Defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
Risk. An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
Defect. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
Risk. The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.
Filed Nov 13, 201817,548 vehiclesVolvo Car USA LLC
Defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
Risk. If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90 vehicles. The Micro Gas Generator (MGG), a subcomponent part used within the right hand side seat belt retractor for the third row seats, may detach after the seatbelt retractor pretensioner is deployed.
Risk. Although, the seat belt will operate as intended in the event of a crash, if the MGG detaches, it may be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the third row passenger's side seatbelt retractor, free of charge. The recall began August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89716.
Filed Feb 16, 201710,476 vehiclesVolvo Car USA LLC
Defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The bolts that secure the Inflatable Curtain (IC) air bags in place may break, possibly resulting in the IC air bag deploying improperly in the event of a crash. As, such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk. If the IC air bags do not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 1, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89714.
Defect. Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loosen, allowing the buckle to separate from the seat belt bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk. If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89708.
Filed Sep 26, 201643,766 vehiclesVolvo Car USA LLC
Defect. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Volvo XC90 and S90 vehicles manufactured April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning may leak into the passenger compartment due to a drain hose installation error during manufacturing.
Risk. Significant water drainage into the passenger compartment may adversely affect air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain hose for proper installation, replacing the hose as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November the 14, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R89707.
All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
EngineFire1 injured
Filed Oct 23, 2026GA
On 9/18/2026 at about 3:15 PM, the low coolant warning came on while I was driving in front of my child's school. Less than a minute later I pulled into the school pickup line, stopped, and turned the vehicle off. There was no smoke when I turned it off. After the engine was off, smoke began coming from the engine compartment, and within minutes the engine compartment was on fire. The fire occurred in a school pickup line surrounded by parents and children. An independent witness saw that the vehicle was off before any smoke appeared. The fire department and police responded. The engine compartment was destroyed and the vehicle is a total loss. Warning before failure: low coolant message, less than a minute before the vehicle was stopped. This vehicle has the B4204T27 (T6) engine. Volvo recalled 2016 XC90s with this engine (Recall 19V-308) because a cracked engine-side coolant bleeder hose could leak coolant onto the catalytic converter heat shield and cause a fire while the vehicle was stationary, with a low coolant warning as the sign. This 2017 was not included in that recall, but it gave the same warning and caught fire the same way while stationary. The vehicle was inspected by Volvo Car USA in October 2026. I have not received the inspection report. The failed component is UNKNOWN because the engine compartment was incinerated. I was exposed to smoke during the fire and am seeking medical evaluation.
Steering
Filed Oct 6, 2026TN
Volvo electric power steering system failure.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 23, 2026PA
Vehicle has exhibited lagging and stalling while driving in "Pure" (electric-only) mode since approximately April 2026, at approximately 85,000 miles, accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. This has occurred repeatedly at red lights, intersections, stop signs, and in stop-and-go traffic, creating a risk of sudden loss of propulsion in live traffic situations, including at intersections where an unexpected stall could result in a collision. The dealership (Volvo Cars of Fort Washington) has diagnosed this as originating from multiple hybrid drivetrain components over several repair visits: the High Voltage Coolant Heater (replaced per a referenced Volvo Technical Service Bulletin), the Inverter Electric Rear Axle Drive Module (IEM) — diagnostic data showed one internal transistor (phase W) reaching 135°C, a severe outlier compared to the other two phases reading approximately 25°C — the A/C refrigerant shutoff valve, and most recently the Electronic Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) transmission, where diagnostic monitoring showed the ERAD clutch slipping during test drives. Volvo's own internal case management system has classified this case as a "Repeat Repair." Despite multiple repair attempts, the underlying drivability defect (lagging/stalling) has recurred each time, including almost immediately after the vehicle was returned following the initial repair, with minimal intervening use. This pattern indicates a persistent, unresolved defect in the vehicle's hybrid drive sy
Electrical System2 injured
Filed Sep 22, 2026IL
2017 Volvo XC90 manufacturing defect where panoramic sunroof drainage network fails under normal rain, pooling water directly in the floorboard channels over safety module networks and wire harnesses.Water infiltration caused a catastrophic short-circuit of the floorboard-mounted amplifier while driving. This forced the audio system to emit an un-modulated, maximum-volume electronic blast through the cabin, causing severe driver distraction and documented temporary acute acoustic trauma/ear injuries to myself and my young child.Progressive electronic oxidation from ongoing water intrusion has since caused systemic failures of critical safety electronics. This includes spontaneous, unprompted activations of the automated emergency SOS calling network and dangerous operational delays in the backup camera engaging.Dealership service personnel inspected the vehicle and explicitly warned that the water-logged electrical networks are heavily compromised and at imminent risk of a complete blackout while in motion, posing a severe threat of sudden loss of power steering, braking, and propulsion on the highway. Rain is currently actively dripping from the interior ceiling onto passenger cabin components. This platform-wide engineering flaw creates an active fire, electrical, and crash hazard.
