Premium Swedish estate favored by families seeking comfort, safety, and practicality. The D5 twin-turbo diesel delivers strong performance with real-world fuel economy around 7.5 l/100km. Main concerns are the PowerPulse system hose failures (nearly universal on early cars), DPF issues from short trips, potential oil consumption from piston ring problems on early engines, and electrical gremlins affecting the Sensus infotainment system. The Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission is more reliable than Volvo's older 6-speed. Survey data shows 30% of owners experienced issues, mostly electrical and bodywork related. Later 2019-2020 models are more reliable after Volvo addressed early production bugs.
Compressed air hose bursts, causing loss of low-end power · more· less
The PowerPulse system uses compressed air to spin up the smaller turbo and eliminate lag. The high-pressure hose connecting the air tank to the exhaust manifold is known to burst on most D5 models, often with a loud bang. Early cars had inferior hoses that Volvo replaced under warranty with improved versions, but even these can fail. After failure, you'll notice reduced low-end torque and slower acceleration from standstill. Dealers often replace the hose proactively during service. If your car still has the original hose, replacement is almost inevitable. Repair cost varies: some dealers cover under warranty/goodwill (€0), independent shops charge €300-500 for parts and labor, while dealer out-of-warranty repairs can reach €600-800.
DPF clogging and regeneration issues€500 - €3,000
Diesel particulate filter clogs from short trips and low-speed driving · more· less
Like all modern diesels, the V90 D5 has a DPF that traps soot particles. The filter needs regular regeneration (burning off accumulated soot) which requires sustained highway speeds. Cars used primarily for short urban trips will experience incomplete regeneration, leading to clogging. Symptoms include reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and warning lights. Professional DPF cleaning costs €500-800, while complete replacement can reach €2,500-3,000. Prevention: weekly highway runs of 20+ minutes at 100+ km/h to allow passive regeneration. Never ignore DPF warning lights as continued driving can damage the turbocharger.
Oil consumption (piston ring issue)€3,000 - €8,000
Early VEA engines suffer from excessive oil consumption, needing top-ups between services · more· less
2016-2018 models with VEA engines are known for piston ring failures causing excessive oil consumption. Some owners report adding liters of oil between services. Volvo issued extended warranty coverage (8 years/160,000 km) for oil consumption issues in some markets. The problem typically manifests between 60,000-100,000 km. Diagnosis requires an official oil consumption test (620 miles without topping up). If consumption exceeds 1.5L per 10,000 km, Volvo may replace piston rings (€3,000-4,000) or the entire engine under warranty (€6,000-8,000 if out of warranty). Check service records for oil top-ups and verify warranty status before purchase. 2019+ models have improved but not eliminated this issue.
Sensus infotainment system freezing€0 - €1,500
Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, requires hard reset or software update · more· less
The Sensus touchscreen is notoriously laggy and prone to freezing, affecting radio, navigation, climate controls, and parking sensors. Most issues are software-related and resolved with dealer updates (free under warranty, €150-300 otherwise). Hard reset: press and hold the Home button for 20-30 seconds. If problems persist after updates, the center display unit may need replacement (€1,200-1,500). Common complaints include Bluetooth connectivity failures, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto glitches, and backup camera freezing. This is the most commonly reported issue among V90 owners (8.5% in surveys) but usually doesn't strand you. Keep software updated and learn the reset procedure.
Diesel injector failure€1,500 - €3,500
Injectors fail due to contaminated fuel or age, causing misfires and power loss · more· less
D5 diesel injectors can fail prematurely, typically between 80,000-120,000 km. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, black smoke, and reduced power. Each reconditioned injector costs €200-250, but you'll likely need multiple replacements. Full set of four injectors plus labor runs €1,500-2,000 at independent shops, €2,500-3,500 at dealers. Important: new injectors must be coded to the ECU by a Volvo dealer or specialist with VIDA diagnostic software. Running on failing injectors damages the catalytic converter and can contaminate the DPF. Use quality diesel fuel and consider adding injector cleaner every 10,000 km as preventive maintenance.
One or both turbos fail due to oil contamination or bearing wear · more· less
The D5's twin-turbo setup uses a smaller turbo for low-end response and larger turbo for high-end power. Failures typically occur around 100,000-150,000 km, often from oil contamination caused by failed PowerPulse hose allowing debris into the intake. Symptoms include oil in intercooler pipes, blue smoke, whistling noises, and loss of boost pressure. If one turbo fails, replacing both is recommended as the second usually fails shortly after (€3,600-4,500 total). Single turbo replacement costs €2,500-3,000 including labor. Regular oil changes (10,000 km max) and fixing the PowerPulse hose prevent most failures. Never ignore oil leaks as running low on oil destroys turbo bearings.
EGR valve and cooler clogging€800 - €1,500
Exhaust gas recirculation system clogs with carbon deposits · more· less
Carbon buildup in the EGR valve and cooler is common on D5 engines, especially those driven gently or on short trips. The EGR valve can stick open or closed, causing rough idle, hesitation, and check engine lights. EGR cooler clogging reduces cooling efficiency. Cleaning the EGR valve costs €250-400; replacement runs €800-1,000 for genuine Volvo parts (€500-700 for aftermarket). EGR cooler replacement adds €400-500. Some owners report repeated failures even after replacement. Regular Italian tune-ups (spirited highway driving) help prevent buildup. Consider EGR cleaning every 60,000 km as preventive maintenance, especially if the car is used for city driving.
