Volvo XC90 Complaints

1,540 consumer complaints on file.

#11756005August 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the window power switch was enabled; however, the window switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the rear-view camera, the door switch, and the air conditioner failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact became aware of water on the front passenger’s side floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
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
#11752094July 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid has been out of service for 78+ days due to a hybrid battery defect covered under an active manufacturer warranty (Claim Type XXX, valid through XXX). The vehicle was towed to Volvo Cars Arrowhead (Glendale, AZ) on XXX after a hybrid battery failure. The dealer confirmed in writing on XXX that multiple hybrid components require replacement and that parts are on extended backorder, and that Volvo Cars USA had authorized a rental vehicle because a loaner could not be offered "for an indefinite period of time." On approximately XXX, my service advisor advised me by phone that more than 700 vehicles nationally are waiting on the same backordered part and that the repair has no estimated completion date. I sent a formal written demand to Volvo Car USA ([XXX]) on XXX requesting repair by a firm date, a replacement vehicle, or repurchase. Volvo did not respond within the stated 14-day deadline or at any point thereafter. The defect appears related to NHTSA's existing recall action on 2020–2022 Volvo plug-in hybrid vehicles for high-voltage battery thermal runaway risk. I am filing this complaint to add to the federal record on this recall and to document Volvo's failure to repair an affected vehicle within a reasonable time or provide any remedy despite formal demand. 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
#11751100July 17, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Piston rings inside the engine failed due to a known oil consumption issue with this model vehicle. The engine failed while the car was driving 85 mph and consequently slowed down to 15mph on the highway, leaving the owner of the car stranded alone on the highway. Volvo has a known fix for this issue and there was a class action lawsuit for it, but since it was settled, there was no recall. This is, in fact, a dangerous issue that is preventable. Additionally, the sunroof drains also leak. Water frequently leaks down the A-pillar directly onto the Central Electronic Module (CEM) causing unsafe electrical issues and potential engine failure. This was a known issue on other models, but it is also present in this model vehicle. When I tried to fix this under a warranty contract, I was denied by the certified repair shops.
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
#11749955July 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The air conditioning evaporator core has been widely known to freeze and crack on 2016-2021 models of the xc90 which sends toxic refrigerant smell thru the vents. This is a big safety hazard and should be recalled. Volvo knows about this but only does a goodwill repair to loyal customers who purchased the vehicle new and have all service records from the dealership. This is a $4000 repair for everyone else for a manufacturer defect and safety issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749713July 11, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Spark plugs, fuel injectors, cylinders and cylinder walls, pistons, oxygen sensor. Our safety was put at risk because the vehicles "reduced performance" was triggered and it affected the acceleration of the vehicle. The Volvo dealership was able to reproduce the issue because of the engine misfires.The only alert we received was the day prior our engine needed a liter of oil. We topped off the oil and that alert went away. The day we had the reduced performance we were alerted of that at the time on the highway. It's a little turtle icon. We were not able to accelerate efficiently and it was definitely unsafe to be driving but we had to get home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749584July 10, 2026
VISIBILITY, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and or while the vehicle was parked, the A/C unit became inoperable, and the defogger failed to clear the front windshield. The contact stated that the A/C was shifted to the MAX setting to operate as needed to defrost the windshield with an abnormal odor blowing through the vents. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the front evaporator core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749074July 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The AC evaporator has a leak. I am reporting as this is a well known issue on the Volvo's, especially the 2016 XC90 which has a large amount of issues that cause issues of safety and undue amount of financial burden on owners who operate the vehicle in normal conditions. I have been told by the dealer after they repaired a another issue of the engine (8 times this vehcile has been in for repair on engine issues that are due to a block issue) the ac evaporator is well known by Volvo to be poorly designed and manufatcurered where they last under ten years. I have asked dealers and mechainc shops who see dozens a week of these repairs needed. The avergae cost I have been quote is $4000 for repair and the volvo service dealer I could told me, these keep the shop going. There is no way that this is not a issue to the public that puts a undue burden to owners, one that Volvo HQ in USA acknowledges is a issue but is not required to do anything.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
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
#11748675July 7, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
VIN: [XXX] •Make/Model/Year: 2018 Volvo XC90 •Mileage at time of each incident (58,385 / 58,480 / 68,261) •Approximate dates of each incident Vehicle has experienced recurring brake system failures. First, a seized rear brake caliper (Sept 2025) requiring caliper/rotor/pad replacement. Four days later, brake pedal became stiff and hard to depress; brake booster diagnosed as internally failed and replaced. Approximately 9 months and 9,800 miles later, vehicle experienced complete loss of braking ability while driving — brake pedal would not stop the vehicle, driver had to use the parking brake to stop, vehicle was towed to dealer. All repairs performed at authorized Volvo dealer. This is a repeat failure of the same brake system after a documented repair. 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
