IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2015–2018 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2015–2018 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2). 3 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
3
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2015–2018 period has 3 more issues than the Volvo XC90 (Gen 2) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

T8 plug-in hybrids are notorious for rear-motor failure, often caused by internal coolant ingress. Coolant leaks past the seals into the motor housing, leading to bearing failure or internal short circuits. In the UK, main dealer replacement of the ERAD unit is extremely costly (£5k-£9k).

Most affected: T8 Twin Engine, T8 Recharge

Estimated cost: £3,000–£9,000Affects: 2015–2022Often appears around: 30k-80k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Whine or "marbles in a tin" grind from rear axle
  • •AWD unavailable message
  • •Reduced EV or hybrid performance

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive in Pure and Hybrid modes
  • ✓Listen for rear-axle noise during acceleration
  • ✓Confirm if the car has received the latest ERAD coolant-drain or seal service campaigns

Sunroof drain blockages and water ingress

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The sunroof drains can block with debris, leading to water entering the cabin, often soaking the footwells and potentially damaging the central fuse box (CEM).

Most affected: Models with Panoramic sunroof

Estimated cost: £200–£2,500Affects: 2015–2024Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Damp carpets (especially front)
  • •Musty smell
  • •Intermittent electrical faults or "Christmas tree" dash lights

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Feel for dampness in the front footwells
  • ✓Check for water marks on the headlining
  • ✓Ask if the sunroof drains have been regularly cleared

Air suspension leaks or compressor wear

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Optional air suspension brings the usual luxury-SUV risk of leaking bags and tired compressors.

Most affected: Cars with Four-C suspension / air suspension

Estimated cost: £600–£1,500Affects: 2015–2024Often appears around: 50k-100k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Car sits low after parking
  • •Compressor runs often
  • •Harsh or floaty ride

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Overnight stance
  • ✓Height adjustment speed
  • ✓Recent air-suspension invoices

Sensus infotainment freezing and rebooting

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Early XC90s can suffer screen freezes, slow responses and the temporary loss of climate, navigation and camera functions.

Most affected: Momentum, Inscription, R-Design

Estimated cost: £0–£1,000Affects: 2015–2018Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Screen reboots
  • •Climate menus disappear
  • •Camera or nav becomes unavailable

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Use navigation, media and climate together
  • ✓Check software version and update history
  • ✓Allow a long enough test drive for glitches to appear

Buying Tips for the 2015 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2)

  • ✓Early cars need proof of repeated software updates because many glitches were calibration-related rather than purely hardware failures
  • ✓On T8 models, listen for rear-axle whine and check the hybrid system has no stored AWD or propulsion warnings
  • ✓Air suspension should raise and lower quickly and stay level overnight
  • ✓This is a heavy car, so suspension knocks and warped front brakes are common if it has spent time in town
2019 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2)

Browse 2015–2018 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2015–2018 Volvo XC90 (Gen 2) vehicles.

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Other Volvo XC90 (Gen 2) Year Periods

2015–201820192020–20222023–2024

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