If you’re eyeing Volvo’s flagship electric SUV, you’re probably wondering how the 2024 Volvo EX90 reliability rating stacks up against its stellar safety reputation. The short answer: the EX90 is shaping up as an extremely safe, technologically advanced three-row EV, but its early life has been bumpy, with more than its share of software gremlins and a few noteworthy recalls.
Key takeaway on EX90 reliability
2024 Volvo EX90 reliability overview
Because the EX90 is an all-new platform, there isn’t yet a single, official numeric reliability rating from U.S. sources like J.D. Power or Consumer Reports specific to the EX90 as of early 2026. Instead, we have three things to go on: Volvo’s brand‑level reliability (generally mid‑pack among luxury automakers), early owner reports, and the EX90’s outstanding safety scores from Euro NCAP and IIHS. Together, they paint a picture of a highly engineered SUV whose software rollout has lagged behind its hardware.
Early 2024–2025 Volvo EX90 reliability snapshot
No long-term reliability data yet
How reliable is the Volvo EX90 so far?
If we translate the current state of things into a simple scale, the 2024 Volvo EX90 reliability rating looks something like this:
2024 Volvo EX90 early reliability scorecard (editor’s view)
Indicative editorial scoring based on brand history, early owner reports, and known recalls. This is not an official score from Volvo or third‑party agencies.
| Area | Rough score (1–10) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| High‑voltage battery & motors | 8 | Few systemic failures reported; range largely matches expectations in normal conditions |
| Charging hardware | 7 | Mostly solid; a small number of home and DC fast‑charging issues, often tied to software |
| Infotainment & connectivity | 5 | Frequent complaints about random reboots, Bluetooth/app glitches, and laggy UI in early builds |
| Driver‑assist & sensors | 6 | Generally works well, but some owners report intermittent warnings, false alerts, or brief shutdowns |
| Fit & finish | 7 | Typical Volvo: good materials and assembly, with occasional rattles or trim misalignment on early units |
| Overall early reliability | 6–7 | Above many first‑gen EVs, but below the best‑sorted competitors so far |
Use these scores as directional guidance, not a replacement for official reliability studies.
Later build dates generally fare better
Strength #1: Safety & crash test performance
On safety, the EX90 delivers exactly what you’d expect from Volvo. European testing agency Euro NCAP gives the EX90 its highest star rating with excellent scores for adult and child occupant protection and strong Safety Assist performance. In the U.S., the 2025–2026 EX90 earns top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a “Good” rating in major crash tests and strong performance in advanced driver‑assist evaluations.
- Rigid passenger cell and generous crumple zones built on a modern EV architecture
- Standard advanced driver‑assist features such as Pilot Assist, lane‑keeping, and automatic emergency braking
- LiDAR and high‑resolution sensor suite designed to enable more advanced driver‑assist features over time
- Strong safety‑assist scoring from independent labs thanks to active lane support, speed assistance, and AEB performance
Safety vs. reliability
Weak spot #1: Software bugs and electronics
Most of the negative chatter around the EX90 isn’t about the battery or motors, it’s about software. Volvo pushed hard toward a centralized, software‑defined vehicle architecture in the EX90. That’s cutting‑edge, but it also means a lot of functions live or die by code quality.
Common 2024–2025 Volvo EX90 software and electronics complaints
What early owners say they’ve experienced
Infotainment glitches
Connectivity & app issues
Driver-assist warnings
Serious software failures have occurred
Volvo has been active in pushing software release updates for the EX90, adding features like wireless Apple CarPlay and refining driver‑assist behavior, while also addressing stability problems. When you evaluate a particular EX90, you’re really evaluating its software level plus hardware, not just the physical SUV you see on the lot.
Weak spot #2: Early recalls and hardware fixes
Like many first‑generation EVs, the EX90 has already seen a few recall‑level issues, most notably related to its software and computing hardware. One recall targeted a software error in a low‑power controller that could affect vehicle startup and operation. In parallel, Volvo began upgrading EX90s with more powerful computing hardware to support its ambitious LiDAR‑based safety suite after it became clear the first configuration was under‑specced.
- Recall campaigns for specific software flaws that could cause warning lights or affect drivability
- Service bulletins to address software download failures or incomplete updates at retailers
- Upgrades to the central computing hardware in some EX90s to improve reliability and enable more advanced features over time
Why recalls aren’t always bad news
Everyday ownership: what EX90 drivers are reporting
Early EX90 owner stories fall into two broad camps. Some report a nearly flawless experience, praising the refinement, comfort, and quiet powertrain. Others have had a rocky start, with repeated dealer visits in the first few months for software fixes, warning messages, or sporadic no‑start incidents.
Positive ownership experiences
- Rock-solid after updates: Owners of later‑build EX90s, or those who received major software updates early, often report very few ongoing issues.
- Refined ride and cabin: Many praise the quiet cabin, seat comfort, and premium feel that rivals German luxury SUVs.
- Set-and-forget EV: For some families, the EX90 has become an easy daily driver, plug in at home, use driver‑assist on the highway, and enjoy the big-screen infotainment.
Challenging ownership stories
- Frequent dealer trips: A subset of owners describe multiple visits in the first 1–3 months for software reloads or obscure warning lights.
- Trust issues: A few drivers who experienced power loss or total system failures reported losing confidence in the vehicle, even after repairs.
