2008 Volvo XC90 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 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
- Engine819.5%
- Electrical819.5%
- Seat belts49.8%
- Driver assistance49.8%
- Fuel system37.3%
- Powertrain (other)37.3%
- Brakes24.9%
- Transmission12.4%
- Airbags12.4%
- Visibility12.4%
- Body & structure12.4%
- Interior & seats12.4%
- Exterior lighting12.4%
- Other / unspecified12.4%
- Steering12.4%
- Tires & wheels12.4%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then no lights all of a sudden it happened within 1-2mins vehicle wouldn’t respond while running stopped in middle of road. Didn’t give any warning was even going out. Locks not working right with key fob 1or more locks won’t lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. Steering locked in full turn left/right have to manually turn wheel because it will continue in direction wheel is associated in while moving instead of returning towards middle on its own momentum. Climate control fan not working properly not enough blowing force and ambient temperature sensor for climate control not regulating temperature/doesn’t read correctly.
Well I was at a red light waiting for the light to train green when I stepped on the Excelerator pedal I heard something snapped and the car would not move anymore I try to switch gears and the car would not move at all it would just accelerate the engine will sound like Like if I had the car on Neutral. In any gear I try to shift there was no warning in the vehicle no light turned on the only light that it was turned on was the one with the check engine because of the Cadillac converter but other than that no other lights were coming out or flashing
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then no lights all of a sudden it happened within 1-2mins vehicle wouldn’t respond while running stopped in middle of road. Didn’t give any warning was even going out. Locks not working right with key fob 1or more locks won’t lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. Steering locked in full turn left/right have to manually turn wheel because it will continue in direction wheel is associated in while moving instead of returning towards middle on its own momentum. Climate control fan not working properly not enough blowing force and ambient temperature sensor for climate control not regulating temperature/doesn’t read correctly.
2008 VOLVO XC90 V8 HAS BEEN TOWED 3X IN THE PAST MONTH. THE BATTERY HAS COMPLETELY AND INCONSISTENTLY DRAINED. THEY CHECKED RELAY SWITCHES, FUSES, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC. 3X IN THE SHOP! SO FED UP. CAR IS NOW IN SHOP AND I'VE READ THAT VOLVO IS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR BATTERY DRAIN FROM SIRIUS RADIO EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SUBSCRIPTION. THEY ARE CHARGING ME $135 TO DIAGNOSE AT VOLVO RIGHT NOW. IT HASN'T BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THAT IS THE PROBLEM YET, BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER IS INCLINED TO THINK THAT'S WHAT IT IS. CLEARLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO GOT STUCK COMPLETELY IN DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THEN IT WOULDN'T WORK AT ALL. HAVING DOOR OPENING PROBLEMS ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND I'M JUST SUPER FRUSTRATED. THIS HAS AFFECTED MY BUSINESS AND SEEING CUSTOMERS, ETC.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then no lights all of a sudden it happened within 1-2mins vehicle wouldn’t respond while running stopped in middle of road. Didn’t give any warning was even going out. Locks not working right with key fob 1or more locks won’t lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. Steering locked in full turn left/right have to manually turn wheel because it will continue in direction wheel is associated in while moving instead of returning towards middle on its own momentum. Climate control fan not working properly not enough blowing force and ambient temperature sensor for climate control not regulating temperature/doesn’t read correctly.
