Volvo XC90 Complaints

162 consumer complaints on file.

#11758785August 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
In February 2026, my 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 (VIN: [XXX]) experienced a hybrid battery cell failure. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealership (Volvo of Tacoma) and is covered under the vehicle's manufacturer warranty. However, I have been informed that a replacement part may not be available until December 2026 or later — a delay of ten months or more from the original failure date. Volvo has advised me that attempting to charge the vehicle in its current state carries a risk of fire. As a result, I am unable to charge the hybrid system and have had to operate the vehicle on gasoline alone, with fuel costs increasing approximately 3.5x per month. Separately, an independent mechanic has advised me that continued operation of the vehicle without a functioning hybrid battery cell is causing ongoing, worsening mechanical damage over time, separate from the original defect. I have made extensive good-faith efforts to resolve this directly with Volvo Cars USA customer care, including phone calls, an online request form, and direct correspondence, with prolonged periods of no response despite written acknowledgment of the issue on XXX. Given that Volvo itself has identified a fire risk associated with charging this vehicle, combined with an indefinite repair timeline of ten months or more and mechanic-confirmed risk of continued mechanical degradation, I am filing this report to document a potential safety defect in the hybrid battery system of this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756051August 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2024 Volvo XC90 has experienced complete battery and electrical failure three times in approximately ten months. The failure pattern is identical each time. The battery discharges fully with no prior warning. A jump start restores power briefly, but the vehicle does not hold a charge and shuts down again, so it must be towed. The battery has been replaced three separate times by authorized Volvo retailers and the failure keeps recurring, which indicates the underlying cause has not been identified. Component: Electrical system, specifically a suspected parasitic current draw causing complete discharge of the 12V battery. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. Safety risk: The vehicle becomes completely inoperable without warning and has stranded me three times, requiring towing on each occasion. There is no advance indication that the battery is failing. Because the failure is sudden and unpredictable, the vehicle cannot be relied on to start in an emergency or to remain operable, and I have no confidence that a failure will not occur at a time or place that puts occupants at risk. Confirmed by dealer: Yes. Each failure was confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealer, which replaced the battery each time. Repairing dealers include Independence Volvo and University Volvo. The failures occurred in approximately October 2025, approximately March or April 2026, and [date of current failure]. The vehicle is currently at [dealer] for the third occurrence. Inspection by manufacturer or others: Volvo Car USA corporate has not inspected the vehicle. No police or insurance inspection. To my knowledge no dealer has performed or documented a parasitic draw test to locate the source of the discharge. Warning lamps or symptoms: None. There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or symptoms of any kind before any of the three failures. The vehicle operated normally and then would not start. Total days out of service: at least 15 days across the three times
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753962July 31, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety alert audible sounds failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the alerts failed to provide an audible alert. The contact turned off the vehicle and started and the system independently reset. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an unknown software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure became persistent. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen seized. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a still image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753550July 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The bright trim strip along the front edge of the shifter panel in the center console of my 2024 Volvo XC90 has fractured in two places, leaving an exposed jagged edge adjacent to the cupholders. That edge lacerated my fingertip on July 14, 2026 and again on July 25, 2026. On both occasions I was driving the vehicle on a highway and was reaching for a cup in the cupholder, which is ordinary use. The injury bled heavily both times and was a significant distraction while I was operating the vehicle at highway speed. Neither injury required medical treatment. The panel has never been removed, pried, or struck, and no object has been dropped on it. The vehicle has approximately 31,151 miles and was purchased as a Volvo Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in September 2025. It is scheduled for service at an authorized Volvo dealer on July 31, 2026. I have photographs of the fractured trim.