RoadVitals

2005 Volvo XC90 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
223
Latest Mar 5, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Volvo XC90, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

69
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I’ve had to change my fuel injection pump and catalytic convert twice on one year.

NHTSA ID 11532420 · filed Jul 15, 2023

WHEN CRANKING IT STALLS AND CUTS OFF AND AFTER DOING IT AROUND 10 TIMES IT FINALLY CRANKS THEN I HAVE TO HURRY TO PUT IN DRIVE TO GET THE MOTOR GOING IN ORDER TO KEEP HER CRUNK AND COUPLE WEEKS AGO BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM SHE STALLED OUT AND I HIT A HOLE IN THE ROAD AND BUSTED THE OIL PAN SO SHE HAS BEEN PARKED EVERY SINCE CAUSE I HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND THAT WASN'T A PRETTY SIGHT SINCE THE HIT MADE HER NERVOUS NOW CAN'T GET HER TO GET IN THE CAR SO I NEED MY CAR FIXED AND I SEE IT HAS SEVERAL RECALLS AND ALL AND IT WAS ON A COUNTY STREET ONCE I GOT IT CRUNK BACK UP IT SMOKED BADLY TILL I TURNED IT OFF AND IT TOOK FOUR HOURS FOR ME TO GET IT OUT THE ROAD

NHTSA ID 11340041 · filed Jul 18, 2020
All 69 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

51
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

NHTSA ID 11646424 · filed Mar 5, 2025

I HAD FILLED AN EARLIER COMPLAINT AND THIS TO BE ADDED TO THE EARLIER FORM THAT I HAD FILLED NEEDS TO GO TO THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. SEE PHOTO THE ELECTRICAL COMPLAINT FROM THE MAGNETIC ELECTRICAL BEINGS IN ME AND IN THIS PICTURE I BELIEVE IS ABOUT DESIGN OF THE FUSES IN VEHICLE AND WHAT THEY ARE TRYIN TO COMMUNICATE HERE I BELIEVE WOULD BE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CONNECTIONS LIKE WHAT IT IS DOING TO THEM AS IT GOES THROUGH THOSE TYPES OF FUSES. WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM IN THOSE PLASTIC FUSES AND WOULD LIKE THEM THE FUSE TO BE DESIGNED FURTHER APART A LITTLE BIT BIGGER THAN A PENNY AND WITH THE CONNECTION STRAIGHT ACROSS AND NOT GOING UP AND DOWN AND BACK THROUGH IT SELF. THE MAGNETIC BEINGS WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CONNECTIONS STRAIGHT ACROSS SO THAT THEY DON'T INTERFERE WITH EACH OTHER WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH THE SUBSTRAIGHT. NOT SURE BUT YOU WERE THIS TYPE OF BEING YOU WOULD TRY AND COMMUNICATED THESE THINGS AND DESIGN WELL JUST LOOK AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE THEY LIKE THE OLDER GLASS FUSE WITH THE STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN. IF YOU COULD THEY ARE ASKING THAT YOU THE NTSB GO BACK REDESIGN A FUSE THAT DON'T GO BACK INTO ITSELF THEY LIKE STRAIGHT ACROSS THE CONNECTIONS TO GIVE THEM BETTER FLOW. REMINDER THIS GOES TO THE EARLIER FORM THAT I WROTE TO YOU IT AN ADDITION INFORMATION CAUSE THEY ARE IMPORTANT PART OF THIS WORLD I AM REFERRING TO THE MAGNETIC BEINGS IN ELECTRICITY IN EVERY VEHICLE MADE AND NEED TO BE TAKEN INTO MORE CONSIDERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING SYSTEMS THAT HEAVILY RELY ON THE ENTITIES. THEY THE BEINGS ARE ASKING THIS OF YOU THENTSB TO TAKE THEM MORE INTO CONSIDERATION AS WE US THEM RELY ON THEM THE INVISIBLE MAGNETIC ELECTRICAL BEINGS MORE AND TO DEVELOP FRIENDLIER AND HEAVIER SYSTEM FOR THEM BECAUSE THE DESIGN NOW IS MAKING THEM SICK AND THEY ARE I AM ASKING FOR THE ENTITIES THAT YOU MAKE HEALTHYELECTRICITY

NHTSA ID 11340785 · filed Jul 21, 2020
All 51 reports naming electrical

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID 10419178 · filed Aug 12, 2011

TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ON 2005 XC90 T6. SLIPPING AND SHIFTING PROBLEMS. FOUND METAL CHUNKS IN TRANSMISSION OIL PAN. REPORTED TO VOLVO NA FOR "GOODWILL" REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. DENIED BECAUSE VEHICLE HAS OVER 100K MILES. VEHICLE IS ONLY USED ON WEEKENDS AN LONG TRIPS. NOT BEING DRIVEN HARD. VOLVO NOT LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS OR REPUTATION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10408783 · filed Jun 24, 2011
All 39 reports naming transmission

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I’ve had to change my fuel injection pump and catalytic convert twice on one year.

