The 2025 Volvo EX90 is supposed to be Volvo’s safest, most advanced family EV yet, but early owners have hit more speed bumps than they expected. Between software bugs, multiple recalls, and some build-quality misses, it’s smart to understand the real-world 2025 Volvo EX90 problems and fixes **before** you buy, or if you already have one in your driveway.
Quick take
Overview: How serious are 2025 Volvo EX90 problems?
Early 2025 EX90 problem snapshot (what we’re seeing so far)
As of early 2026, the 2025 EX90’s story is **mixed**: world-class safety engineering wrapped in an EV platform whose software simply wasn’t ready on day one. Multiple outlets have documented repeated infotainment resets, charging failures, and broken driver-assistance features that required hard reboots or dealer visits to clear. At the same time, there’s no pattern of catastrophic battery failures or motor defects, and Volvo is rolling out a major computer-hardware retrofit and software updates to clean up a lot of the mess.
If you own a 2025 EX90 now
Confirmed 2025 Volvo EX90 recalls (and how they’re fixed)
Let’s start with the problems that are documented officially. Several **NHTSA safety recalls** and Volvo service actions cover early-build 2025 EX90s. Here are the big ones you should know about and the associated fixes.
Key 2025 Volvo EX90 recalls and fixes
This table summarizes major U.S. recall campaigns affecting the 2025 EX90 and what owners can expect at the dealer.
| Issue | Typical Symptoms or Risk | Model-Year 2025 EX90 Build Range | Official Fix / Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headlamp shutter software (R10298 / 25V071) | Headlights can "blink" off while driving if the cosmetic shutters stay closed, reducing forward illumination at night. | All early 2025 EX90 builds from start of production through mid‑2024. | Dealer- or OTA-applied software update to headlamp control; free, usually quick. |
| Seat bolt torque / free-standing seat rattle | Rattle from free‑standing seat, increased injury risk in a crash if bolts aren’t torqued correctly. | Select U.S. 2025 EX90 units built in 2024 at the Charleston plant. | Dealer inspects and re‑torques affected seat bolts to spec; free safety recall. |
| Power operated tailgate (POT) spindle nut / tailgate drop (R10342 / 25V654) | Tailgate can suddenly lose support or drop if the spindle nut detaches, risking injury when loading cargo. | Certain 2025 EX90s built roughly from January 24, 2024 to August 12, 2024. | Replacement or repair of tailgate drive units and associated hardware at the dealer. |
| Vehicle Integration Unit / control-module service actions (e.g., S10314) | Random warnings, communication faults between modules, odd behavior of driver-assist or body controls. | Small VIN subsets of 2025 EX90s. | Dealer replaces or reprograms affected integration units; usually pre-emptive and free. |
Always confirm recall status using your VIN on NHTSA.gov or Volvo’s website, as new campaigns can be added.
How to see if your EX90 is affected
- If you receive a recall letter, schedule the repair as soon as your dealer has parts and software ready.
- Even if your EX90 feels fine, a recall fix is still important, especially for headlamps and tailgate hardware.
- Ask the service advisor to perform all open recalls and campaign updates in one visit to minimize downtime.
Software glitches & tech troubles: the #1 2025 EX90 complaint
Talk to early EX90 owners, or read through road tests from independent outlets, and a pattern emerges: **software bugs are the biggest day‑to‑day headache**. Some test fleets needed so many resets that technicians literally kept a cheat sheet in the glovebox for what to reboot when something froze.
Most common 2025 EX90 software and tech issues
These are the complaints that show up again and again in tests and owner reports.
Frozen or blank screens
The central touchscreen or driver display may:
- Boot slowly or stay black
- Freeze on a map or menu
- Reset itself mid‑drive
In some cases, basic climate or audio controls become unavailable until the system reboots.
Driver-assist misbehavior
Owners report:
- Phantom warnings or chimes
- Lane centering that drops out suddenly
- Adaptive cruise disengaging with alerts
The hardware (radars, lidar, cameras) is impressive, but it depends on stable code.
