Volvo XC90 Complaints (2018)

52 consumer complaints on file.

#11655729April 21, 2025
ENGINE
The engine coolant bleeder hose in my 2018 Volvo XC90 cracked in the middle of my journey causing a severe coolant leak. This happened in August of 2024 while driving and the engine coolant suddenly started showed warning with low level and the engine started overheating. The vehicle would not accelerate past 20 mph, and the temperature warning light flashed continuously, creating a safety hazard in traffic. The Volvo dealership diagnosed the issue and confirmed that the coolant bleeder on the supercharger is broken and leaking. They replaced the bleeder hose and vacuum fill system. I believe similar issues happened to the 2016 models and a recall was issued for the coolant bleeder hose (part # 32249907-0) to be replaced by Volvo. This has not been recalled for the 2018 models, making it an expensive replacement for me. I urge NHTSA to investigate Volvo XC90 coolant hoses for material defects, as this issue endangers drivers through unexpected breakdowns and engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655417April 18, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The vehicle engine will fail while driving. The electronics reflect the vehicle is still running. Restarting is not immediate and is difficult. This is a known problem that Volvo recalled for 2019/2020 XC90s. Volvo will not diagnose and repair under goodwill despite my repeated attempts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654773April 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The first incidence occurred around [XXX]. I was traveling [XXX] on [XXX] in North Carolina about an hour north of Charlotte. I pulled into a rest area and, upon pressing the brake pedal, heard a bit of a hissing noise and suddenly the brake pedal was extremely hard and the car was very difficult to bring to a stop. I did an online search for what might be wrong and discovered it was likely a brake booster failure. I drove the car onto Charlotte, carefully and with extreme difficulty, and took it to the Swedish Connection, a local Volvo specialist. They confirm the diagnosis and replaced the brake booster. Last night, [XXX], I drove the car down to Pickens South Carolina for work. When I got in to return to Charlotte late at night, I turned the ignition, put the car in reverse, and, with my foot on the brake and waiting to back out of the parking space, I heard that hissing noise again. Sure enough, the brake booster had evidently failed again. I drove the car back to Charlotte, mostly on [XXX], and the electronic braking seemed to work OK under cruise control maintaining speed and distance between other cars in traffic. Of course, driving the vehicle on local roads, through stoplights, and turns was extremely difficult and dangerous. I have returned the car to the same mechanic that repaired the last brake booster. I will be reporting this to Volvo as well, as this is a serious safety issue and defect with my vehicle. The mechanic has confirmed that this has happened in other Volvo XC 90s. The vehicle has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer. 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
#11631071December 16, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2018 Volvo XC90 had repeated water leakage from the panoramic sunroof. In most cases, when the vehicle is parked flat or the front is at a slight angle, water leaks in and collects in the cargo area. It collects into a plastic compartment over the battery located on the right side of the cargo area and/or on top of the rear cargo mat. When the vehicle is moving and it is raining, water leaks in from the rearview mirror, making the entire dash, screen, shifter and both driver and passenger wet. The rain also comes in from the rear right side of the second row making the entire seat or any passenger sitting there wet. Volvo is not acknowledging this defect nor are there any solutions in place. This is extremely concerning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622921October 31, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:INTERIOR
Door handle for drivers side door breaks off into hand. Exiting vehicle made extremely complicated: if window is compromised in any way or lock system is compromised in any way, exit of vehicle is impossible.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602688July 16, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This morning and a few days ago, ice cold water was dripping onto my control display pad and on me. The leakage came from the ourside down the plastic compartment behind my rearview mirror. This was distracting while I was driving since there was now water on me, and it was shorting out and affecting my control display. It would continue to be buggy while driving. I believe this issue is a result from a cracked seal between the windshield and the car body. I have seen other documented cases on volvo forums.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11601082July 11, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear passenger door handle inoperable from both inside and outside the car. A quick google search shows this is a common, well known issue in all 2016 - 2024 and beyond Volvo XC90s. Concerning is this prevents egress from the vehicle in case of emergency. Confirmed issue exists while car is unlocked and child locks deactivated as can be seen in video. Rear driver door works as appropriately, rear passenger fails to open. No warning lights or codes. Issue first appeared 7/10/2024 and persists. Door cannot be opened. Videos available upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11587090May 5, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