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11753548July 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On or about July 6, 2026, I observed water entering the passenger compartment of my 2024 Volvo XC90 at the right rear interior quarter trim panel, visible on opening the tailgate. I reported this to Volvo Car USA Customer Care by telephone the same day and was told the vehicle would need to be brought to an authorized dealer. On July 29, 2026, while I was driving the vehicle on a highway, water dripped from the overhead panel above the rearview mirror, surrounding the interior lights, onto me. After parking, I inspected the vehicle and found, the same day, water again entering at the right rear interior quarter trim panel and, on removing the cargo floor panel, standing water in the spare wheel well together with wet carpet on the cargo floor panel and wet carpet backing and insulation. Water is entering the vehicle at more than one location. I am concerned about water reaching electrical components, including the battery and fuse box compartments located in the cargo area, and about mold in the carpet and insulation. The vehicle has approximately 31,151 miles and was purchased as a Volvo Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in September 2025. It is scheduled for service at an authorized Volvo dealer on July 31, 2026. I have photographs and video of these conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751217July 17, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is my 2nd Volvo xc90. Both models have turbo issues that is costly repairs. Volvo dealership also stated that turbo repairs usually are an issue in Volvo. My first Volvo was 2016 which had a turbo issue. Now my 2022 is now in shop due to turbo and oil spills on inside. There should be a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750273July 14, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2024 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the contact about to exit the vehicle, the vehicle rolled forward unexpectedly and crashed into the vehicle in front. The contact stated that after striking that vehicle, the vehicle independently started reversing and struck a mailbox and some trees. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop until the rear of the vehicle struck the second tree. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. The rear of the vehicle was damaged, and the driver’s side rear wheel was tilted outwards at a 45-degree angle. The contact was taken to the ER and was treated for bruises and pain to the head. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a Collision Repair center by the police, but was not yet inspected. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11749143July 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Component/system: The gear selector system failed, triggering a “Gear Selector Service Required” warning. The vehicle is a plug-in hybrid and remains available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: During the first incident, the vehicle became disabled while being driven, losing the ability to shift gears. This created a risk of being stranded in traffic and loss of vehicle control/mobility on the road. Confirmed by dealer: Yes. The dealer diagnosed a rotary encoder signal failure (DTC: TACM U200902) on the first occurrence and performed a full software update. The same warning recurred a second time; the dealer then replaced the gear selector assembly and start/brake switch module, citing liquid contamination as the cause and charging the owner approximately $1,800 as a customer-pay repair. The same warning recurred a third time only 9 days after that hardware replacement. Inspected by manufacturer: A case was opened with the manufacturer’s corporate customer care team, and the dealer opened an internal technical helpdesk (TIE) case with the manufacturer’s engineering support. However, manufacturer corporate stated it does not have access to the detailed technical findings, which are held by the dealership. Warning signs prior to failure: The “Gear Selector Service Required” message appeared as the first and only warning sign before each of the three incidents, with no other symptoms noted beforehand. Summary: This is the third occurrence of the same gear selector fault within approximately 8 months, despite one software repair and one paid hardware repair. The recurrence 9 days after replacing the allegedly contaminated components raises doubt about whether contamination was the true root cause. No comprehensive engineering root-cause analysis has been completed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742823June 8, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I was parallel parked. I put the vehicle in reverse to pull out. When I’d gone a few feet in reverse I baked and the brakes were HARD and failed to stop the car immediately. I nearly hit the car behind me. He/she honked at me, that’s how close I was. It happened three times. I think in all three incidents I was going in reverse. I had the dealership look at the vehicle but they could not replicate the issue. So they claim that it is safe to drive!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742208June 4, 2026
SEAT BELTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint regarding serious safety concerns with my Volvo vehicle that may affect the safety of my family, especially young children. 1. Second-Row Center Seat Integrated Booster Seat Belt Failure The integrated booster seat belt in the second-row center seat is not functioning properly. The seat belt mechanism appears defective and does not secure the child as intended. This presents a significant safety risk. In the event of sudden braking or an emergency stop, a child could be thrown forward due to the seat belt’s failure to restrain the occupant correctly. This defect creates a serious risk of injury and should be investigated immediately. 2. Recurring Check Engine Light Following Recall Repair / Hybrid Battery Concerns Following a recent Volvo recall repair and/or work related to the hybrid battery system, the vehicle began displaying a recurring check engine warning light. The issue was reported to Weaver Brothers Volvo in Raleigh, North Carolina. The dealership performed repairs or adjustments, and the warning light temporarily disappeared. However, the same issue has returned, raising concerns that the underlying problem was not properly diagnosed or corrected. Given the vehicle’s purchase price of approximately $75,000, I am concerned about the reliability and safety of the vehicle, particularly if the warning light is related to the hybrid battery system, emissions system, or another critical component. Headlight Issue: Headlights provide inadequate illumination during nighttime and rainy conditions, reducing visibility and creating a potential safety hazard. Left Speaker Issue: The left-side speaker intermittently produces static and distorted audio during music playback and hands-free phone calls, causing distraction and affecting communication or music while driving Thank you for your attention to this matte