NHTSA ID 11532420 · filed Jul 15, 2023

ADAS, AIR BAR Warning lights/urgent and High Gas fumes coming out from the rear seats when fully filled gas. We had called 800-458-1552 and guided us to plug in our VIN [XXX] on www.volvocars.com and nothing showed as far as recall and told us that these recalls expired and our 2005 Volvo are not eligible. 2005 Volvo XC90 that relates to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V483000, Make: VOLVO Model: XC90 Model Year: 2005 Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. Mfr's Report Date: DEC 17, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V483000 NHTSA Action Number: PE09039 Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Potential Number of Units Affected: 136100 Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE. Consequence: IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552. My wife and I had purchased our Volvo XC90 in 2005, here in CA. Six months ago everytime we filled up the gas tank, we would smell a heavy fumes of gas as it was coming from the inside of the vehicle. We had called the Volvo 800 number above and guided us to plug in our VIN [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

NHTSA ID 11525043 · filed Jun 2, 2023
All 33 reports naming fuel system

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

NHTSA ID 11646424 · filed Mar 5, 2025

MY 2005 XC90 (ODOMETER APPROX. 178,000 MILES) THROWS CHECK ENGINE, REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE SERVICE REQUIRED DASHBOARD WARNINGS INTERMITTENTLY, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT HAS A NEW CEM AND A SECOND NEW THROTTLE BODY IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS. IT ALSO ISSUES A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB FAILURE WARNING, EVEN WHEN THE BULB IS LIT, AND THE LEFT TURN BLINKER IS STICKY. SOMETIMES, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR READJUST SIMULTANEOUSLY UPON OPENING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NO ONE SITTING IN THE SEAT. RECENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON AN EXPRESSWAY AT 65 MPH, THE CAR ABRUPTLY LOST SPEED (A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE) AND STRUGGLED TO ACCELERATE TO 40 MPH. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT LOST POWER IN HEAVY CITY RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC (ALSO TERRIFYING) AS A RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN. IT BARELY MADE IT TO 10 MPH AND CAME CLOSE TO CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION CRASH WITH THE CARS BEHIND IT (ALSO TERRIFYING). LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STEER INTO A NEARBY BANK PARKING LOT, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT. IT DROVE NORMALLY BUT THE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES, CITING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOES, WHICH RESULTED IN THE TWO PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED REPAIRS. THEY IDENTIFIED A WIRING SHORT AS THE CAUSE BOTH TIMES, YET ACT MYSTIFIED AS TO WHY THE PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED DESPITE THOSE REPAIRS. I REPORTED THE SEAT/MIRROR SHIFTS AND THE ONGOING LOW BEAM BULB FAILURES TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, WHO REPLIED (WITHOUT EXAMINING THE CAR) THAT THE BULB WAS EITHER BURNT OUT OR LOOSE IN THE SOCKET, AND THAT THE SEAT SHIFTING WAS SIMPLY THE WAY THE MEMORY FUNCTION WORKS. I GET THE SENSE THAT VOLVO DOES KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THEY DON'T WANT TO TELL ME. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED AND FRUSTRATED WITH THE LACK OF ANSWERS, AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR.

NHTSA ID 11020672 · filed Aug 30, 2017
All 25 reports naming exterior lighting

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018, THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE HEADLIGHTS, POWER DOOR LOCKS, AND POWER REARVIEW MIRROR FAILED TO OPERATE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN VOLVO DEALER, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,042.

