2017 Volvo S90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan T5 AWD, 4dr Sedan T5 FWD, 4dr Sedan T6 AWD, 4dr Sedan T8 Eawd PHEV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 195.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,878–4,588 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 26 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Volvo S90 is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,057 lb (4dr Sedan T5 AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 34 highway), 0% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan T5 AWD | 195.3 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,057 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan T5 FWD | 195.3 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 3,878 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan T6 AWD | 195.3 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,145 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan T8 Eawd PHEV | 195.3 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,588 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S90 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | 0% | $3,050 | 328 |
| S90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -7% | $3,300 | 353 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Volvo S90.
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volvo S90 (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2017 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | Not rated | 16 |
| 2017 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2017 Tesla Model S | 335 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2017 Lexus ES | 40 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Electrical System › Software · Nov 13, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V800000 · 17,548 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
- Risk
- If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Feb 16, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V104000 · 10,476 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The bolts that secure the Inflatable Curtain (IC) air bags in place may break, possibly resulting in the IC air bag deploying improperly in the event of a crash. As, such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- If the IC air bags do not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 1, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89714.
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly · Nov 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V798000 · 74,027 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loosen, allowing the buckle to separate from the seat belt bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Risk
- If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89708.
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner · Sep 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V690000 · 43,766 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Volvo XC90 and S90 vehicles manufactured April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning may leak into the passenger compartment due to a drain hose installation error during manufacturing.
- Risk
- Significant water drainage into the passenger compartment may adversely affect air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain hose for proper installation, replacing the hose as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November the 14, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R89707.
Not every 2017 Volvo S90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Volvo S90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Volvo S90. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S90 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →