If you’re researching 2025 Volvo EX90 problems, you’re probably seeing a familiar pattern with new, highly digital EVs: impressive safety tech on paper, but real-world owners dealing with recalls, software bugs, and the occasional tow truck. The EX90 is genuinely advanced, and also very much a first-generation tech platform. This guide pulls together what’s actually going wrong, what’s already been fixed, and what to look for if you’re considering a new or used EX90.
Quick take
Overview: How Worried Should You Be About 2025 Volvo EX90 Problems?
Volvo marketed the EX90 as its safest car ever, with a new SPA2 platform, centralized computing, and roof-mounted LiDAR. The reality in 2024–2025 was bumpier: launch delays over LiDAR software, missing features at delivery, and then a wave of software updates and early recalls as real customers started piling on miles.
Early 2025 Volvo EX90 Problem Snapshot
Most EX90 problems fall into four buckets: recalls and safety campaigns, software/electrical glitches, driver-assistance quirks, and isolated build-quality faults. That’s fairly typical for a clean-sheet EV, but it does mean buyers should approach the 2025 EX90 with their eyes open, especially on the used market where you’re inheriting someone else’s debugging.
Major Recalls Affecting the 2025 Volvo EX90
Let’s start with hard, documented problems: recalls and formal safety campaigns. These are the issues serious enough that Volvo and regulators agreed every affected EX90 needs to be checked or updated.
Key 2025 Volvo EX90 Recalls So Far
These are the big-ticket items you should verify have been addressed on any EX90 you own or plan to buy.
1. Second-row seat bolt recall
Early EX90s built in South Carolina between June and September 2024 were recalled because second-row free‑standing seat bolts may not have been tightened to spec. That creates a potential injury risk in a crash.
Dealers inspect and, if needed, re‑torque those bolts to the correct value. It’s a one‑time mechanical fix, but you absolutely want this documented on any used EX90 you’re considering.
2. Headlight shutter software defect
A 2025 recall covered roughly 2,000 EX90s whose distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlight shutters could close while driving due to a software bug. That can dramatically cut forward visibility at night.
Volvo pushed an over-the-air software update as the remedy, so most owners never had to visit a dealer, but you should still run the VIN through Volvo or NHTSA to confirm it’s closed.
These aren’t the only EX90-related campaigns, there have also been software updates targeting stability, SRS warning messages, and charging behavior, but they’re the clearest examples of launch‑year quality control catching up with a very complex vehicle.
Don’t skip the recall check
Software and Electrical Gremlins: The EX90’s Biggest Theme
The 2025 EX90 is a classic “software‑defined vehicle”: a big central computer running almost everything, from climate to charging to Pilot Assist. When that works, you get a cohesive, updatable SUV. When it doesn’t, you get the kinds of complaints we’ve seen from early owners and even seasoned reviewers.
- System reboots and black screens: Owners have reported the central display and driver cluster going completely black while driving, sometimes taking out climate and basic interface controls until the car is restarted or dealer‑reset.
- Full system failures requiring a tow: A minority of drivers describe episodes where the EX90 remains powered but refuses to drive, won’t lock, and strands the owner until it can be flat‑bedded to a dealer.
- Persistent warning messages: Repeated SRS/airbag faults, emergency call system errors, and miscellaneous sensor warnings that return even after software updates or module resets.
- Digital key glitches: The phone‑as‑key system can be flaky, sometimes dropping pairing and forcing owners to re‑add their device or fall back to a physical key card. When it works, it’s slick; when it doesn’t, it’s maddening.
- Streaming and app bugs: Black screens when launching media apps, phantom washer‑fluid warnings, and other nuisance glitches that don’t strand you but undermine confidence.
"Most of what we’re seeing isn’t classic mechanical failure, it’s the growing pains of putting an all-new software stack and centralized computer into production at volume."
If you’ve followed other first‑wave EVs, from Tesla’s early Model X to Hyundai’s first E‑GMP cars, this will feel familiar. The big difference with the EX90 is Volvo’s brand promise around safety and refinement. Owners are understandably less forgiving when their $80,000-plus family SUV behaves like a beta test.
What usually fixes it?
Driver Assistance, Pilot Assist, and LiDAR: Great on Paper, Fussy in Practice
One of the EX90’s headline features is its sensor suite: LiDAR on the roof, cameras and radars all around, and a promise of next‑level driver assistance. In practice, owners describe the system as conservative, capable, and occasionally overbearing.
Pilot Assist & attention monitoring
- Strict attentiveness: Drivers coming from Tesla’s Autopilot often find the EX90’s attention monitoring more punitive. Look away for too long or cover the camera and Pilot Assist can disengage quickly.
