10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,508 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #29

Dec 182013

XC90 6-cyl

  • 102,000 miles
The central electronic module (cem) will not perform as intended. As a result, audio system, parking assist, and passenger airbag does not work. Audio system turns on sporadically by itself and runs continuously(I have to pull over, turn the engine off, then wait 3+ minutes to stop it). As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the turn signals, high beams, and headlight switch might not work. This issue was recall 2014 Volvo S60, S80, XC60 and XC70. 2005 XC90 but it should be included in this recall because malfunctioning electronic system (passenger airbags, head lamps, and/or turn signals) increase the risk of a crash. It's not fair, when same problem is accepted as reason for recall for 2014 models(XC60, S60, S80, XC70) but not 2005 Xc90S.

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #28

May 062013

XC90 5-cyl

  • 106,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90.the contact stated that while driving approximately 57 mph, all of the dashboard warning lights failed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the central control module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 106,000.

- Milford, CT, USA

problem #27

Apr 212013

XC90 6-cyl

  • 117,000 miles
2006 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD April 21, 2013 approx 8:30 pm driving at approx 8:30 pm, traveling at about 55 miles per hour, remote 2-lane highway (US191, eastern Arizona) on twisty mountainous road, switched from high-beam to low-beams to accommodate oncoming vehicle approaching around a bend. A moment or two after switching to low beams, the Volvo's headlights lights flickered and went out all-together. Error message reading something to the effect of "low beam bulb failure" appeared on message screen. High-beams didn't appear to be operable either. I activated fog lamps and proceeded cautiously to destination (approx 25 miles away). Approx 15 miles from that point, I was pulled over by dps patrol advising I had no headlights...and that my license plate light was also not operating. The next morning, investigated further, discovered there were no issues with the headlight bulbs (low beam and high beam) or with license plate bulbs specifically (they were not burnt out), nor were there any issues with any blown fuses related to those exterior lights. I did discover that the drl (daytime running lights) were still operating as normal (which utilize the same bulb as the low headlights) confirming that there were no issues with those bulbs. All research since this event is pointing me to conclusion that this monumentally unsafe condition was caused by a bad/faulty cem design by Volvo (online research, speaking with Volvo mechanics and reviewing similar NHTSA complaints). There is no preventative maintenance that I could have done to prevent this from happening. This is not an owner maintenance issue, this is a design or materials issue. Volvo should be required to recall & repair to prevent this safety issue. I request NHTSA open (re-open?) investigation into this issue, as this very dangerous safety issue that needs addressing before much worse consequences result.

- Morenci, AZ, USA

problem #26

Dec 202012

XC90 5-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
This complaint relates to PE10025. I have to replace cem and casing for wiring cost $5500. Volvo should be responsible for part or all of this repair. It is water seepage into the cem case. Water drips down through hood of the car and corrodes the wires. Causes major electrical shorts. I consider this to be a manufacturer defect. Way to many cars are experiencing this issue and it is extremely costly. I would sincerely wish you to consider making Volvo responsible.

- Cranford, NJ, USA

problem #25

Dec 272012

XC90 8-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
Driving in pitch black night on backroads of charleston, SC. Lights went out after left headlight flickered for a few days. Lights went out and car went off road as we were in a curve. Regained control after spinning on wet grass. I need the headlights repaired by Volvo at their expense and reimbursement for the failed engine I had to replace.

- Glenview, IL, USA

problem #24

Mar 122012

XC90 5-cyl

  • 190,000 miles
This complaint refers to NHTSA action number PE10025. Service bulletin number tnn 37-35. It is outrageous and unacceptable for you to not have issued a recall on this matter. Volvo should be expected to replace my wiring grommet and/or plenum cover at no charge. It is applauding that Volvo would not take this serious and issue a recall as it is clearly a defect and a safety hazard. My children and I were on the interstate when this happened to us and it was very dangerous. It is clearly a problem and safety issue that Volvo recognizes or they would have not changed the design and issued a bulletin. I do not understand how a company can sell me a product that malfunctions and then expect me to pay them to repair it.

- Marion, AR, USA

problem #23

Feb 062010

XC90 5-cyl

  • 66,754 miles
Our car wouldn't start in our garage one morning. Turns out, we needed a new cem due to a leaking protection box (I can't remember the name of it but it started with a P). After 843 in parts and 816 in labor and almost a month at the dealer due to a backordered wiring harness the problem was fixed. After doing some research we have discovered that this is an epidemic among Volvo owners and we are actually one of the lucky ones whose car died while it was parked instead of while we were driving! this is ridiculously dangerous and the fact that this leaking box is a common problem and that Volvo has actually developed a redesigned model to fix the issue with their first gen model leads me to believe that they should be forced to replace their faulty design in all of their Xc90S. As someone who bought her Volvo for its reputation for safety, I am disgusted that this problem has been allowed to go on for so long.

