FaultScore

FaultScore report

2003 Volvo XC90 problems

Owners have filed 149 complaints about the 2003 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2022. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 20 worst.

C

FaultScore 56/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volvo XC90.

How this is worked out

The numbers

149

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

78,172 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

22%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 67 vs 50 Severity 49 vs 50 Early failure 37 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 67
Against the median year of the Volvo XC90. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 37
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2003 compares with every other Volvo XC90

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2003 Volvo XC90

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 76,000 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 79,000 mi

Median failure at 99,000 miles

Median failure at 111,000 miles

Suspension 10 6.7%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Brakes 8 5.4%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

Body & Structure 6 4.0%

Median failure at 47,045 miles

Equipment & Accessories 5 3.4%

Median failure at 50,045 miles

Stability & Traction Control 4 2.7%

Median failure at 79,150 miles

Steering 4 2.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 43,813 mi

Airbags 4 2.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 88,150 mi

Seats 3 2.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,000 mi

Tires 3 2.0%

Median failure at 59,500 miles

Lights 3 2.0%

Median failure at 77,400 miles

Other & Unspecified 2 1.3%

Median failure at 132,343 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 1.3%
Wheels 2 1.3%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 1.3%

Median failure at 79,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 1.3%

Median failure at 137,500 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.7%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Transmission 39 72.2%
Engine 3 5.6%
Cooling System 2 3.7%
Latch 2 3.7%
Rear 2 3.7%
Fuel Pump 2 3.7%
Exhaust System 2 3.7%
Ignition 2 3.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 1.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 2.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 17 13.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 15 11.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 21 16.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 32 25.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 32 25.0%
150,000+ miles 6 4.7%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2003 Volvo XC90 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2003 Volvo XC90 4-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2003 Volvo XC90 4-DR. w/SAB

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jul 2003 peak 9 Jun 2022

Recalls on the 2003 Volvo XC90

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

10V566000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

09V483000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Risk: 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.

06V155000

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF THE CLAMPING FORCE AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT.

Risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

06V144000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, IF THE WIPER ARM IS ACTIVATED IN EXTREME WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WITHOUT LIFTING THE WIPER ARMS AND CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD PRIOR TO MOVING, THE WIPER ARM MIGHT SLIP ON ITS DRIVESHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPERS FROM THE PARK POSITION.

Risk: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

03V391000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT(S) FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT(S) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2010396 87 units in Canada

Accessories

On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.

Recall 2006108 8,022 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, deformation at high loads may cause loss of clamping force of the outer tie rod and allow the nut to loosen. This may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod assembly. Tie rod separation could lead to a loss of steering control which could result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace outer tie rods with updated versions.

Recall 2006093 7,908 units in Canada

Visual System

On certain vehicles the windshield wiper pivot splines may be damaged due to failure to remove snow from the windshield. This would result in a loss of wiper operation and resultant detriment to vision. Correction: Dealers will replace wiper arms and retaining nuts.

Recall 2006066 14,000 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. The label indicates that the booster cushion can be used for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33 and 80 lb). CMVSS 213 states that the minimum weight for use must be 18 kg (40 lb). Should an underweight child be placed in the booster cushion and the vehicle is involved in a crash, the child may have a greater risk of injury. Correction: Volvo Canada will send a letter to owners explaining this problem and will supply updated weight limit decal to be applied to each side window.

Recall 2003235 1,494 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the seat belt attachment(s) in the second and/or third row seat(s) may not have been fitted properly. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury or death. Correction: Dealer will inspect and repair the second and/or third row seat belt attachments.

Recall 2003226 10,712 units in Canada

Other

Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 210.2. The symbol indicating the presence of a lower universal anchorage system, and a reproduction of this symbol were omitted from the owner's manual. Correction: The corrected owner's manual page will be mailed to owners.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

STRUCTURE

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

VISIBILITY

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laurel Park, NY 1 injured

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC90, WHEN PRESSING THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH THE SWITCH SEEMED BACKWARD. WHEN PRESSING ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH TO PUT THE WINDOW UP SHE HAD TO PRESS THE SWITCH DOWN . TO PUT THE WINDOW DOWN SHE HAD TO PUT THE SWITCH UP. SHE INJURED HER ARM DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION OF THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #10185281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,200 miles NEW York, NY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

WE HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 200 MILES IN THE MORNING WITH NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. WE STARTED OUT AFTER LUNCH, WENT ABOUT 200 YARDS, AND SMELLED A FAINT BURNING SMELL WE THOUGHT WAS OUTSIDE THE CAR. AFTER ABOUT ANOTHER 200 YARDS, WE WERE AT A TOLL BOOTH ENTERING THE THROUGH WAY, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND PROPERLY; THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, AND THERE WAS SMOKE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. WE GOT OUT. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES, DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO PUT IT OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. CAR WAS DESTROYED DESPITE FIRE TRUCK TRYING TO PUT OUT FLAMES. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS HURT.

NHTSA complaint #10165560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Spring Hill, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel line was recalled in 2010. Volvo repaired it now it has the same problem. And is leaking fuel. Same line that they replaced in 2010. Please recall.

NHTSA complaint #11470083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 141,000 miles Saint Louis, MO

POWER TRAIN

TRANSFER CASE KEEPS LOCKING UP AND MESSING UP. IN PAST YEAR PAID 1500 TWO TIMES TO REPLACE TRANSFER CASE AND IS NOW IN SHOP AGAIN FOR SAME REASON. TRANSFER CASE LOCKING UP. FEB 2020, JULY 2020, AND NOW JANUARY 2021 FEB GOING SPEED OF 35-40, JULY ON HIGHWAY SPEED OF 70 IN MIDDLE OF FREEWAY, AND JAN SPEED OF 35

NHTSA complaint #11394283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Birkdale, DE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DRIVING THE XC90 AND SUDDENLY THERE IS A HUGE THUMP AND CLICKING FROM THE DASHBOARD. ALL THE DIALS AROUND THE SPEDOMETER STOP WORKING.. IF WE KEEP DRIVING THERE ARE MORE THUMPS AND WE QUICKLY LOSE ENGINE POWER - IT IS EXTREMELY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS.. ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON (INSIDE THE CAR), DASHBOARD GOES DEAD ETC ETC. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS .. IT HAPPENED TO USE A NUMBER OF TIMES WITH 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR. IT HAS OCCURRED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, 2-3 TIMES, IT HAS OCCURRED ON SHORT TRIPS - IT HAPPENS AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES, USUALLY AFTER DRIVING FOR OVER 30 MINUTES, BUT THEN YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED ON A TRIP JUST DOWN TO THE PARK, NOT 5 MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD.. ON THIS OCCASION THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE SUN FOR A WHILE (MAYBE HEAT RELATED?). IT HAS HAPPENED IN HOT WEATHER, COLD WEATHER .. WE ARE IN CONSTANT FEAR WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLVO AUSTRALIA ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY, THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM AND DIDN'T WANT TO HELP AT ALL!! I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM, IS VOLVO NOT GOING TO FIX IT UNTIL SOMEONE IS KILLED??? WHAT WILL IT TAKE!?!?!?! IT IS A JOKE ! WE BOUGHT A VOLVO TO HAVE SOMETHING SAFER THAN NORMAL BUT ITS MORE DANGEROUS! I CANNOT EVEN SELL THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT AND I DON'T WANT ANOTHER FAMILY / PERSON TO BE INJURED .. NO RESALE VALUE, NO SAFETY! COME ON VOLVO, THIS IS CRAZY!