2008 VOLVO XC90 V8 HAS BEEN TOWED 3X IN THE PAST MONTH. THE BATTERY HAS COMPLETELY AND INCONSISTENTLY DRAINED. THEY CHECKED RELAY SWITCHES, FUSES, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC. 3X IN THE SHOP! SO FED UP. CAR IS NOW IN SHOP AND I'VE READ THAT VOLVO IS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR BATTERY DRAIN FROM SIRIUS RADIO EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SUBSCRIPTION. THEY ARE CHARGING ME $135 TO DIAGNOSE AT VOLVO RIGHT NOW. IT HASN'T BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THAT IS THE PROBLEM YET, BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER IS INCLINED TO THINK THAT'S WHAT IT IS. CLEARLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO GOT STUCK COMPLETELY IN DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THEN IT WOULDN'T WORK AT ALL. HAVING DOOR OPENING PROBLEMS ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND I'M JUST SUPER FRUSTRATED. THIS HAS AFFECTED MY BUSINESS AND SEEING CUSTOMERS, ETC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 VOLVO XC90 V8 HAS BEEN TOWED 3X IN THE PAST MONTH. THE BATTERY HAS COMPLETELY AND INCONSISTENTLY DRAINED. THEY CHECKED RELAY SWITCHES, FUSES, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC. 3X IN THE SHOP! SO FED UP. CAR IS NOW IN SHOP AND I'VE READ THAT VOLVO IS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR BATTERY DRAIN FROM SIRIUS RADIO EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SUBSCRIPTION. THEY ARE CHARGING ME $135 TO DIAGNOSE AT VOLVO RIGHT NOW. IT HASN'T BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THAT IS THE PROBLEM YET, BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER IS INCLINED TO THINK THAT'S WHAT IT IS. CLEARLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO GOT STUCK COMPLETELY IN DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THEN IT WOULDN'T WORK AT ALL. HAVING DOOR OPENING PROBLEMS ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND I'M JUST SUPER FRUSTRATED. THIS HAS AFFECTED MY BUSINESS AND SEEING CUSTOMERS, ETC.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND THE STEERING LOCKED. I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY SIGNALS AND THE BIG RIGS BEHIND ME BLEW THEIR HORNS. THEY WERE GETTING CLOSER TO ME BECAUSE I WAS DECELERATING AT A RATE THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLISSION. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO AN EMERGENCY LANE WHILE THEY WENT WHIPPING PAST ME. THE VOLVO SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE HAD HEARD OF A SIMILAR SITUATION BEFORE. IN AN EMAIL TO ME HE STATED THAT "THE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS GIVING A FAULTS READING, OF EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE. WHEN THE PEM SAW THE FAULTS READING, IT CUT THE FUEL TO THE ENGINE AS IT THOUGHT IT WAS WAY OVER PRESSURIZED." I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT NOBODY WAS SEVERALLY INJURED OR KILLED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Well I was at a red light waiting for the light to train green when I stepped on the Excelerator pedal I heard something snapped and the car would not move anymore I try to switch gears and the car would not move at all it would just accelerate the engine will sound like Like if I had the car on Neutral. In any gear I try to shift there was no warning in the vehicle no light turned on the only light that it was turned on was the one with the check engine because of the Cadillac converter but other than that no other lights were coming out or flashing
THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING ROUGH 1-2 GEAR AND 5 TO 6 GEAR. THE DOWNSHIFT FROM 3-2 AND 2-1 IS REALLY ROUGH. I HAVE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED, EVEN ON THESE OLDER VOLVO'S.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A SHAKING MOTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
LOUD CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC TO BE DRIVE AXLES WARN OUT, WITH RELATIVELY LOW LOW MILES I CONTACTED VOLVO DEALER AND WOULD DO NOTHING BUT CHARGE FOR REPLACEMENTS AND FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. PREMATURE FAILURE OF DRIVE AXLES CAN CREATE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING INCIDENT. WHICH IS WHY I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT . IT SEEMS THAT ALL THESE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER EVERYWHERE WHICH MAKES ME THINK THERE MUST BE A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE YAW SENSORS A AND D NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,320.
PARKING BRAKES NOT DISENGAGING. THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE EVEN WHEN IN GEAR AND GAS IS APPLIED. IT FELT LIKE ONE OF THE WHEELS IS LOCKED. IF PARKED INSIDE A GARAGE, CONSTITUTES SEVERE HAZARD ESPECIALLY FOR INEXPERIENCE DRIVERS AS THE CAR MAY SUDDENLY MOVE IF THE BRAKE SUDDENLY DISENGAGES. THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN THE BRAKE WILL DISENGAGE. THE BRAKES EVENTUALLY DISENGAGED AFTER SEVERAL TRIES OF ROCKING THE CAR BY ALTERNATELY ENGAGING THE GEARS BETWEEN REVERSE AND DRIVE. THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2005 T6 HAS ALREADY HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 25K MILES (UNDER WARRANTY). THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION RECENTLY SLIPPED GEARS WITH 32K MILES AND THE DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS "OLDER" VERSION OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CODE WHICH CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND JUMPSTARTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR TWO YEARS AND CONTINUED. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AJAR MESSAGE DISPLAYED EVEN THOUGH THE DOORS WERE CLOSED IN A SECURED POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE CHILD LOCK FAULT MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED AND PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,580.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND JUMPSTARTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR TWO YEARS AND CONTINUED. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AJAR MESSAGE DISPLAYED EVEN THOUGH THE DOORS WERE CLOSED IN A SECURED POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE CHILD LOCK FAULT MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED AND PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,580.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND JUMPSTARTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR TWO YEARS AND CONTINUED. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AJAR MESSAGE DISPLAYED EVEN THOUGH THE DOORS WERE CLOSED IN A SECURED POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE CHILD LOCK FAULT MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED AND PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,580.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT LEAST THREE TIMES BECAUSE A SEAT IN THE REAR ROW FAILED. THE SEAT CONTINUES TO FAIL AFTER EACH REPAIR. IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT IS A LATCH, BUT IT DOES NOT REMAIN FASTENED. THE SEAT IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE THE SEAT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY ONLY INSTALL NEW PARTS ON VEHICLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Well I was at a red light waiting for the light to train green when I stepped on the Excelerator pedal I heard something snapped and the car would not move anymore I try to switch gears and the car would not move at all it would just accelerate the engine will sound like Like if I had the car on Neutral. In any gear I try to shift there was no warning in the vehicle no light turned on the only light that it was turned on was the one with the check engine because of the Cadillac converter but other than that no other lights were coming out or flashing
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE OF THE RECALL VARIETY. I BROUGHT MY 2008 XC90 TO THE DEALER TODAY FOR ANOTHER ISSUE. I SAT IN THE WAITING ROOM FOR 30 MIN WHEN THE SERVICE MAN APPROACHED ME AND ASKED ME IF MY IGNITION HAD EVER LOCKED UP BEFORE. I SAID NO AND TRIED TO TURN THE KEY MYSELF. COMPLETELY LOCKED. THE SERVICE REP SAID "I KNOW WHAT IT IS" AS HIS WIFE IN HER VOLVO HAD RECENTLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE EXPLAINED THE IGNITION HAS A LOCKING MECHANISM THAT SOMETIMES FREEZES IN PLACE. THE COLUMN NEEDS TO BE DISSEMBLED TO REMOVE THE MECHANISM. HE TOLD ME 5-7 BIZ DAYS TO GET THE FACTORY TO CUSTOM BUILD ME A NEW ONE BEFORE HE CAN DRIVE THE CAR TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I ORIGINALLY CAME IN FOR. THEY WON'T GIVE ME A LOANER OR RENT ME A CAR DESPITE THE FACT THAT THIS ISSUE IS "UNDER WARRANTY." I'M VERY DISENCHANTED WITH VOLVO AS, GIVEN THAT THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED IN VOLVOS TIME AND TIME AGAIN ACCORDING TO MANY BLOG ENTRIES I REVIEWED.! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND THE STEERING LOCKED. I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON THE EMERGENCY SIGNALS AND THE BIG RIGS BEHIND ME BLEW THEIR HORNS. THEY WERE GETTING CLOSER TO ME BECAUSE I WAS DECELERATING AT A RATE THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLISSION. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO AN EMERGENCY LANE WHILE THEY WENT WHIPPING PAST ME. THE VOLVO SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE HAD HEARD OF A SIMILAR SITUATION BEFORE. IN AN EMAIL TO ME HE STATED THAT "THE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS GIVING A FAULTS READING, OF EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE. WHEN THE PEM SAW THE FAULTS READING, IT CUT THE FUEL TO THE ENGINE AS IT THOUGHT IT WAS WAY OVER PRESSURIZED." I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT NOBODY WAS SEVERALLY INJURED OR KILLED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN WITH < 39K MILES ON 2008 VOLVO XC90 HAD A TREAD SEPARATION AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SPEED DURING BUSY DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC NEARLY CREATING AN ACCIDENT FOR ME AND TWO OF MY CHILDREN. VEHICLE DAMAGE CAUSED SOLELY BY THE TIRE FLAILING THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE EXCEEDED $3500. TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE STEEL BELTS AS A CONTINUOUS RING. TREAD LUGS CAN BE PULLED AWAY BY HAND FROM THE LOWER RUBBER THEY APPEAR TO BE BONDED TO AND THIS UNDERNEATH RING OF RUBBER HAD VERY CLEANLY PULLED AWAY FROM THE BELTS. TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. EVIDENCE OF IMPENDING FAILURE WAS NOTED AS I WAS FEELING VIBRATION FROM THE TIRE FOR 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND HAD EVEN STOPPED TO INSPECT THE WHEEL FOR A PROBABLE CAUSE. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE. INTERNET SEARCHING IS CLEARLY SHOWING THAT, FOR THIS MODEL TIRE, THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER THE OVER 250 DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO THE TREAD SEPARATION OF BRIDGESTONE TIRES ON FORD EXPLORERS? I DO. *TR
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .