XC90 NOx Sensor Failure

My 2021 Volvo XC90 with a gasoline engine is throwing a check engine light for a NOx sensor failure. I've only got 31766 km on it! Plus, I'm getting a stronger than usual whiff of exhaust fumes. Anyone else run into this nitrogen oxide issue? Thinking it's a catalytic converter thing, or some pollution control sensor gone bad?

4 comment(s)

I had something similar happen with my XC90. Check the cable and plug connection to the sensor. Sometimes they can get loose or corroded. Is the error stored in the error memory?

Good call! Where exactly is that NOx sensor located, and is it easy to get to the cable and plug connection? And yeah, the error is definitely stored in the error memory. I cleared it, but it came right back on after a short drive.

It's usually somewhere along the exhaust system, post catalytic converter. I wouldn't mess with it too much. Sounds like it might be the defective cable or plug connection of the component. Given that the error code keeps returning and you can smell exhaust, I'd suggest taking it to a workshop.

Thanks for the advice! Turns out you were spot on. Took it to the shop, and it was indeed a loose and corroded connection to the NOx sensor. They cleaned it up and secured it properly, and the check engine light is finally gone! Repair cost was 95€, not as bad as I was expecting.

Join the discussion now: