2017 Volvo XC90 Electrical Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11756005

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Mileage

94,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11734076

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11728812

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

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 extremely low mileage and safety‑critical nature of the failure. I am aware of similar instrument cluster failures reported by other 2016–2017 Volvo XC90 owners, suggesting this may be part of a broader pattern.

NHTSA ID

11725921

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

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 enforcement, or insurance representatives. However, based on the symptoms, the issue appears to involve a failure in the vehicle’s central electronic or communication control systems. Prior to the complete failure, warning signs were present. The Volvo On Call light remained on persistently, indicating a potential underlying electrical or module communication issue. This warning appeared before the loss of the turn signals, wipers, and high beams, suggesting a progressive system failure.

NHTSA ID

11725903

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11658368

Incident

Apr 20, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11645958

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

Mileage

147,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11616395

Incident

Sep 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11569838

Incident

Feb 2, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11481007

Incident

Aug 24, 2022

Mileage

31,000 mi

While driving in hybrid mode while both the gasoline and electric motor are running or shifting back and forth, occasionally the electric motor will come on with a sharp, sometimes loud, metallic “bang”. The sound and feel appears to be coming from the rear. The last two times it happened, the car lunged forward on its own without additional pressure on the accelerator, and once over the past week it lunged forward near an intersection when lifting off the accelerator pedal and engaging the brake. The lunge almost caused me to rear end the car in front of me which I was not very close to. This occurs about once every 50 miles travelled or once per day and at various speeds. To date it has not generated a CEL or any other type of warning.

NHTSA ID

11460563

Incident

Feb 15, 2022

"Volvo On Call Service Required" message shows up on the dash suddenly every 3-5 minutes, and the black message box itself is close to, and bigger than, the speedometer reading. It makes it difficult to monitor and maintain speed without distraction. At the same time, every 3-5 minutes, top of the center screen completely flashes with "message stored to Car Status app" to draw driver attention and causes a major distraction while driving.

NHTSA ID

11432610

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

CENTRAL CONSOLE WILL "REBOOT" FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE SCREEN GOES BLANK AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT DISPLAYS A ANIMATED ROTATING CIRCLE LIKE IT IS STARTING TO BOOT UP. IT CAN TAKE 5+ MINUTES FOR THE REBOOT PROCESS. WHILE IT IS DOING IT THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS IT PROVIDES ACCESS TO. IT USUALLY HAPPENS WITHIN THE FIRST 5 MINUTES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE, BUT IT HAS OCCURED 20+ MINUTES INTO A DRIVE.

NHTSA ID

11407000

Incident

Mar 22, 2021

FOR 5 MONTHS NOW, THERE HAS BEEN LEAKING FROM THE REAR SIDE OF THE INTELLISAFE MODULE LOCATED BY THE MIDDLE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE TAKEN THE CARE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE ROOT CAUSE. I HAVE PAID FOR MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS OF THE RUBBER TRIM AND CLEANING OF INTERIOR PARTS. THE WATER LEAKS DIRECTLY OVER THE HEAD UNIT, AND I FEAR THAT MIGHT CAUSE DAMAGE SUCH AS A ELECTRICAL FIRE OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS THAT MIGHT BECOME VERY COSTLY. IT HAPPENS WHILE STILL IN PARK AND WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11398899

Incident

Dec 2, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE AND THE ELECTRONIC GAUGES TO SHUT OFF. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A POND. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (WEAVER BROTHERS VOLVO, 4409 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11154562

Incident

Nov 1, 2018

Mileage

10,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR, VOLVO HOOD STARTED TO SMOKE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SIGNALS WENT OFF. WE PULLED OVER, TURNED ENGINE OFF, REMOVED KIDS FROM THE CAR, AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, THE ENTIRE HOOD OF THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, EVEN THOUGH FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. WE HAVE NO INFORMATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE - ENGINE, ELECTRICAL, ETC - BUT THE CAR ONLY HAD 18,000 MILES ON IT. VOLVO HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE ROTORS TWICE IN TWO YEARS - HIGHLY UNUSUAL - BUT OTHERWISE WE HAD NO REASON TO SUSPECT A PROBLEM. WE WERE VERY LUCKY WE WERE ON CITY STREETS AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL OVER.

NHTSA ID

11141828

Incident

Sep 23, 2018

Mileage

19,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE PILOT ASSIST AND LANE ASSIST SYSTEMS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY CHANGE LANES AND/OR CHANGE DIRECTIONS. ON OCCASION, THE FEATURES WOULD ERRONEOUSLY SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ *AS

NHTSA ID

10970765

Incident

Feb 1, 2017

Mileage

1,500 mi