Charging logic bugs
Inconsistent start/stop behavior at certain DC fast chargers, especially when using non‑Volvo networks, plus:
- Charge sessions ending early
- Errors when resuming a paused session
Core-computer upgrade for 2025 EX90s
Quick, owner-level fixes for minor EX90 software glitches
1. Soft-reset the infotainment
If the center screen locks up, try the in‑car soft reset procedure described in your owner’s manual, typically holding down the home button or power icon for several seconds until the screen restarts.
2. Full vehicle power cycle
Park safely, shift to Park, exit the vehicle, lock it, and let it go fully to "sleep" for 10–15 minutes before unlocking and restarting. This often clears transient module communication errors.
3. Keep software fully up to date
Enable over‑the‑air updates and install them when prompted. Many 2025 EX90 problems, especially with lighting and driver-assistance, are gradually being patched in newer software versions.
4. Document repeatable glitches
If something fails regularly (for example, a particular route makes lane‑centering drop out), shoot a quick video and jot down the time, conditions, and software version. That’s gold for your service technician.
5. Ask specifically about computer and VIU campaigns
When booking service, ask whether your EX90 is due for the newer vehicle integration units or the upgraded core computer. Dealers sometimes wait to stack these with other work.
When a glitch becomes a safety concern
Charging and battery quirks on the 2025 EX90
The good news: so far there’s no widespread pattern of 2025 EX90 **battery pack failures** or severe range loss. The big 111‑kWh pack and dual‑motor setup have tested well for real‑world range. The bad news is that software again plays a starring role in how smoothly the EX90 charges, especially on public DC fast chargers.
Typical EX90 charging complaints
- DC fast charging sessions that fail to start on the first try, or time out.
- Charge rates that are slower than expected until a software update is applied.
- Inconsistent behavior with certain popular networks when using app-based authentication.
These aren’t unique to Volvo, many new EVs go through similar teething pains, but they are frustrating on an $80,000‑plus SUV.
Practical ways to reduce charging drama
- Update first, charge second: Make sure both your car and the network’s app are on the latest version before a road trip.
- Favor reliable networks: In owner reports, some regional networks play nicer with the EX90 than others; if you find one that works well, stick with it.
- Have a Plan B: Always identify a backup fast charger along your route in case the first site won’t handshake with the car.
Home charging is usually drama-free
Build quality, noises & interior fittings to watch
Compared with some first‑time EV startups, the EX90 benefits from Volvo’s long history building family SUVs. Still, when you blend an all‑new platform, new electronics, and new manufacturing processes, a few **build-quality issues** creep in.
Notable 2025 EX90 build and interior issues
Most are fixable under warranty, but you’ll want to catch them early.
Seat rattles & hardware concerns
That recall for improperly torqued seat bolts wasn’t theoretical, it started with a reported rattle. Even beyond the recall group, listen for:
- Clunks or movement from individual seats over bumps
- Unusual play in the seat base when you tug it by hand
Anything suspicious is worth a warranty inspection.
Door, hatch, and trim alignment
Owners and attorneys have documented cases where misaligned doors, airbag warning lights, and trim problems led to buybacks. On a test drive, look for:
- Doors that need extra force to latch
- Uneven gaps around the power tailgate
- Wind noise suggesting seals aren’t seated correctly
- Inspect the interior for buzzes or squeaks over broken pavement, especially from the third row and cargo area.
- Operate every seat fold and slide mechanism; they should move smoothly with consistent latching.
- Check that both front doors, rear doors, and the tailgate open and close without grinding, binding, or warning messages.
The upside: strong safety engineering
How to check your own 2025 EX90 for issues
Whether you already own an EX90 or you’re considering a used one, a systematic inspection will help you separate minor annoyances from real red flags. Here’s a practical checklist you can work through in about an hour.
Pre-purchase or annual 2025 EX90 health check
1. Run the VIN for recalls and campaigns
Use the VIN on NHTSA.gov and Volvo’s owner portal to verify that all EX90 recalls and software campaigns have been completed. Ask for printed service records, or a digital summary, from the servicing dealer.
