Used Volvo V90

What to know before buying: Volvo V90

From 7 video reviews, 1 forum thread and 1 press test · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The V90 excels on long journeys, with exceptionally comfortable seats, a relaxed ride and good refinement.[1][2][4][3]First generation (SPA)
• There is ample room for four adults and a large, usable boot, although the tall transmission tunnel compromises the centre rear seat.[9][1][2]First generation (SPA)
• Cabin quality is high, but touchscreen controls for climate and heating are less convenient on the move than physical buttons.[6][5]First generation (SPA)
• Handling is safe and predictable, but the V90 prioritises calm comfort over sharp, entertaining responses.[1][3][4][5]First generation (SPA)

Typical faults

• One V90 Cross Country owner reported water entering the rear door locks after rain or washing, causing winter freezing; the locks were later replaced.[8]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• In winter, water from footwear can reach the control module beneath the driver's seat, triggering multiple warnings and even preventing engine shutdown.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• Twin-turbo diesels may develop a valve-cover oil leak around 200,000 km, and accessing the gasket requires substantial dismantling.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)

  200 000–200 000 km · 2.0 twin-turbo diesel

• On diesels, the EGR pipe near the vacuum pump may crack or the exhaust-manifold gasket may fail, allowing exhaust fumes into the cabin.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)

  2.0 diesel

• The electric coolant pump on petrol engines has sometimes required replacement at around 100,000 km.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)

  100 000–100 000 km · 2.0 turbo petrol

• Air-conditioning refrigerant may leak at the low-pressure hose joint, after which the compressor can become noisy and eventually seize.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• The tested 2023 B4D took about 15 minutes to produce warm air; the reviewer attributed this to a failed heater matrix.[2]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)

  2023–2023 · B4D 2.0 diesel

Which engine and version to take

• The 190 hp D4 diesel is the balanced choice; the reviewer found it more than adequate for everyday driving.[3]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• The 235 hp D5 diesel suits buyers wanting noticeably stronger performance and all-wheel drive.[3]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)

What to avoid

• The 150 hp D3 diesel can feel slow in a car of this size; the reviewer recommended choosing the D4 instead.[3]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)

What to check at the inspection

• Lift the carpet beneath the driver's seat and check for moisture, corrosion or evidence that the control module has been flooded.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• On diesels, inspect the valve cover, vacuum-pump area, EGR pipe and intake joints; oil traces or exhaust smells warrant diagnosis.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• For AWD cars, verify Haldex oil changes every 40,000 km and pump-strainer cleaning; listen for angle-gear humming or clicking on the road.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• Start the car cold and time how quickly warm air arrives, then test the air conditioning and inspect its hose joints for leakage.[2][7]First generation (SPA)
• After rain or washing, test every door lock, check the rear lights and inspect the paint beneath the rear-door rubber seals.[8]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)
• On petrol engines, listen for coolant-pump or crankcase-ventilation noise and check their service or replacement history around 100,000 km.[7]one sourceFirst generation (SPA)

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Motorpoint — Are we witnessing the death of a legend? Volvo V90 review · ▶ video
2. [2]Tim Rodie Drives Stuff — Living with estate-car perfection? Volvo V90 two-month review · ▶ video
3. [3]High Peak Autos — Should You Buy a VOLVO V90? (Test Drive & Review D5 AWD R-Design) · ▶ video
4. [4]Autospot — Better than the Audi A6 Allroad? The Volvo V90 Cross Country – an off-road wagon. A detailed test... · ▶ video
5. [5]carwow — Volvo V90 Estate 2018 in-depth review | carwow Reviews · ▶ video
6. [6]Дром — Volvo V90 Cross Country - отзывы владельцев · ▶ video
7. [7]АвтоСтронг — 😪 Надёжны ли современные Volvo? Разбираем косяки V90 Cross Country. · ▶ video
8. [8]volvocars.club — Проблемы за 4 года эксплуатации · forum
9. [9]whatcar.lv — Auto tests izvērsts - Volvo V90 - What Car? - WhatCar.lv · press

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