FaultScore

2005 Volvo XC90 electrical problems

51 of the 304 complaints about the 2005 Volvo XC90 are about the electrical system — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 95,417 miles.

C

51

Complaints

1

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 50 98.0%
Cables 1 2.0%

Electrical System across every Volvo XC90 year

2003 18 4.7%
2004 159 41.4%
2005 51 13.3%
2006 16 4.2%
2007 14 3.6%
2016 56 14.6%
2017 17 4.4%
2018 13 3.4%
2019 11 2.9%
2022 13 3.4%
2024 16 4.2%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

St Louis, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11646424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 138 miles LAS Vegas, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAD FILLED AN EARLIER COMPLAINT AND THIS TO BE ADDED TO THE EARLIER FORM THAT I HAD FILLED NEEDS TO GO TO THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. SEE PHOTO THE ELECTRICAL COMPLAINT FROM THE MAGNETIC ELECTRICAL BEINGS IN ME AND IN THIS PICTURE I BELIEVE IS ABOUT DESIGN OF THE FUSES IN VEHICLE AND WHAT THEY ARE TRYIN TO COMMUNICATE HERE I BELIEVE WOULD BE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CONNECTIONS LIKE WHAT IT IS DOING TO THEM AS IT GOES THROUGH THOSE TYPES OF FUSES. WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM IN THOSE PLASTIC FUSES AND WOULD LIKE THEM THE FUSE TO BE DESIGNED FURTHER APART A LITTLE BIT BIGGER THAN A PENNY AND WITH THE CONNECTION STRAIGHT ACROSS AND NOT GOING UP AND DOWN AND BACK THROUGH IT SELF. THE MAGNETIC BEINGS WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CONNECTIONS STRAIGHT ACROSS SO THAT THEY DON'T INTERFERE WITH EACH OTHER WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH THE SUBSTRAIGHT. NOT SURE BUT YOU WERE THIS TYPE OF BEING YOU WOULD TRY AND COMMUNICATED THESE THINGS AND DESIGN WELL JUST LOOK AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE THEY LIKE THE OLDER GLASS FUSE WITH THE STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN. IF YOU COULD THEY ARE ASKING THAT YOU THE NTSB GO BACK REDESIGN A FUSE THAT DON'T GO BACK INTO ITSELF THEY LIKE STRAIGHT ACROSS THE CONNECTIONS TO GIVE THEM BETTER FLOW. REMINDER THIS GOES TO THE EARLIER FORM THAT I WROTE TO YOU IT AN ADDITION INFORMATION CAUSE THEY ARE IMPORTANT PART OF THIS WORLD I AM REFERRING TO THE MAGNETIC BEINGS IN ELECTRICITY IN EVERY VEHICLE MADE AND NEED TO BE TAKEN INTO MORE CONSIDERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING SYSTEMS THAT HEAVILY RELY ON THE ENTITIES. THEY THE BEINGS ARE ASKING THIS OF YOU THENTSB TO TAKE THEM MORE INTO CONSIDERATION AS WE US THEM RELY ON THEM THE INVISIBLE MAGNETIC ELECTRICAL BEINGS MORE AND TO DEVELOP FRIENDLIER AND HEAVIER SYSTEM FOR THEM BECAUSE THE DESIGN NOW IS MAKING THEM SICK AND THEY ARE I AM ASKING FOR THE ENTITIES THAT YOU MAKE HEALTHYELECTRICITY

NHTSA complaint #11340785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,042 miles Waco, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018, THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE HEADLIGHTS, POWER DOOR LOCKS, AND POWER REARVIEW MIRROR FAILED TO OPERATE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND STALL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN VOLVO DEALER, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,042.

NHTSA complaint #11173516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chapmansboro, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2005 VOLVO XC90 HAS MANY PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION JUMPS AND JERKS WHEN SWITCHING TO HIGHER GEARS. ALMOST THROWS THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AT TIMES. ALSO, VEHICLE HAS MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS DUE TO CAR NOT BEING SEALED PROPERLY. THIS LEADS TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES INCLUDING FAULTY AIR BAG CODES, BRAKE LIGHTS AND REAR TURN SIGNALS GOING OUT. CAR HAS NO BRAKE LIGHTS NOR REAR TURN SIGNALS AT ALL. DEALERSHIP CAN NOT FIND PROBLEM SAYS IT IS DUE TO THE 2005 VOLVO XC90 NOT HAVING RELAYS AT ALL. AND ALSO FROM WATER BEING INTRODUCED TO ELECTRICAL PARTS.

