Electrical System. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 145 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

34 reports

Clear category filter

52,000 miles · Nov 30, 2017

Fuel/propulsion System

Read full complaint

A FEW DAYS AGO I BEGAN TO SMELL FUEL IN THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE AND ON THE OUTSIDE. THE SMELL BEGAN TO GET WORSE AND LINGER FOR DAYS AFTER OPERATING IT. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I DETERMINED IT TO BE THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE THAT SIMILAR YEARS AND MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR IN 2009. MY VEHICLE WASN'T ON THE RECALL SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN PA RATHER THAN IN ONE OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. VOLVO AGREED TO PAY FOR THE PART BUT NOT THE LABOR WHICH AMOUNTS TO $800. THESE FUELS PUMPS PRESENT AN EXTREME RISK FOR FIRE AND INJURY AND ALL VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AT VOLVOS EXPENSE. VOLVO SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OR NHTSA SHOULD FORCE THEM TO. JUST BECAUSE OF VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN ONE STATE VERSUS ANOTHER SHOULD NOT DICTATE WHETHER THEY ARE RECALLED OR NOT.

NHTSA ODI #11051486

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2017

Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

HI, WHEN DRIVING MY CAR UP ANY SLIGHT LITTLE HILL, I HAVE NO POWER AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO DRIVE. IT'S VERY FRUSTRATING!! I HAVE READ THERE ARE RECALLS IN THE FUEL PUMPS AND ALSO OTHER RECALLS WITH THE MODEL VOLVO XC90. I HOPE THEY CAN REPAIR IT AND PAY FOR IT!!

NHTSA ODI #11021310

170,000 miles · Jun 15, 2017

Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT AND AN UNEXPLAINED WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAIL…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #10995338

170,000 miles · Mar 1, 2017

Fuel/propulsion System

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT SERVICED A 2004 VOLVO XC90. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR AND THERE WAS FUEL VISIBLE ABOVE THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING AND FLANGE WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MAUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ODI #10957849

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2016

Fuel/propulsion System

ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE A SMELL OF GAS IS PRESENT WHEN I'M OUT SIDE THE CAR THE I CAN SMELL IT MORE

NHTSA ODI #10871969

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2016

Fuel/propulsion SystemSteeringWheels

Read full complaint

THERE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS WITH STEERING THE DRIVER SHAFTS THE FUEL PUMP AIRBAGS AND WHEELS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THE GAS SMELL IS ALWAYS INSIDE THE CAR AND MECHANIC HAS SAID IT'S FROM THE FUEL PUMP DEFECT DURING MANUFACTURER. ALONG WITH THE OTHER FORE-MENTION DEFECTS .VOLVO DOES NOT WANT TO ADDRESS ISSUES BECAUSE AGE OF CAR. THERE IS A DEFECTIVE SUNROOF THAT ALLOWS WATER TO LEAK INSIDE THE CAR DURING RAIN FALL . THERE HAS BEEN A TOP CLASS ACTION PLACED AGAINST VOLVO FOR THIS . THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $700 TO $800 FOR THIS DEFECT AND $1200 TO $1500 FOR FUEL PUMP .

NHTSA ODI #10861611

140,000 miles · Mar 5, 2016

Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL LEAK AND SMELL PASSENGER REAR VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI #10840063

75,000 miles · Feb 29, 2016

Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL WORSENED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILU…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #10838975

69,000 miles · Feb 1, 2016

Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR EMITTING INSIDE THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GA…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #10823403

101,000 miles · Nov 24, 2015

Fuel/propulsion System

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR OF FUEL COULD BE SMELLED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #10806469

Official recalls

10V566000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Nov 8, 2010

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

09V483000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V155000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

May 5, 2006

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS WITH IMPROVED OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V144000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 28, 2006

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER ARMS AND RETAINING NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V434000 · Wheels

Nov 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V391000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Oct 10, 2003

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

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE SECOND AND/OR THIRD ROW SEAT BELT ATTACHMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE10025 · Central Electronic Module Failure

Opened Jul 20, 2010 · Closed Nov 22, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

Volvo acknowledged a problem affecting some subject vehicles involving water seepage into the plenum box area in the engine compartment.When this occurs water may enter into the interior / passenger compartment and track along the wiring harness for the Central Electronic Module (CEM), the device that controls many of the vehicle's electrical functions including wiper operation, lighting, and transmission operation.If the water reaches the CEM connector electrical faults may result.In response to such faults the CEM, a microprocessor controlled device, will attempt to reset by temporarily shutting down (for 100 milliseconds, or 0.1 seconds) and restarting; this effects various CEM functions including the instrument panel (IP) display, gauges, wipers and also the transmission gear (if it is in the overdrive range).During the reset owners may experience temporarily loss of the IP displays and an abnormal 'jerking' in the transmission/drivetrain.If the problem persist for 6 consecutive restart attempts, the CEM will enter a 'Limp Home' mode that disables non-essential electrical functions yet maintain safety critical functions such as low-beam headlights, low-speed wiper operation, brake lights, and non-overdrive transmission operation.Warning and error messages will also be illuminated in the IP display.Consumers reported experiencing conditions consistent with CEM resetting and the limp mode operation in their reports to both ODI and Volvo.No reports or allegations of crash or injury associated with possible CEM failures have been reported by Volvo or otherwise identified by ODI.Volvo revised the design of the wiring grommet (sealing device) and the plenum cover starting in May 2005 and October 2005 production dates respectively, the occurrence of the condition effectively ended after these changes.A technical service bulletin (TNN 37-35) has been published to diagnose and repair earlier production vehicles using the improved wiring grommet and/or new plenum cover.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE09039 · Fuel Pump Leak

Opened Aug 31, 2009 · Closed Dec 22, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

VOLVO HAS DETERMINED THAT DUE TO EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATES AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) AND VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE IN THE XC90 VEHICLES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS.OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL SEEPAGE.DUE TO SIMILAR MATERIAL USAGE, THIS ISSUE ALSO AFFECTS OTHER MY2001-2005 S60/S80/V70/XC70 AND MY2003/2005 XC90 VEHICLES.REVIEW OF THE VOLVO DATA INDICATE THE FREQUENCY OF COMPLAINTS/REPAIRS IS HIGHER IN THE HOT CLIMATE STATES. VOLVO WILL RECALL AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN/MATERIAL IN APPROXIMATELY 136,100 MY2001-2004 S60/V70/XC70, MY2001-2005 S80 AND MY2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES IN 19 STATES.THESE STATES INCLUDE AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, HI, KY, LA, MS, NV, NM, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA AND THE US TERRITORIES.IN ADDITION, VOLVO WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 10 YEARS/150,000 MILES ON APPROXIMATELY 190,000 VEHICLES FOR THE REMAINING STATES.THIS RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS 07V-152/TNN 23-198 PROGRAM ON MY2001-2002 VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V-483).

Additional source detail variants (4)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Fuel System, Gasoline

PE05064 · Windshield Wiper Arm Performance

Opened Dec 2, 2005 · Closed May 10, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED APRIL 21, 2006, THAT A SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 VOLVO XC90 VEHICLES. THE RECALL AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 122,400 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN AUGUST 2002 AND OCTOBER 2005.NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NO. 06V-144 TO THIS RECALL ACTION.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF REPLACING THE EXISTING WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS WITH A NEW REINFORCED DESIGN.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT PE HAS BEEN CLOSED.