Equipment Problems of Volvo XC90 - part 1

The camera system when backing up becomes unavailable intermittently. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. System has been updated and restarted but it fails to fix the issue. When it happens it states camera unavailable and service required. Shutting off the vehicle and restarting multiple times sometimes corrects it. Automotive dealer said there is no issue with it. We have pictures of when it happens and the vehicle is available for inspection.

See all problems of the 2020 Volvo XC90 🔎.

As I was driving, the coolant low warning came on. Luckily I was able to pull over safely at a nearby gas station. I found that the coolant expansion tank was empty. The coolant was leaking from the plastic connector on the bleeder hose and was pooling on the top of the engine. There is a recall on 2016 vehicles for this (Volvo campaign r29936) and looks like many are having same issue on 2017 models also. My problem was exactly as described, the part broke, coolant squirts out all over hot engine parts, system coolant level rapidly depletes. Fortunately, this happened in place that allowed safe stopping.

See all problems of the 2017 Volvo XC90 🔎.

On November 5, 2025, while driving my 2017 Volvo Xc90, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of braking assist. When I pressed the brake pedal, I heard a loud hissing noise coming from under the dashboard, and the car would not stop. The brake would not work and the vehicle would not slow or stop unless I stood up and used my full body weight to press it. A licensed mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed this is consistent with loss of vacuum pressure from the brake booster/failure of the vacuum brake booster, the component that provides power assist to the braking system. The booster, brake pump, hose from booster to pump and brake pedal clip were replaced, with an estimated cost of $2,858. The mechanic also advised that this failure is not uncommon in Volvo Xc90 models. After the incident, I researched similar complaints and found numerous reports on NHTSA and [xxx] describing **identical symptoms—hard brake pedal and hissing sound due to vacuum booster failure—* the 2016–2019 Xc90. For example, one owner reported “hard pedal, no assist, hissing sound behind dash” [xxx] , Volvo Xc90 2017 brakes section, accessed Nov 2025). No warning lights or error messages appeared before or during the event. The problem occurred suddenly and without prior symptoms. This defect posed a serious safety risk to me, my passengers, and other drivers, as it severely reduced braking ability and required excessive force to stop the vehicle. Under other conditions, this issue could easily have resulted in a crash. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The sunroof has leaked pouring water into the car. October 29, 2025 this is the second time this has occurred. First flood was January 3, 2023. Volvo covered the first repair done by a Volvo dealership. The current estimate to repair is $13,000 by the Volvo dealer. They have the car. The electronics have not been checked yet or are part of the estimate. It is unsafe to drive a car if the electronics may fail. I have filed a claim with Volvo and to date (42 days) there is no resolution. I cannot drive a car that fills with water when it rains. My daughter has a severe heart defect and cannot be in a car with mold and mildew.

My 2023 Volvo Xc90 was recalled for issues with the backup camera. Software update was installed twice without success. Finally camera was replaced. No success either.

See all problems of the 2023 Volvo XC90 🔎.

My car is a 2022 Volvo hybrid t8, 6-passenger Xc90. I purchased the SUV in August of 2023 as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with only 17,923 miles on it at the time of purchase. This SUV has been fine until within the last two to three months (July-sept. 2025). Now, in sept. Of 2025, my SUV only has 30,795 miles and we have had it serviced regularly, as required, and taken care of it as responsible vehicle owners. Beginning around June or July of 2025, I began seeing the "check engine" light, so I called the dealership where I purchased the vehicle and took it in for servicing. After a day, they said it was fixed and that it was a blown fuse or two, and it was good to go. Not even 3 weeks to a month later, the "check engine" light came on again. I called and took it back to the dealership. Same story, after less than a day they called me back after fixing something else (don't remember off the top of my head what they said it was, but it was allegedly minor). Now, about 3 days ago, sept. Of 2025, I began seeing the "check engine" light again, so for the 3rd time in less than 3 months I arranged for it to be serviced by the dealership again on 9/30. A day later, another "propulsion system/maintenance required!!!" light came on as well, so I called to get servicing sooner because obviously the message is scary. I was told to bring it in, they would "work me in" but had no loaners I could use to get to and from work. So, at that point, I got my husband involved and now no one from the dealership is returning either of our calls, and I'm being told there is no recall on my car, even though a simple google search reveals there is a recall on my same make/model/year SUV. I'm getting the same messages people got about the recall, so no clue why my vehicle isn't considered as part of the recall when I am having the same issues as the recalled vehicles are having. I am beyond frustrated and ready to dump this SUV if they are unable to properly repair it!!!!!.

