ElectricalMedium
Sensus infotainment freezes and slow system boot-up
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Cycle through all Sensus infotainment functions and check for freezing
2016–2025 Volvo S90 · common problems & known faults
A comfortable and safety-focused executive saloon, where electronic systems and the diesel's timing belt service are the key items for used buyers to verify.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed August 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2016–2025 Volvo S90 are D4 diesel timing belt service interval missed causing wear concerns, High-pitched whining or grinding noise from the rear axle caused by premature wear of the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) bearings and Water ingress into the front footwells leading to potential Central Electronic Module (CEM) damage, caused by blocked panoramic sunroof drain tubes. 3 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
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Build the inspection planReliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Volvo S90.
4.3/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 1
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Known faults to check
EngineHigh
D4 diesel timing belt service interval missed causing wear concerns
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check service history for timing belt replacement at the correct interval
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Build the inspection planSuspensionMedium
Air suspension faults on higher trim estate and saloon models
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check ride height is level and listen for compressor running excessively
ElectricalMedium
Adaptive cruise control and pilot assist sensor faults
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems on a test drive
InteriorLow
Driver's seat memory module and heating element failures
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test seat memory functions and heating elements across all positions
Engine (D5 Diesel)Medium
Loss of low-end power, hesitation, and a distinct hissing noise under acceleration due to a split or detached PowerPulse compressed air hose.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Open the bonnet and locate the thick rubber PowerPulse hose near the airbox. Squeeze it to check for splits, ensure it is securely attached, and listen for hissing when blipping the throttle.
Drivetrain (T8 PHEV)High
High-pitched whining or grinding noise from the rear axle caused by premature wear of the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) bearings.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Select 'Pure' drive mode to force electric-only operation. Drive at 15-20 mph with the radio off and windows slightly down, listening carefully for a whine from the rear end.
Bodywork & InteriorHigh
Water ingress into the front footwells leading to potential Central Electronic Module (CEM) damage, caused by blocked panoramic sunroof drain tubes.
- Typically appears
- 36,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Press your hand firmly into the lowest point of the front carpets, particularly on the passenger side, feeling for dampness. Check the cabin for a musty, damp odour.
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Build my inspection planFrequently asked questions
Is the S90's diesel timing belt a concern?
Yes, missed replacement intervals can cause expensive damage, so verify this in the service history.
Are the electronic driver aids reliable?
Mostly yes, but sensor faults can occur, so testing adaptive cruise and lane keeping is worthwhile.
Should I worry about air suspension?
On air-sprung models check ride height carefully, as compressor failures are costly to fix.
Which engine is the safer choice?
The petrol T5 avoids the diesel's timing belt risk and is generally the simpler option.
Are the T8 plug-in hybrid batteries prone to severe degradation?
T8 PHEV high-voltage batteries hold up well, but usable range naturally drops over time. Expect around 20-25 miles of real-world electric range on older models. Always check the service history to ensure hybrid cooling system flushes were performed, as neglected coolant severely impacts battery thermal management.
Do the door locks fail frequently on this platform?
Yes, the SPA platform suffers from door lock actuator failures. The internal microswitches degrade, meaning the vehicle may not lock or unlock a specific door via the central locking. Always manually test every exterior door handle during your forecourt appraisal to ensure the deadlocks engage and release correctly.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.
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