- “Beta test” feeling: Some characterize the EX90 as feeling like an early‑access tech product rather than a fully mature SUV, especially in the first model year.
"EX90 is for mature early adopters only."
How to read owner reviews
Battery, range, and charging reliability
The good news: unlike some early EVs, the EX90 hasn’t developed a reputation for chronic high‑voltage battery or motor failures. Most reliability headaches live higher up the stack, in software, sensors, and infotainment, rather than in the core propulsion system.
How the EX90 holds up as an everyday EV
What owners report about the powertrain and charging experience
Battery health
AC home charging
DC fast charging
Plan for cold-weather range
Warranty coverage and long-term outlook
Volvo backs the EX90 with a warranty package typical for premium EVs in the U.S.: a limited new‑vehicle warranty, separate high‑voltage battery coverage, and roadside assistance for the first years of ownership. That means most of the issues early owners are seeing, software bugs, electronic glitches, and even many hardware component failures, are being handled at no additional cost during the warranty period.
- Bumper‑to‑bumper warranty that typically covers most components for several years or a fixed mileage (check your specific model year and market)
- Separate high‑voltage battery and electric drive unit coverage, often 8 years or more in the U.S.
- Roadside assistance and towing support for covered breakdowns, particularly important if the vehicle won’t start or experiences drive‑system faults
- Ongoing over‑the‑air (OTA) software updates plus in‑dealer updates that refine features and address known bugs
Software updates are part of the ownership equation
Should you buy a 2024 Volvo EX90 new or used?
Whether the EX90 is a smart buy for you depends on your risk tolerance and your priorities. If you want one of the safest three‑row EVs on the road and you’re comfortable living through a few software updates and dealer visits, a 2024 EX90 can be a very satisfying family hauler. If you expect appliance‑like reliability from day one, you may want to wait for later model years or look at competitors that are further along in their life cycle.
Who the 2024 Volvo EX90 fits best, and who should be cautious
Match the SUV to your expectations
Good fit if…
- You prioritize top-tier safety and crash protection above all else.
- You appreciate Scandinavian design and a calm, upscale cabin.
- You’re comfortable with occasional software quirks and are willing to keep the car updated.
- You plan to own under warranty or use a CPO/used option with strong coverage.
Think twice if…
- You want a completely sorted, zero‑drama ownership experience from day one.
- You live far from a Volvo retailer and can’t easily get warranty work done.
- You’re sensitive to infotainment lag, warning lights, or driver‑assist inconsistencies.
- You prefer a model with several years of proven reliability data.
How Recharged can help with used EX90s
Checklist: what to look for on a used Volvo EX90
Used Volvo EX90 reliability inspection checklist
1. Confirm build date and software version
Ask for the vehicle’s build month/year and current software release. Later builds with multiple update cycles behind them are generally more stable. Verify that all recalls and major software campaigns have been completed.
2. Scan for warning lights and error messages
On the test drive, look for any persistent alerts, especially related to driver‑assist, braking, or powertrain systems. An occasional transient message that never returns is less concerning than repeated or stacked warnings.
3. Stress-test the infotainment system
Spend at least 10–15 minutes with the center screen: switch apps, pair a phone, run navigation, stream audio, and test Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Watch for freezes, reboots, or long delays.
4. Try all driver-assist features
Activate Pilot Assist or adaptive cruise on a well‑marked road, test lane‑keeping, and see how consistently the system engages and stays active. Frequent dropouts or inability to engage on clear roads may signal sensor or software issues.
5. Check charging behavior
If possible, plug into a Level 2 charger and confirm that charging starts promptly and continues without errors. Ask the seller about any past charging faults, wallbox replacements, or DC fast‑charging issues.
6. Listen for rattles and check trim
On rougher pavement, listen for interior rattles. Inspect doors, glove box, and console lids for alignment and smooth operation. Early-production vehicles sometimes show minor fit‑and‑finish quirks.
7. Review service history & recalls
Look for documentation of software updates, recall work, and resolved issues. A car that had a few early problems but has been thoroughly updated and trouble‑free since can be a better bet than one with an incomplete paper trail.
8. Consider an independent EV inspection
For peace of mind, especially on a high‑priced luxury EV, consider an inspection from an EV‑savvy technician or a service that specializes in used electric vehicles. They’ll pay close attention to battery health, high‑voltage components, and known EX90 trouble spots.
FAQ: 2024 Volvo EX90 reliability rating
Frequently asked questions about 2024 Volvo EX90 reliability
Bottom line: is the 2024 Volvo EX90 a safe bet?
Viewed purely through a safety lens, the EX90 is one of the standout three‑row electric SUVs on the market. When you factor in reliability, the picture gets more nuanced. The 2024 Volvo EX90 reliability rating is best described as “work in progress”: above average in core EV hardware, but held back by software and electronics that are still maturing. If you’re willing to be an early adopter, keep up with updates, and lean on warranty coverage, the EX90 can be a deeply satisfying and incredibly safe family EV.
If, on the other hand, you want a plug‑and‑play, drama‑free SUV with years of data behind it, you might either wait for later EX90 model years or look to a used EV that’s already proven itself. And when you’re ready to compare options, a marketplace like Recharged can help you zero in on EVs, with or without a Volvo badge, that combine strong safety, solid reliability, and transparent, data‑driven pricing.