- Early lockouts: Some owners report that after even a single or small handful of warnings, lane-keeping and assist features shut down until the car is restarted or driven more cautiously.
- Getting used to it: Others say they rarely trigger alerts once they adapt their habits, hands firmly on the wheel, eyes consistently on the road, minimal fiddling with the screen while assist is active.
LiDAR and latent features
- Hardware ahead of software: The EX90 launched with LiDAR hardware installed but much of the higher-level functionality delayed, then rolled out slowly via updates.
- Phased feature releases: Automatic lane changes, enhanced collision avoidance, and more nuanced driver support have been enabled in stages, which can make early-build cars feel different before and after major software releases.
- False expectations: If you’re expecting hands‑off, eyes‑off autonomy, you’ll be disappointed. The EX90 is still very much a driver‑assist vehicle, not a self‑driving one.
Good news for safety, mixed news for convenience
Battery and Charging Issues Reported by EX90 Owners
Unlike some EVs that have faced pack‑level defects or widespread DC fast‑charging failures, the EX90’s battery problems are relatively contained so far. The themes we’re seeing are more about software and integration than cells or pack design.
Common EX90 Battery & Charging Complaints
Most of these are software- or hardware‑module related, not catastrophic pack failures.
AC charging faults
Some owners report Level 2 charging stopping prematurely, or the car only pulling 16A from a 40A-capable circuit. In several cases, the issue "disappeared" after a module replacement or software update.
GHCA / onboard charger modules
There are reports of failed charging modules (often described as GHCA or similar) that required dealer replacement. After that repair, charging behavior typically returned to normal.
Range & efficiency questions
So far, there’s no clear pattern of battery degradation unique to the EX90. Range complaints tend to trace back to winter driving, high speeds, or heavy loads rather than a defective pack.
On the DC fast‑charging side, the 2025 EX90 isn’t as headline‑grabbing as some newer 800‑volt competitors, but it’s broadly in line with other large luxury SUVs. Volvo has since announced an 800‑volt upgrade for the 2026 EX90 with faster DC charging; that shift also comes with a more powerful computing platform, which is relevant for 2025 owners because of the planned retrofit we’ll talk about later.
Watch for charging-module history
Build Quality, Seats, and Interior Issues
Beyond software, the 2025 EX90 has had some normal first‑year production wrinkles. None of these are unique in the EV world, but you should still check for them.
Notable 2025 EX90 Build & Interior Issues
These aren’t as headline‑grabbing as electronic failures, but they impact day-to-day satisfaction.
| Issue | What Owners Report | What To Check |
|---|---|---|
| Seat mounting / rattles | Early EX90s tied to the seat-bolt recall sometimes produced rear-seat rattles or movement before bolts were re‑torqued. | Test-drive over rough pavement with passengers in the second row. Listen for clunks and confirm the seat feels rock‑solid. |
| Trim alignment & squeaks | A few owners have reported minor panel misalignments, dash creaks, or door‑seal noises, particularly in very hot or cold weather. | Drive on mixed surfaces with the audio low. Pay attention to door seals, dash, and cargo‑area trim. |
| Climate control quirks | Some reports of inconsistent airflow, climate not responding immediately to touch commands, or the system ignoring stored profiles. | Cycle through climate presets and manual modes on your test drive; verify response time and fan noise. |
| Key fob and access | Physical key fobs and cards occasionally failing to recognize, requiring re‑pairing or dealer attention. | Test every access method: phone key, fob, and card. Lock/unlock repeatedly and check that profiles load correctly. |
Always inspect in person; photos alone rarely reveal subtle build defects.
How Volvo Is Responding: Updates, Retrofits, and the 2026 EX90
To Volvo’s credit, the company isn’t pretending everything is perfect. The EX90 launch was delayed once for LiDAR software and then followed by a drumbeat of updates, recalls, and now a surprisingly aggressive hardware upgrade program.
How Volvo Is Trying to Clean Up EX90 Issues
1. Frequent over‑the‑air updates
Volvo has been pushing OTA updates to address headlight behavior, stability control logic, infotainment bugs, and more. The experience of owning a late‑2025 EX90 can be very different from an early‑build car that never received updates.
2. Dealer software campaigns
Some fixes are still dealer‑only, especially for safety‑critical systems like SRS modules, brake control, or emergency‑call integration. Expect an EX90’s service history to include several software-related visits.
3. Central computer retrofit for 2025 models
Volvo is rolling out a retrofit that replaces the original central computer (built around a single Nvidia Orin plus a less powerful Xavier) with the dual‑Orin setup debuting on the 2026 EX90. This should improve responsiveness, reduce parasitic drain, and finally unlock all promised ADAS and parking features.