NHTSA ID 11173516 · filed Feb 1, 2019

IN DECEMBER OF 2016, AT APPROXIMATELY 95000 MILEAGE, THE "SERVICE TRANSMISSION URGENT" MESSAGE AND LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND MAKING LOUD CLANGING AND RATTLING NOISES. THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO "INFINITY OF MEMPHIS" DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP ASKED US TO CONTACT "VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA" FOR DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION, WHICH WE DID, BUT VOLVO REFUSED TO HONOR OUR CLAIM STATING THE CAR WAS TOO OLD, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS UNDER THE 100000 MILE WARRANTY. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO "VOLVO OF MEMPHIS" DEALERSHIP, WHICH CONTACTED VOLVO MANUFACTURER AND INFINITY OF MEMPHIS DEALERSHIP, AND INFORMED US THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD PAY $5000 MAXIMUM TOWARDS A NEW TRANSMISSION, COST OF WHICH WAS 8000$, AND WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE REST OUT-OF-POCKET, ABOUT 3000$. THE OTHER OPTION WAS TO PUT A REFURBISHED TRANSMISSION AT AAMCO FOR 3000$, COST OF WHICH WOULD BE COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. WE ELECTED THE LATTER, SINCE THERE WAS NO OUT-OF-POCKET COST. AT THIS TIME, WE WERE TOLD THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT AND OTHER MESSAGES WOULD BE GONE, ONCE THE CAR WAS FIXED. HOWEVER, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CONTINUES TO REMAIN ON. ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS WERE FILED, BUT AAMCO, VOLVO OF MEMPHIS AND INFINITY OF MEMPHIS CLAIM IT IS UNRELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. A LETTER WAS SENT TO VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA LLC, ATTACHED BELOW, BUT VOLVO REFUSED TO LOOK INTO OUR PROBLEM SAYING THE CAR WAS TOO OLD. I SPOKE WITH A VOLVO REP OVER THE PHONE WITH NO RESOLUTION. WE WOULD LIKE FOR VOLVO TO INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION IN OUR VEHICLE, AS NUMEROUS FORUMS AND ONLINE SITES HAVE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT DEFECTIVE VOLVO TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE EARLIER MODELS.

NHTSA ID 11073389 · filed Feb 17, 2018
All 21 reports naming powertrain (other)

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP SHAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MOTOR WAS NOT ENGAGING AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

NHTSA ID 10438789 · filed Dec 6, 2011

WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 VOLVO XC90 (54,414 MILES) ON A BUSY CALIFORNIA FREEWAY (THE 405), THE ENGINE STOPPED SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING OR WARNING LIGHT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CALL FOR A TOW WITHOUT INJURY (ALTHOUGH I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED SINCE THE FAILURE WAS SO SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING) AND HAD IT TOWED TO A VOLVO DEALER IN TORRANCE, CA. IT IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER CONSUMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR XC90 VOLVOS TOO. VOLVO HAS NOT RECALLED OR PROVIDED ANY NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF THE PROBLEM. VOLVO HAS PROVIDED REPLACEMENT TRADES AND CASH TO SOME CONSUMERS WHO COMPLAINED, BUT NO OVERALL NOTICE TO CONSUMERS. WE DIDN'T FIND OUT UNTIL IT HAPPENED TO US AND STARTED TO RESEARCH. ADDITIONALLY, THE WEEK BEFORE, THE FRONT LEFT TIRE BLEW OUT WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND I WAS OUT OF TOWN. UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, UNEVEN WEAR EVEN WITH CONSTANT REALIGNMENT, IS ANOTHER COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 18" TIRES ON VOLVO. THEY KNOW OF THE ISSUE, BUT NOT HOW TO FIX IT. VOLVO DID AT LEAST SEND A TOW TRUCK TO PUT THE SPARE ON AND MY WIFE WAS NOT INJURED (FORTUNATELY). WE DIDN'T KNOW OF THE SAFELY FLAWS IN THE XC90 WHICH WAS PURCHASED BECAUSE OF VOLVO'S MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF "SAFETY" AND "VOLVO FOR LIFE" CAMPAIGN. VOLVO IS ADVERTISING FALSELY AND THE XC90 HAS SAFETY ISSUES. PLEASE HELP PROTECT OTHERS! *TR

NHTSA ID 10257656 · filed Feb 5, 2009
All 9 reports naming tires & wheels

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ALL THE VEHICLE LIGHTS WILL COME ON OVER THE DASH AND THE WHEEL LOCKS THEN IT SHUTS OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS IS SO UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY. I AM NOT SURE WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR MY VIN # WHEN GOOGLE CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A HAZARD AND THAT THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 11097108 · filed May 21, 2018

