XC90 iterations (2024+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
โš–๏ธ

Compare Alternatives

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Compare vs
2023 Toyota Camry
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2023 Honda CR-V
View Analysisโ†’
Compare vs
2023 Ford F-150
View Analysisโ†’

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.