NHTSA complaint #10810354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Birkdale, DE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DRIVING THE XC90 AND SUDDENLY THERE IS A HUGE THUMP AND CLICKING FROM THE DASHBOARD. ALL THE DIALS AROUND THE SPEDOMETER STOP WORKING.. IF WE KEEP DRIVING THERE ARE MORE THUMPS AND WE QUICKLY LOSE ENGINE POWER - IT IS EXTREMELY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS.. ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON (INSIDE THE CAR), DASHBOARD GOES DEAD ETC ETC. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS .. IT HAPPENED TO USE A NUMBER OF TIMES WITH 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR. IT HAS OCCURRED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, 2-3 TIMES, IT HAS OCCURRED ON SHORT TRIPS - IT HAPPENS AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES, USUALLY AFTER DRIVING FOR OVER 30 MINUTES, BUT THEN YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED ON A TRIP JUST DOWN TO THE PARK, NOT 5 MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD.. ON THIS OCCASION THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE SUN FOR A WHILE (MAYBE HEAT RELATED?). IT HAS HAPPENED IN HOT WEATHER, COLD WEATHER .. WE ARE IN CONSTANT FEAR WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLVO AUSTRALIA ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY, THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM AND DIDN'T WANT TO HELP AT ALL!! I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM, IS VOLVO NOT GOING TO FIX IT UNTIL SOMEONE IS KILLED??? WHAT WILL IT TAKE!?!?!?! IT IS A JOKE ! WE BOUGHT A VOLVO TO HAVE SOMETHING SAFER THAN NORMAL BUT ITS MORE DANGEROUS! I CANNOT EVEN SELL THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT AND I DON'T WANT ANOTHER FAMILY / PERSON TO BE INJURED .. NO RESALE VALUE, NO SAFETY! COME ON VOLVO, THIS IS CRAZY!

NHTSA complaint #10810354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Birkdale, DE

ENGINE

DRIVING THE XC90 AND SUDDENLY THERE IS A HUGE THUMP AND CLICKING FROM THE DASHBOARD. ALL THE DIALS AROUND THE SPEDOMETER STOP WORKING.. IF WE KEEP DRIVING THERE ARE MORE THUMPS AND WE QUICKLY LOSE ENGINE POWER - IT IS EXTREMELY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS.. ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON (INSIDE THE CAR), DASHBOARD GOES DEAD ETC ETC. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS .. IT HAPPENED TO USE A NUMBER OF TIMES WITH 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR. IT HAS OCCURRED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, 2-3 TIMES, IT HAS OCCURRED ON SHORT TRIPS - IT HAPPENS AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES, USUALLY AFTER DRIVING FOR OVER 30 MINUTES, BUT THEN YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED ON A TRIP JUST DOWN TO THE PARK, NOT 5 MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD.. ON THIS OCCASION THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE SUN FOR A WHILE (MAYBE HEAT RELATED?). IT HAS HAPPENED IN HOT WEATHER, COLD WEATHER .. WE ARE IN CONSTANT FEAR WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLVO AUSTRALIA ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY, THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM AND DIDN'T WANT TO HELP AT ALL!! I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM, IS VOLVO NOT GOING TO FIX IT UNTIL SOMEONE IS KILLED??? WHAT WILL IT TAKE!?!?!?! IT IS A JOKE ! WE BOUGHT A VOLVO TO HAVE SOMETHING SAFER THAN NORMAL BUT ITS MORE DANGEROUS! I CANNOT EVEN SELL THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT AND I DON'T WANT ANOTHER FAMILY / PERSON TO BE INJURED .. NO RESALE VALUE, NO SAFETY! COME ON VOLVO, THIS IS CRAZY!

NHTSA complaint #10810354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,687 miles Ahoskie, NC

POWER TRAIN

WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT STARTED WITHIN 4 DAYS TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION THE TRANSFER CASE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS, SO THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE SHOP BEFORE THE THIRTY DAYS TAGS COULD EXPIRE AND BOTH PARTS WERE REBUILT BY AN OUTSIDE COMPANY WHICH WAS ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL PRICE TAG OF THE VEHICLE. THEN A YEAR LATER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE SHOP FOR THE TURBO'S HAD GONE OUT ON THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 11, 2015 UNTIL CURRENT DATE. THEY ARE NOW SAYING THE VEHICLE HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10760442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,687 miles Ahoskie, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT STARTED WITHIN 4 DAYS TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION THE TRANSFER CASE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS, SO THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE SHOP BEFORE THE THIRTY DAYS TAGS COULD EXPIRE AND BOTH PARTS WERE REBUILT BY AN OUTSIDE COMPANY WHICH WAS ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL PRICE TAG OF THE VEHICLE. THEN A YEAR LATER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE SHOP FOR THE TURBO'S HAD GONE OUT ON THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 11, 2015 UNTIL CURRENT DATE. THEY ARE NOW SAYING THE VEHICLE HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10760442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,687 miles Ahoskie, NC

