Volvo V90 Common Problems: What to Know Before Buying
The Volvo V90 is one of those cars that does a bit of everything — it’s stylish, super comfortable, incredibly safe, and has loads of space for family life or long road trips. It’s a big estate that’s great for people who want the space of an SUV without actually driving one.
But like every car (especially used ones), the V90 has a few quirks you’ll want to be aware of before buying. So here’s a simple, human-friendly guide to the most common Volvo V90 problems — and what you should keep an eye on.
1. Sensus Infotainment Can Be a Bit Temperamental
The V90’s infotainment system — called Sensus — looks sharp and has loads of features, but it’s not always as slick as it should be.
📱 You might notice:
- The screen lagging or freezing
- Bluetooth not connecting properly
- Apple CarPlay randomly cutting out
- Slow response when switching apps
Most of the time, a software update can fix it. But make sure you try out everything during a test drive — just to be sure it all works smoothly.
2. Air Suspension (If Fitted) Might Be Costly Later On
Some V90s, especially higher trims or the Cross Country, come with air suspension. It’s great for comfort… until it starts to go wrong.
🛞 Watch for:
- The car sitting unevenly when parked
- Strange messages about suspension settings
- A bouncy or harsh ride
Air suspension repairs can be pricey, so check that it’s working properly if the car has it.
3. Brakes Might Wear Out Quicker Than Expected
The V90 is a big car, and big cars need strong brakes — which means they can wear out faster, especially if the car’s been doing a lot of stop-start driving.
🛑 Look out for:
- Squeaky or grinding noises
- Brake pedal vibration
- Brake pad warnings on the dashboard
Check when the brakes were last replaced, especially on cars with over 40,000 miles.
4. DPF Problems on Diesel Models
If you’re looking at a diesel V90 — like the D4 or D5 — watch out for DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues. These usually pop up on cars that are only used for short trips.
💨 You might notice:
- Loss of power
- Warning lights
- Poor fuel economy
A regular motorway blast helps keep the DPF clean. If you’re a city driver, a petrol or hybrid version might suit you better.
5. Battery Drain & Random Electrical Glitches
The V90 has loads of modern tech, which is great — but it can also drain the battery faster, especially if you don’t drive it often.
🔋 Look out for:
- A dead battery after sitting for a few days
- Parking sensors acting weird
- Random error messages that come and go
Keeping the battery healthy (and driving it regularly) usually prevents most of these issues.
6. Gearbox Can Be a Bit Clunky
Some owners have said that the automatic gearbox feels a bit rough — especially when the car is cold or in stop-start traffic.
⚙️ How it feels:
- Hesitation when setting off
- Slight jerking between gears
- Delay when shifting into drive or reverse
A software update can often help, but make sure the car shifts smoothly during your test drive.
7. Sunroof Rattles? Yep, That’s a Thing
If the V90 has a panoramic sunroof, you might notice some rattles or creaks — especially on uneven roads.
🔍 What to listen for:
- Buzzing sounds from the roof area
- Clicking when going over bumps
- Plastic trim feeling loose
It’s not a major issue, but it can be annoying in an otherwise quiet, refined cabin.
So, Is the Volvo V90 Still a Good Car?
Yes — it really is. The Volvo V90 is a fantastic car for people who want something practical and premium without going full SUV. Most of the common problems are fairly minor and can be fixed or avoided with regular maintenance.
✅ Check the service history
✅ Make sure key features (like infotainment and suspension) are working
✅ Consider a pre-purchase inspection — a service like Carexamer makes this easy
Final Thoughts
The Volvo V90 has a lot going for it — space, comfort, safety, and style. If you’re considering one, just keep these common issues in mind and do your checks. If everything lines up, you’ll get a car that’s genuinely enjoyable to own and drive.
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