Volvo XC90 Complaints

1,540 consumer complaints on file.

#11670512July 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a safety defect related to the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) in my 2017 Volvo XC90. The VCM is critical for emergency communications, including automatic crash notification and location sharing with emergency responders. This function is vital for occupant safety in the event of an accident. My VCM was serviced at an authorized Volvo dealer in Natick, MA in December 2024 due to intermittent connectivity issues. Despite this recent service, the VCM completely failed in mid-April 2025. When the module fails, the vehicle loses the ability to automatically contact emergency services and transmit its location after a crash, significantly increasing the risk of delayed or absent emergency response. I am aware that Volvo previously issued Safety Recall R39917 for 2017–2019 XC90s regarding VCM software errors that could prevent GPS location from being sent to emergency personnel. Volvo has refused to cover the repair, even though the failure directly impacts a safety-critical system that was already subject to a recall. This failure compromises the car’s core safety promise and leaves occupants at risk in emergencies. I urge NHTSA to investigate ongoing VCM failures in these vehicles, as the repairs have not resolved all safety concerns. Volvo should be required to address these failures to ensure driver and passenger safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669265June 25, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
While in Reverse and in progress of backing out of a parking space, the live video feed of the rear-view camera froze. I did not realize the screen on the dashboard had frozen until I had already backed up several feet. Once I realized the video feed was a frozen, I stepped on the brake. This frozen video feed caused me to briefly back out of my parking spot blind and unaware if the area behind the car was safe. This was the second occurrence of this happening, after already having received a software update several weeks ago at the local Volvo dealership for a different recall notice to address the rear-view camera screen displaying "Camera Not Available" when in Reverse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668705June 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a complaint against Volvo Car USA for unresolved defects in my 2023 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge, purchased in Indiana. The vehicle’s control systems—infotainment, climate control, navigation, backup camera, and reverse braking—are defective, impairing its use, value, and safety, despite maintenance and updates. Study and searches on owner forums and social media discovered that those issues are widespread among the 2023 model year of Volvo XC-90 T8. Issues: Backup camera often shows “unavailable” when reversing, posing safety risks. -Volvo did a software recall in May, 2025. The issue seemed largely resolved. Automatic reverse braking (ARB) falsely triggers, causing abrupt stops. No permanent adjustment exists. -The issue persists even after multiple software updates including the recall mentioned above. The false ARB activations made drivers and passengers traumatized and panicked for "hitting or being hit by other vehicles or objects. Infotainment and climate control system lags (5+ minutes to respond), displays errors, and is unreliable. That became a bigger problem during inclement weather that driver and passengers may suffer injury from the extreme cold or hot conditions for a long period of time. This is even more dangerous when there are elderlies, pregnant women, or children in the vehicle. This issue was not resolved even after multiple software updates. Further research indicated the issue was not only from software but also from hardware (including but not limited to the CPU chips, RAM, etc. LTE connection is unstable 50% of the time, affecting navigation or emergency assistance. Volvo uses safety and emergency assistance as one of the selling points for its vehicles. However, the instability of its LTE connection makes the "SOS call" unreliable or not functional when customers are in danger. Even after multiple visits of Volvo dealer and contact of Volvo customer care, there is no solution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668145June 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo XC90. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V179000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666445June 12, 2025
WHEELS
I am filing this report regarding a serious and potentially dangerous issue with my 2025 Volvo XC90 (VIN: [XXX]), purchased new on [XXX]. On [XXX], with only 4,516 miles, I experienced a sudden and unexplained drop in tire pressure while driving. I pulled over safely, replaced the flat with a temporary tire, and took it to a local tire shop. The technician informed me that the rear passenger-side rim had a severe internal crack on the inside barrel, causing an air leak. There was no visible damage to the tire, no pothole impact, no curb hit—only a clean break in the rim, which suggests a possible structural or manufacturing defect. I immediately brought the car to the original dealership (Volvo Cars Clear Lake in Friendswood, TX), where Service Advisor Jared Black dismissed my concern and refused to cover the repair under warranty, claiming the rim must have hit a rock. I disagreed and requested documentation of this finding, but Mr. Black initially refused to provide the inspection report. After persistent arguing and a 5-hour wait at the service center, I was finally given a report showing a $2,338.99 wheel replacement recommendation, not covered by warranty. I bought a Volvo for its safety reputation, but this rim cracked under normal driving conditions and low mileage. A failure like this at highway speeds could have been catastrophic. I believe this warrants an official safety investigation to determine whether other 2025 Volvo XC90 rims may be at risk of similar failure. Please investigate. I have documentation available and am willing to provide additional information. 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
#11664156June 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Emergency Flashers on occasion and randomly malfunctions with the red triangle button flashing but the green arrows intermittently blink on the dash screen and the ticking sound also intermittently working. I have a video clip of the issue but can’t upload on this webpage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664155June 1, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Rear view camera sometimes does not display on the infotainment screen even though the car is in Reverse. The display message is “Camera is temporarily unavailable”. I have yet to receive a recall notice. This issues makes backing up very dangerous!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663618May 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
Vehicle started experiencing stalling and when trying to accelerate it would not pick up on speed, I have been quoted by Volvo that the supercharger is bad on a car that is only 6 years old. That repair for this is $2,000 as the engine valve also has to get cleaned out. The vehicle started having issue with AC after 2 years and now the front evaporator has gone bad and with summer Time is when I realized of this defect. $5,000 repair for the evaporator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663103May 27, 2025