ENGINE

WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT STARTED WITHIN 4 DAYS TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION THE TRANSFER CASE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS, SO THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE SHOP BEFORE THE THIRTY DAYS TAGS COULD EXPIRE AND BOTH PARTS WERE REBUILT BY AN OUTSIDE COMPANY WHICH WAS ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL PRICE TAG OF THE VEHICLE. THEN A YEAR LATER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE SHOP FOR THE TURBO'S HAD GONE OUT ON THE VEHICLE ON APRIL 11, 2015 UNTIL CURRENT DATE. THEY ARE NOW SAYING THE VEHICLE HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10760442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reading, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

VEHICLE DRAINS WATER ON TO FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR, AND OCASSIONAL DRIVER SIDE AFTER IT RAINS. IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM THAT A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS WON IN NEW JERSEY, INCLUDING 5 OTHER STATES. THE WATER IS FROM CLOGGED DRAIN TUBES IN SUNROOF AND SOMETIMES SHRINKIAGE OF DRAIN TUBE THAT DISLODGES. VEHICLE NOW HAS A MUSTY SMELL FROM THE FREQUENT WATER IN THE VEHICLE. NOT SURE IF HIGH MOISTURE INSIDE HAS CAUSED MY CD PLAYER TO MALFUNCTION. ALSO HAVE A SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT CAUSE ME TO REPLACE 3 BATTERIES IN THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE SUNROOF MOTOR SHORTED OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REPLACE THE DRAINAGE TUBES THAT WOULD HELP CORRECT THE WATER ISSUES. HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10749784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reading, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE DRAINS WATER ON TO FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR, AND OCASSIONAL DRIVER SIDE AFTER IT RAINS. IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM THAT A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS WON IN NEW JERSEY, INCLUDING 5 OTHER STATES. THE WATER IS FROM CLOGGED DRAIN TUBES IN SUNROOF AND SOMETIMES SHRINKIAGE OF DRAIN TUBE THAT DISLODGES. VEHICLE NOW HAS A MUSTY SMELL FROM THE FREQUENT WATER IN THE VEHICLE. NOT SURE IF HIGH MOISTURE INSIDE HAS CAUSED MY CD PLAYER TO MALFUNCTION. ALSO HAVE A SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT CAUSE ME TO REPLACE 3 BATTERIES IN THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE SUNROOF MOTOR SHORTED OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REPLACE THE DRAINAGE TUBES THAT WOULD HELP CORRECT THE WATER ISSUES. HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10749784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,000 miles Enfield, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS ALL OVER THE EXHAUST PIPE AND THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS CRACK AND LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA complaint #10715762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 141,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #10694911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles North Beach, MD

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. HERE'S THE STORY, MY XC90 WAS DEALER SERVICED A WEEK AGO (PM), TOOK ON A SHORT ROAD TRIP OVER WEEKEND, FORTUNATELY MADE IT HOME BEFORE IT BROKE DOWN. WENT TO WORK UPON RETURNING FROM TRIP AND WHILE I WAS PARKING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE IN ANY GEAR. VERY UNSAFE! NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS NO 'LIMP MODE.' THE RPMS ROSE AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. COULD HEAR A METALLIC RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FROM WORK TO AAMCO. AAMCO STATED THE DAMAGE WAS INSIDE OF TRANSMISSION AND THEY WOULD NEED TO REMOVE AND TEAR DOWN TO SEE WHAT ISSUE IS, BUT MORE THAN LIKELY IT WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER AND LUCKILY BOUGHT AN AFTERMARKET WARRANTY THAT 'SHOULD' COVER EVERYTHING. ISSUE IS THE WARRANTY COMPANY WILL MORE THAN LIKELY JUST REPLACE IT WITH A USED TRANS THAT WILL FAIL IN A SHORT TIME AND I WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN. THIS IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW ON THE PART OF VOLVO AND THEY SHOULD OWN UP TO IT. THE ENGINE PRODUCES TOO MUCH POWER AND THE VEHICLE IS TOO HEAVY FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO TAKE IT. THIS IS A T6 BTW, WITH THE 6 CYLINDER AND TWIN TURBO. VOLVO SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS TRANSMISSION. I HAVE SCOURED THE WEB AND SEE THIS IS AN ONGOING FREQUENT ISSUE WITH THE XC90 AND VOLVO IS LOSING WHAT WERE ONCE LOYAL CUSTOMERS. SEARCH THIS ISSUE ON THE WEB AND YOU'LL WONDER IF THERE ARE ANY XC90'S THAT DO NOT HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10679777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,000 miles LAS Vegas, NV