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Sep 20, 2026WA
I was driving my 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription when a ‘coolant low’ warning appeared. I immediately pulled over and the car began to smoke. I was unaware what to do so I called my husband and he told me to pop my hood. With 1.5 minutes of pulling over I open my door to find the lack to pop the hood and someone started yelling at me to get out. I looked up and the smoke had changed from white to brown- I exited the vehicle and called 911- Within approximately 5 minutes, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames and was a total loss. The vehicle had been regularly maintained and to my knowledge, had no open recalls applicable at the time. After the fire, I became aware of a prior XC90 recall involving a coolant hose leak and fire risk. I understand that recall may not list my exact model year. I’m not claiming a specific cause, but due to the coolant warning preceding the fire, believe the circumstances warrant investigation. I was able to exit safely and no one was injured, but given how rapidly the fire developed, I’m concerned about the potential risk to others.
Power Train
Filed Sep 1, 2026NC
2017 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, approximately 81,000 miles, experienced intermittent hesitation/loss of propulsion when accelerating. When acceleration is requested, the vehicle can hesitate before power is delivered, creating a serious safety concern when entering, merging into, or crossing traffic because expected acceleration is not immediately available. Diagnostic testing identified faults in the IEM/ERAD system, including P286D00, Clutch A Engagement Time Performance/Too Slow, and P0A1B62, Drive Motor A Control Module, Algorithm Based Failure. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by an authorized Volvo dealer. I was advised that the high-voltage battery cells appear to be functioning properly and that the dealer is consulting Volvo technical support regarding the loss-of-acceleration condition. Volvo has issued Technical Journal guidance addressing ERAD clutch DTCs, including P286D00, on this generation of XC90. I am concerned that delayed or failed engagement of the ERAD clutch can cause an unexpected delay or loss of propulsion during acceleration. I am also aware of another NHTSA complaint involving a 2017 Volvo XC90 ERAD clutch failure, NHTSA Complaint No. 11673211, describing a delay in propulsion followed by sudden power delivery. I am requesting that NHTSA review this condition as a potential safety defect involving ERAD clutch engagement and intermittent loss or delay of propulsion in Volvo XC90 T8 vehicles.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 10, 202694,000 milesTX
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.
Engine
Filed Jul 11, 2026CA
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 4, 202685,000 milesVA
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while her son-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firmly depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the vacuum hose had detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 27, 2026OH
To whom it may concern. Our 2017 XC90 unexpectedly, spantaneously, and catastrophically caught fire under the hood and was a total loss 5 minutes after parking it on April 19, 2026. There were no leaks or other signs of mechanical issues. The vehicle had all regular maintenance completed at the Byers Volvo Service Department in Columbus, OH. It had no open recalls. It was always parked overnight in a garage. The Fire Inspector noted a possible vehicle manufacturing defect as the cause of the fire, however the vehicle was too heavily damaged to be definitive. We do have video of the entire incident as the Volvo was parked on Federal Government Property at the time. We are happy to share any and all information if this helps future vehicles to be safer. It should be noted that there is an active recall for the 2016 XC90 for a coolant hose leak that can cause a fire. Given that the 2017 XC90 is of the same design. Upon checking the internet and Reddit, it appears that our situation is not unique and there are other instances and reports of similar fires.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Apr 6, 2026NJ
VCM and Rearview camera glitching not working, can cause crashes. Everything was checked for voltage and works properly. It seems like it is a system infotainment issue for 2017 Volvo xc90
Electrical System
Filed Apr 2, 2026TN
The rear door on the driver side will not open. The child lock will not deactivate. No accident. I took my son to school and when I returned to open the door for my [XXX] old the door would not open. No warnings. A regular maintenance appeared days later. I do not understand why this is not being recalled based on online research showing the same thing happening with other Volvos. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Mar 31, 2026130,000 milesWA
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the rear passenger’s side door suddenly unlocked and opened. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the door was forcefully closed. The failure had occurred more than once while diving at various speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while there was a passenger seated in the rear passenger’s side seat. The door was only securely closed by force. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer had not inspected or diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 31, 2026NJ