NHTSA complaint #11044487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,200 miles Valdese, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS MODEL IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME AS RECALLS IN SIMILAR MODELS BUT FOR SOME REASON ISN'T RECALLED. FUEL SYSTEM IS FAULTY. LEAKING FUEL AND CRACKS IN FUEL PUMP. REPLACED WITH 4 PUMPS FROM VOLVO AND NOW IT IS KICKING OUT ECM CODE AND BLOWING EVERY FUEL SYSTEM INSTALLED.

NHTSA complaint #11023954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,417 miles Bowie, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY 2005 XC90 (ODOMETER APPROX. 178,000 MILES) THROWS CHECK ENGINE, REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE SERVICE REQUIRED DASHBOARD WARNINGS INTERMITTENTLY, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT HAS A NEW CEM AND A SECOND NEW THROTTLE BODY IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS. IT ALSO ISSUES A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB FAILURE WARNING, EVEN WHEN THE BULB IS LIT, AND THE LEFT TURN BLINKER IS STICKY. SOMETIMES, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR READJUST SIMULTANEOUSLY UPON OPENING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NO ONE SITTING IN THE SEAT. RECENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON AN EXPRESSWAY AT 65 MPH, THE CAR ABRUPTLY LOST SPEED (A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE) AND STRUGGLED TO ACCELERATE TO 40 MPH. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT LOST POWER IN HEAVY CITY RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC (ALSO TERRIFYING) AS A RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN. IT BARELY MADE IT TO 10 MPH AND CAME CLOSE TO CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION CRASH WITH THE CARS BEHIND IT (ALSO TERRIFYING). LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STEER INTO A NEARBY BANK PARKING LOT, TURN IT OFF AND RESTART IT. IT DROVE NORMALLY BUT THE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES, CITING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOES, WHICH RESULTED IN THE TWO PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED REPAIRS. THEY IDENTIFIED A WIRING SHORT AS THE CAUSE BOTH TIMES, YET ACT MYSTIFIED AS TO WHY THE PROBLEMS HAVE PERSISTED DESPITE THOSE REPAIRS. I REPORTED THE SEAT/MIRROR SHIFTS AND THE ONGOING LOW BEAM BULB FAILURES TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, WHO REPLIED (WITHOUT EXAMINING THE CAR) THAT THE BULB WAS EITHER BURNT OUT OR LOOSE IN THE SOCKET, AND THAT THE SEAT SHIFTING WAS SIMPLY THE WAY THE MEMORY FUNCTION WORKS. I GET THE SENSE THAT VOLVO DOES KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THEY DON'T WANT TO TELL ME. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED AND FRUSTRATED WITH THE LACK OF ANSWERS, AND AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11020672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Hollywood, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND PARKED ON THE CONTACT'S STREET DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10993936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Hinsville, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 72 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN TO FLASH OFF AND ON. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO WATER EXPOSURE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10910152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 210,000 miles Wetumpka, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY VOLVO XC90 ALSO HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CEM PROBLEMS AFTER VARIOUS SYMPTOMS BEGAN TO ARISE. AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE DISPLAY BEGAN SHOWING VARIOUS MESSAGES. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE ORDERED A NEW CEM AND INTEND TO REPLACE IT . I AM AN ATTORNEY. IF THIS VEHICLE CONTINUES TO FAIL AFTER THE CEM IS REPLACED, I INTEND TO TAKE FURTHER LEGAL ACTION, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE. I INTEND TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALER TOMORROW TO PUT THEM ON NOTICE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. I CANNOT BELIEVE A REPUTABLE COMPANY LIKE VOLVO DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED THEIR VEHICLES. I AM FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE INVESTIGATION INTO THESE PROBLEMS BE REOPENED AS THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE CEM DESIGN FLAWS CAUSE DANGEROUS PROBLEMS THAT CAN THREATEN THE SAFETY AND EVEN THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO DRIVE AND RIDE IN THE VOLVO XC90

NHTSA complaint #10788492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 162,189 miles Newburgh, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT RAINED, WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ONTO THE DASHBOARD, CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TO DIM. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE RADIO NO LONGER WORKED. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,189.