#11746768June 26, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2016 Volvo XC90 suddenly lost power while I was driving, requiring me to pull over and have the vehicle towed. This is a documented safety issue associated with a known piston ring defect in 2013-2016 Volvo vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.5L engines, which was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit ([XXX] et al. v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Case No. XXX, filed XXX. No there we NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I purchased this vehicle as a second owner from Carvana [XXX] — one month after the class action was filed. I was never notified of the defect, the litigation, or any service campaign or extended warranty coverage associated with this VIN, through Carvana nor Volvo. Since the power loss, I have spent $11,543.75 in out-of-pocket repairs (replacement engine, labor, towing). Despite a new engine being installed, the vehicle enters limp mode within one mile of driving. A Volvo-authorized dealer has quoted an additional $19,959.65 in repairs without certifying that the work will resolve the safety issue. Volvo Customer Care has declined to assist, stating their internal service campaign has concluded. I am submitting this safety complaint because sudden, unexplained power loss in a moving vehicle is a significant safety hazard, and because second owners of affected vehicles were never properly notified of the defect. I never knew nor was this disclosed to me before purchase from Carvana nor told to me by Volvo. I was in the middle of nowhere and I was not sure what to do and being a single woman, I was unsafe and scared. What ever this issue is Volvo and the dealer in South Dakota (where it is parked right now) as I had it towed on June 5th, and they don't want to help nor fix my vehicle. I need my catering business vehicle as this is a very concerning for my loss of use for over a year now for my catering part of my business. 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
#11746058June 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV. On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] CT, the vehicle experienced a sudden multi-system safety and actual brake failure while in a parking-lot/low-speed setting near [XXX} in Austin, Texas. The vehicle displayed multiple urgent warning messages and indicators, including power steering failure / stop safely, brake/ABS warning, SRS airbag service urgent warning, stability/traction warning, battery/electrical warning, check-engine warning, and tire-pressure warning. The vehicle ended in an irregular/distressed parking position after trying to locate a concrete block to force stop the car due to ABSOLUTE BRAKE FAILURE, E BRAKE SEEMED TO NOT WORK EITHER. The concern is not simply that a warning light appeared. The event involved steering, braking, airbag/SRS, stability, and electrical warnings at the same time, making the vehicle unsafe to operate AND SOMEHOW THE BRAKES WEREN’T OPERATING DUE TO THE LACK OF FUNCITONING. Photos were taken of the warning messages and vehicle position. Prior related history: This vehicle has prior safety-system history involving SRS Airbag Service Urgent warnings and braking/vehicle malfunction and movement concerns. Earlier review and discussion involved Volvo engineering, VDDM replacement, CAN/network concerns, calibration requirements, voltage/12V battery considerations, software/module updates, and post-repair validation. The VDDM is understood to participate in vehicle dynamics, stability control, brake coordination, and PHEV regenerative/hydraulic brake interaction. Prior documentation also raised concern that intermittent brake, SRS, VDDM, CAN, and calibration issues may not reproduce during a short dealer test drive. Safety risk: The safety risk is that the vehicle may experience sudden or intermittent loss, degradation, or warning of systems involved in steering, braking, stability control, and airbag readiness. A simultaneous power steeri INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744366June 16, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
At approximately 6:30 PM, after normal driving and parking at a local park, our family was unloading children from the vehicle. One child was standing next to the vehicle while we removed a younger child from the rear seat. The child suddenly screamed and stated that he had burned himself. We later determined that he had accidentally come into contact with the exterior exhaust outlet. As we continued walking, we noticed the injury was more severe than initially believed. We took photographs of the burn and later sought medical evaluation. The physician determined that the injury was a second-degree burn due to blistering and provided treatment recommendations. The vehicle was operating normally, and there were no warning lights, messages, or signs of a malfunction before the incident. The concern is that the exposed exhaust outlet becomes hot enough during normal vehicle operation to cause a serious burn from brief accidental contact. We believe the location and accessibility of the exhaust outlet may present a burn hazard, especially to children during routine loading and unloading activities around the vehicle. The vehicle and photographs are available for inspection. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or a dealer regarding this incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11744495June 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid experienced a catastrophic, premature component failure of the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) propulsion system while driving. The ERAD unit suffered a total failure of internal bearings and sensors, completely disabling the electric rear wheel propulsion system and suddenly forcing the vehicle into a reduced-power "limp mode" on the road. This sudden loss of hybrid propulsion creates an immediate highway safety hazard, removing expected acceleration and vehicle control in traffic. Volvo has documented this exact engineering flaw internally under Technical Journal TJ 36665, recognizing a manufacturing vulnerability in these specific hybrid components. However, the manufacturer is refusing to provide remedy or financial cost-sharing to repair this vital propulsion and safety defect, leaving a hazardous, compromised vehicle on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743566June 11, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly entered LIMP mode and decelerated before stalling. The failure had occurred on two separate occasions. On one occasion, the vehicle did not restart and was towed to the dealer. During the second occurrence, the vehicle was restarted moments later and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that diagnostic trouble codes for fuel delivery system malfunction and low fuel pressure were retrieved; however, the exact cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the fuel tank was half-full during the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,900.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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