See all problems of the 2022 Volvo XC90 🔎.

There was always an issue with the car software. On several occasions while driving the entire screen will black out. I would need to pull over immediately so that the screen can be reset manually. Other times the screen is on, but there is no sound, such as my signal lights when switched to left or right will not have any sound, just blinking. Other times, when I back up the car, the cameras will blackout making it impossible to know if there are cars approaching or any pedestrians behind the car. This has happened on multiple occasions since I took the car on oct 15 2023. These issues were brought to the attention of the Volvo dealership where the car is leased, but the problem was never fixed.

Backup camera stopped working during reverse event. Recall did not fix the issue.

While on the highway, the system reported that engine coolant was low and to pull over safely. I pulled into a parking lot and within a couple of minutes the engine burst into flames. The local fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The car is totaled.

Rear evaporator coil (failure) the rear evaporator coil failed on my Volvo Xc90 purchased new at the dealership in 2019. This car only had 27,000 miles on it when the evaporator coil went bad. Refrigerant smells entered the cabin when ac was on while my 2 year old daughter was in the back. Having refrigerant leaking into the cabin is not great for health, especially that of a toddler. Additionally this could have caused an inability to defrost windows creating a safety hazard. All refrigerant leaked out leading to a condition where I had to drive in 90 - 100 degree temperatures with my daughter.

See all problems of the 2019 Volvo XC90 🔎.

The screens and backup camera are repeatedly crashing, even after the recall "fix" from the dealership. This happens multiple times a week.

Several times a month the infotainment system on my car completely freezes. When this happens, my blinkers do not work, my carplay does not work, I cannot use voice commands, I cannot play the radio or answer calls, the backup and parking sensors do not make an audible sound. The only way to fix this is to hold down the home button to restart the entire system which does take a few minutes so not ideal to do while driving. Turning the car off and back on does not even fix it. This is an extreme safety issue, as when this happens I am driving without the use of blinkers until my system finishes restarting. Not only am I unable to use blinkers, but I am unable to make calls over bluetooth or carplay which is incredibly dangerous in the event of an emergency. I am unable to park or backup and be able to hear the beep of the sensors. I cannot hear the audio of my gps. It happens out of the blue and is so unsafe.

See all problems of the 2024 Volvo XC90 🔎.

I park my Volvo in my driveway which has a blind exit to a pedestrian sidewalk. When I start the car and put it in d or b mode, it does not make any sound. This happens in any of the vehicle modes including "pure" electric where the ice is not engaged unless the battery runs out. There is no way for oncoming pedestrians to hear the vehicle or to understand that it might pull out of the blind corner. According to the NHTSA federal motor vehicle safety standard number 141 "the final rule requires hybrid and electric vehicles to emit sound at minimum levels while the vehicle is stationary (although not when the vehicle is parked, I. E. , when the transmission is in “park”), while in reverse, and while the vehicle is in forward motion up to 30 km/h. (sic) full compliance should be by September 1, 2020" our 2022 Xc90 t8 recharge does not make any sound while stationary in n, d, or b tranmission modes or while in hybrid or pure drive modes. I see this as a serious safety issue and wanted to report it before I have an actual safety incident. Volvo claims that my vehicle is in compliance with all NHTSA safety standards. Their response is attached.

