Volvo S90 Lemon Law

The S90's most notable known defect involves an engine control module software error. Volvo recalled certain 2022–2023 S90L vehicles because an ECM software fault could prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power. Other S90 recalls have covered a rearview camera that may not display in reverse and, on some 2021 S90L cars, an improperly welded brake rotor and shaft that could separate — all issues that go to the heart of whether the car can be driven safely.

Away from the recall list, S90 owners describe a familiar set of electronic and mechanical annoyances: remote start that stops working, infotainment problems and screen glitches, warning lights that appear without explanation, air-suspension and ride-quality complaints on so-equipped cars, and 12-volt battery drain that leaves the sedan dead or throwing false alerts. Because these problems are often intermittent, they can take repeated dealer visits before anyone pins down the cause — or before it becomes clear no one can.

California's Lemon Law is not limited to recalled parts. If a defect substantially impairs your S90's use, value, or safety and the dealer can't repair it within a reasonable number of attempts, or the car is out of service for an extended time, you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — whether the fault is a recalled ECM or an ordinary electrical or suspension problem that keeps returning.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your S90 has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Volvo S90 qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Volvo pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.