2018 Volvo XC90
2018 Volvo XC90
Overview
The 2018 Volvo XC90 is a luxury mid-size SUV known for its safety, comfort, and sophisticated Scandinavian design. It offers a range of powertrain options, primarily focusing on its innovative ‘T’ series engines, which are often turbocharged and sometimes paired with electric motors in hybrid configurations. Reliability for the 2018 model year is generally considered good, with Volvo’s commitment to quality evident in its construction and materials. However, like any vehicle, specific components can experience issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas for owners and prospective buyers.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged (T5)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
2.0L Supercharged & Turbocharged (T6)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
2.0L Plug-in Hybrid (T8)
Battery Cooling System
- Symptoms: Overheating, reduced electric range, dashboard warning lights.
- Solution: Repair or replace faulty cooling components (pump, hoses, radiator).
- Cost: $500 - $1500
Transmission
8-Speed Geartronic Automatic
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Air Suspension (Optional)
Air Spring Leaks
- Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, uneven ride height, compressor running excessively.
- Solution: Replace leaking air springs or associated air lines.
- Cost: $600 - $1200 per corner
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system reboots unexpectedly, navigation issues.
- Solution: Software updates, potential replacement of the infotainment module.
- Cost: $300 - $1000
12V Battery
Premature Failure
- Symptoms: Various electrical components malfunctioning, difficulty starting, warning lights.
- Solution: Replace 12V battery.
- Cost: $200 - $400
Exterior
Body Panels & Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Headlights
Condensation
- Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside headlight assemblies.
- Solution: Seal repair or headlight unit replacement.
- Cost: $300 - $800 per headlight
Interior
Upholstery & Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Climate Control System
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Summary Verdict
The 2018 Volvo XC90 generally exhibits good reliability, particularly with its standard T5 and T6 powertrains and the automatic transmission. The primary areas to monitor are the optional air suspension system, which can develop leaks, and the infotainment system, which may occasionally experience software glitches. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant has a specific concern related to its battery cooling system. Electrical components like the 12V battery can also be a point of failure, as with many modern vehicles. Overall, the XC90 is a solid choice, but potential buyers should be aware of these specific, albeit not overwhelmingly common, issues.