ON CALL SERVICE/ VCM MODULE STOPPED WORKING PREVIOUS RECALLS ON THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES
Electrical System
Filed Mar 20, 2026VA
The vehicle experienced a major electrical system malfunction involving multiple critical components. The issue began with the Volvo On Call system light remaining illuminated continuously, which suggested a possible communication or battery-related fault. Shortly after, additional systems failed, including the turn signal system, windshield wipers, and high beam headlights. These components are currently non-functional and can be made available for inspection upon request. The failure significantly impacted vehicle safety. The loss of turn signals made it impossible to properly indicate lane changes or turns to other drivers, increasing the risk of collisions. The failure of the windshield wipers created a serious hazard in adverse weather conditions, reducing visibility. Additionally, the loss of high beam headlights limited nighttime driving visibility. While daytime running lights and hazard lights remain functional, they are not sufficient substitutes for the failed systems. The problem has been consistent and reproducible. Each time the vehicle is operated, the same warning messages appear, including “Turn Indicator System Malfunction” and “Wiper Failure – Service Required,” and the affected systems do not respond. At this time, the issue has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but diagnostics codes (including communication-related fault codes) have been observed. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, law enfo
Electrical System
Filed Mar 20, 2026CA
The failure involves the instrument cluster (driver information display) on my 2017 Volvo XC90. This component is responsible for displaying speed, warning indicators, and all critical driving information. The failed component remains installed and is available for inspection. The issue began while driving on public roads. The display intermittently showed distorted, “barcode-like” patterns that would appear suddenly, disappear, and then return. The condition progressively worsened over time. The failure is now consistent and reproducible. When starting the vehicle, the cluster may appear normal for a few seconds before becoming severely distorted or completely unreadable. Now it is nonfunctional from the moment of ignition. This creates a significant safety hazard because I cannot view speed, warning lights, gear position, or any system alerts. The initial failures occurred while the vehicle was in motion, which increased the risk at the time of occurrence. The vehicle is not safely operable in this condition. The vehicle has approximately 24,000 miles, has never been in an accident, and has been properly maintained. There were no external factors that could explain the failure. The only prior symptoms were the intermittent display distortions described above. An authorized Volvo retailer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the instrument cluster as failed, recommending replacement. No repair has been completed. Volvo Car USA declined goodwill assistance despite the extremel
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 14, 2026WA
Vehicle: 2017 Volvo XC-90 Component: Door latch / door lock mechanism Both passenger-side door latches failed within approximately three weeks of each other due to internal corrosion/rust, as confirmed by Volvo diagnostics. The affected doors cannot be opened from inside or outside, including by key fob or interior door controls. This condition presents a serious safety risk, including potential occupant entrapment in the event of an accident, fire, or emergency evacuation. The vehicle has been well maintained, garage kept, and has not been exposed to flooding. Volvo Cars USA and an authorized dealership acknowledged the failures; however, Volvo declined assistance. The dealership offered partial labor coverage while the owner paid for parts to restore vehicle safety. Because this involves a critical safety component and occurred on multiple doors in close succession, I believe this represents a design or material defect, not normal wear, and warrants formal investigation.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 21, 2026VT
The rear door latch/lock actuators on my 2017 Volvo XC90 fail to latch in cold temperatures, making the vehicle undrivable and unsafe. The doors may appear closed but are not secure, creating a serious risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road; I rely on this vehicle daily to transport my children. The issue has worsened over multiple winters, and on one occasion the doors remained frozen for about four hours, preventing safe travel to work and school. A local independent garage has confirmed this is a known issue affecting XC90 models in cold-weather climates and identified the likely cause as failing or frozen actuators. This can be confirmed online with a simple google issue that it is a sever and prevalent safety issue. Especially with children riding int he back seats. The vehicle has been run with remote start and for extended periods in attempts to resolve the issue, and temporary measures like sprays or lubricants have not helped. The car had to run for 4 hours to be operable and it was only 10 degrees out. The problem has no warning lamps or messages and occurs only in cold weather. The system is available for inspection upon request.