4. Production process corrections
Issues like the second‑row seat-bolt torque have been corrected in the U.S. plant’s process and training, reducing the chance of those problems appearing on later builds.
Why the computer retrofit matters
Should You Buy a Used 2025 Volvo EX90?
If you love the EX90’s design, safety focus, and Volvo’s take on luxury, a used 2025 can be tempting, especially if depreciation has already taken a bite out of the original sticker price. The question isn’t whether any EX90 has had issues; it’s whether this specific EX90 has moved past its early problems or is still living at the dealer.
Who a used EX90 can work well for
- Tech‑tolerant owners: If you’re comfortable living with the occasional software glitch and keeping an eye on updates, you may find the tradeoff worth it for the safety tech and comfort.
- Shorter daily drives: A buyer who mostly does local trips has more margin if the car needs to spend a few days in the shop now and then.
- Value hunters: If you can buy well below original MSRP and verify a clean repair history, the EX90 can undercut newer rivals while offering comparable safety hardware.
Who should probably skip it
- One‑car households with no backup: If you absolutely need your main vehicle available every day, launch‑year, software‑heavy EVs are a riskier bet.
- Low tolerance for glitches: If a random warning message or an infotainment reset will drive you crazy, you’re better off with a more mature model or a later EX90 year.
- Road‑trip warriors: Frequent long‑distance drivers may prefer something with a simpler software stack and a longer track record in the wild.
Where Recharged fits in
Checklist: Shopping for a Used Volvo EX90
If you decide to pursue a 2025 EX90, go in with a structured plan. Here’s a checklist you can literally print and bring to the test drive.
Used 2025 Volvo EX90 Buyer’s Checklist
1. Pull the full recall and campaign history
Use the VIN to check for open recalls and completed service campaigns. Confirm the seat‑bolt and headlight shutter recalls are closed, and ask the seller for documentation of any SRS, brake, or charging‑system updates.
2. Verify software version and update eligibility
From the central screen, note the current software version. Ask the seller when it was last updated and whether the car is still receiving over‑the‑air updates. If updates have stopped or failed repeatedly, walk away.
3. Confirm the central-computer retrofit plan
Ask directly whether the EX90 has received the dual‑Orin computer retrofit or has a scheduled appointment. A vehicle stuck on the original hardware may miss out on future features and bug fixes.
4. Stress‑test electronics on a long drive
Take at least a 30–45 minute test drive. Run navigation, streaming apps, climate, seat adjustments, and Pilot Assist. Watch for black screens, random reboots, or persistent warning lights that come and go.
5. Test every access method
Pair your phone as a digital key, then lock/unlock repeatedly. Try the physical key fob and card. Make sure driver profiles load consistently when different keys are used.
6. Check AC and DC charging behavior
If possible, plug into a Level 2 charger and confirm the EX90 pulls expected amperage for at least 15–20 minutes. If the seller can show DC fast‑charge logs or let you stop at a DC fast charger, even better.
7. Inspect interior build closely
Fold and move every seat, open and close every door and hatch, and drive over broken pavement with the audio off. Listen for rattles, creaks, or any movement from the second row.
8. Review downtime and repair days
Ask how many days the EX90 has spent in the shop in the last 12–18 months and why. Occasional visits for updates are fine; multiple 20+ day stays for the same problem are a big red flag.
FAQ: 2025 Volvo EX90 Problems and Ownership
Frequently Asked Questions About 2025 Volvo EX90 Problems
Bottom Line: Who the 2025 Volvo EX90 Makes Sense For
The 2025 Volvo EX90 is exactly what it was billed as: a rolling tech platform for Volvo’s next decade of EVs. That means top‑tier safety hardware, a calm and comfortable cabin, and the promise of growing capabilities over time. It also means you’re buying into a first‑generation experiment, with all the software and integration headaches that implies.
If you prioritize safety, like Volvo’s understated design, and are comfortable being a little patient with updates, a carefully vetted used EX90, especially one with a clean repair history and the newer computer hardware, can be a compelling buy as prices soften. If you need rock‑solid dependability, or you simply don’t want your family hauler acting like a beta build, you’re better off either waiting for later EX90 model years or choosing a more mature EV platform today.
Whichever route you take, don’t treat a 2025 EX90 like any other used SUV. Treat it like what it is: a complex, software‑defined EV. Get the battery and charging system checked, confirm recall and software status, and make sure you understand its real‑world behavior before you sign. That’s exactly the gap Recharged was built to fill, using objective battery diagnostics, transparent pricing, and EV‑specialist guidance to turn your next electric purchase from a leap of faith into an informed decision.