The vehicle’s start/stop system began displaying warning messages and malfunctioning prior to the expiration of the factory warranty. The issue first appeared before 50,000 miles and reappeared at 49,997 miles, when a warning was displayed on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. A diagnostic review confirmed the need to replace the start/stop auxiliary battery and repair the park assist system. A diagnostic fee was charged, and both system failures were documented. The start/stop system’s failure raises a potential safety concern because the vehicle may not reliably restart after automatically stopping at intersections or in traffic. This could lead to dangerous situations if the vehicle stalls unexpectedly or fails to re-engage power at a critical moment. Although the issue has not caused a crash or injury, it introduces unpredictable behavior that could compromise safe operation. The park assist system also failed, triggering system warnings and disabling parking assistance features. If a driver is relying on these systems during low-speed maneuvers, a sudden or silent failure may increase the risk of collision with objects, pedestrians, or other vehicles. The dealership confirmed the problem through inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to cover the repairs under warranty, despite the vehicle being within the mileage limit when the issue was first documented and presented for service.

See all problems of the 2021 Volvo XC90 🔎.

I purchased this vehicle new in October of 2023. From day 1 I have had issues where the backup camera would display an image and then turn off while backing up. I brought the car in multiple times for this before the recall was issued and then again when the recall was issued. The recall work has been completed and oddly the issue went away for a few days and then returned. I have since brought it back in and they performed a full software restore at the dealer. The problem with the camera has not been rectified. I added to the complaint emergency breaking because this car also has a habit of emergency braking when pulling into or out of parking spaces with no obstacles near. This issue, hasn't really been investigated much as it is much more intermittent and difficult to duplicate.

Urgent safety concern: intermittent total loss of all vehicle audio alerts this issue has occurred multiple times and poses a serious safety concern. While driving, the vehicle intermittently experiences a complete loss of all audio output. This includes: •turn signal indicators •hazard warning sounds •blind spot monitoring alerts •park distance control tones •navigation guidance •audio system playback (music, radio, etc. ) •all other safety-related audio warnings and notifications the vehicle becomes completely silent, eliminating essential auditory cues that are critical for safe operation. Temporary workaround (while driving): the only way to restore functionality is by performing a forced reboot of the infotainment system. This requires the driver to press and hold the home button until the system power cycles—a distracting and unsafe action that must be done while the vehicle is in motion. Please note that while rebooting does not disable the vehicle’s ability to drive, it temporarily resets multiple core systems, including the climate control and infotainment interface. This creates a significant distraction and impairs the driver’s ability to safely monitor vehicle status and surroundings. This malfunction poses a significant safety risk and must be investigated immediately.

The a/c evaporator core in my 2017 Volvo Xc90 failed prematurely, cracking and leaking refrigerant. This is a well-known problem among Xc90 owners from model years 2016–2020. Repair costs are usd$5k+ because the entire dashboard must be removed to replace the evaporator. This is not normal wear and tear. Volvo has issued multiple technical journals (e. G. Tj 35912. 1. 0 -- attached -- and later revisions) instructing dealers to install an additional resistor in the evaporator temperature sensor harness when replacing the evaporator. This proves Volvo knows there is a design defect causing evaporator cracking and failure. However, Volvo corporate has declined to assist with repairs for my vehicle. Driving without a/c in high summer heat presents a serious risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly during long commutes (I drive over an hour each way daily). The hvac system is also critical for defogging and defrosting the windshield. Loss of refrigerant and evaporator performance can impair defroster operation, creating visibility hazards. The combination of extreme cabin heat and impaired defrosting creates an unreasonable risk to safety, not merely an inconvenience. In addition, right now it costs me just a few hundred dollars to refill my ac system every summer. This is what I've been doing for several summers now. But the Volvo quote to fix this factory defect was over $6k. So that means myself and thousands of others are all incentivized to just fill up r134a and have it leak out, harming the environment in the process. Volvo's refusal to recall and fix this issue is causing this economic incentive. It should be on them to fix their failure, not us. I asked Volvo corporate to goodwill this repair but they declined to do this (see attached).

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.

