Volvo EX90 Core Computer Software Glitches & OTA Update Recovery in Australia
The first time your Volvo EX90 refuses to charge on a public AC charger in Sydney, you realize this isn’t just a glitch. It’s a core computer problem.
The EX90 is Volvo’s first true software-defined vehicle. It’s also been Volvo’s most troubled launch in recent memory. Persistent software glitches, frozen screens, charging faults, and digital key failures have plagued owners worldwide—including in Australia. Here’s what Australian EX90 owners need to know about the core computer issues and how to recover.
TL;DR
The Volvo EX90 launched with a single Nvidia Orin core computer that proved inadequate for Volvo’s in-house software stack. Volvo is now replacing the central computer in every 2025 EX90 with a dual Nvidia DRIVE AGX Orin setup at no cost to owners . This is a hardware fix for a software problem—Volvo spent over a year trying software patches before admitting the original hardware couldn’t handle the job . In Australia, owners report blank touchscreens, system sync failures, and AC issues . The good news: there’s a DIY reboot procedure that fixes most glitches. The critical warning: 2025 EX90 owners who skip the hardware upgrade will lose access to all future OTA updates .
Key Takeaways
- 2025 EX90s have a hardware problem, not just software bugs. The original single Orin chip struggles to run Volvo’s new in-house software stack
- Volvo is replacing every 2025 EX90’s core computer for free with the dual Orin setup from the 2026 model
- If you decline the upgrade, your car stops receiving OTA updates—you’ll be frozen on current software forever
- Australian owners report blank screens, sync failures, and AC glitches
- A DIY reboot procedure fixes most random glitches: hold brake + minus button + volume up, then press PARK
- Charging faults may indicate a hardware failure (GHCA converter) requiring dealer service
What Went Wrong with the EX90
The Core Computer Problem Explained
When Volvo designed the EX90, it was the company’s first attempt at a true software-defined vehicle (SDV). Instead of separate computers for infotainment, driver assistance, and vehicle control, Volvo centralized everything into one powerful Nvidia Orin-based core computer .
The problem? The single Orin chip couldn’t handle the load. Volvo’s in-house software stack, developed from scratch for the SPA2 platform, demanded more processing power than the original hardware could deliver .
One EX90 owner described her car to InsideEVs as “a dumpster fire inside a train wreck” .
The Symptoms Australian Owners Report
The glitches aren’t subtle. They affect core functions:
- Blank or frozen touchscreens—the center display goes dark or stops responding entirely
- System sync failures—the infotainment doesn’t sync properly with driver displays
- Charging faults—the car refuses to charge on AC, showing “charging fault” with no useful diagnostic information
- Digital key failures—phone-as-key, fobs, and keycards all act unreliably
- AC system glitches—climate control stops working until the system is rebooted
- Headlights failing—some owners report headlights going dark, requiring roadside assistance to disconnect the main battery
An Australian owner on the Volvo EX90 Forum wrote: “I have had couple of issues with the main touch screen where the system does not sync properly or just goes blank suddenly” . Another Sydney owner reported needing roadside assistance multiple times for headlight and AC failures .
The Hardware Fix: Volvo’s Unusual Decision
What Volvo Is Doing
In September 2025, Volvo announced it would replace the central computer in every 2025 EX90 with the more powerful dual Nvidia DRIVE AGX Orin configuration from the 2026 model .
This is not a recall. It’s a voluntary quality upgrade. Volvo is treating it as a complimentary upgrade available to all 2025 EX90 owners .
The upgrade requires a physical visit to a Volvo workshop and takes approximately one day to complete both the hardware installation and software loading .
Why This Matters for Australian Owners
Australian EX90 deliveries began in late 2024. If you own a 2025 EX90, you’re eligible for this upgrade. Your dealer should contact you to schedule the service.
The critical warning: If you decline the upgrade, your car will not receive future OTA software updates or new features. You’ll be stuck on the current software forever .
Volvo’s official statement: “With the original configuration, your car will not be able to receive future software updates and new features that are only available for the dual Orin configuration” .