- Plymouth, MA, USA

problem #22

Jan 172012

XC90

  • 76,132 miles
I drove in severe down pour yesterday and experienced an yellow error message followed by an electrical short and anti skid message. I reduced my speed to 50 mph on the interstate and proceeded home. After stopping the lights would not turn off and I immediately took it in for service where the technician advised me that this was a problem with water getting into the engine compartment wiring harness and causing the central electronic module to short ciruit and rust. This repair alone costs over $5000 due their defective design and improper sealing of important electrical components. I avoided any possible accidents by driving slowly but do not feel safe were I to travel in inclement weather in the future. I do believe that the electrical system would short circuit leaving me without essential power and possibly hurt or stranded. I can see from your database that an investigation was completed on 11/22/2010 under id PE10025 citing no real safety issues. I disagree and would encourage you to revisit this issue immediately. Volvo has conceded to replace the cem ($753.52) unit but not the engine compartment ($3034.71) that houses it, therefore owners like myself will continue to experience the same problem and real danger from it.

- Old Hickory, TN, USA

problem #21

Aug 302011

XC90

  • 90,000 miles
A complaint was previous filed regarding to turn signal problem. Situation getting worse. Volvo XC90 V8 2005; replaced cem unit two years back. Recently following problems happened. 1. turn signal stop working 2. no high beam 3. no windshield washing 4. no cruise control 5. no vehicle information function problems look like associated with faulty cem again. Vehicle is very risky to drive with unreliable or not-functioning turn signal.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #20

Aug 202011

XC90 8-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Volvo XC90 2005 low beam bulb failure error and one beam turns off. Then comes back on, and sometimes all lights go off. Very dangerous at night. If you turn the headlight dial to another setting they will come back on, but then blink off again, and sometimes off completely. The biggest issue is the intermittent occurrence of this. The car is not safe to drive.

- Centerton, AR, USA

problem #19

Jul 172011

XC90 6-cyl

  • 60,800 miles
Purchased used 2005 Volvo XC90 in spring of 2010. During the next year experienced very intermittent electrical issues. Examples are locks not working, blinker, radio. These issues literally only happened a couple times. In April 2011 had biyearly safety and emissions done at local dealership (non Volvo) and it did not pass emissions. Next day took my Volvo XC90 to weiss Volvo and it passed emissions (without me knowing they cleared errors on the car to get it to pass. This must be the reason in europe that dealerships can't inspect their own make of cars) on July 17 2011 I was driving down the highway with my 1 year old in the back seat. Radio went out. A few minutes later almost everything in the car shut down except for the engine. Lost A/C (it was 110 that day), lost power steering, braking was intermittent, no blinkers, no headlights, no lights in interior, while I was at full speed on the highway. I am not sure if engine was intermittent or not because I got off as soon as I could. I was very close to weiss Volvo so dropped it off there again on the date of the total failure. Called Volvo customer care on July 18 2011 to file complaint. Weiss Volvo called back and told us car wouldn't start. Called back later in the day and said they saw that everything went out and car was full of codes. Weiss sent in an estimate for $1500 to replace ECM. I asked weiss to perform an emissions test (by mo law manufacturer's cars must pass emissions test up to 80K miles and my car had 61K) I researched ECM and found very similar stories to mine and brought this up to Volvo na. Volvo na told weiss Volvo to "reset" my car (again without my permission). The car then was functional after reset. Weiss then "tested" my car for almost 3 weeks to figure out the design flaw for a total of 451 miles. The mechanic told me it was the ECM but Volvo na said it was various other reasons and wouldn't replace it. Car still broke. Reached limit.

- Kirkwood, MO, USA

problem #18

Jul 012011

XC90

  • 93,834 miles
I'd like to add my complaint to the list of those already reporting the abrupt loss of all electronics, including windshield wipers and all dashboard gauges, during a rainstorm. My issue was also identified as a prematurely corroded central electronic module (cem) caused by a design flaw allowing water to access the cem connector. I'm shocked to find out Volvo knew about this in 2005, well within the warranty period for most of these affected vehicles, and did nothing to correct or even alert their owners. I urge the NHTSA to revisit their investigation, and force a recall if Volvo continues to refuse. I can assure you as a driver during this event, this is indeed a safety issue, and I hope we aren't waiting for enough injuries or deaths before you get to that obvious conclusion.