ASIDE FROM NORMAL CARE, I HAVE ONLY REPLACED MY TIRES AND A GAS CAP. I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE SOME WATER SEEPAGE ONTO THE DRIVER-SIDE. I COVERED THE VEHICLE WHEN IT RAINED AND FIGURED I WOULD HAVE A LOOK AT IT WHEN I HAD TIME. JULY 2015, I TOOK MY VOLVO TO SAVANNAH VOLVO, FIXED MY BREAKS ALONG WITH OTHER SAFETY FIXES, AFTER 14 HRS OF HAVING MY VEHICLE AND 2800 LATER, PETE STATED EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN CARE OF AND THE WATER SEEPAGE WAS DUE TO THE DRAINS BEING CLOGGED, BUT, THEY ARE ALL CLEAR NOW, WE DID A WATER TEST AND EVERYTHING IS OK. YOU WILL EXPERIENCE SOME MORE WATER SEEPAGE BUT IT SHOULD DRY UP IN A FEW DAYS. HE ALSO MENTIONED SOME OTHER WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE THOUGH NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER, DECEMBER. I SAID GREAT AND GOT ON MY WAY. THREE DAYS LATER IT DID RAIN, CONFIDENT I DID NOT NEED TO COVER MY VEHICLE AND WAS STILL EXPERIENCING WATER SEEPAGE FROM MY VISIT, I DID NOT THINK ANY THING OF IT. THE NEXT DAY, MY CONTROL PANEL STARTED TO LIGHT UP. I CALLED SAVANNAH, AND HE MENTIONED IT MUST JUST BE BECAUSE YOU PUT A FULL TANK OF GAS....WHAT??? OK. AS THE WEEK WENT ON THE CONTROL PANEL CONTINUED TO LIGHT UP ONE BY ONE. THE DAY BEFORE GOING BACK, MY DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL WAS ON. HOPING I DID NOT HAVE A DEAD BATTERY THE NEXT DAY, I HEADED TO VOLVO. AFTER 4 HRS THEY TELL ME THE ROOF DRAINS WERE CLOGGD AND SEEPED ONTO THE CEM, AND IT IS DAMAGED. I SAID TO PETE, I THOUGHT THE DRAINS WERE CLEAR WHEN I LEFT A WEEK AGO??? YEAH, WELL, WE CAN'T CREATE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR DRAINS. THOUGH, AFTER 10 YRS I LEAVE THERE AND 3 DAYS LATER EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM, AFTER YOU TOLD ME MY DRAINS WERE ALL CLEARED? SEVERAL PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND VOLVO HEADQUARTERS, NOT ONE PERSON IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS BAD DESIGN, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED MY TRANSMISSION TO LIMP AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT! IT NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY, AFTER SPENDING 2800.00 I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER VOLVO!

NHTSA ID 10779801 · filed Oct 5, 2015
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY STEERING DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME AND IT IS BECOMING MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL WHEN DRIVING.

NHTSA ID 10874352 · filed Jun 15, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND THE TURNING SIGNALS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM, SRS AIR BAG SERVICE, ANTI-SKID, AND THE IMMOBILIZER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE, RACK AND PINION NUT, AND PINION SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,419.

NHTSA ID 10574506 · filed Mar 24, 2014
All 8 reports naming steering

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Water is leaking from the windshield into the driver and passenger side inside on the window obstructing my view while driving. Cannot drive the vehicle while it’s raining. Serious safety problem! Please recall and fix all Volvos with this problem.

NHTSA ID 11502170 · filed Jan 17, 2023

MY VOLVO XC90 ALSO HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CEM PROBLEMS AFTER VARIOUS SYMPTOMS BEGAN TO ARISE. AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE DISPLAY BEGAN SHOWING VARIOUS MESSAGES. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE ORDERED A NEW CEM AND INTEND TO REPLACE IT . I AM AN ATTORNEY. IF THIS VEHICLE CONTINUES TO FAIL AFTER THE CEM IS REPLACED, I INTEND TO TAKE FURTHER LEGAL ACTION, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE. I INTEND TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALER TOMORROW TO PUT THEM ON NOTICE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. I CANNOT BELIEVE A REPUTABLE COMPANY LIKE VOLVO DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED THEIR VEHICLES. I AM FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE INVESTIGATION INTO THESE PROBLEMS BE REOPENED AS THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE CEM DESIGN FLAWS CAUSE DANGEROUS PROBLEMS THAT CAN THREATEN THE SAFETY AND EVEN THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO DRIVE AND RIDE IN THE VOLVO XC90

