2025 Volvo XC90 Electrical Problems

My 2025 Volvo XC90 (VIN: [XXX], approximately 50,000 miles) unexpectedly entered limp mode while driving on the freeway during the first snowfall of the year. The vehicle suddenly lost normal driving capability, forcing us to pull onto the shoulder, where we were stranded in hazardous winter driving conditions. This created a serious risk of being struck by passing vehicles. The vehicle has a history of recurring electrical failures involving airbags, windshield wipers, turn signals, infotainment, and HVAC controls. These failures often temporarily disappear after restarting the vehicle or rebooting the infotainment system, only to return later. I have repeatedly reported these electrical problems to Ken Garff Volvo in Salt Lake City. The dealership performed software upgrades on [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX] (part #31483292), but the failures continue. The dealer stated the updates would correct the problems. I cannot confirm whether the dealership reproduced the limp-mode failure or identified its cause. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Volvo dealer. I am unaware of any separate inspection by Volvo corporate engineers, police, or insurance representatives. There was no warning messages displayed immediately before the limp-mode incident. Other recurring warning messages, including airbag and wiper errors, have appeared during the vehicle's history. I requested complete repair and diagnostic records, but the dealership declined to provide them, stating Volvo corporate would request whatever information it needed directly. The vehicle is available for inspection with arrangements for safe transportation. I believe this unexpected loss of driving capability presents a serious collision risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775801

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

My 2025 Volvo XC90 (VIN: [XXX], approximately 50,000 miles) has recurring electrical failures affecting the infotainment system, HVAC/defroster, airbags, windshield wipers, and turn signals. On [XXX], while driving, the infotainment-based HVAC controls suddenly stopped functioning, disabling windshield defrosting. The windshield rapidly fogged, severely obstructing my visibility. I nearly drove off the road, and the lane correction system helped prevent an accident. After pulling over and rebooting the infotainment system, the HVAC and defroster resumed working. During the first snowfall of the season, the vehicle also unexpectedly entered limp mode on the freeway, forcing us onto the shoulder and leaving us stranded. These failures recur unpredictably. Airbag and wiper warnings disappear after the vehicle is shut off for several hours. Infotainment and turn signal failures temporarily resolve after rebooting the infotainment system. I reported these issues repeatedly to Ken Garff Volvo in Salt Lake City. The dealer performed software upgrades on [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX] (part #31483292), but the failures continue. The dealer stated the updates would fix the issues. I do not know whether they reproduced each malfunction. The vehicle has been serviced by an authorized Volvo dealer. I am requesting a Volvo corporate safety investigation. I am unaware of any police, insurance, or separate manufacturer engineering inspection. Recurring warning messages and electronic failures preceded the November 4 incident, although I do not recall a specific warning immediately before the defroster failed. The vehicle is available for inspection with safe transportation arrangements. These unresolved failures create a serious risk of collision or injury. Dealer declined to provide full repair and diagnostic records, stating Volvo corporate would request them directly. Only software upgrade part numbers and module lists were provided. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775800

Incident

Nov 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH from a stop, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 40 MPH while entering an access road and turning right. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to be repaired on several occasions for Google software issues. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer contacted manufacturer and reported that there was no fault found with the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 20,551.

NHTSA ID

11765214

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Mileage

20,551 mi

The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety alert audible sounds failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the alerts failed to provide an audible alert. The contact turned off the vehicle and started and the system independently reset. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an unknown software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure became persistent. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen seized. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a still image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.

NHTSA ID

11753962

Incident

Jul 9, 2024

Mileage

4,500 mi

I am extremely disappointed with my 2025 Volvo XC90. The vehicle’s interface shuts down frequently, which is extremely dangerous—especially at highway speeds. On several occasions, including at night, the entire system has gone completely blank. This creates a serious safety hazard and puts lives at risk. Despite repeated complaints, the dealership has been ineffective and has provided no meaningful fix. In addition, when exiting a parking position, the exterior side mirrors deploy very slowly, making it unsafe to merge into traffic or assess surrounding vehicles. This delay is another clear hazard. Most concerning, the vehicle has shut down entirely while driving on multiple occasions. This is a life-threatening defect and completely unacceptable in a vehicle of this class. I paid over $90,000 for my XC90, expecting the highest standards of safety and reliability. Instead, I regret this purchase every day. Volvo’s failure to address these critical safety issues has severely undermined my confidence in the vehicle and the brand.

NHTSA ID

11705607

Incident

Dec 14, 2025

Interior car speakers stopped working which made collision audio cues not operational. During driving no blind spot audio, turn signal, and other audio was playing

NHTSA ID

11687839

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving through a residential area at 35 MPH, the vehicle independently slowed down with the message "Engine Has Now Stopped" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle initially failed to restart after the first attempt; however, the vehicle restarted after the second attempt and resumed normal operation after the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,300.

NHTSA ID

11650504

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Mileage

2,300 mi

Remote start - when the vehicle is running by remote start using the Volvo app, it is not possible to directly fully start to the normal operating mode. If foot is placed on brake and the start/stop knob is turned, the display briefly shows the normal operating display and then reverts back to the limited display showing miles to empty and door status. If attempted again, the same occurs (1-2 seconds of normal display followed by limited display). The car cannot be driven until and unless the start/stop knob is turned without your foot on the brake to shut the engine off and then the engine is started again.

NHTSA ID

11640263

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

Remote start, infotainment system which controls everything, dashboard, lights, and cigarette lighter all intermittently turn off and on. Everyday, something else seems to stop working. My vehicle is 2.5 weeks old. This is apparently is a know latent defect that Volvo has chosen to keep from customers, based on feedback from VOLVO service, who are actually denying appointments stating that there is nothing they can do.

NHTSA ID

11637435

Incident

Jan 3, 2025