Why does my Volvo S90 show a check engine light or shut down at stops?

Short answer: A Volvo S90 check engine light needs the code read; a loose gas cap is a cheap first check. Shutdowns tied to start-stop on a new car are warranty work. Bottoming out after service needs a suspension inspection.

Symptom: The check engine light is on, the engine shuts off at stops with a warning, or the car hits bottom.

What to check first

1. Read the code.
2. Tighten or replace the gas cap.
3. Take start-stop problems to the dealer under warranty.
4. Have the suspension inspected.

Likely causes

1. Loose gas cap or other stored code. A loose cap can set an emissions code. Parts stores read codes for free.
2. Start-stop system fault. Start-stop shuts the engine at stops. If it's faulty, it may not restart smoothly and sets a warning.
3. Suspension issue after service. Bottoming out after a service visit needs the suspension checked.

What it usually costs

Warranty covered the owners' issues. Out-of-warranty prices weren't posted.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Start-stop failures can leave you stalled at an intersection. Bottoming out can damage the car. Get them checked soon.

DIY or shop?

Code reading and gas cap are DIY.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists 21V414000 (some 2019-2020 S90s and other Volvos, the low-pressure fuel pump can blow a fuse and fail) and 18V800000 (2017-2019, software in the connectivity module). The fuel pump recall can cause a stall, so run your VIN if your S90 shuts down. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 11 keyword-matched complaints for Volvo S90 2017–2020 (of 21 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-28; keywords: shut, stall, stop, eco, check engine, suspension, noise, clunk). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2017 Volvo S90 check engine light on Car Talk, a 2017 S90 T6 owner had a check engine light. Members said parts stores can read the code and to check the gas cap.
• In 2018 Volvo S90 shuts down in Eco mode on Car Talk, a 2018 S90 with 635 miles shut down in eco mode with a check engine light. Members said to take it back under warranty.
• In 2017 Volvo S90 - Suspension mystery on Car Talk, a 2017 S90 started bottoming out after service. Members noted the front uses conventional springs and said to have the suspension inspected.

Quick tip

New car, new problem: it's a warranty claim. Write down when it happens.

Vehicle focus: Volvo S90, 2017-2020.

Safety / mechanic note

Stalling and suspension are safety items. Verify with a mechanic.