2. Test all exterior lighting at night
With a helper, verify that the headlamps, high beams, DRLs, turn signals, and brake lights all function consistently. Any flicker, unexpected "blinking," or headlamp warnings should trigger a dealer visit.
3. Stress-test the screens and audio
Spend at least 15–20 minutes cycling navigation, audio streaming, Bluetooth, phone calls, and climate controls. Note any lag, freezes, or unexplained reboots, especially right after startup.
4. Evaluate driver-assistance systems
On a well‑marked highway, test adaptive cruise, lane centering, blind‑spot alerts, and automated lane changes if equipped. They should engage and disengage predictably, without random dropouts or error messages.
5. Listen for rattles and feel for vibrations
Drive over different surfaces at city and highway speeds. Pay attention to noises from the dash, doors, tailgate, and third‑row area. A quiet cabin is part of what you’re paying for at this price point.
6. Confirm charging behavior
At minimum, perform a Level 2 AC charge and, if possible, a DC fast‑charge session before you buy. Watch for error messages, early cut‑offs, or persistent low power levels even when the battery is warm.
Leverage a third-party inspection
When the fix isn’t enough: lemon law & warranty options
A few early EX90 owners have had such severe combinations of door, airbag, and software problems that Volvo ultimately repurchased their vehicles under state lemon laws. That’s not the norm, but if you’re stuck in the service‑visit spiral, you should know your rights.
Use the factory warranty aggressively
- Document every visit: dates, mileage, complaint, and what was done.
- Ask whether there are service campaigns or TSBs (technical service bulletins) that apply, not just formal recalls.
- If a fix fails, return promptly, don’t wait months, especially for safety-related issues.
Your new‑vehicle warranty exists to handle exactly the problems we’re talking about here.
When to talk to a lemon-law attorney
- Multiple repair attempts (often 3–4+) for the same serious defect, such as airbag or brake warnings.
- The vehicle is out of service for an extended period, commonly 30 or more cumulative days in many states.
- Safety systems that remain unreliable despite official fixes and updates.
Lemon laws are state‑specific, so consult a local specialist if you think you might qualify.
Don’t wait until after the warranty expires
Should you buy a 2025 EX90, or consider a used EV instead?
If you love Volvo design, safety, and the EX90’s family‑friendly layout, the question isn’t "Is it a bad vehicle?", it’s "How much software turbulence am I willing to tolerate, and how carefully was this specific example sorted out?" Because the core hardware is good, a **well‑updated** 2025 EX90 could be a satisfying long‑term SUV. A poorly updated one might feel like you’ve become an unpaid beta tester.
2025 EX90 vs. used EV: how to think about it
Match the vehicle choice to your risk tolerance and tech patience.
When a 2025 EX90 can make sense
- You value Volvo’s safety engineering and design above all.
- The specific vehicle shows a clean recall history and updated computer hardware.
- You’re comfortable visiting the dealer if new software bugs crop up.
When a 2025 EX90 might not be worth it
- You hate dealing with software updates on any device.
- Your nearest Volvo dealer is far away or hard to schedule.
- You’re risk‑averse and want something fully "debugged" from day one.
Why a used EV can be a smart alternative
- Later‑build or different‑brand EVs where early bugs are already sorted.
- Slower depreciation curve compared with a brand-new luxury SUV.
- Battery health you can verify with a report instead of guessing.
How Recharged can help you compare options
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Frequently asked questions about 2025 Volvo EX90 problems
The 2025 Volvo EX90 is a sophisticated EV built on a strong safety foundation, and a reminder that new software-heavy vehicles can stumble out of the gate. If you already own one, staying ahead of recalls and updates is your best defense. If you’re shopping, look for an EX90 with documented fixes, or compare it against well‑sorted used EVs where the early bugs are yesterday’s news. Either way, going in with clear eyes about 2025 Volvo EX90 problems and fixes will help you end up with the right electric SUV for how you live and drive.