Erad (electronic rear axle drive) clutch failure. Upon depressing accelerator pedal, when in drive modes that rely more on erad (hybrid/pure modes), the clutch occasionally does not engage correctly, resulting in no power for a full 1-2 seconds, then power kicking in, in full. Not being consistent means not having a good way to anticipate when the problem will arise in order to compensate for it. The hazard came when attempting to cross traffic (to take a left into a commercial driveway), the delay happened, then before the ability to fully "cancel the attempt" (by releasing the accelerator and pressing the brake while still in the turn lane), the power kicked in and sent the vehicle into traffic. The delay-then-subsequent full-power meant that the gap was suddenly significantly smaller when pulling into the oncoming lanes, and attempting to correct for a delay in power meant the possibility of then not having the accelerator down, which could have left me in in the lane of oncoming traffic for much longer than necessary due to human reaction times in addition to vehicle "reaction times" to inputs. This is apparently a relatively common issue on Volvos of this generation, with multiple "erad versions" to account for transmission clutch failures within these units, as well as other failures.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Volvo XC90 🔎.

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.

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.

There is a flaw in Volvo sunroof drains. There are class action lawsuits because of this. 6 months after purchasing my car, there was a leak into my car due to a clogged sunroof drains causing damage to electronics and potentially to computers within the car. I fixed it at a quote of over $2k. Volvo refused to cover it under my warranty. Now, 6 months after the fix, the same issue is happening.

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.

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.

I plugged my usb to usb-c charging cable into my iphone 20 seconds after starting the vehicle. I proceeded to exit my driveway when the infotainment screen went completely blank and the same thing to the driver's display 10 seconds later. I drove to the end of my street to a stop light where the car completely shut off and automatically restarted within a few seconds. I was traveling with my wife and [xxx] daughter. I have yet to reproduce the problem but have an appointment scheduled with the dealership later this week. Zero warnings or messages were present before, during or after the incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2020 Volvo Xc90. The contact stated that after plugging in the charger to the vehicle, the cable charger started blinking red. The contact had to jumpstart the vehicle to open the doors. The blinking red light on the cable charger had not stopped blinking. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18e086000 (equipment); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The rear two car doors will not open. It started months ago with the left side and now is both doors. This is dangerous if anyone in the rear of the vehicle should need to exit in a timely manner. The dealership knows this is an issue, but says they are not obligated to fix it for free because there isn’t a recall yet.

Remote start, infotainment system which controls everything, dashboard, lights, and cigarette lighter all intermittently turn off and on. Everyday, something else seems to stop working. My vehicle is 2. 5 weeks old. This is apparently is a know latent defect that Volvo has chosen to keep from customers, based on feedback from Volvo service, who are actually denying appointments stating that there is nothing they can do.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Volvo XC90 🔎.

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.

The chrome trim started peeling on the center console, near cup holders. This revealed a razor sharp edge on which I cut my finger. All of the exterior door handles have chrome trim and are peeling. Last week my [xxx] daughter cut her finger as a result of a sharp peeled chrome edge. Many reports of this on Volvo forums. Some dealers will repair for free, others want to charge for this defective, safety hazard. My service provider said they could not fix for free and wanted $3800 for the repair. This is a known issue and a safety hazard that Volvo is not addressing, see for example: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Brand new vehicle emitting moderate amount of smoke from exhaust when stopping, idle, or when pulling out from stopped position (I. E. Traffic light, stop sign). Notice exhaust smoke more when coming to stop on slight decline or accelerating from stopped position to incline roadway. Smoke is malodorous (burning metal/wire smell). No warning lights on vehicle dash. Inspected by Volvo dealership service team and unable to find source of smoking. Smoke odor causes headache in vehicle occupants if windows down when smoke present. Thankfully, no smoke in cabin. When exhaust smoke is heavy, visibility of motorists behind me in traffic is temporarily decreased until smoke clears. Also, I experience temporary decreased driver side window visibility from smoke when this occurs and have to remained stopped until smoke clears. This problem has occurred daily since the first episode.

Air conditioning is not working within one month of purchase. In 110 degree heat in arizona , this is a safety issue. This has also occured on another new Volvo Xc90 in austin , texas. At least two failures on brand new Volvo Xc90.

The ac went out while my toddler was in the car. We are in the arizona area and the temperature has exceeded over 100 degrees. It turns out there are several complaints with the evaporator. There is major issues and complaints.