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736880May 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) on my 2024 Volvo XC90 has experienced repeated total system blackouts, spontaneous power-cycles, and critical thermal failures while operating at highway speeds (46–77 MPH). The IHU displays a "Cooling Infotainment System" critical warning and fails completely, resulting in total loss of the federally mandated rearview/backup camera (FMVSS 111 violation), GPS navigation, and all safety interfaces while in motion. The dealer confirmed the defect and attempted repair twice but only performed software resets rather than hardware replacement. The dealer documented "FIXED FAILED." Failures have continued and worsened after both repair attempts. Video documentation exists for all incidents (Exhibits A–H, dated May 2–7, 2026, odometer 41,900–42,151 miles). The vehicle's own diagnostic system issued a Critical Thermal Warning on the driver cluster while navigating traffic, confirming a hardware cooling defect. Two failures occurred during active driving maneuvers including a reverse maneuver and highway operation on I-20, creating immediate safety risk to the driver and public. The component is available for inspection. The defect has been confirmed by the Volvo dealer. A Texas Lemon Law complaint has been filed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736825May 10, 2026
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
At certain times during the day and evening the rear windows are hazy and sometimes hard to see out of.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736039May 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving on highway. Selected another route on map, but the screen lagged in response. Screen then went dark, shut off electronics on dashboard and infotainment, and AC turned off; seems like car also slowed down. Able to pull over and wait for everything to restart. Safety put at risk: sudden change in environment causing attention to shift to safely getting off road incase car shut off entirely. Previously: Infotainment has been off at start-up before; never had this problem while driving, though. One incident in drive-thru where I pressed infotainment and whole car shut off. Vehicle has been taken to dealership services for annual and as needed, codes have been ran extensively, and no faults have been found. The concerning incident occurred an hour ago so I have not brought to dealership yet, but seeing online that the problem is not just with my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735479May 4, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The electrical/infotainment display failure causes the factory rearview camera image not to display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The center infotainment display on my 2022 Volvo XC90 intermittently goes completely black and remains inoperable for days at a time. When the screen is black, the factory rearview camera image does not display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. All sound, including warning signals, is inoperable. Climate controls are also inaccessible through the screen, and inoperable. This has happened repeatedly: the screen goes dark for several days, returns temporarily, then goes dark again. The failure affects rear visibility during backing events and creates a safety risk because the driver cannot see the rear camera image. I brought the vehicle to a Volvo dealer. The dealer stated that the infotainment head unit must be replaced and quoted approximately $4,000 to replace it with the same non-Google system. Volvo corporate denied assistance. I believe this is a safety-related defect because the failed infotainment display disables the rearview camera function.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734492April 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The accident avoidance system engaged during a 55mph drive on a divided 4 lane road. no other cars on road, no animals. Car swerved sharply to left half way into left lane and brakes engaged sharply, enough that driver and passenger in front went forward. after clearing warning, and proceeding down the road a few hundred feet, same thing happened. Has also occurred during navigation of a sharp curve, possible due to picking up a small reflection sign well off road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732913April 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving, I experienced a sudden loss of braking assist with no warning. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, accompanied by a hissing/air sound. Despite applying full pressure, the vehicle did not slow as expected and continued moving. At one point, after stopping, the vehicle began to move forward again while my foot remained firmly on the brake. The issue occurred immediately upon or shortly after starting the vehicle, with no prior warning indicators. This created a serious safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731827April 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A software update (version 5.0.5) was complete on my 2024 Volvo XC90 at the end of March. The software was marketed in emails to have an enhanced infotainment display to support a safer experience. Since the upgrade, I have experienced the opposite of enhanced safety. My infotainment screen and dash displays randomly go black and it restarts itself several times a day while driving. In addition to that, the