Volvo XC90 Complaints (2008)

29 consumer complaints on file.

#11715435February 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SEAT BELTS
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then no lights all of a sudden it happened within 1-2mins vehicle wouldn’t respond while running stopped in middle of road. Didn’t give any warning was even going out. Locks not working right with key fob 1or more locks won’t lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. Steering locked in full turn left/right have to manually turn wheel because it will continue in direction wheel is associated in while moving instead of returning towards middle on its own momentum. Climate control fan not working properly not enough blowing force and ambient temperature sensor for climate control not regulating temperature/doesn’t read correctly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457064March 17, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Well I was at a red light waiting for the light to train green when I stepped on the Excelerator pedal I heard something snapped and the car would not move anymore I try to switch gears and the car would not move at all it would just accelerate the engine will sound like Like if I had the car on Neutral. In any gear I try to shift there was no warning in the vehicle no light turned on the only light that it was turned on was the one with the check engine because of the Cadillac converter but other than that no other lights were coming out or flashing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11242605August 8, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS
2008 VOLVO XC90 V8 HAS BEEN TOWED 3X IN THE PAST MONTH. THE BATTERY HAS COMPLETELY AND INCONSISTENTLY DRAINED. THEY CHECKED RELAY SWITCHES, FUSES, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC. 3X IN THE SHOP! SO FED UP. CAR IS NOW IN SHOP AND I'VE READ THAT VOLVO IS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR BATTERY DRAIN FROM SIRIUS RADIO EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SUBSCRIPTION. THEY ARE CHARGING ME $135 TO DIAGNOSE AT VOLVO RIGHT NOW. IT HASN'T BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THAT IS THE PROBLEM YET, BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER IS INCLINED TO THINK THAT'S WHAT IT IS. CLEARLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO GOT STUCK COMPLETELY IN DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THEN IT WOULDN'T WORK AT ALL. HAVING DOOR OPENING PROBLEMS ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND I'M JUST SUPER FRUSTRATED. THIS HAS AFFECTED MY BUSINESS AND SEEING CUSTOMERS, ETC.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11240483July 29, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING ROUGH 1-2 GEAR AND 5 TO 6 GEAR. THE DOWNSHIFT FROM 3-2 AND 2-1 IS REALLY ROUGH. I HAVE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED, EVEN ON THESE OLDER VOLVO'S.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11217502June 3, 2019
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH FAILED TO RESPOND. THE DRIVER VEERED OFF TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ONTO DASH PRIOR TO OR AFTER VEHICLE LOST POWER. NOTICED UNDER THE HOOD WAS SMOKING. THE DRIVER GOT OUT THE VEHICLE AND CALLED FOR HELP, WITHIN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED DUE TO NO INJURIES BEING REPORTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT AND INSTRUCTED US THERE WAS NOT ANY REASON TO CALL LOCAL POLICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY A LOCAL TOWING COMPANY ON A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HER DAUGHTER GOT HER ALTERNATOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER, VOLVO WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ARE PERFORMING A FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON THE CAR FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT*JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11186347March 13, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BOUGHT OUR 2008 VOLVO XC90 IN 2010. LAST SPRING WE NOTICED A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUT SIDE THE VEHICLE THAT BECAME STRONGER THE MORE WE DROVE IT AND FOR SOME TIME AFTER IT WAS PARKED. LOOKED IT UP ON U-TUBE, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT (FUEL PUMP) UNDER THE BACK SEAT LEAKS OVER TIME ESPECIALLY IN HOTTER CLIMATES. THERE WERE SEVERAL DIFFERENT COMPLAINTS ON LINE DUE TO THIS SAME ISSUE, CONCLUDING A DEFECTIVE PART ON THE FUEL PUMP THAT FORMS A CRACK ON TOP AND LEAKS FUEL WHEN VEHICLE IS IN USE.. CALLED VOLVO MAIN OFFICE, GAVE THEM THE VIN # AND THEY SAID "NO, NOT ANY LIST !!" SO WE TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST VOLVO DEALER IN LAS VEGAS, ALL MOST 2 HOURS AWAY. WE ALSO WANTED TO KNOW WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS YELLOW. TURNS OUT THAT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND THEY WOULD GLADLY REPLACE IT FOR $487.00 BUT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO THE WORK UNTIL OUR NEXT VISIT-HAD TO ORDER THE NEW PUMP. THEY HAD US SIGN A WAIVER BEFORE WE LEFT BECAUSE THEY " RECOMMEND VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE" HAVE MY COPY IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK THE NEXT WEEK AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF , WE PAID THE $487.00 AND THEY GAVE US A WARRANTY ON THE NEW FUEL PUMP FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR . THEY WERE VERY NICE AND PROFESSIONAL. MY QUESTION IS WHY DID WE HAVE TO PAY $480. 00 FOR A PART THAT WAS FAULTY?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11123204August 29, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FAN CONTROL MODULE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. LOSS OF COOLING SYSTEM FUNCTION AND ENGINE OVERHEATS. AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. MECHANIC HAS CONFIRMED IT IS THE FAN CONTROL MODULE THAT IS FAILING. SAME YEAR DIFFERENT VEHICLES HAVE SAME ISSUES IN CASE # NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V218000 N/A
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11112482July 19, 2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), ENGINE, STEERING
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND THE STEERING LOCKED. I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY SIGNALS AND THE BIG RIGS BEHIND ME BLEW THEIR HORNS. THEY WERE GETTING CLOSER TO ME BECAUSE I WAS DECELERATING AT A RATE THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLISSION. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO AN EMERGENCY LANE WHILE THEY WENT WHIPPING PAST ME. THE VOLVO SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE HAD HEARD OF A SIMILAR SITUATION BEFORE. IN AN EMAIL TO ME HE STATED THAT "THE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS GIVING A FAULTS READING, OF EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE. WHEN THE PEM SAW THE FAULTS READING, IT CUT THE FUEL TO THE ENGINE AS IT THOUGHT IT WAS WAY OVER PRESSURIZED." I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT NOBODY WAS SEVERALLY INJURED OR KILLED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10925566November 11, 2016
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I OWN A 2008 XC90 WITH ONLY 21000 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING, WITH MY CHILD IN MY CAR, I RECEIVED A MESSAGE "REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE" AND MY CAR STARTED SPUTTERING. I BARELY MADE IT HOME, GOING OVER A SMALL HILL WAS A STRUGGLE. MIND YOU, THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT AND I WAS SCARED TO DEATH THAT I WAS GOING TO BE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY CHILD. I HAVE READ ON FORUMS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER CUSTOMERS AND VOLVO CURRENTLY HAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR ETM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN ON THE VOLVO SITE NOTHING CAME UP. THIS IS MY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THIS GETS RESOLVED QUICKLY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10893158August 4, 2016
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND JUMPSTARTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR TWO YEARS AND CONTINUED. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AJAR MESSAGE DISPLAYED EVEN THOUGH THE DOORS WERE CLOSED IN A SECURED POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE CHILD LOCK FAULT MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED AND PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,580.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10764087September 16, 2015
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT CYLINDER THREE AND SIX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10763876September 15, 2015
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A SHAKING MOTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10731685July 2, 2015
POWER TRAIN
LOUD CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC TO BE DRIVE AXLES WARN OUT, WITH RELATIVELY LOW LOW MILES I CONTACTED VOLVO DEALER AND WOULD DO NOTHING BUT CHARGE FOR REPLACEMENTS AND FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. PREMATURE FAILURE OF DRIVE AXLES CAN CREATE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING INCIDENT. WHICH IS WHY I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT . IT SEEMS THAT ALL THESE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER EVERYWHERE WHICH MAKES ME THINK THERE MUST BE A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10713615April 29, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION KEY WHEN INSERTED WILL NOT TURN TO UNLOCK THE STEERING COLUMN. THE STEERING COLUMN REMAINS LOCKED UNTIL IT FOR SOME REASON UNEXPLAINED RELEASES SO YOU CAN START THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT HAS A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10654519November 12, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE YAW SENSORS A AND D NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,320.