If you’re looking at a 2024 Volvo EX90, you’ve probably heard about software delays, warning lights, and early recalls. The good news: most 2024 Volvo EX90 problems now have clear fixes. The bad news: this is a complex, first‑wave “software‑defined” EV, so you’ll want to go in with your eyes wide open, especially if you’re shopping used.
Context: 2024 vs. 2025 EX90
2024 Volvo EX90 problems overview: should you worry?
What’s gone wrong
- Software bugs affecting infotainment, driver-assist, and various warning lights.
- Early recalls around headlamp software and hardware like seat bolts and tailgate components.
- Some cases of 12V battery drain leading to a non‑responsive vehicle.
What’s gone right
- Volvo has pushed frequent over‑the‑air (OTA) updates through 2024–2026 to stabilize the platform.
- Key issues such as headlight glitches are being handled by formal recalls and campaigns.
- The underlying battery, motors, and chassis have not shown major systemic defects so far.
How to read owner complaints
Big-picture 2024–2025 EX90 issues you’ll hear about
Early EX90 experience snapshot (2024–2025 builds)
Volvo delayed EX90 production into 2024 specifically because of software problems, and then launched with more to clean up. Owners of early 2024 builds have reported bug‑ridden first months, followed by gradually calmer ownership as updates roll out. That arc is typical of today’s highly digital luxury EVs.
Most common 2024 Volvo EX90 problems owners report
Main problem areas on early EX90s
Not every 2024 EX90 will see these, but they’re the patterns to watch for.
1. Infotainment & Google built‑in glitches
The EX90 leans heavily on its central screen and Google built‑in. Common complaints include:
- Frozen or blank center display requiring a restart.
- Google Maps or Assistant crashing or failing to load.
- Laggy responses when switching drive modes or climate settings.
Most of these have improved with later software (owners mention smoother behavior after 1.2.x and 1.4.x updates), but intermittent hiccups still occur.
2. Locking, key, and start issues
Some owners have reported moments when:
- Digital keys don’t unlock or start the car.
- Card key or emergency procedures are needed to gain access.
- The vehicle appears "dead" until it’s rebooted or towed.
In a software‑defined vehicle, a minor fault in a low‑power controller can feel like a total breakdown. Later software aims to reduce these incidents, but they’re a key concern on early builds.
3. 12V battery drain and "car won’t wake up"
Several early EX90s experienced 12V battery drain while parked, often after several days at an airport or long‑term lot. Owners describe:
- Car failing to unlock or power up after sitting.
- Needing a tow because there’s no easy way to jump it in a parking structure.
- Dealers attributing the issue to diagnostic routines waking the car repeatedly.
Software updates have targeted these sleep‑mode behaviors, but it’s still wise to be cautious about leaving the car parked for extended stretches without checking it.
4. SRS airbag and other warning lights
Because so much of the EX90 runs through central computers, owners have seen:
- SRS airbag warnings or "service urgent" messages.
- Random alerts for driver‑assist or parking systems.
- False alerts that later disappear after a restart or update.
In some cases the airbag system is genuinely disabled until a dealer clears the fault, so you should never ignore persistent SRS or brake warnings.
5. Headlight and exterior lighting quirks
Early EX90s were subject to a headlamp software recall where the internal shutters could close while driving, leading to loss of light output. Other owners have reported odd behavior around auto high‑beams and light signatures that was later addressed via updates.
On a flagship luxury SUV, any misbehavior in signature lighting is especially noticeable, even when it’s a pure software problem.
6. Driver-assist nuisance behavior
Some drivers have complained of:
- Overly intrusive lane‑keeping nudges and alerts.
- Hands‑on detection warnings even with a firm grip.
- Inconsistent adaptive cruise responses in complex traffic.
Software tuning has improved this, but if you’re sensitive to driver‑assist behavior, make sure you spend time with Pilot Assist on your test drive.