EngineFire3 injured
Filed Dec 15, 2025150,000 milesSC
The contact owned a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after driving 35 miles at 70 MPH on I-95 South in South Carolina, the contact started smelling an abnormally gasoline odor inside the vehicle entering through the AC vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact and her husband continued driving, believing that the odor was coming from the outside because the air recirculation switch was set to recirculate the air inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after driving an additional 5 miles, the gasoline odor grew stronger, and the contact suggested to her husband to pull over so that they could exit the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband pulled over and they both exited with a child. The contact stated that while running away from the vehicle she could see flames underneath the vehicle coming from the engine before the vehicle exploded and was engulfed in flames. The contact and her husband ran away from the vehicle and there was grayish white smoke coming from the vehicle. The Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that Fire Department and Police Department filed incident reports, but the contact had not yet received the documents. The contact stated that the entire front of the vehicle including the engine compartment had melted down to the wheels. The contact sustained soreness to the neck and left shoulder, as well as a headache from the fuel odor. The contact, her child, and her husband were
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 28, 2025NJ
On thanksgiving day i drove to train station in the morning, and had no issue. After work i got in the car started to drive, i was going 25-35 miles per hour in the maplewood township, and i wanted to slow down just in case i dont see any kid or person at dark. I almost had no brake! I was so scared and i pushed th brake pedal so hard, i was very dangerous for the society at this moment. I just wish i was not on the highway going higher speed, or there were no people around! I really cannot trust this car anymore, i could have hit something!!!
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 18, 2025GA
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 14, 2025MD
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—**in 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 ea
Engine
Filed Nov 7, 2025VA
Vehicle is a 2017 model year of the Volvo XC90 and has the same safety issue in the Quality Bulletin for Recall R29936: Coolant Bleeder Hose (Engine Side), which is for the same make and model but for the 2016 model year. The vehicle has a plastic coolant bleeder hose that can crack and create a coolant leak that drips above the catalytic converter. The coolant accumulates in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and poses a fire risk in the engine compartment area. The leak can also be small enough to cause coolant to evaporate and off gas into the cabin through the AC, exposing fumes to cabin occupants. The corrective action is to replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose, though this recall did not extend to 2017 model years, in which this same part was used. The same recall R29936 will need to be extended to other model years after 2016 in which the same component or design of component was used.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 13, 2025NJ
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 ha
EngineFire
Filed Aug 13, 2025MA
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 13, 2025MT
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 2025MA
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 5, 2025CT
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.
Electrical System
Filed May 2, 2025CT
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.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 2025147,000 milesTN
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, there was water leaking from the rearview mirror, which leaked into the vehicle, causing the electrical system to fail. There was an abnormal sound of water swishing around inside the vehicle. The on-call warning and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked sunroof cassette leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Engine
Filed Dec 22, 2024MN
Was driving and my low coolant light came on. I pulled over and car shut down and coolant leaking all over the exhaust and block of the engine. Crack in the coolant bleeder hose leaving me stranded on the side of the road. I then googled the issue to my surprise it is the same crack point and part that the previous year 2016 model had a recall on for safety as this is a fire risk leaking on the exhaust and this being a flammable liquid. I am just upset as this was a recall for the previous year model and it is happening on the 2017 model with many other people having the same issue. Contacting Volvo and they will not cover this as there is no active recall on this $800 for a $23 part that is a known issue is a problem and the risk of my vehicle catching on fire when I have 5 children In the car is very concerning for a car that is suppose to be reliable. Not to mention the bad front strut problems on these that go out and send you going in the wrong direction on a bump. Hope this gets taken care of due to the risk!