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10587582May 10, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10/30/2013...FAILED IGNITION LOCK SWITCH AT 31769 MILES, IN GARAGE, NO WARNING RESULTING IN HAVING TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, PART INVESTIGATED ORDERED AND ULTIMATELY REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER 600$ AS WELL AS THE COST OF A RENTAL VEHICLE FOR A WEEK BECAUSE PART NEEDED TO BE ORDERED AND SHIPPED TO DEALER. ADDITIONAL RENTAL COST AT JUST OVER 200$. FOLLOWED BY STARTER SWITCH BEHIND THE IGNITION LOCK SWITCH FAILING ON 4/08/2014 DIAGNOSED AT DEALERSHIP, PART NEEDING TO BE ORDERED AND THEN INSTALLED 4/22/2014. A COST OF 165$, MILEAGE AT THIS REPLACEMENT WAS 34332. AFTER WHICH I CONTACTED THE VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT AND SENT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION TO SEE IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE/ PART. I WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM. THEY ALSO SAID THAT ON A VEHICLE THAT AGE AN MILEAGE I SHOULD EXPECT SOME MAINTENANCE ISSUES. I KEEP MY VEHICLE MAINTAINED AND CHECKED ON A REGULAR BASIS. HAVING SPOKEN TO THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND AN VEHICLE MECHANIC THAT HAS 2 VOLVOS THEY BOTH SAID THEY HAVE PERSONALLY HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION LOCK SWITCH, ONCE WHEN DRIVING. VOLVO OFFERED TO REIMBURSE ME UP TO 30% OF COST OF PART/S UP TO 200$. I NEEDED TO SEND IN DOCUMENTATION AND COPIES OF WORK COMPLETED. MY CONCERN IS THAT IN LIGHT OF THE IGNITION ISSUES WITH GM THAT HAVE BEEN ONGOING FOR 5 YEARS...IS THIS THE SAME THING JUST NOT IDENTIFIED AS OF YET AND IF THE VOLVO CORPORATION DOES REIMBURSE A PORTION OF MY OUTPUT TO FIX THE IGNITION CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL LEAD THEM TO NOT ALLOW ANY RIGHTS TO OWNERS IF THIS BECOMES A RECALL/ LEGAL ISSUE? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10550270October 30, 2013
POWER TRAIN
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION/SHAKING IN THE DRIVE TRAIN OF A V8 ENGINE XC90 DURING LIGHT/MODERATE ACCELERATION (SEVERE SHAKING DURING FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION). ACCORDING TO A NUMBER OF VOLVO DEALER SERVICE ADVISORS, THIS VIBRATION/SHAKING HAS BEEN A 'MAJOR ISSUE' CAUSED BY FAILING RIGHT SIDE FRONT AXLES (350.00) &/OR FAILING TRANSMISSION VALVE BODIES ($3500.00). GIVEN THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR MECHANICAL FLAW ACCORDING TO VOLVO DEALER SERVICE, WHY HASN'T THESE DANGEROUS DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES BEEN ADDRESSED AS A MANDATORY RECALL?? *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10537740August 28, 2013
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE SEAT BELTS HAD TO BE RELEASED FROM THE BUCKLE WITH ABNORMAL FORCE. THE SEAT BELTS BUCKLES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10536242August 20, 2013
SEAT BELTS
ADVISED BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE LOCKING MECHANISM TENDED TO HANG-UP. HOWEVER WE DID NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE WE DIDN'T REQUEST REPLACEMENT WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. VEHICLE HAS REGULARLY BEEN MAINTAINED BY VOLVO DEALER AND THEY WERE IN THE KNOW IF THE BELTS WERE BEING RECALLED. WE WERE NOT TOLD. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10521129June 21, 2013
TIRES, TIRES:TREAD/BELT
MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN WITH < 39K MILES ON 2008 VOLVO XC90 HAD A TREAD SEPARATION AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SPEED DURING BUSY DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC NEARLY CREATING AN ACCIDENT FOR ME AND TWO OF MY CHILDREN. VEHICLE DAMAGE CAUSED SOLELY BY THE TIRE FLAILING THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE EXCEEDED $3500. TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE STEEL BELTS AS A CONTINUOUS RING. TREAD LUGS CAN BE PULLED AWAY BY HAND FROM THE LOWER RUBBER THEY APPEAR TO BE BONDED TO AND THIS UNDERNEATH RING OF RUBBER HAD VERY CLEANLY PULLED AWAY FROM THE BELTS. TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. EVIDENCE OF IMPENDING FAILURE WAS NOTED AS I WAS FEELING VIBRATION FROM THE TIRE FOR 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND HAD EVEN STOPPED TO INSPECT THE WHEEL FOR A PROBABLE CAUSE. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE. INTERNET SEARCHING IS CLEARLY SHOWING THAT, FOR THIS MODEL TIRE, THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER THE OVER 250 DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO THE TREAD SEPARATION OF BRIDGESTONE TIRES ON FORD EXPLORERS? I DO. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Volvo XC90