Software bug vs. hardware failure
How Volvo’s software updates are fixing many EX90 issues
Volvo has been steadily rolling out over‑the‑air updates for the EX90, moving from early 1.1.x builds into 1.2.x and 1.4.x versions through late 2025 and early 2026. Release notes and owner feedback point to incremental improvements instead of one magic "fix everything" patch.
Typical EX90 software update progression (illustrative)
Exact version numbers may differ by region and build date, but this gives you a sense of what the updates have targeted.
| Version | Approx. Timing | Focus Areas | Owner Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1.x | Mid–late 2024 | Launch software; stability fixes | Most bugs still present; frequent dealer visits for resets. |
| 1.2.x | Late 2024 – early 2025 | Infotainment, Google integration, driver-assist tuning | Fewer screen freezes and smoother pilot-assist behavior. |
| 1.4.x | Late 2025 – early 2026 | Sleep/12V behavior, warning-light false positives, lighting tweaks | Less random wakeups, improved lighting quirks, more confidence day-to-day. |
Ask the seller or dealer which software version the EX90 is running and what’s pending.
Good news for late‑2024 builds
Recalls and campaigns affecting early EX90s
- Headlamp software recall (U.S. 2025 model year) – Certain EX90s built from the start of production through January 31, 2025 received incorrect headlamp control software. Under the recall, Volvo updates the software so the internal shutters can’t unexpectedly close while driving.
- Seat-bolt and interior hardware campaigns – Early EX90s built in 2024 were subject to quality campaigns for second‑row seat fasteners and tailgate spindle components. These are typically addressed during a dealer visit and may not always show up as NHTSA recalls, but they matter for crash safety and convenience.
- Software download and module update bulletins – Volvo has issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) for software download issues and module programming on EX90s. These are invisible to most shoppers but important for getting stuck updates or modules back on track.
- Computer/central controller replacements – For a subset of vehicles, Volvo and its dealers have replaced central compute units when they could not be stabilized via software alone. This is labor‑intensive but can permanently resolve persistent glitches in a given car.
Never ignore a recall
Quick troubleshooting steps you can try at home
With a vehicle this complex, many problems feel intimidating but turn out to be minor software hiccups. Here are simple first steps you can safely try before arranging a tow or panicking about lemons.
Simple checks before calling a tow truck
1. Soft reboot the infotainment system
If the center screen is frozen or Google apps won’t load, try a soft reset using the steering‑wheel buttons or by following the reboot instructions in your owner’s manual. This often clears temporary glitches without affecting stored settings.
2. Confirm the vehicle is actually in Park
Some error messages or non‑responsive functions stem from the vehicle not being fully in Park. Verify the selector and try cycling from Drive to Park and back once or twice.
3. Check for obvious 12V drains
If the car feels weak or won’t wake, make sure no interior lights are stuck on, doors or liftgate aren’t partially latched, and accessories in USB ports are unplugged. These aren’t the only causes, but ruling them out helps your technician.
4. Try your physical key card
If your phone key won’t unlock the EX90, use the physical key card at the B‑pillar reader. If the car responds to the card but not phones, the issue may be key pairing or connectivity, not a dead 12V system.
5. Document what you see
Before you restart the car or let it sit overnight, snap photos of warning lights and messages. Note down time, weather, and what you were doing when it appeared. This kind of detail can save hours of guesswork at the dealership.
6. Use the Volvo app or on‑call button
If the vehicle won’t power up or a safety system is disabled, contact Volvo via the app or the in‑car "on call" button (when available). They can help coordinate a tow and create a digital record of your problem for warranty and lemon‑law purposes.
When not to drive
Working with the dealer: warranty, documentation, and expectations
Most serious 2024 Volvo EX90 problems are being handled under Volvo’s new‑vehicle warranty, but your experience depends heavily on how you work with the service department. Clear documentation and realistic expectations go a long way with a first‑generation EV like this.
Make the most of your warranty
- Ensure the EX90 has all open recalls and campaigns completed before delivery.