NHTSA ID 10788492 · filed Nov 5, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL LEAK WAS NOTICED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 57 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND ENDED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-SKID INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLVO CARS BENTWOOD (314-644-9501, LOCATED AT 7700 MANCHESTER RD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63143) WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE FUEL CAP AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

NHTSA ID 11133079 · filed Oct 3, 2018

COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT BEARINGS BREAKDOWN IN NOV 2009 AND HAD REPAIRS DONE AT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP; AUGUST 2010 CYLINDER HEAD LEAK/CRACK WHICH BRINGS OIL TO WATER COOLANT. REPAIR SHOP ADVISED TO GET RID OF CAR 2005 XC 90 V8 VOLVO. I AM FEARFUL OF DRIVING THIS CAR. TO REPAIR AND REPLACE ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION TOO MUCH $$$ FOR THIS VOLVO. WITH NO GUARANTEE. VOLVO NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE BAD QUALITY OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. I FEEL IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH SO MANY CARS ON THE ROAD. IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10352409 · filed Aug 27, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER DOOR INTERMITTENTLY SWINGS OPEN WHILE DRIVING, EVEN WHILE LOCKED. FAULTY LATCH.

NHTSA ID 11142576 · filed Oct 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT RAINED, WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ONTO THE DASHBOARD, CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TO DIM. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE RADIO NO LONGER WORKED. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,189.

NHTSA ID 10788086 · filed Nov 3, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

NHTSA ID 11646424 · filed Mar 5, 2025

ALL THE VEHICLE LIGHTS WILL COME ON OVER THE DASH AND THE WHEEL LOCKS THEN IT SHUTS OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS IS SO UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY. I AM NOT SURE WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR MY VIN # WHEN GOOGLE CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A HAZARD AND THAT THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 11097108 · filed May 21, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2005 VOLVO XC-90 DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK ANY OF THE VEHICLE DOORS WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE AND STARTS MOVING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT I COMPLAINED ABOUT TO VOLVO, FORD AND NHTSA IN 2005. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND VOLVO ADVERTISE THE XC-90 AS THE SAFEST VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. FORD AND VOLVO HAVE OTHER CARS BEFORE AND AFTER THE XC-90'S INTRODUCTION THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS THE DOORS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN DRIVE AND STARTS MOVING. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS HAD AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ON MANY OF THEIR OTHER VEHICLES FOR YEARS SO THEY TRAINED US TO EXPECT IT, AND THEN THEY LEAVE THIS FEATURE OFF! I BELIEVE THIS DESIGN FLAW HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE SINCE THE XC-90 WAS FIRST INTRODUCTION INTO THE UNITED STATES IN 2004. THIS IS UNCONSCIONABLE!!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10330543 · filed May 15, 2010

DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY. MUST RECYCLE THE LOCK (LOCK THEN UNLOCK, SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE) IN ORDER TO GET THE DOOR TO LATCH SHUT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10215616 · filed Jan 22, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF REPLACEMENT AUTOMOBILE PARTS PROVIDED THE INCORRECT SIZE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS FOR A 2005 VOLVO XC-90. A OWENS CROSS ROAD, AL AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT INSTALLED THESE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS BLAMED THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR'S CATALOG ERROR FOR SMALLER (APPROXIMATELY 0.50 INCH) FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WHICH ARE SOLD AS AN EXACT REPLACEMENT FOR THE ORIGINAL VOLVO ROTORS. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ACTUALLY EXCEEDED THE FRONT ROTORS OUTER DIAMETER AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN OBVIOUS TO ANY RESPONSIBLE AUTO MECHANIC. THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS CATALOG ERROR IS RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING PEOPLE ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES. THE NAME OF THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR IS UNKNOWN BUT CERTAINLY COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE OWENS CROSS ROAD AUTO REPAIR SERVICE. THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR SHOULD BE FINED AND REQUIRED TO NOTIFY EVERY AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHICH THEY HAVE SUPPLIED WITH THE INCORRECT SIZE FRONT ROTORS.

NHTSA ID 10403529 · filed May 26, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SPACE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WAS ONLY 4 1/2 INCHES WIDE. THE WIDTH OF HIS FOOT IS 5 INCHES WIDE. THERE IS AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF SPACE TO ADEQUATELY APPLY PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITHOUT ALSO DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT HAVE NOT MADE ANY EFFORTS TO CORRECT THE DESIGN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 54,000.