NHTSA complaint #10788086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Richmond Hill, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ASIDE FROM NORMAL CARE, I HAVE ONLY REPLACED MY TIRES AND A GAS CAP. I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE SOME WATER SEEPAGE ONTO THE DRIVER-SIDE. I COVERED THE VEHICLE WHEN IT RAINED AND FIGURED I WOULD HAVE A LOOK AT IT WHEN I HAD TIME. JULY 2015, I TOOK MY VOLVO TO SAVANNAH VOLVO, FIXED MY BREAKS ALONG WITH OTHER SAFETY FIXES, AFTER 14 HRS OF HAVING MY VEHICLE AND 2800 LATER, PETE STATED EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN CARE OF AND THE WATER SEEPAGE WAS DUE TO THE DRAINS BEING CLOGGED, BUT, THEY ARE ALL CLEAR NOW, WE DID A WATER TEST AND EVERYTHING IS OK. YOU WILL EXPERIENCE SOME MORE WATER SEEPAGE BUT IT SHOULD DRY UP IN A FEW DAYS. HE ALSO MENTIONED SOME OTHER WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE THOUGH NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER, DECEMBER. I SAID GREAT AND GOT ON MY WAY. THREE DAYS LATER IT DID RAIN, CONFIDENT I DID NOT NEED TO COVER MY VEHICLE AND WAS STILL EXPERIENCING WATER SEEPAGE FROM MY VISIT, I DID NOT THINK ANY THING OF IT. THE NEXT DAY, MY CONTROL PANEL STARTED TO LIGHT UP. I CALLED SAVANNAH, AND HE MENTIONED IT MUST JUST BE BECAUSE YOU PUT A FULL TANK OF GAS....WHAT??? OK. AS THE WEEK WENT ON THE CONTROL PANEL CONTINUED TO LIGHT UP ONE BY ONE. THE DAY BEFORE GOING BACK, MY DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL WAS ON. HOPING I DID NOT HAVE A DEAD BATTERY THE NEXT DAY, I HEADED TO VOLVO. AFTER 4 HRS THEY TELL ME THE ROOF DRAINS WERE CLOGGD AND SEEPED ONTO THE CEM, AND IT IS DAMAGED. I SAID TO PETE, I THOUGHT THE DRAINS WERE CLEAR WHEN I LEFT A WEEK AGO??? YEAH, WELL, WE CAN'T CREATE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR DRAINS. THOUGH, AFTER 10 YRS I LEAVE THERE AND 3 DAYS LATER EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM, AFTER YOU TOLD ME MY DRAINS WERE ALL CLEARED? SEVERAL PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND VOLVO HEADQUARTERS, NOT ONE PERSON IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS BAD DESIGN, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED MY TRANSMISSION TO LIMP AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT! IT NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY, AFTER SPENDING 2800.00 I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER VOLVO!

NHTSA complaint #10779801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,300 miles Cedar Glen, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AFTER RAINFALL WE BEGAN EXPERIENCE POWER FAILURES IN OUR VOLVO. NO WINDOWS WERE LEFT OPEN AND THE INTERIOR WAS NOT EXPOSED TO ANY WATER. BUT WHILE DRIVING THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT THE NEEDLES FOR THE FUEL, MILES PER HOUR AND EVERYTHING WENT OUT. IT CAME ON SHORTLY AFTER THEN OFF AGAIN THIS TIME WITH THE RADIO AND WINDOWS COULD NOT ROLL DOWN OR UP. ONCE THE CAR WAS OFF IT CAME BACK ON ONLY TO REPEAT THE SAME ISSUE THE DASH AND RADIO COME ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AND AT ONE POINT WILL SHUT OFF EVERYTHING UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AGAIN. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL FLICKER AS WELL FROM TIME TO TIME. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING CONSIDERING I HAVE A TODDLER AND SMALL CHILD AND WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY TO HAVE EVERYTHING SHUT OFF WAS BEYOND FRIGHTENING AND EXTREMELY WORRISOME. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CEM AND I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS WITH PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND EVEN A FRIEND WHOSE CAR DID THE SAME THING. I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED THAT I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY A LOT OF MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE A NORMAL FAILURE ESPECIALLY SINCE MY CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE MANY MILES ON IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND LOOK INTO THIS PLEASE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10705228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles ANN Arbor, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2005 XC90 V8 STALLED IN TRAFFIC. WOULD NOT RESTART, BUT STARTER WOULD CRANK. FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER WAS FOUND TO BE INTERNALLY CORRODED AND FILLED WITH DRIED SALT. THIS CONTROLLER IS MOUNTED FORWARD OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. MANY INSTANCES OF THIS CONTROLLER FAILING DUE TO SALT / MOISTURE INGRESS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS. THE CONTROLLER WAS RELOCATED TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE SOME MODEL YEARS LATER.