On Monday [XXX] I started my car and immediately a warning signal on the dashboard read ENGINE LOW Performance , and the dashboard went black and the engine cut off. The car was then towed to the Glen Cove Volvo. After a diagnostic I was informed the following needed to be replaced - FUEL FILLER PIPE 2) FUEL PRESSURE LOW FUEL indicator 3) the aforementioned replacements will require calibrated software update. . I bought this car brand new and I am the only owner and it has only been serviced by Volvo. This car ONLY has 59, 300 miles. I researched the problem online and noted it was a common problem with the. same make and year of my car and could not understand why there is not a recall for my car, by Volvo for this issue no matter the mileage. I came across correspondence on the internet from [XXX] referencing service action S29843 - fuel tank filler pipe insert was manufactured out of specification for ONLY T8 engines. I reached out to Volvo Car USA customer care and inquired about them covering the cost of the repairs and also informing them that this problem is not only affecting T8 engines. I just received a response for my concern stating THEY ARE SORRY THEY CAN NOT ASSIST ME WITH THIS MATTER. I cannot begin to express how sadden and disappointed in the corporation, to experience their lack of compassion and. concern about their product after I spent thousands of dollars of my hard earned money on this defective car. I have no faith in Volvo and no longer feel safe driving this car. I will tell all my relatives and friends of my experience to save them from Volvo's lack of concern about their CUSTOMERS' safety. This is clearly no wear and tear. There are multiple posts on the internet. There's a case of replacement at 10,000 miles, another case where it was replaced and failed again and the dealer is requesting the owner to pay. This this not right. There should be a recall for the entire system when it fails.-clearly defective INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555413November 16, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Chrome plated trim peels away from the surface on middle console and exterior door handles and is extremely sharp causing deep cuts, seems to be a common and known issue but Volvo will not repairs or address the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549503October 11, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Wipers began to turn on randomly without driver command causing distractions in a vehicle with 38,000 miles. There is a technical service bulletin about this issue (32366). It is known that the wipers will completely fail to work after an unknown, but rather short interval. Failed windshield wipers would render the vehicle unsafe to operate, therefore we elected for Immediate repair. The repair was in excess of $1,500 and the manufacturer refused to pay for the repair out of warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11514415March 29, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
The secondary hood latch release cable is not functioning, preventing the hood from opening. Thousands of owners complaining about that. There is a Volvo Service Bulletin Action but they are pretending to charge for that. Quality bulletin service action: S89651 What can I do?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11514328March 28, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2018 Volvo XC 90 engine light came on with a green turtle light indicating engine impaired performance while I was driving on the NJ Turnpike. I got off the exit, pulled over and the car started to smoke from the right front hood. The smoke worsened and the car went on fire. At that point myself and my 8 year old daughter exited the car. I called the police. The car wsa completely burned. We were lucky to get out of the car safely. I was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, my daughter was ok. The car was inspected by the insurance company and is on hold pending further investigation. He indicated that the fire started in the engine compartment near the dashboard but he could not pinpoint why. The care is available for further inspection, for now. Please contact me if you would like to discuss further. I will provide all the documentation that I have available. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11509748March 1, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after coming to a stop at a stop signal, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to restart, and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the starter motor fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501518January 12, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