AdBlue/DEF system failures€500 - €3,000
SCR catalyst, NOx sensors, or AdBlue pump fail, triggering limp mode · more· less
The AdBlue (DEF) system reduces NOx emissions but is complex and failure-prone. Common issues: NOx sensor failures (€400-600 each, two sensors), AdBlue pump blockage (€600-800), SCR catalyst contamination (€1,500-2,500), and frozen AdBlue in winter (AdBlue freezes at -11°C). When the system fails, the car enters limp mode (limited to 20 km/h) and won't restart after refueling unless repaired. AdBlue system repairs at dealers often exceed €3,000. Never contaminate the AdBlue tank with diesel or water - this destroys the entire system (€5,000+ repair). Use only quality AdBlue fluid and keep the tank above 1/4 full. Park in a heated garage during freezing weather to prevent crystallization.
Air suspension failures (if equipped)€1,500 - €8,000
Air springs leak, compressor fails, sensors malfunction - expensive to repair · more· less
If your V90 has optional air suspension, expect expensive repairs. Air springs leak after 60,000-100,000 km (€1,600-1,800 per corner), compressors fail regularly (€650-700 each), and the system has no replaceable dryer filter. Many owners report major repairs costing €10,000+ when multiple components fail simultaneously. Factory zip ties on rear air spring dust covers are known to slip off, accelerating wear. Air suspension issues worsen in cold weather. Extended warranty is essential if buying a car with air suspension - repairs often exceed the car's value. Consider avoiding air suspension entirely and opt for standard spring suspension which is far more reliable and costs pennies to maintain.
Timing belt replacement€700 - €1,200
Scheduled replacement at 90,000 km or 10 years - not a failure but necessary maintenance · more· less
D5 diesel engines use a timing belt (not chain) requiring replacement every 90,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first (Volvo revised interval from 144,000 km). This is preventive maintenance, not a failure. Belt replacement costs €700-950 at independent Volvo specialists, €900-1,200 at dealers. Always replace water pump, tensioner, and idler pulley simultaneously (included in quoted price) as these wear at the same rate and failure causes belt damage. Skipping this service risks catastrophic engine damage - if the belt snaps while driving, valves hit pistons causing €5,000-8,000 in repairs. Track replacement history and budget accordingly. Some 2016 cars approaching 10 years may need this service soon.
Mixed reliability - below average for class, but manageable with care
The V90 D5 ranks 22nd out of 23 in its executive car class for reliability. Survey data shows 30% of owners experienced faults, predominantly electrical and bodywork issues. The D5 PowerPulse hose failure is nearly universal on early cars but inexpensive to fix. DPF and AdBlue system issues plague cars used for short trips. Oil consumption affects some early engines but is covered by extended warranty. Later 2019-2020 models are significantly more reliable after Volvo addressed early bugs. With proper maintenance and highway driving, many D5 engines exceed 200,000 km. Avoid cars with air suspension unless under warranty.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Volvo dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (max 20,000 km, ideally 10,000 km).
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, excessive smoke, or rattling.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. 8.5% of owners report bodywork issues.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including highway speeds to warm up DPF and transmission.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for PowerPulse hose replacement in service records
Ask if PowerPulse hose has been replaced with updated version. If not, budget €300-800 for imminent failure. During test drive, note if acceleration from standstill is sluggish - this indicates failed hose.
Inspect for oil consumption and check dipstick frequently
Ask owner if car needs oil top-ups between services. Check service records for frequent oil additions. Pull dipstick and verify oil is clean and at proper level. Request oil consumption test if concerned.
Test all Sensus infotainment functions thoroughly
Test touchscreen responsiveness, Bluetooth pairing, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, backup camera, and climate controls. Try rebooting system (hold Home 20 seconds) to see if it freezes.
Verify DPF regeneration and check for warning lights
Ask owner about driving pattern (highway vs city). Check for any warning lights especially DPF, AdBlue, or engine management. Request DPF diagnostic scan to check soot level and regeneration history.
Listen for turbo whistle and check intercooler for oil
During test drive, listen for turbo whistle or unusual boost-related noises. If possible, remove intercooler pipe and check for oil contamination (indicates turbo seal failure).
Test air suspension operation (if equipped)
Activate different ride height settings and listen for compressor running excessively. Check for sagging corners when parked overnight. Inspect air springs for cracks or leaks. Budget €3,000-5,000 for imminent repairs if air suspension is original.
Verify AdBlue system operation
Check AdBlue level in dedicated tank (blue cap). Ensure no AdBlue warning lights appear. Ask about previous AdBlue system repairs as these often recur.
Check timing belt replacement history
Verify timing belt was replaced at 90,000 km or 10 years (whichever came first). 2016 models approaching 10 years need this service. If no record exists, budget €700-1,200 immediately.
Scan for diagnostic trouble codes with VIDA software
Pay for pre-purchase inspection at Volvo specialist with VIDA/DiCE diagnostic tool. Generic OBD scanners miss Volvo-specific codes. Check for stored codes even if warning lights are off.
Diesel engine fire risk (2016-2019)Verify completed
Contact Volvo dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The diesel engine fire recall affects D4 and D5 models - ensure this critical safety recall was addressed. Some recalls required software updates which may not appear in service records.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all 2016-2020 models
Oil consumption extended warranty (8 years / 160,000 km)Check eligibility with dealer
High voltage battery (hybrid only)N/A for D5 diesel
All 2016-2020 V90s are outside factory warranty. Volvo offers extended warranty coverage (Volvo Increased Protection) which must be purchased while car is still under original warranty. If buying a used car, extended warranty from third-party providers like MotorEasy costs €600-1,000/year depending on coverage. Highly recommended for cars with air suspension or those with high mileage. Verify oil consumption extended warranty status - Volvo issued special coverage for VEA engine oil consumption issues in some markets.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.