What You Gain from the Upgrade
The new computer unlocks features that were promised but delayed:
- Park Pilot Assist—automatic steering into parallel spaces
- Time interval to vehicles ahead—enhanced Pilot Assist following distance control
- Connected Safety—cloud-based hazard alerts (including Large Animal Alert for kangaroos in Australia)
- Emergency Stop Assist with safety call
- Manual battery preconditioning for faster DC charging
- Improved performance and reduced battery drain when parked
DIY Recovery: The Reboot Procedure That Fixes Most Glitches
The Central Computer Reboot
Before you call a tow truck, try this procedure. It fixes most non-hardware glitches including charging faults, Pilot Assist errors, and driver display issues .
Steps:
- Park the vehicle and keep it in Ready mode (no charger connected)
- Press and hold the brake pedal—keep holding until the final step
- Press and hold both: the minus button (left steering wheel) and volume up (right steering wheel)
- Keep holding until you see “System Communication Error / Fault” on the instrument panel (10–20 seconds)
- Press and hold the PARK button (end of gear selector) for 2 seconds
- Wait 30–60 seconds—screens may dim slightly, then the system resets
Note: The car will show multiple error messages as it comes back online. Don’t panic. Get out, walk away, and return in a few minutes .
Restoring Missing Google Maps and Assistant
If Google Maps or Assistant disappear from your EX90:
- Go to Settings → System → Applications → Show all apps
- Find Google Maps, tap it, then tap Enable
- Repeat for Google Assistant
Both apps should reappear and function normally .
When DIY Won’t Work
The reboot won’t fix hardware failures. If your EX90 has a charging fault that persists after reboot, it may indicate a failed GHCA converter (the component that converts AC power to DC for charging). This requires dealer service .
Always drive responsibly and follow local traffic laws. If your EX90 shows critical error messages like “stop safely” while driving, pull over as soon as conditions allow.
What Volvo Says Now
The Apology
Volvo’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Anders Bell, issued a direct apology:
“Unfortunately, we have disappointed many customers. I’m going to say sorry to the customers who have lost trust in our products. We are doing everything we can to regain that trust” .
The Path Forward
Volvo says the new dual Orin computer and its in-house software stack represent the future for all Volvo models. The company is standardizing modules and software across its lineup, which should prevent similar problems in future models like the EX60 .
For Australian owners, the message is clear: get the hardware upgrade. It’s free, it’s necessary, and without it, your EX90 will fall further behind with each software release.
FAQ
Is the Volvo EX90 core computer upgrade free in Australia?
Yes. Volvo is offering the dual Nvidia Orin computer upgrade at no cost to all 2025 EX90 owners. Contact your Australian Volvo dealer to schedule the service .
What happens if I don’t get the core computer upgrade?
Your EX90 will stop receiving OTA software updates and new features. You’ll be frozen on the software version installed before the upgrade .
Can I fix EX90 software glitches myself?
Yes. The central computer reboot procedure (brake + minus + volume up, then PARK) fixes most random glitches including charging faults and display freezes .
Why did Volvo need to replace hardware instead of fixing software?
Volvo spent over a year trying software patches. The original single Orin chip couldn’t handle the processing load of Volvo’s new in-house software stack. The hardware itself was inadequate .
Are Australian EX90 owners experiencing the same problems?
Yes. Australian owners report blank touchscreens, sync failures, AC glitches, and headlight failures requiring roadside assistance .
How long does the computer upgrade take?
Approximately one day at a Volvo workshop. This includes both hardware installation and software loading .
Does the new computer enable kangaroo detection?
Yes. The Connected Safety update includes Large Animal Alert, which warns drivers of large animals on or near the road ahead. This feature requires the dual Orin computer .
Which Volvo Model Best Fits Your Driving Needs?
The Volvo EX90 is a stunning vehicle with genuine safety innovation and luxury comfort. But the first-generation software experience has been rough. If you’re considering a used 2025 EX90, confirm the core computer upgrade has been completed. If it hasn’t, factor that into your purchase—and make sure the seller schedules it before you take delivery.
For new buyers, the 2026 EX90 comes with the dual Orin computer from the factory. That’s the safer choice if you want to avoid the upgrade hassle.
Volvo will recover from this. The company has the engineering resources and the commitment. But for early adopters, it’s been a frustrating journey. The hardware fix is the right solution—just overdue.
Which Volvo model best fits your driving needs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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