Volvo EX90 Buyer Demands Refund Over Excessive Bugs, Volvo Refuses!

While we previously praised the Volvo XC40, C40, and EX40 models, our recent experiences with the EX30 and, more notably, the EX90 have exposed numerous glitches and issues that are frankly unworthy of a premium brand once heralded for its safety and modernity.

However, since Volvo’s acquisition by China’s Geely, the automaker has been plagued by controversies and issues with its latest vehicles. Already delayed due to software problems, these models still haven’t resolved their glitches months after their release…

EX90 Customer Demands a Refund!

Vicken Kanadjian is not just some disgruntled old man with time on his hands; he’s an entrepreneur and director of a major electronics chain. He purchased a Volvo EX90 for its technological advancements and safety features…

However, Kanadjian has faced a series of bugs and issues with his car, even citing serious safety concerns. “The vehicle suddenly lost all throttle response and had a critical communication issue with the system. The car had to be stopped without any drive capability, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a busy highway. Both the dealership and Volvo Canada’s customer service confirmed that the vehicle was hazardous and needed immediate towing.”

Unfortunately, this is not the only software glitch in his EX90 to date. Other issues have included the electronic stability control system frequently failing, the central display becoming distorted or completely blacked out, and the air conditioning stuck on maximum. There were also issues with the digital key system and locks, including a complete failure of the physical keys just three days after delivery. He was forced to use the Volvo mobile app to access the vehicle.

Rarely seen, Kanadjian has requested a full refund from Volvo under applicable Canadian law, after just 1,177 km. So far, discussions with representatives from Volvo Canada and Volvo North America have not led to a refund, with the manufacturer stating they are unable to take back the vehicle. “While we sincerely wish to meet all our customers’ demands to their complete satisfaction, it is impossible to meet all their expectations. We regret that in this specific case, Volvo Cars is not able to replace or buy back the vehicle. We ask that you allow your dealer to diagnose and make all necessary repairs,” reads a letter to Kanadjian from a representative of Volvo Cars North America.

Kanadjian has ultimately hired lawyers to seek a full refund from Volvo. Following the total loss of motor power, Kanadjian asserts that the current state of the vehicle makes it completely unsafe to use.

Genuine Bugs

During our test of the EX90, we had already reported numerous bugs to the manufacturer, including issues with the air conditioning, the display turning off while driving, and key cards deactivating, as well as autonomous driving that is somewhat erratic and clearly inferior to competitors…

While overall, the car is fairly well-finished, with a nice electric platform (albeit at 400V), a neat interior, and a generally well-executed system…one would certainly expect a bit more from a vehicle sold at around €100,000! And although it’s a different issue, the manufacturer is also facing a controversy over its LIDAR system, capable of damaging an iPhone sensor in just a few seconds, which is also quite troublesome.

If Volvo intends to survive in its renowned premium segment, it must improve the quality of its software and connectivity. It’s surprising that very few tests of the EX90 have highlighted these problems, which we were able to observe in just a few days of testing. It was a similar story with the EX30, albeit on a much worse scale, even though fixes were supposedly implemented in the meantime.

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