NHTSA ID 10243300 · filed Sep 24, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT 12/12/2013 WHEN I TEST DROVE THE CAR THE DEALER HAD THE RADIO ON AND I NEVER SUSPECTED ANY NOISE AT THE TIME.AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR I KEPT HEARING THIS KNOCKING NOISE AT FIRST I THOUGHT IS WAS THE SKI RACK MAKING THE NOISE THEN WHEN MY HUSBAND DROVE IT HE SAID IT WAS COMING FROM THE TIRES SO I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE CHECK IT A OUT AND FOUND MULTIPLE PROBLEMS THE SUSPENSION,INNER TIE RODS,AXLES,SWAY BAR, STEERING,BUSHINGS ETC HIS REPLY WAS HOW DID THIS CAR PASS INSPECTION WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS AVAILABLE TAKE THE CAR BACK AND ASK THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEMS.I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND ASK THE DEALER TO COMPLY THEY WOULD NOT I TOLD THEM THEY HAD RECEIVED A FAULTY INSPECTIONS ON THE CAR SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC SAME RESPONSE. I THEN CALLED THE SAFETY INSPECTORS AND THEY CAME OUT TO CHECK OUT THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING. I THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEMS AND ADDED A CRACKED ENGINE MOUNT. I THEN ASKED THE INSPECTOR TO COME AND LOOK AT ALL THE THINGS THAT VOLVO FOUND THAT THE SAFETY INSPECTORS MISSED HE AGREED AND SAW BUT ONLY WROTE A REPORT I STILL HAVE A BROKE CAR THAT WAS FAULTY INSPECTED. I WANT THE DEALER TO FIX MY PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE REFUSED I COULD SUE THEM FOR GETTING A FAULTY INSPECTION AND SELLING A LEMON BUT I FELL LIKE I AM STUCK I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO FROM HERE I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR SEVERAL THINGS THE RACK AND PINION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT I HAVE TO FIX BUT EXPENSIVE AND THE BUSHINGS AND TIE RODS ARE GOING TO BE THE NEXT THING I REPAIR I REALLY DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THEM I AM PAYING 7000.00 FOR A USED CAR AND I FELL THAT THE DEALER AND THE INSPECTORS ARE CROOKS AND USED A FAULTY INSPECTION TO SELL A BROKE CAR PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10564127 · filed Feb 12, 2014

I ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER CAR AND THE ENGINE REVVED VERY HIGH WHILE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND COULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. THIS PUT MY CHILDREN AND I IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ALTHOUGH I WAS ABLE TO SWERVE BACK INTO MY OWN LANE IN TIME, IT WAS A VERY SCARY 10 OR 15 SECONDS. I HAVE BEEN AFRAID TO DRIVE IT UNTIL I CAN GET IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP, BUT HAVE DRIVEN IT ON SHORT TRIPS AROUND TOWN. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP SOME IN NORMAL DRIVING. I'M TAKING IT TO VOLVO SERVICE TOMORROW BUT SOME QUICK RESEARCH FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS SUV, AND THAT VOLVO IS COMPLETELY AWARE OF IT. IN FACT, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON I SPOKE WITH FROM VOLVO N.AM SAID "IT'S AN EPIDEMIC", AND THE SERVICE WRITER FOR NORTHPOINT VOLVO HAS SEEN IT MANY, MANY TIMES. IT LOOKS LIKE I'M IN FOR AS MUCH AS $8500 FOR A TRANSMISSION, AND EVEN MORE FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE AXLES AS WELL AS A NEW RADIATOR, WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE WHOLE PROBLEM DUE TO FLUID CONTAMINATION (GLYCOL INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID). I WASN'T AWARE OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL NOW, BUT I HAD CERTAINLY WONDERED WHY MY $48,000 VEHICLE HAD PLUMMETED IN VALUE COMPARED TO OTHER CARS! THIS IS NOT ONLY A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BUT ALSO A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON THE MANY PEOPLE WHO PURCHASED THIS SUV BASED ON AN EXPECTATION OF QUALITY AT LEAST IN LINE WITH MINIMUM INDUSTRY STANDARDS. CLEARLY THIS COMPANY IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND A RECALL IS IN ORDER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10458080 · filed May 11, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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