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL PUMP AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #10604689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles ANN Arbor, MI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FUEL FUMES PRESENT WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. MORE PRONOUNCED IN PARKING AND HOME GARAGES. DAILY HIGHWAY DRIVING (55 MILES ONE WAY) MAY BE RELATED TO RECALL OF XC 90 IN WARM STATES AS HIGHWAY MILEAGE SIMILAR IN NATURE.

NHTSA complaint #10593942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

STRUCTURE

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

VISIBILITY

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Lake Balboa, CA 1 injured

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DESIGN DEFECT IN SUN ROOF & THE WATER DAMAGES THAT RESULT IN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. I HAD ALWAYS PARKED MY VEHICLE IN COVERED PARKING UNTIL MOVING THIS YEAR IN JANUARY. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE A TUNE UP IN NOV 2012 AT WHICH TIME I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIRS NEEDED IN MY CAR. MY CAR REMAINED PARKED FOR MOST OF 2013 DUE TO HAVING MOVED I WASN'T ABLE TO AFFORD REPAIRS. THE REPAIRS WHERE INNER&OUTER TIE RODS,BALL JOINTS, MOUNTS, ARM BUSHINGS, ROTORS & BREAK PADS. THE ABOVE AFOREMENTIONED WHERE MADE. FOLLOWING REPAIRS I WASHED MY CAR AND DROVE OUT OF TOWN 4TH JULY WEEKEND FROM LOS ANGELES TO JAMESTOWN CALIFORNIA. ONCE I ARRIVED MY CAR REMAINED PARKED UNTIL RETURNING HOME JULY 7TH. SHORTLY AFTER STARTING MY CAR THE DASH GAUGES STARTED TO FLASH ON/OFF AND EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. AT THE TIME I HAD MY PORTABLE GPS, A/C WAS WORKING & I HAD USE OF WINDOWS (ROLLING UP & DOWN). I KNEW I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS CAUSE I HAD FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION. BEING I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF KNOW WHERE WITHOUT CELL PHONE SERVICE I DROVE AS FAR AS I COULD BEFORE I THOUGHT I MAY NEED GAS. WHEN I STOPPED TO GET FUEL I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO REFUEL WITH GAS. I BROKE THE CLIPS ON THE DOOR ALLOWING ME TO ACCESS AND FUEL TANK AND REFILL WITH GAS. IT WAS SUNDAY AFTER A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC, THE ONLY VOLVO DEALERSHIP I PASSED WAS CLOSED AND I JUST WANTED TO GET HOME. SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND WAS JUST GETTING ONTO THE GRAPEVINE AND TRAFFIC REALLY BACKED UP. THERE WAS A FIRE THAT HAD BEEN BURNING ON THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIGHT AND HELICOPTERS WHERE DUMPING WATER ON THIS ONGOING FIRE. AROUND THIS TIME I NOTICED THE A/C HAD QUIT WORKING AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. I TRIED TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN AND THEY WHERE INOPERABLE. TRAFFIC WAS AT A CRAWL AND THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. WORST NIGHTMARE EVER.

