Driver Support

Pilot Assist Limitations

~4min read

(Option/accessory.)

(Depending on market, this function may be standard or optional.)

Pilot Assist functionality may be reduced in certain situations.

Pilot Assist is a driver support function designed to simplify driving and assist the driver in many situations. However, the driver is always responsible for maintaining a suitable distance to vehicles or objects around it and ensuring that the vehicle is correctly positioned in the traffic lane.

  • the lane markings are unclear, worn, missing, cross each other, or there are multiple sets of road markings.
  • Lane changes, for example when lanes split or merge, and at off-ramps.
  • When there is road construction and sudden changes to the road surface, or when lane markings can no longer indicate the correct route.
  • edges or other lines than lane markings are present on or near the road, e.g. curbs, joints or repairs to the road surface, edges of barriers, roadside edges or strong shadows.
  • Narrow or winding lanes.
  • Lanes containing ridges or holes.
  • Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, slush, or reduced visibility with poor light conditions, backlighting, wet road surface, etc.

The driver should also note that Pilot Assist has the following limitations:

  • High curbs, roadside barriers, temporary obstacles (traffic cones, safety barriers, etc.) are not detected. Alternatively, they may be detected incorrectly as lane markings, with a subsequent risk of contact between the vehicle and such obstacles. The driver is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle maintains a suitable distance from such obstacles.
  • The camera and radar sensors do not have the capacity to detect all oncoming objects and obstacles in traffic environments, e.g. potholes, stationary obstacles or objects that completely or partially block the route.
  • Pilot Assist does not detect pedestrians, animals, etc.
  • The steering assistance is limited in force, which means that Pilot Assist cannot always help the driver to steer and keep the vehicle within the lane.
  • In vehicles equipped with Sensus Navigation*, the function is able to use information from map data, which could cause variations in performance.
  • Pilot Assist will be switched off if the speed-dependent power steering resistance is operating at reduced power, for example during cooling due to overheating.
  • This is not a collision avoidance system. The driver is always responsible and must intervene if the system fails to detect a vehicle ahead.
  • The function does not brake for people or animals and does not brake for small vehicles, such as bikes and motorcycles. Similarly, it does not brake for low trailers, oncoming, slow-moving or stationary vehicles and objects.
  • Do not use the function in demanding situations, such as in city traffic, at intersections, on slippery surfaces, with a lot of water or slush on the road, in heavy rain/snow, in poor visibility, on winding roads, or on on/off ramps.

The driver can always correct or adjust steering assistance provided by Pilot Assist by turning the steering wheel to the desired position.

Steep roads and/or heavy loads

Pilot Assist is primarily intended for driving on flat roads. The function may not be able to maintain the correct time gap to the vehicle ahead when driving down steep hills. The driver should be extra attentive and prepared to apply the brakes.

Do not use Pilot Assist when the vehicle is heavily loaded or towing a trailer.

Drive mode not available

The Off-Road drive mode cannot be selected when Pilot Assist is activated.

* Option/accessory.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo XC90 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.