- Ask the dealer to install the latest software and confirm it on the repair order.
- Keep copies of every work order and invoice, even for zero‑cost warranty repairs.
- Use the Volvo app to log issues so there’s a digital trail from the day they begin.
If issues keep repeating
- Politely insist the advisor attach your photos and notes to the repair record.
- Ask if there are engineering cases or TSBs open for your symptoms.
- If the dealer says "it’s normal" but the car regularly won’t start, escalate to Volvo customer care.
- For chronic, safety‑related failures, talk to a local attorney about state lemon‑law options.
What a strong service file looks like
Buying a used 2024 EX90: what to check before you sign
Because most U.S. EX90s are titled as 2025 model year, a "used 2024 build" may simply show up as an early 2025 on the window sticker. The key is to figure out when it was built, what’s been repaired, and how healthy the battery and electronics are today.
Key checks for a used 2024‑built Volvo EX90
Use this as a quick comparison sheet when you’re looking at multiple vehicles.
| Item | What to Ask | What You Want to See |
|---|---|---|
| Build date & VIN | Ask for the door‑jamb label and full VIN. | Build date in late 2024 or later, with no accident history. |
| Recall status | Ask for a printed recall / campaign report. | All headlamp, seat‑bolt, and tailgate actions completed. |
| Software version | Have the seller show the current software screen. | Latest major release installed; no pending dealer-only updates. |
| Service history | Request full service printout. | Bugs addressed with clear notes, no repeated "no fault found" entries. |
| Battery health | Ask for a battery test or health report. | State of health close to new; no rapid‑charging-only histories. |
| Test drive behavior | Drive with all driver‑assist and Google features on. | No persistent warning lights, minimal glitches, smooth driver‑assist. |
If a seller can’t answer these questions, that’s a red flag, especially on a high‑tech first‑year EV.
Use an EV‑savvy pre‑purchase inspection
How Recharged reduces the risk with used EVs like the EX90
If you like what the EX90 offers, space, safety, Scandinavian design, but you’re wary of first‑year issues, it pays to work with a seller who understands EV pitfalls. That’s exactly where Recharged is designed to help.
Buying a used EX90 through Recharged
What we look at that a typical lot might overlook
Recharged Score battery & health diagnostics
Every vehicle on Recharged gets a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health and key diagnostic data. On a high‑end SUV like the EX90, that gives you insight you won’t get from a quick test drive alone.
Software & recall status review
We pay close attention to software level and recall completion. Our specialists verify that major EX90 campaigns have been addressed and that the vehicle is running current, stable software wherever possible.
Expert EV guidance & flexible deals
From financing and trade‑ins to nationwide delivery and consignment, Recharged is set up around EV ownership. Our EV‑specialist team can talk frankly about whether a specific EX90 fits your comfort level, or if a different used EV might suit you better.
Ready to find your next EV?
Browse Vehicles2024 Volvo EX90 problems & fixes: FAQ
Frequently asked questions about 2024 Volvo EX90 problems
Bottom line: is a 2024 Volvo EX90 worth it?
The 2024 Volvo EX90, and the early 2025s built in 2024, represent both the promise and the pain of modern, software‑defined luxury EVs. You get top‑tier safety engineering, a spacious three‑row cabin, and cutting‑edge driver‑assist tech. You also inherit the growing pains of a first‑year platform: more software bugs, more trips to the dealer, and a reliability story that’s still being written.
If you’re considering a used 2024‑built EX90, don’t let horror stories scare you away automatically, but don’t buy blind, either. Focus on software status, recall completion, and documented repairs. Work with a seller or marketplace that can show you hard data on battery health and service history, not just promises.
At Recharged, our goal is to take the guesswork out of exactly this kind of decision. Whether you end up in a Volvo EX90 or another used EV, a transparent Recharged Score Report, EV‑savvy inspection, and expert guidance can turn an intimidating purchase into a confident one.
