If you own — or are considering buying — a Volvo S90 D5, the words’ S90 turbo failure’ should make you take notice. Turbo problems on the D5 diesel aren’t always sudden fireworks; more often, they creep in as a string of small warnings that, taken together, point to something expensive. For people who buy or sell used cars, that’s the crucial part: turbo trouble can turn a tidy-looking listing into a car that’s effectively uneconomical to fix. Below, I’ll walk you through how the problem typically presents itself, the diagnostic flags to watch for (including the key DTCs), a real-world case where the repair quote exceeded the car’s value, and practical next steps for sellers and buyers who want to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How turbo problems usually show up (symptoms to watch for)
When a turbo starts failing, you’ll notice changes in how the car drives before you see anything dramatic. The most common signs are a steady loss of power, heavier-than-usual exhaust smoke, and an unfamiliar high-pitched whine from the engine bay when you push the pedal. That whine is often the turbine bearings grinding or the compressor wheel rubbing. You might also spot increased oil consumption — diesel S90S with turbo wear will sometimes use oil faster than normal because oil seals around the turbo wear or shaft play let oil get past into the intake or exhaust.
Another symptom people describe is sudden or inconsistent turbo response — what drivers think of as turbo lag becoming worse, or the boost pressure not building smoothly. If you combine poor boost with visible smoke and oil loss, you’re likely looking at more than a minor issue. For buyers inspecting a used S90, these are the things to test on a short drive and ask the seller about before you hand over cash.
Common diagnostic codes (what the ECU will flag)
If a scan is available, look for any of these standard DTCs tied to turbo/boost faults:
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P0299 — underboost condition (turbo not making expected boost)
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P2262 — boost leak/turbo charge pressure sensor disagreement
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P0234 — overboost pressure (can happen if wastegate sticks)
These codes aren’t the whole story, but they’re trustworthy red flags. If you see them in a vehicle history or on a scan, treat the car like it has a turbo health problem until proven otherwise.
Why does this matter if you’re selling or buying a used S90
Turbo failure on a modern diesel isn’t just a parts job — calibration, labour, and often ancillary replacements (pipes, intercooler hoses, oil lines, sensors) add up. In the example I’ll share below, the dealer quote was $14,000 for replacement and calibration on a 2020 S90 D5. That number matters: when repair costs approach or exceed the market value of the car, sellers face a hard decision — spend money to fix something you might not recover, or sell the car as-is at a reduced price (or to a specialist who buys cars with mechanical problems). Buyers who unknowingly purchase a car with turbo issues can end up trapped with a vehicle that costs more to restore than it’s worth.
From a resale perspective, turbo health is one of those items that dramatically affects perceived value. A clean logbook and no turbo-related DTCs = more market trust; a history of boost codes, visible smoke, or oil consumption = lower offers and longer sale times.
Real-world case: 2020 Volvo S90 D5 with complete turbo failure
Here’s a short, practical case: a 2020 S90 D5 presented with progressive loss of power, bluish exhaust smoke under load, and a high-pitched bearing noise. A diagnostic scan returned P0299 and P2262. The owner got a dealer quote for a full turbo replacement and calibration — $14,000. Market value for that car in good condition was substantially lower than the repair quote, so repairing didn’t make financial sense. The owner chose to sell the car as-is to a specialist buyer who handles salvage and parts; they accepted a lower but immediate cash price and avoided sinking more money into the vehicle.
That choice is common. For many late-model diesels with expensive drivetrain repairs, the rational outcome is to sell to a cash buyer or trade in at a discount rather than fund a risky, high-cost repair.
Practical checklist — what sellers should disclose and what buyers should inspect
For sellers:
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Be upfront about any warning lights, DTCs, or unusual noises. Full disclosure reduces dispute risk and speeds the sale.
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If you’ve had a scan done, include the scan report or a photo of the codes in the listing.
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Consider selling to a specialist or trade-in if the repair quote is a large fraction of the vehicle’s value.
For buyers:
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Do a short test drive that includes full-throttle pulls (where safe/legal) to check boost response and listen for whine.
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Inspect the exhaust for smoke under acceleration and check the oil level/consumption history.
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Ask for a live scan or pre-purchase inspection that includes a DTC readout. If P0299, P2262, or P0234 are present, get pricing estimates and factor them into your offer.
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Verify service history — timely oil changes matter. Turbo life is closely tied to oil quality and servicing.
Final thoughts — selling, buying, or just figuring out your options
If you’ve been quoted a figure that makes your head spin — like the $14,000 in our case study — remember there are alternatives besides repairing. You can sell privately with full disclosure, sell to a specialist who pays for salvageable value, or trade it in and let the dealer manage the risk. Conversely, if you’re buying an S90, insist on a full scan and use the symptoms and codes above as your checklist.
If you want a straight, no-nonsense valuation or help moving a Volvo S90 that’s showing turbo symptoms, we buy cars in any condition and can provide a fair, immediate offer — no repair stress, no hidden fees. Get in touch for a quick valuation or to arrange a free inspection and cash offer today.