The rear doors can inadvertently open in cold when driving down the road without warning. This has happened on a few occasions, even when the dash lights are showing the doors are closed and locked.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499816January 2, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The car starting leaking water into the rear view mirror in June. This wouldn’t be much of an issue, but the cars computer system for drive assist is located in this area and has caused the car to malfunction in all areas. This XC90 pilot assist is now malfunctioning causing a huge safety issue. This is apparently a known problem with their cars with the panoramic sunroof, but is now a safety hazard. The Volvo dealership did not fix the issue and is now happening again effecting all of the electrical system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415659May 8, 2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
CAR SUDDENLY ACTIVATED THE BRAKES, BRINGING IT TO A FULL STOP FROM 35MPH. IT WAS ON A CITY STREET. THERE WAS A 3-WHEELED MOTORCYCLE APPROACHING IN THE ONCOMING LANE, BUT IT WAS CENTERED IN ITS LANE, WITH NO RISK OF COLLISION. WE WERE APPROACHING AN UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION (NO SIGNAL, NO SIGNS) WHEN IT OCCURRED. THE CAR STOPPED SO SUDDENLY THAT THE SHOULDER HARNESSES CAUSED SOME DISCOMFORT. HAD ANYONE BEEN FOLLOWING AT A CLOSE DISTANCE, A REAR-END COLLISION WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKELY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11382704December 7, 2020
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON IN OUR SON'S 2018 VOLVO XC90 ON OCTOBER 14, 2020. WE SELECTED THE VOLVO BRAND SINCE IT IS SYNONYMOUS WITH "SAFETY". *BF I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO VOLVO SERVICE ON OCTOBER 15, 2020 AND LEARNED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL LEAK DETECTION PUMP WAS DAMAGED DUE TO RODENTS CHEWING THROUGH THE WIRING. SAFETY ISSUE #1: THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION UNLESS THE DAMAGE WAS FIXED. LEARNED THAT THE WIRING IS MADE OF A SOY BASED MATERIAL. I DID MY OWN RESEARCH AND LEARNED THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS INSTANCES FOR VOLVO OWNERS AND ACROSS OTHER BRANDS OF RODENTS BEING ATTRACTED TO SOY BASED WIRING AND CAUSING HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE. THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTIES THUS COSTING THE CONSUMER UNNECESSARILY FOR A MATERIAL CHOICE MANUFACTURERS ARE MAKING. SAFETY ISSUE #2: THE REPAIR WAS MADE WITH ANOTHER SOY BASED WIRE. HOW LONG IS THE PROBLEM REALLY FIXED FOR? SAFETY ISSUE #3: IF A FOOD PRODUCT IS BEING USED IN CAR COMPONENTS, THIS BECOMES AN ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE AS ONE CANNOT CONTROL RODENTS BEING ATTRACTED TO IT AND/OR PREDICT THE TYPE OF DAMAGE AND SAFETY ISSUE THEY MAY CAUSE TO A VEHICLE. MY RESEARCH UNCOVERED THAT SOY BASED WIRING HAS BEEN USED FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS. THE ISSUE OF RODENTS HAVING A FEAST ON THESE WIRES CONTINUES, AS SHARED IN ARTICLES BY VOLVO AND OTHER BRAND OWNERS TOO WHICH JEOPARDIZES THE INTEGRITY OF A VEHICLES SAFETY. SAFETY ISSUE #4: IN MY CASE, GIVEN THAT THE FUEL DETECTION PUMP HAS TO DO WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM/EMISSIONS AND FUEL IS WHAT IS NEEDED TO POWER THE CAR, THIS POSED AN ISSUE OF THERE BEING A POWER FAILURE IF THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. I AM LUCKY THE CAR DIDN'T SUDDENLY STOP WHILE DRIVING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11307755February 7, 2020
WHEELS
PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR IS THE TIRES. THAT IS THE MOST SEVER PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. THE AIR IN THE TIRES WORK ON COMPARING THE AIR IN TIRES. IF ONE IS LOW IT SHOWS WHICH ONE IS LOW. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A TIRE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11292570January 2, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES
12,000 MILES ON CAR, REAR BRAKES ARE AT 2MM, FRONT BRAKES 4MM. VOLVO DEALER DOES NOT FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND INSIST THIS IS NORMAL WEAR. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR THAT HAS NEEDED BRAKES SO QUICKLY AND WITH REAR BRAKES FAILING BEFORE THE FRONTS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11257744September 24, 2019
SERVICE BRAKES
EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEARING OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND DISCUSSING WITH OTHER OWNERS, VOLVO IS AWARE THAT THE BRAKES ON THE XC90 PREMATURELY WEAR (AS IN AFTER 1K-20K NEW BRAKES NEEDED ON ALL TIRES). THE LOCAL DEALERS ALL STATE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THEN DEMAND $1,000 TO REPAIR THE BRAKES. VOLVO'S BRAKES AND/OR BRAKING SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS AS THE BRAKES PREMATURELY WEAR OUT COSTING CONSUMERS UNNECESSARY MONEY FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WHEN VOLVO COULD RESOLVE THE ISSUE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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