NHTSA complaint #10554145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manasass, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY XC90 VOLVO IS VERY DISAPPOINTING THE DASH BOARD ON THE CAR COMPLETELY FAILS NO NOTHING NO GAS, SPEEDOMETER EVERY THINGS GOES OUT. IN THE NIGHT TIME ITS VERY SCARY ITS COMPLETELY DARK I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I'M GOING HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE ITS SCARY. NOW THE FUEL PUMP IS GONE AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM BURNED OUT I CUT THE CAR ON HEARD A POP THEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM HASN'T WORKED SINCE.

NHTSA complaint #10534670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manasass, VA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MY XC90 VOLVO IS VERY DISAPPOINTING THE DASH BOARD ON THE CAR COMPLETELY FAILS NO NOTHING NO GAS, SPEEDOMETER EVERY THINGS GOES OUT. IN THE NIGHT TIME ITS VERY SCARY ITS COMPLETELY DARK I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I'M GOING HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE ITS SCARY. NOW THE FUEL PUMP IS GONE AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM BURNED OUT I CUT THE CAR ON HEARD A POP THEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM HASN'T WORKED SINCE.

NHTSA complaint #10534670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 74,650 miles Pipestone, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WELL WHILE OUT DRIVING LOCALLY ON A COLD WINTER DAY MY DASH BOARD READINGS WENT OFF AND CAME BACK ON A COUPLE TIMES..THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER....IT WOULD DO THIS ONCE IN A WHILE THEN IT STARTED GETTING WORSE AND WORSE TO THE POINT NOW IT COMES ON ONLY ONCE AND AWHILE...SO I HAVE NO READ OUTS FOR ANYTHING NO GAS, NO SPEED NO ANYTHING..AND WHEN IT DOES COME ON IT IS ONLY GAS AND SPEED NONE OF THE OTHER READINGS OR WARNINGS OH AND MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS STAYED ON THE WHOLE TIME ALL THIS WAS HAPPENING....GUESS WHAT I FOUND OUT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH VOLVO THEY KNOW ABOUT IT ...YES WHEN THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED THEY SAID OH YES AND ITS NOT A CHEAP REPAIR...BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN FIX IT BY THE WAY SO IF YOU LIVE A LONG WAY AWAY FROM A DEALER TO BAD...THE PART AND ONLY IF YOU CHOOSE A REDONE/REBUILT/RECONDITIONED ONE WHICH IS WHAT I WAS TOLD NOT BRAND NEW IS $1100 AND THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE SERVICING AS THEY HAVE TO PUT IT IN AND HOOK IT UP TO THEIR COMPUTERS....SO WHAT WILL THAT BE WHEN THEY ARE DONE....I THINK VOLVO BEING THE CAR COMPANY IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE WOULD CONSIDER THIS A MAJOR SAFETY AND CONSUMER ISSUE AND RECALL IT AND SUCK UP THE COST ....I WANTED A VOLVO FOR THE SAFETY AND QUALITY...BUT AS WITH ALL THINGS I HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED ALONG WITH THE BALL JOINT ISSUE MY VEHICLE HAD THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT..OH BY THE WAY I PAID TO HAVE THAT FIXED BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FREE IF I HAD DRIVEN 4 HRS TO MY NEAREST DEALER..YES IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WAY CHEAPER TO HAVE DRIVEN .AND THE LATEST I WAS CONTACTED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION ISSUE THAT HAS TURNED INTO A FULL BLOWN LEGAL CASE AND I WAS SENT A NOTICE TO JOIN THAT A WHILE AGO.....

NHTSA complaint #10509426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Riverdale, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING AND ALL OF THE GAUGES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #10497922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 500 miles ST. Louis, MO

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE SHIFT GEAR LEVER WAS DEFECTIVE AND BOTH THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS WERE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE AGE HAD EXCEEDED THE TIME FRAME IN WHICH THEY WERE WILLING TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10470810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 500 miles ST. Louis, MO

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE SHIFT GEAR LEVER WAS DEFECTIVE AND BOTH THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS WERE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE AGE HAD EXCEEDED THE TIME FRAME IN WHICH THEY WERE WILLING TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10470810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.