blinkers malfunction when this happens. The most important safety issue is navigation outage on the displays. The inability to rely on the Google maps navigation within Volvo, or within CarPlay, results in my having to use my phone to input and view directions, taking my eyes off the road. It also disables to cameras when I need them. On 3/31 I emailed my sales rep asking if he'd heard of others having this complaint, he did not appear to be aware and asked me to make an appt with service center. I brought the car to Volvo on 4/2 where the service check-in employees did mention they were seeing many cars coming in with the same concerns. The technician was not able to confirm the issue but said they would contact Corporate and let me know of a response, which was 15 days ago. According to online searches, multiple other Volvo drivers are experiencing the same. Since we have become so dependent on the driver assistance features, and this issue is now occurring, I have become a nervous driver in a brand of car that is marketed as one of the safest vehicles in the world. I get worried that my BLISS or lane assistance or other driver assisted features will malfunction as well. No notifications from Volvo have been received thus far. I have not contacted the Corporate offices of Volvo yet. Please take this safety issue seriously.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729554April 6, 2026
TIRES
The original OEM tires on a 2025 Volvo XC90 (purchased new in March 2025) failed prematurely due to what appears to be a manufacturing defect. Tire size: [e.g. 275/45R20]. Brand: [e.g. Pirelli Scorpion]. DOT: 193 7B594P 1924 (manufactured week 19 of 2024). The vehicle's original tires were removed in November 2025 for winter tire installation, at which point the odometer showed 6,808 miles. The tires were stored indoors in bags and never used again until April 2026, when a professional tire shop (Discount Tire) refused to remount them on the vehicle citing unsafe condition. The tires exhibit severe sidewall bulging, starburst cracking indicating internal structural failure, and at least one tire shows a deep gash with internal steel cords exposed. Three of the four original tires are affected. The fourth original tire was replaced in June 2025 after it failed during normal highway driving - the cause was attributed to a road hazard at the time but is now believed to be the same underlying defect. The replacement tire (a different unit purchased separately) shows no defects whatsoever. The safety risk is significant: three tires with structural sidewall failure were on an active vehicle for the first 6,808 miles of its life, including at highway speeds. One tire experienced an in-service failure. The remaining three deteriorated to the point a professional installer deemed them unsafe to mount. The failed tires are available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by an independent tire service center (Discount Tire) who refused to install due to safety concerns. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the tires. There were no warning lamps or prior symptoms before the June 2025 in-service failure, and no visible signs of the sidewall damage were observed until the tires were removed from storage in April 2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728623April 1, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unintentional acceleration.First, I was in line at car wash proceeding slowly ahead as directed in line. Foot on accelerator lightly moving, when car surged rapidly hitting back end of Tesla about 6-8 ft ahead (2/26/26 12:30pm) Impact strong enough to push Tesla into truck hitch damaging it front of it as well. Applied brake, but impact was too rapid. Second incident with my Volvo was a month later(3/22/26 about 10:30 am) and my husband was driving. . Made right turn on green light and started to accelerate when it revived and surged forward until applied brake. Dealer could not replicate. No codes but repair shop had to recalibrate after 1st incident and may have lost code on 1st incident(wreck). Now that insurance knows what happened, I don't know if they will intervene. hopefully. No warnings went off or messages. Airbag did not deploy. I believe that this is an unintentional acceleration, especially occurring twice now. Dealership says car is safe and they will monitor. I guess it means when we have another incident. Hopefully not fatal to us or anyone else. Dealer says it is a transition from hybrid electric to gas. But I have had this car 4yrs10months and this never happened until now. And the transition never has thrown me back in my seat or had the engine rev. The battery was replaced last August because of bad cell and recall on it for fire hazard. Maybe this could have an affect. On first incident I was in shock so thought maybe in hit accelerator instead of break, but when second incident occurred and it was exactly like first except no collision. Thatshow I originally reported to insurance and police as my fault. But that's not true. Now I called insurance to report dual incidents, two different drivers with unintentional acceleration. SR-1 filed
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728493April 1, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The car recently received a 5.05 update of the infotainment system. Since then, the infotainment system would be shut off and auto-restarts itself during driving every 10 or 15 minutes. The car would lose all the functions related to the infotainment system, such as the camera, navigation, sound and air conditioning for a few minutes during driving. It is dangerous that this would happen randomly and so frequently. This incident has been reported by many Volvo car owners in the past few days since the update, and the dealer didn't fix the problem. We are going to a dealer two days later but don't have much hope for the fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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