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 11, 2024FL
The evaporator core malfunctioned (AC system), resulting in the failure of the air conditioning system. The defective part remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. This issue compromised the vehicle's ability to maintain a comfortable and safe environment, particularly in extreme weather conditions where the lack of a functioning air conditioning system can pose health risks, especially to young children or elderly passengers. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Volvo service center, where the leak was identified during an inspection. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps or error messages. However, the air conditioning began to perform inconsistently several weeks prior to the complete failure. Given the timing of this issue, just beyond the warranty period, and the evidence suggesting this may be a recurring problem in certain XC90 models, and Volvo Customer Care denied any assistance or support in this matter.
Seat Belts
Filed Dec 2, 2024IL
There is a belt tensioning failure which means the belt doesn’t snug to your body or engage as you apply brakes. I contacted Volvo North America on 10/31 after visiting the dealer and have not heard back regarding this problem. There is a code which appeared regarding this problem which is why it was taken to the dealership Volvo of Lisle in Illinois. They estimate the cost to repair as approximately $4,000.00 They said the vehicle is out of warranty 5 years from first service date. We believe safety equipment as basic as seat belts are the manufacturers responsibility. This vehicle has never been involved in an accident and would appreciate your help. I can forward copies of the estimate to repair if you require them. Feel free to contact me
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 26, 2024AZ
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.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 2024AL
The Park Neutral Position (PNP) switch malfunctions. Yes Not a huge safety issue if you are parked in your driveway and cannot start the car. But if you are driving and the if you have the engine auto start/stop engaged the car will unexpectedly not restart and you have to play with the gear shifter to get it started to move out of an intersection or out of the way of traffic! This has happened several times with my wife and myself. I have not had it confirmed by a dealer or service center No No
Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2024MI
Coolant bleeder hose started leaking at y-connection. Appears to be same problem that lead to recall R29936 in earlier MY16 vehicles.
EngineFire4 injured
Filed Sep 18, 2024100,000 milesCA
The contact owned a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, a white-colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle's engine compartment. The "Coolant Low" warning message soon appeared on the instrument panel as the contact pulled over into a parking lot and exited the vehicle with her three children. As the smoke grew rampantly, the vehicle quickly caught fire. A fellow motorist attempted to extinguish the fire but to no avail. The authorities quickly arrived at the scene and the fire department extinguished the fire. While the incident all mentally shook the contact and her 3 children; no medical treatment was rendered. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession for an insurance inspection. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The dealer nor the manufacturer had to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Wheels
Filed Aug 18, 2024MD
My car experienced a cracked front left control arm. It was not in an accident and the crack caused a creaking sound when conducting turns.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jul 11, 2024TX
The exterior door handle stopped being able to open from the outside. This poses a serious safety risk; as well as an overall inconvenience for the driver. To get inside the vehicle, one must crawl through the passenger side to open the driver's side door from the inside.
Engine
Filed Mar 16, 2024LA
Recently our 2017 XC90 experienced a significant coolant system leak via a part that was part of a recall campaign for the prior year model (2016 XC-90). The exact same part (a coolant bleeder hose - part #32249907) failed in our vehicle in a similar manner as the prior year component. There was no antecedent warning prior to its failure until after a significant amount of fluid was lost (literally sprayed about the engine compartment) leading to a low coolant level CEL. The safety concern, as stated in the prior recall, is that this particular part failure can cause coolant to leak on the catalytic converter heat shield insulation causing a fire hazard. The connector of the hose in our vehicle literally started to deteriorate and crumble at multiple locations. The vehicle is only 8 years old. This has to be a related failure of an already identified defective component. The prior recall is noted as: 19V-308 / R29936 The vehicle required towing and the component was replaced at the local dealership at standard cost. We are obviously concerned that others with our particular year and model could experience a more catastrophic end.
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 10, 2024WA
The rear passenger door will not open.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 4, 2024WA
Passenger and driver side rear door lock are inoperable from outside and inside. The issue has been widely reported by other vehicle owners. The root cause has been reported as water damaging the locking mechanisms. Volvo redesigned the mechanisms but has not issued a recall.
