Volvo EX90 ota update issue (2025–2026)

Volvo EX90 · 2025–2026 · all trims

Reported symptoms

Advertised feature is not yet available on the vehicle as delivered, pending a future software update
OTA (Over-the-Air software update) update fails to apply, applies partially, or appears to install but does not enable the expected feature
Infotainment system reports software update available but installation does not complete
Intermittent infotainment freezes, reboots, or unresponsive periods during driving
Driver-assist or sensor-based features inactive or behaving inconsistently
Volvo Cars app reports vehicle errors or shows feature inconsistencies relative to vehicle marketing

Questions to ask

Pose these to the service advisor at intake. Request answers in writing or via email.

What is the current software version on VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) [VIN], and what version corresponds to the most recently released OTA update for this build?
Which features are currently active, which are pending OTA activation, and what is the expected timeline for each pending feature?
Has VIN [VIN] received all OTA updates released since the build date, and if not, what prevented their application?
Are any of the open issues being addressed through dealer-side flash rather than OTA, and if so, when can a service appointment be scheduled?
Is the work being performed at no charge under the campaign, or is any portion classified differently?
Will the repair order list every campaign or update reference number applied during the visit and confirm closure for each?

Documents to request

Each item should be received in writing before authorizing repair work.

Diagnostic report listing all stored and pending fault codes
Repair order with technician notes, including each campaign or update reference number addressed
Written confirmation of the software versions installed before and after the visit on the affected modules
Written list of features currently active, pending OTA activation, and expected timelines for each
Written confirmation of which campaigns are now closed for this VIN and which remain open

Pre-service evidence

Capture before drop-off. Once the vehicle leaves your possession, proving prior condition becomes significantly harder.

Screenshot the Volvo Cars app status pages over time, showing any reported errors and the list of features available to your vehicle
Note specific incidents — failed OTA updates, infotainment freezes, feature unavailability — with dates and circumstances
Save all Volvo correspondence regarding feature delivery timelines, including any communication tied to original purchase materials
Photograph or screen-record any infotainment defects at the time they occur
Note odometer reading at drop-off and at pickup
Retain original purchase or lease materials referencing advertised features, particularly where feature delivery has been delayed

Service advisor interaction

Operational notes specific to the conversation at the service desk.

Record the full name of the service advisor and the technician performing the work
Note whether each campaign or update is classified as a recall, a service campaign, or a feature-delivery update — these classifications carry different documentation and warranty implications
If the advisor states that an OTA update has been delivered for VIN [VIN] but the expected feature remains unavailable, request written documentation of the diagnostic steps before any release
Document any verbal commitments about feature-delivery timelines, since these commitments are often referenced in subsequent disputes about advertised versus delivered functionality

Repair authorization

Cautions before signing.

Recall and feature-delivery campaign work is performed at no charge to the owner; do not authorize any charge for parts or labor associated with these campaigns
If a diagnostic fee is presented for issues the dealer characterizes as user-induced rather than software-related, request written documentation distinguishing the two before authorization
Volvo dealers may schedule remediation across multiple visits depending on parts availability or technician scheduling; this is acceptable but should be documented through correspondence retention rather than verbal commitments
Repair authorization signatures often include language permitting additional related work — read the document and decline blanket additional work in advance

Post-service verification

Complete before leaving the service location. Issues that surface after departure are operationally harder to attribute to the visit.

Verify the software version on the vehicle matches the version stated in the repair order
Test each feature listed as activated in the visit to confirm correct operation
Verify the infotainment system functions normally without unexpected freezes or reboots during a short test drive
Confirm no warning messages or system errors after a full ignition cycle
Verify the Volvo Cars app reflects accurate vehicle status and feature list
Confirm the repair order lists every campaign closed during this visit and any that remain open

Email templates

Documentation-focused templates for service correspondence. Tap copy to use. Subject and body are kept verbatim — paste them as-is into your email client.

pre-service inquiry

to: dealer service

Service inquiry — EX90 software status, request for current campaign list and feature delivery timeline

Service Department, I am scheduling my [YEAR] Volvo EX90, VIN [VIN], for evaluation related to software updates and feature delivery. Before the visit, I am requesting written confirmation of the following: 1. The current software version on VIN [VIN] and the version associated with the most recently released OTA update for this build. 2. A list of features currently active, features pending OTA activation, and the expected timeline for each pending feature. 3. A list of every open campaign reference number applying to VIN [VIN]. 4. Whether the visit will address all open campaigns or only a subset, and what the schedule is for any remaining work. Please reply to this email so the planned scope is on record. Thank you, [NAME]

documentation request

to: dealer service

Documentation request — EX90 software service on [DATE], VIN [VIN]

Service Department, Following the service performed on [DATE] for VIN [VIN], I am requesting the following documents for my ownership records: 1. The full diagnostic report including all stored and pending fault codes. 2. The repair order listing every campaign reference number addressed during the visit. 3. Written confirmation of the software versions installed before and after the visit on the affected modules. 4. A written list of features currently active and any features that remain pending OTA activation. These documents form part of the vehicle's service record and are operationally important. Please reply to this email at your convenience. Thank you, [NAME]

Warranty notes

Volvo has issued multiple software campaigns affecting the EX90 during its initial production period. The applicable campaigns and update timeline for VIN [VIN] should be confirmed in writing.
EX90 components are covered under Volvo's New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Coverage period and conditions vary by region and should be confirmed in writing.
Software-only remedies do not consume warranty time; the standard warranty period continues independently of OTA or dealer-side software work.
Repairs performed under goodwill rather than warranty or recall do not extend the warranty period. Confirm in writing which classification applies.

Observational patterns

Feature-delivery delays produce a documentation pattern distinct from a defect recall: the hardware may be installed and functional, with the gap residing entirely in the software activation. Owner records should distinguish 'advertised feature pending' from 'feature defective.'

OTA campaigns that fail to apply are sometimes characterized as 'no action required' on the dealer side because no fault is actively stored. The failed application itself is the operative event and should be documented through the OTA history rather than only through stored faults.

Multi-campaign situations are particularly susceptible to incomplete documentation. A general 'software updated' note without enumerated campaign references creates ambiguity about which specific campaigns are closed.

Cross-platform software defects across the SPA2 platform have produced parallel campaigns affecting Volvo and Polestar vehicles using the same software stack. Single-vehicle campaign coverage may not capture all relevant remedies.

Linked recalls: volvo-ex90-software-delay

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