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the A/C unit failed to operate as needed, causing the HVAC system to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, which showed that the evaporator core inside the HVAC system was cracked and needed to be replaced. The contact attempted to have the part replaced; however, the contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663205May 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The back door, or liftgate, closes automatically (without me pressing the close button). This is inconsistent, as it doesn't happen all the time. Each time the car has been off, and maybe it's on some kind of timer. It's happened 3 times, at random, where each time it caught me off guard. One time it hit me on the back of the head. The next time my kids were sitting in the back and I had to yell for them to tuck their legs inside. The third time, was just last week, and I had to run out from under it. There is no beeping or warning, and I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before it causes serious injury. I've had this vehicle for about 12 months, and it's only happened 3 times, but I can't figure out what the causes it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11662431May 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. When the air condition is turned on there is knocking/banging/thumping noise. It starts with a whinning noise and then gets thumping noise and then starts again with a whinning noise followed my a thumping noise. It can go over 15 to 20 mins and then stops and restarts again. Yes, it can easily be reproduced. 2. The whinning and thumping noise while the car is driving can cause a safety issue where something could explode (the way it sounds) or air condition can simply not working as we approach summer. 3. Yes, its been reproduced, I've sent them the videos, i was at the dealership to reproduce and they acknowledge there is an issue. Weaver brother volvo had created an internal case to Volvo Technical Assistance, case number: RTS-US831535. The reply was they are aware about this issue and they are investigating it. The issues seems to be on the expansion valve and they are still investigating it. This was dated August 6th, 2024. 4. No warning lamps or messages or other symptoms. June 26th, 2024. The issue was reported to dealer around July, 25th 2024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661570May 16, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
After a software update the backup camera’s field of view is super focused on the tailgate, license plate, and the immediate ground below. This is a safety concern as there have been a few near misses at parking lot speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661326May 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car shut off while driving and rebooted. Was precessed by the infotainment system crashing and then rebooting a minute prior. Car made a sound like a grunting sound right as it shut down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661009May 14, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving downhill at 15 MPH, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would not come to a complete stop as intended. No warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he drove up a hill in order to come to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was left for further diagnosis. The local dealer was not contacted. The air bags were deployed. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related to the failure to an NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V282000 (Back Over Prevention) that was repaired prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659544May 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I picked up the auto in Sweden OSD....the car does not have a owners manual that can be printed or down-loaded. Was informed by VOLVO that it is in the computer on the car and you can use that. You are unable to open the manual while the auto is moving. Was advised that VOLVO does not plan to make a manual available for download or purchase. With today's technology, how can you sell a car with no users manual. I believe this is a major safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658873May 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, approximately one week later, the warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the small coolant hose was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658368May 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting multiple critical component failures on my 2017 Volvo XC90, which I believe represent potential design or manufacturing defects related to vehicle safety and reliability. At approximately 93,000 miles, my Volvo XC90 experienced a battery failure, thermostat failure, which did not resolve the vehicle's engine issues. Subsequently, the dealership diagnosed a failed Engine Control Module (ECM), requiring complete replacement at a cost of over $5,000. The ECM is a critical motherboard component responsible for engine control and vehicle safety operations. Its failure risks sudden engine malfunction, stalling, or loss of power while driving, which could cause unsafe conditions. I am concerned that multiple major component failures, especially in a premium brand vehicle under 100,000 miles and less than 10 years old, represent a systemic reliability issue. These failures occurred despite regular maintenance and responsible usage. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether similar cases exist for 2016–2018 Volvo XC90 models involving premature ECM or engine cooling, electrical, short circuit system failures. I am available to provide service records and additional documentation as needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658023April 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The instrument panel just stopped working. Our safety and the safety of others was/is put at risk because you are unable to see how fast you are going in the car. It also doesn’t let us know how much gas we have left in the gas tank so if the car just stalled out on a highway, it could cause a major safety issue. This is also where cruise control is run from. It’s also the panel where any and all vehicle warnings would show up so if there’s another issue in the car, we are unable to see it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657576April 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
While actively driving into an intersection, driving on the street and or stopped at a light or at a stop the vehicle will shut off, the lights on the dashboard will sometimes be on, other times go completely black, a notification pops up on the dashboard saying "engine not in P". There is no way I'm aware of to re create this action. My children's safety as well as mine has been put at significant risk and in harms way as well as others due to the severity and nature of this unexpected risk while driving on the freeway, through intersections and in general driving through traffic and busy streets. I've had multiple close calls of almost being hit when the car stopped while I'm driving with my children. The problem has yet to be reproduced by the dealer at this time however we have photos and video of it's ongoing safety concern. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer nor police but is currently at the dealer undergoing inspection. There has not been any notifications or warnings prior to any one of these serious events, the message only comes up when the car is off and won't go.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655857April 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The LED instrument panel will intermittently flicker or in some cases completely go out for extended periods of time making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The instrument panel in these instances is completely unusable and the driver is unable to see critical vehicle information such as speed, any warnings lamps or caution messages, remaining fuel, etc. This is obviously a massive safety issue for anyone in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Volvo dealership, who acknowledged that this is a pervasive problem and performed an inspection per our request. We were informed that the entire instrument panel would need to be replaced but were not given any explanation as to what caused the issue. Additionally, the part is marked as backordered with no known arrival date, effectively making our car unusable in a safe condition. We as the owners should not be responsible for rectifying this safety issue and the component(s) responsible for this should be covered under a recall notice with the cost / burden placed on the manufacturer, not the consumer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Volvo XC90