Key Takeaways
- The Volvo EX90 launched with missing features and widely reported software failures. Volvo publicly apologized in September 2025 and offered a free computer upgrade.
- Software defects can qualify under California’s lemon law, just like mechanical ones.
- Some 2025 EX30s were recalled in 2026 for a battery short circuit that can cause a fire. Owners were told to charge to 70% or less.
- A recall alone does not make your Volvo a lemon. Repeat repairs for the same problem, or 30+ days in the shop, can.
- Log every dealer visit and every over-the-air update, and whether it fixed the problem.
If your Volvo EX90 or EX30 keeps having the same problem after repair visits, California’s lemon law may require Volvo to buy it back or replace it. The EX90 is Volvo’s most troubled recent launch: blank screens, failed phone keys and features that arrived months late. The EX30 has had battery fire recalls. Software problems count under the lemon law. What matters is whether Volvo fixed the defect within a reasonable number of tries.
What problems does the Volvo EX90 have?
The EX90’s biggest problems are software failures: blank center screens, slow startups, digital keys that do not work, phone connection failures and features that were missing at delivery. Volvo has also recalled the EX90 for headlight, tailgate and seat bolt defects.
Missing features and software failures
In June 2024, Volvo told early buyers that several features would arrive later, including full lidar use, cross-traffic alert, wireless CarPlay and bidirectional charging. Owners and testers then reported more failures. Consumer Reports’ own EX90 had a center screen that went blank and locked out climate controls, startup delays of 3 to 5 minutes, an airbag warning light that stayed on for a week and an SOS button that did not work until a software update.
Volvo’s apology and computer upgrade
In September 2025, Volvo announced a free core computer upgrade for 2025 EX90 owners, done at a workshop visit. Days later, Volvo’s chief technology officer told reporters, “Unfortunately, we have disappointed many customers.” Volvo said software update 1.3.18 fixed the core issues. In January 2026, Volvo said it was covering dealer costs for handling EX90 customers.
EX90 recalls
- Headlights (Feb 2025): a software error could close the headlight shutters while driving. 2,061 vehicles. Fixed mainly by an over-the-air update.
- Power tailgate (Sep 2025): a loose nut can let the tailgate drop suddenly. 1,119 vehicles. Dealers replace both drive units.
- Second-row seat bolts (Nov 2024): bolts may not be tightened. 11 vehicles.
What problems does the Volvo EX30 have?
The EX30’s most serious US recall is a high-voltage battery short circuit that can overheat and cause a fire. In early 2026, Volvo recalled 2025 EX30s in two US filings and told owners to charge to 70% or less until dealers replace the battery modules. Reuters reported the recall covered about 40,000 EX30s worldwide. Other EX30 recalls cover a seat belt chime that may not sound and head restraint cushions that may detach in a crash.
In Europe, EX30 owners reported black screens, charging failures and unexpected emergency braking in 2024, and some received refunds. Those reports were in Europe, not the US.
| Recall | Model and years | US vehicles | Problem | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V671 (Oct 2026) | 2025-2026 EX30, EX30 Cross Country | 9,930 | Head restraint cushion may detach | Dealer applies adhesive |
| 26V136 (Mar 2026) | 2025-2026 EX30, EX30 Cross Country | 1,584 | Seat belt warning chime may not sound | Replace connector terminals |
| 26V103 (Feb 2026) | 2025 EX30 | 161 | Battery short circuit, fire risk; charge to 70% max | Replace battery modules |
| 26V001 (Feb 2026) | 2025 EX30 | 40 | Battery short circuit, fire risk; park outside, charge to 70% max | Replace battery modules |
| 25V654 (Sep 2025) | 2025 EX90 | 1,119 | Power tailgate can drop | Replace drive units |
| 25V071 (Feb 2025) | 2025 EX90 | 2,061 | Headlight shutters can close while driving | Software update (OTA or dealer) |
| 24V869 (Nov 2024) | 2025 EX90 | 11 | Seat bolts not tightened | Inspect and tighten |
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls apply to your Volvo.
Do software problems count under California’s lemon law?
Yes. California’s lemon law covers any defect covered by the warranty that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle. A screen that locks out climate control, a car that will not start on time or a key that will not unlock the doors can all qualify if the dealer cannot fix them.
Every dealer visit for a software problem counts as a repair attempt. Whether an over-the-air update counts is less settled, so keep a log of each update, its date and whether the problem came back.
When is a Volvo EX90 or EX30 a lemon?
California presumes Volvo had a reasonable number of tries if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery:
- A problem that could cause death or serious injury was repaired 2 or more times, and you notified Volvo directly.
- The same problem was repaired 4 or more times, and you notified Volvo directly.
- The car was out of service for repairs for more than 30 days in total.
You can still qualify outside those limits. A free computer upgrade or apology does not end your rights if the problems continue.
What can I recover?
If your Volvo qualifies, Volvo Car USA must buy it back or replace it. A buyback generally covers what you paid, including the down payment, payments, taxes and fees, minus a mileage offset for use before the first repair. A civil penalty of up to two times your damages may also be available if Volvo willfully ignored its obligations. Lessees are covered too. See our Volvo lemon law page.
What should I document?
- Every repair order, with dates, mileage, your complaint and what was done
- Screenshots or photos of blank screens, warning messages and error codes
- A log of over-the-air updates: date, version number and whether the problem returned
- Recall letters and any instruction to limit charging
- Emails and chats with Volvo customer care
Our guide to documenting repair attempts includes a repair log template.
Why work with a trial firm?
American Lemon Law Group is a trial firm. We prepare every case for trial and handle it from first call to verdict, without handing it to another firm. California law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees when you win, so there is no cost to you.
Volvo EX90 and EX30 lemon law FAQ
Did Volvo fix the EX90 software problems? Volvo says software update 1.3.18 fixed the core issues and offered 2025 EX90 owners a free computer upgrade. If your problems continue after those fixes, each repair visit still counts toward a lemon law claim.
Can I get a buyback for my Volvo EX90? Yes, if it qualifies under California’s lemon law. Volvo must buy back or replace a vehicle it cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts.
Is the Volvo EX30 battery recall a fire risk? Yes. Some 2025 EX30s were recalled because the high-voltage battery can short-circuit and overheat. Owners were told to charge to 70% or less until the battery modules are replaced.
Do over-the-air updates count as repair attempts? Dealer visits clearly count. Over-the-air updates are less settled, so log each one and whether the problem returned.
Is a leased Volvo covered? Yes. California’s lemon law covers leased vehicles.
Do I pay for a lawyer? No. The manufacturer pays your attorney fees if you win.
EX90 or EX30 still not right after repairs? Talk to a California lemon law trial firm. Free case review: (877) 215-5125.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Sources (recall data as of October 27, 2026)
- NHTSA recall records linked in the table above
- Motor1: EX90 missing features at delivery
- InsideEVs: Consumer Reports EX90 issues
- Volvo Cars: EX90 core computer upgrade
- InsideEVs: Volvo apologizes for EX90 software
- InsideEVs: Volvo covering dealer costs
- Electrek: Volvo EX30 battery recall
- The Drive: EX30 refunds in Europe