- Champlin, MN, USA

problem #17

Jul 252011

XC90

  • 130,000 miles
Brakes lights always on. Took car to dealer and they advised that water had leaked into cem module and main wireharness and required replacemnet at a cost of $7000. Known issue to Volvo with service bulletin sent to dealers. Found independent Volvo repair shop willing to replace module only (software download from dealer) and clean build-up on harness connectors. Requiring removal of part of dash, driver seat. Took 4 days at repair shop. Repair completed for under $2000.

- Arcadia, CA, USA

problem #16

Jun 012005

XC90 8-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
During rain the windshield wipers stop working, headlights go out and car loses power. I have come dangerously close to high speed accidents due to the loss of power. Also car has a severe jerk in the transmission when accelerating after a turn. So strong I thought I was hit from behind. There is a problem NHTSA investigated with water getting into the cem. Volvo acknowledged manufacturer defect that results in water getting in cem but will not replace the defective cover. There is no way of knowing when this might happens-appears to depend on how heavy the rain, if roadway has a lot of water. This needs to be recalled for safety reasons-Volvo continues to put consumers at risk.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #15

Aug 012009

XC90 5-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
1. normal city/highway driving. 2. turn signals sporadically do not function. Ambient temperature does not matter, whether in winter or summer. 3. nothing was done to correct.

- Dearborn, MI, USA

problem #14

Oct 302010

XC90 8-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
2005 Volvo XC90 V8 AWD-numerous electrical issues since purchasing vehicle from a local dealer in upstate NY in 2010. Odd problems such as headlights failing, power windows opening and "anti" theft features (key lock) being activated for unknown reason-the vehicle required a balance shaft replacement at about 70K miles (I believe it had 65K miles when I purchased it) which apparently was due to manufacturer not having drip holes in engine compartment. I believe the electrical issues are somewhat related to that problem in that water seems to be a problem for this vehicle. The odd electrical issues don't always happen when its raining but moisture appears to be a factor. Latest issue was a locked shifter in the park position-car would start but could not put into any gear-towed to dealer and they replaced the cem (central electronics module) for $2300. I made them give me the defective module so have it if you would like to examine it examine it. Luckily, I only had one dangerous issue and that is when the headlights failed during a dark/rainy night. Too early to tell if the cem fixes the problem as just had it fixed today 5/13/2011. Started researching why this would be an issue and that's when I started reading other Volvo drivers experiences that seemed quite similar to mine. I never had complete vehicle failure but losing the headlights was not fun...I think Volvo knows exactly what the issue as they didn't hesitate in installing the cem...I am listing the specific date that the headlights failed below-they failed several other times but cant recall the specific dates.

- East Amherst, NY, USA

problem #13

Mar 162011

XC90 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,700 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 40 mph in rainy weather, the driver attempted to turn on the windshield wipers but they would not engage. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told that the central electronic module would need to be replaced because rain was seeping into the central electronic module. The vehicle was repaired. Updated 05/05/11 updated 05/13/11

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #12

Feb 192011

XC90 6-cyl

  • 61,000 miles
While driving on the highway in rain, the headlights of the car began flashing on and off (sometimes drivers side, sometimes passenger side, sometimes both) intermittently. I pulled over and turned off and restarted car. This solved the problem for a few miles, then it did it again. Now, the right light is out completely, but at least the left seems to be staying on. This exact same thing happened one other time. The dealership claimed they could find nothing wrong with the vehicle.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #11

Jan 182011

XC90 8-cyl

  • 131,000 miles
2005 XC90 V8-many problems with check engine light coming on and car losing power. Lost power on interstate-car would lose power and speed-needed tow-happened twice. Current issue check engine light came on followed by all lights coming on stating brake failure, power overload, limp mode and brake failure. Dealer replaced alternator at cost of $1006. 10 days later check engine light and anti skid light came on followed by brake failure light. Car lost headlights and windshield wipers-9 pm and sleeting. Dealer now says need to replace cem and battery at a cost of $3,000 due to water in cem. It was raining or sleeting both times the check engine light came on. Volvo redesigned the cover to prevent water intrusion but needs to issue recall. Very dangerous- ticking time bomb. Someone will have an accident on rainy night on interstate. Please consider requiring recall-owners of this vehicle are spending thousands of dollars due to Volvo XC90 V8 design flaws. How can Volvo be allowed to sell vehicles that should not be driven outside/or in the rain.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #10

Dec 192010

XC90 5-cyl

  • 100,093 miles
I was driving with my daughter on a very long bridge at night in my 2005 Volvo XC90. The check engine light came on and while the car stayed on, it appeared to have lost power. I have had other electrical problems with the car and have had it to the dealer 3 times but they say they can't find anything wrong with it. This was by far the most dangerous incident! after doing some internet research, I have read hundreds of reports similar to mine. There is a definite issue with this car and it should be recalled.

- Covington, LA, USA

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