Here's how I play it:

We have a 2018 Volvo, and a 2017 Audi, and a 2014 Lexus.
If asked what I'd prefer to drive when I open my garage, I'd always answer the Volvo or the Audi (depending on the trip).
The Lexus is owned.
The Volvo and the Audi are leased under the duration of their warranties with maintenance plans included.

 

It all depends on who you ask.

Many of the MY16 (like mine) had a lot of issues, probably because that year was version 1.0, the first year where it was in full production. The current XC90 was introduced in MY15.5, which we could consider version 0.9.

The number of issues seem to have reduced for MY17 and MY18. This makes a lot of sense as Volvo learns from us, early adopters.

Except for a few minor issues, most of the problems I've heard of are not mechanical in nature but software related.

 

IMO and personal experience with a T8, the MY16+ XC90s have by and large been reliable. There has been a battery drain issue with MY17s but that was resolved with a software update that took time to resolve. Some MY16s had an issue with a sunroof leak and an air suspension rattle. Other than that, the issues were mostly software glitches - most of which have been resolved (and all in my case). Certainly, some people have had some issues, but this forum hardly reflects (IMO) an across-the-board reliability issue. I believe that the software has achieved a significant level of stabilization.

FWIW, I cross-shopped Lexus Rx350 and Rx460H and I would buy an XC90 again - even a MY16 T8. I would have absolutely no problem buying a MY17 or MY18, but i would opt for a MY18 OSD if I had my druthers.

 

Get MY2018 and try to avoid MY2016 if you want Toyota level of reliability.

Mine is an MY2016 XC90 T6 with 25,000 Miles or 40,000 KM, which had several minor problems.
1. It turned into safety mode randomly once. Lost speedometer and tachometer reading, the speed was limited to 25 miles.
2. The infotainment system would randomly reboot if it is set to any Eastern Asian language. (Still not fixed, the problem only exist on NA version)
3. Temperature sensor needs to be replaced once.
4. Front Rotor Warped and was replaced

 

Spent 2 min in the lexus forum and found lots of serious problems:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx...16-present/808183-hesitation-problem-at-various-speeds-tsb-info-post-159-a.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx...-4th-gen-2016-present/841675-windshield-leak-dripping-from-microphone-port.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx...orums/rx-4th-gen-2016-present/821871-low-brake-power-light-rx-not-starting.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx...om/forums/rx-4th-gen-2016-present/864659-2016-certain-rx350-450-ecu-recall.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-4th-gen-2016-present/863915-drive-issues-of-new-rx.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-4th-gen-2016-present/852171-17-rx350-error-messages.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx...s/rx-4th-gen-2016-present/807592-2016-rx-350-excessive-noise-and-vibration.html

Is your RX reliable? Yes, but there are lemons in every brand and people is very vocal these days, but don't let that scare you.

There have been some issues with the XC90, but most of them are teething pains of a completely new chassis, engine and entertainment system that have been resolved with software updates. I have a MY16 and love it, would buy another one in a heartbeat.

 

Do. The. Research. Here and other forums.

Opinions are going to vary and rationalization for early issues will be made. Truth is, we'd have to see the latest metrics on reliability. Some have taken pretty good lumps in the early year(s) on this new model. And as it goes with any auto manufacturer, the woes are fading as production continues. Here's what you need to know, though. In my experience of owning new cars (30+ years in that game), Volvo has been the most gracious and attentive to issues we did have. To the tune of several thousands in credit, products and services. Props to them.

The new XC90 platform was the most fun I've ever had in an SUV. And with Polestar tuning it in no way feels fat, like the 4,600 lbs it actually displaces. Truly puts the "Sport" in "SUV". Second, is safety factor. This thing is a very light tank and has proved it in a few unfortunate encounters documented on this forum. It's most likely the safest machine on the road, IMO.

Had my share of issues on our '16 and it just got to be too much. The one thing despised was the infotainment screen. Just a personal thing as I'm tactile and there's simply no logic in flipping through screens to do what a single touch should do. Tap, swipe, tap, tap again, then tap the right one due to a bump in the road - you get the picture. Yeah, I know about voice commands, steering wheel options, blah blah blah. It was still a no go for me. Hearing now the screen has been improved with large(er) icons and such, but still.

Happy hunting. If you do choose Volvo and it provides the reliability experienced by some/most, you will not be disappointed. It's simply a blast to drive.

 

In this day and age, it's not how reliable the car is, instead it's how good is the local dealer. Trust me, research the hell out of your dealer/service department before buying.

People have told me that many times over the years and I never paid attention, now I see why it's necessary.

 

I feel like such an angry person but do yourself a favor, if it doesn't have at least 2 usb ports in the center console... run, don't walk, RUN!

I have put together a rhyme for you to remember.

When in doubt, check it out.
Only 1 port, hard abort.
2 ports or more, grind them some more.

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We just replaced our primary family vehicle, a 2005 Lexus RX (150,000 miles), with a used 2016 T8 Inscription. My mom was the original RX owner, drove it to 50,000 miles before upgrading to a 2012 RX. My wife and I took the RX from 50K-150K miles. During the entire life of the RX, we never had one single problem other than standard maintenance. I think the dealer did do some preventative service bulletins during scheduled maintenance, but we never experienced a single malfunction that forced us to go to the dealer or mechanic to fix. That thing could have taken us another 50K miles. After 150K miles, my only quibble was a minor clicking noise coming from a fan in the AC that probably started at around 145K miles.

I love the XC90. It is a pleasure to drive and I look forward to taking it out whenever my wife lets me. However, it's had it's share of issues. We've only owned it 4 months and it's already been to the dealer 3 times.
1. IGM
2. 2nd Row Seat Problems
3. Excessive noise from rear electric motor.