Suspension
Filed Jan 21, 2024MA
Received a Suspension Service Required message on the gauge cluster. Online searching led to this from the NHTSA website: [XXX] I contest it is not accurate and it did not go far enough to protect consumers. Per the above, there is a logical condition in order to take advantage of the warranty which requires precisely 2 error codes to “prove” that the air suspension compressor needs to be replaced and can be covered under the warranty. My compressor fuse had blown per the bulletin. I replaced the fuse and the compressor started to work again. The error went away. I was still concerned of the safety of the vehicle (something caused the fuse to blow). I took it to the dealer to have them scan the codes to confirm the above warranty would cover the cost to replace the compressor - which by the way the entire intent of the warranty is to convey that the compressor is known to have a design defect. What this warranty is NOT is an exhaustive fault tree analysis to show all the causal paths that can lead to the root cause. However, because Volvo identifies one single logical fault path - I was not able to have my compressor covered under warranty. The reason the dealership gave me was that both error codes in the warranty would have had to come up in their scan in order to take advantage of it - and mine only showed 1 of the codes. Then I requested a quote and what was needed to fix the problem so that I could pay for it. Their quote was $1,088 for them to replace the air compressor
EngineFire
Filed Sep 11, 202379,000 milesMT
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, she noticed smoke from the engine compartment. The vehicle spontaneously caught fire. The coolant warning light was illuminated a minute prior to the failure. There were no reported injuries or air bag deployments. The fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. A police report was filed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Suspension
Filed May 22, 2023MT
The 2017 Volvo xc90 hybrid regularly experiences these two issues when it is below freezing in Montana: 1) doors do not catch in the latch so they do not close and/or will fly open when turning. This occurs every time the temperature is below zero. 2) when below zero temperature occurs,
Engine
Filed May 1, 2023CA
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, I was driving when I noticed the vehicle had issues when driving/accelerating on the local roads. The car had delay in accelerating and/or had trouble with power when driving. There were also instances of plumes of white smoke coming out from the exhaust. Once I noticed the issue, I immediately drove the vehicle home. This is a major safety issue for myself and for others; afraid the car may suddenly break down in the road and/or unable to pick up speed when needed and unintentionally causing an accident on the road. On the way home, the vehicle dash board displayed engine system light and the performance was reduced. On Monday, April 24, 2023, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. I was informed by the mechanic that the number one (1) cylinder of the engine had lost compression and there are serious problems with the engine. The vehicle is available for inspection. Given that the engine is such a critical component of the vehicle, I would not expect such engine failure in a six (6) year old vehicle, that has been regularly maintained, never been in any major accident and had not previously experience any engine issues. I believe the engine failure was due to defects in the vehicle. I have reached out to manufacturer via email/mail for assistance and information regarding this matter.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Filed Jan 30, 202329,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, a vehicle approximately 50 yards in front of him stopped and caused the Forward Collision Avoidance feature to be activated. The vehicle came to a complete stop with an audible beeping sound and a warning illustration displayed on the instrument panel. The contact contended that he was a safe distance away from the vehicle and that the Forward Collision Avoidance feature should not have activated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 2, 2023OH
My car had a sudden, catastrophic leak of coolant from a premature failure of a hose on a 5 year old car with 65000 miles. We were driving through mountains and there was no safe shoulder to pull over. I drove 1.5 miles to a service center. I bought the car new and all service work was done at Volvo dealers and all regular maintenance was performed. There were no leaks of coolant prior to the sudden hose failure. The first alert that something was wrong was a red warning light on the dash directing me to stop the car and turn off the engine immediately. Testing on the engine showed a high level of CO in the coolant, indicating a warped head. The entire engine must be replaced. I contend that this was premature failure of a part. I had my insurance agency, Allstate, discuss the case with the Volvo dealership and Allstate was told there was no evidence of impact road damage on the part. I have asked my agent to provide me with written confirmation of their discussion. I have also asked for the defective part to be put aside and saved when the engine is replaced and will be able to send it to NHTSA.
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 26, 2022MA
Rear passenger doors would get locked stuck, and can not get unlocked from inside or outside. This issue would remain even after locking/unlocking car multiple times or enabling/disabling child lock multiple times. Dealer suggested this is common issue in this model of the car, and needs an expensive repair of the latch mechanism. This is a safety hazard as this would would trap the passengers inside the car in case of accident or any other emergency. Please look in to this matter, this should not be happening in a relatively new(5 years), low mileage, always garaged car like Volvo.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 24, 202231,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The consumer stated the problem was software updates which resolved all the problems, but wants to understand why the software update caused so many issues.
Complaints 1-50 of 81, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Dec 7, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.