NHTSA complaint #10668406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Raynham, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED. THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES FROZE UP AND THE SPEED DECREASED TO BARELY NOTHING. I COULD GET THE CAR TO JUST MAKE IT OFF THE ROAD SAFELY BECAUSE I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL OR USE THE BRAKES WELL. THOUGHT IT WAS MY OIL SO I WAS ABLE TO GET SOMEONE TO ADD OIL TO IT WHILE ON SIDE OF BUSY ROAD. STARTED CAR UP FINE AND DROVE FOR 5 MORE DAYS UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. GOT IT TOWED TO MECHANIC WHO CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP. OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AROUSE WHILE MECHANIC HAD IT SO BROUGHT TO VOLVO WHO SAYS I NEED A NEW CONTROL ELECTRIC MODULE IN MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10660192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 156,000 miles Lafayette, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AFTER PARKING AT RESTAURANT, WE WALKED TO OUR PARKED VOLVO AND WHEN I TURNED THE KEY, IT WOULD ONLY GO FROM 0 TO THE 1 POSITION ( I.E.LIGHTS, RADIO WOULD COME ON) BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN ANY FURTHER TO THE START POSITION HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TO THIS MODEL AND IT IS AN IGNITION LOCK FAILURE. THEY NEED TO ORDER THE PART FROM SWEDEN AND HAVE IT MATCH OUR KEYS. $850 !!. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN MY MIND HAS WE COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED ANYWHERE AND IF THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, WHY ARE THEY NOT RECALLING THIS PART?

NHTSA complaint #10658892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Midlothian, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 55-60 MPH ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR LOST POWER. THIS CAUSED A FRIGHTENING AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS OR TAIL LIGHTS I COULD NOT BE SEEN BY OTHER DRIVERS. I TRIED TO CROSS 2 LANES AND GET ONTO THE SHOULDER WITH NO POWER STEERING OR ENGINE POWER. WHILE I WAS VERY FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN OR DID NOT CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT I HAD AN EXTREMELY CLOSE CALLS. I CHANGED LANES AND ALMOST COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT 55. ONCE IN THE LANE ANOTHER DRIVER WHO WAS UNABLE TO SEE MY VEHICLE (NO LIGHTS) CAME UP BEHIND ME AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. ONLY A LAST MINUTE SWERVE AVOIDED A REAR END COLLISION THAT NO DOUBT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WITH VERY SERIOUS IF NOT TRAGIC RESULTS. ADDITIONALLY OTHER DRIVERS HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID THE VEHICLE-CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS, CHAOTIC SITUATION. THE LOSS OF POWER AND LOSS OF LIGHTS CAME CLOSE TO CAUSING A MAJOR MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT. MANY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE ARE KILLED TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AND RE-CONSIDER A SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10649780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,000 miles Biloxi, MS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DIMMED TEMPORARILY. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE TO RESET THE VEHICLE AND MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CENTRAL ELECTRIC MODULE MALFUNCTIONED WHICH PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM DRAINING WATER PROPERLY DURING RAINY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

NHTSA complaint #10619092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,655 miles Lilburn, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

COMPLETE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING - NO ABILITY TO LET THE WINDOWS UP OR DOWN, NO SPEEDOMETER VISIBILITY, NO GAS READING . THERE WAS NO ABILITY FOR DEFOGGING WINDOW, NO ABILITY TO TURN ON HEAT OR AIR. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING. THE PANEL GOES COMPLETELY BLANK.

NHTSA complaint #10579490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 139,419 miles Tacoma, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND THE TURNING SIGNALS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM, SRS AIR BAG SERVICE, ANTI-SKID, AND THE IMMOBILIZER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE, RACK AND PINION NUT, AND PINION SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,419.

NHTSA complaint #10574506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Collierville, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. RK

NHTSA complaint #10565947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Mills, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS CAR HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM - I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE COST TO REPAIR IS EXTREMELY HIGH.. I AM A RECENT WIDOW AND A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3 CHILDREN ON A FIXED INCOME... I AM SO TIRED OF THIS CAR BEING SO UNRELIABLE AND THE REPAIR COSTS ARE BANKRUPTING ME. I HAVE NO WHERE TO TURN THIS CAR HAS BEEN A LEMON FROM DAY ONE AND THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER COULD CARE LESS.

NHTSA complaint #10563531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,000 miles Lansing, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10558552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,000 miles Milford, CT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* 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.

NHTSA complaint #10512858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Morenci, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10509963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Cranford, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO PE10025. I HAVE TO REPLACE CEM AND CASING FOR WIRING COST 5500.00. 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.

NHTSA complaint #10491958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Glenview, IL Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10490743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 190,000 miles Marion, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10451247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,754 miles Plymouth, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10446668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,132 miles OLD Hickory, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10444427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Austin, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10423007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2005 Volvo XC90 problems

← Full 2005 Volvo XC90 report