We just discovered the temperature sensor problem and will schedule yet another visit to the dealer to get that fixed. Other than the IGM (which was a preventative replacement), none of these problems were serious. The 2016 was also the first full production year. All manufacturers will have problems with the first year of a new model, especially one built on a brand new platform. I'm hoping we've found most, if not all, of the existing issues. I still recommend this XC90 and the upcoming XC60 to my friends and family who are shopping for a new SUV. I'm hoping there aren't any additional issues, but I'm still happy with our purchase.

 

Fwiw, my take is that Japanese vehicles seem to be consistently more reliable than European vehicles but I’ve never loved any of my Japanese cars while I’ve almost always loved my European cars. I’ve only had my XC90 since May 25th and I’ve put 5500 miles on it and I’ve loved every minute. I’ve had no reason to revisit the dealer yet. It’s my 3rd Volvo over the years and they’ve all be great cars, a C70 coupe (5 speed) and an S80. I’ve also owned a couple of BMWs, Honda’s, Nissans, Toyota’s, an Acura, a Jeep, a Fiat Spider, a couple of Subaru’s....I’ve never kept my Japanese cars very long because I just got tired of them while I’ve almost always kept my European cars for a long time. Just my .02.


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Coming from a 2 weeks old owner, I can tell you that this will probably be my last Volvo. Mechanically, I haven't had any issues "knock on wood" but the interior is very fragile compared to the other brands. leather seats are prone to damage, keys are poorly built, multiple trims are misaligned with broken tabs. I'm pointing this out not to nit pick, It really makes you question the overall quality of the vehicle if the minor items can't even be addressed and designed properly.

I've own all the competing brands and have put good amount of miles on each, First hand experience, every toyota/lexus in the family have ZERO major issue, My highlander has almost 200k miles on it and it keeps on going. Was gonna sell it last week but decided to just keep it around to run errands with.


I'd only consider keeping this car for the duration of the factory warranty and maybe a year or so there after.

 

Coming from a 2 weeks old owner, I can tell you that this will probably be my last Volvo. Mechanically, I haven't had any issues "knock on wood" but the interior is very fragile compared to the other brands. leather seats are prone to damage, keys are poorly built, multiple trims are misaligned with broken tabs. I'm pointing this out not to nit pick, It really makes you question the overall quality of the vehicle if the minor items can't even be addressed and designed properly.

I've own all the competing brands and have put good amount of miles on each, First hand experience, every toyota/lexus in the family have ZERO major issue, My highlander has almost 200k miles on it and it keeps on going. Was gonna sell it last week but decided to just keep it around to run errands with.

I'd only consider keeping this car for the duration of the factory warranty and maybe a year or so there after.

What did the dealer or Volvo say about your seat?

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Besides an occasional squeak and rattle, I've had no mechanical issues. I've had one software issue (went into limp mode one evening), it was fixed the next day. On two occasions a minor function was altered or missing after a software update, they were fixed shortly thereafter. My Volvo dealer is very good about making any issues as painless as possible, relatively quick, always courteous and I've always been offered a loaner. I am very happy with my vehicle. Good luck on your decision.

 

With the exception of a rear seat rattle that many of us have had, and a battery drain issue that has not been fixed with the latest software updates (contrary to what others may have said - I speak from experience because I just had a dead battery after the latest software update), all the issues are software related (and I believe the dead battery issue is a software issue, not hardware). But for me, these issues tend to compound and really take away from the driving experience. I'd rather have mechanical issues, because when those are fixed you feel good that they're actually fixed. With the software issues, you take it in, get a software update, and then the original problem is fixed but another one pops up. It's really frustrating. My wife is the primary driver and she already wants to trade it in (8,000 miles on a 2017). But the car drives fine, has lots of room and is IMO still the best looking 7 seat suv on the road.

I bought an extended 8/100K mile warranty and would advise anyone purchasing new do the same.

 

lease it. compared to your lexus, which usually scores top marks in reliability, a new xc90 is highly likely to be less reliable than that.

 

I don't drive an XC90, but I had some serious quality issues with my first Volvo, a 2015 S60. Volvo made it right and replaced by car with a better optioned 2015.5 S60. I contacted Corporate on a Wednesday and was already driving a new car by that same Saturday. Despite the quality issues, that experience really impressed me. The 2015.5 car has had 0 issues other than a dead battery last week and I just signed a lease on a 2017 S90 without even an inkling of worry about quality.

My parents, back in the day had a 2004 Sienna that was purchased new. We had a single issue with it in 8 years and it was nothing major. That was great, but it was the most boring car that we have ever owned and I'm never going to buy a Toyota again. Since then, they've had Buick Enclaves that have also proven to be reliable but have much more personality. It isn't just about the reliability.

 

Most cars today are reliable, but as some posters have mentioned, you have to also take into account the driving experience. Reliability is great, but if the car is boring you'll never look forward to driving it. If long-term reliability is important to you, leasing might be a good option. If the car is trouble-free during your lease and the residual is good, you may want to go ahead and buy it.

My only caveat is that European cars tend to be more expensive to maintain and repair than Japanese or American cars once the warranty is expired. However, most European cars offer a superior driving experience.

 

I've one of the first T8's (october 2015). My car is wonderful and reliable. Just back from a 3200 miles holiday trip and towing a large caravan. Never had any issue what so ever.

Due to tax advantages in our country over 6000 MY2016 and MY2017 T8's have been sold. Yes, there were some owners with big issues, where cars have to be towed regular (!) back to the workshop. I reminder entering the dealership were six T8's were waiting for emergency maintenance. Some guys where driving more mileage in a rental car than in their T8.

But, the good news is that’s all history because Volvo did everything to support everyone. They did also a lot of preventive warranty. Sometimes I get the impression my car is using more software than petrol ;-)