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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

7 reports

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98,430 miles · Apr 26, 2014

Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

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I PURCHASED THE XC90 DAME DAY ONCE LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP THERE WAS NO GAS STOP TO PUT GAS IN CAR ONCE FILLED UP CAR WOULD GET OUT OF PARK WAD STUCK THERE FOR 15 MIN TRIED TO TAKE KEY OUT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO CALLED DEALER ONCE THE CAR COULD GET TO DEALER THEY GAVE ME ANSWERS AD I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES AND I SHOULD B.FINE I WAS SCARED BUT HAD TO GET HOME TO MY TOWN WENT TO WORK ON THE 25TH OF APRIL 2014 WAS STUCK AT WORK FOR OVER 30 MIN TERRIFIED IM FINANCING THE VEHICLE SINE ITS LATE I WILL HAVE TO CALL THE DEALER AND FINANCE IN THE AM CARS SHOULD NOT B DOIN THIS HAD THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS TOTAL NIGHTMARE ALSO ON DASH IT SAYS ANTI SKID NEEDS SERVICE WITH A YELLOW WARNING SYMBOL ALSO SERVICE ALARM ALSO SHOWED UP WHAT CAN I DO IM A SINGLE MOM NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT I CANT DRIVE I NEED YOUR HELP THEY ALSO WOULDN'T PROVIDE A CAR FAX THEY SAID THEY HAVE A SAFETY RECORD BUT IT ONLY SHOWS WHO OWNED THE CAR AND PURCHASED DATES PLEASE HELP IF I CANT DRIVE I WILL LOSE MY JOB AND EVERYTHING I WORKED HARD FOR I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON DEALERSHIPS SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RIP OF HARDWORKING PEOPLE THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10585023

122,500 miles · Jun 17, 2012

Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting

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DRIVING FROM PHX TO TUS AT 75 MI OUT OF PHX AT ABOUT 2200HRS. THE CAR COMPLETELY FAILED FOR FRACTION OF A SECOND THEN RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION UNTIL ARRIVING AT DESTINATION 10 MI. LATER. THE SECOND TIME A WEEK LATER WAS TRAVELING TO PHX AT 1800 HRS. 70MI OUT OF TUS. THE CAR FAILED LIKE THE FIRST TIME THEN A FEW SECONDS LATER DID IT AGAIN REACHED DESTINATION ABOUT 15MI. LATER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE LIGHTS, RADIO, WINDOWS, DASH LIGHT AND GAUGES ALL STOP WORKING THE MESS. COMES ON ABS,SRS. ITS HAPPENED 5 OR 6 TIMES NOW WITH THE WORST BEING YESTERDAY 16 JUNE 2012 . I GOT OFF LOOP 202 AND PULLED IN A PARKING LOT AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART 4 TIMES BEFORE IT RESTARTED. THE A/C,WINDOWS, LIGHTS, GAUGES,TURN SIGNALS ALL FAILED. THE MESS. ABS, SRS, CHECK ENGINE CAME ON. I DROVE ABOUT 5 MI TO DESTINATION. I'M NOW SCARED TO DRIVE IT IF THE SRS, ABS WARNING ARE ON ARE THEY WORKING? IF IN AN ACCIDENT WILL THE PASSENGERS AND DRIVER BE PROTECTED ? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10462001

85,000 miles · Sep 3, 2011

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE FAIL INTERMITTENTLY, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS (LIKE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN THE PEDAL IS PUSHED IT FEELS LIKE A ROCK, WITH LITTLE DEPRESSION, AND VEHICLE DOES NOT SLOW. IF PRESSURE IS RELEASED AND PEDAL IS PUSHED A SECOND TIME, USUALLY THE BRAKING WILL FINALLY WORK. A REPAIR SHOP REPLICATED THIS WHEN PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF A BAY TO TEST DRIVE AND THEY LOST BRAKING AND NEARLY HIT A WALL. BREAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS (60MPH+) OFTEN RESULTS IN A STRONG PULL TO THE LEFT, AS IF THE LEFT BRAKE IS BRAKING MORE THAN THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10423181

32,400 miles · Jan 29, 2010

EquipmentFuel System, GasolineLatches/locks/linkages

DRIVING ON 210-WEST, MY CAR LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED ON JAN. 26, 2010, TO CORRECT THE STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. OTHER PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS TWICE, REPLACING THE ABS, FAULTY GPS AND CD PLAYER, FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AUTOMATIC LOCK NEEDS MOTOR R…

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NHTSA ODI #10303222

59,000 miles · Feb 25, 2006

Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

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I AM EXPERIENCING CONTINUING SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH MY VOLVO XC90. THIS VEHICLES ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING AND AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS RESULTS IN UNPREDICTABLE AND ERRATIC VEHICLE HANDLING WHICH CREATES SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES TO THE VEHICLES DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR AND WAS CONFIRMED AND DOCUMENTED BY A VOLVO DEALER DURING THE SUMMER OF 2005. I MUST POINT OUT THIS SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES AN ACTIVE SYSTEM THAT CANNOT BE CONTROLLED, ADJUSTED OR DISABLED BY THE VEHICLES DRIVER. THIS SAFETY PROBLEM CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DURING THE WINTER OF 2005. AT THAT TIME, THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM FAILED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ON A SNOW COVERED ROAD. THIS CAUSED SUDDEN AND UNCONTROLLED FRONT WHEEL SPIN WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND WITH THE VEHICLE SLIDING OFF A ROAD. A TOW TRUCK WAS REQUIRED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE BACK ON THE ROAD. THE VOLVO DEALER THAT CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM HAS MADE SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR IT. THEY HAVE DOCUMENTED COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS WITHIN THE VEHICLES HIGH SPEED NETWORK AND RELOADED VEHICLE SOFTWARE. THEY HAVE ALSO REPLACED: 1) THE VEHICLES FRONT WHEEL SENSORS, 2) THE MFI MODULE USED FOR VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, 3) THE BCM MODULE USED BY THE AWD SYSTEM, AND 4) THE AWD AOC UNIT WITH CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION. NONE OF THIS HAS RESOLVED THE SAFETY PROBLEMS I AM EXPERIENCING FROM THIS VEHICLE. THIS VOLVO DEALER HAS TOLD ME THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE: 1) THE VEHICLES DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DOES NOT REPORT ANY DIAGNOSTIC CODES, 2) THEIR OWN TECHNICIANS CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND 3) VOLVO TECHNICIANS CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. MY REQUESTS TO VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA HAVE BEEN IGNORED OR REJECTED, EVEN BY VOLVO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND VOLVO REGIONAL MANAGERS. I AM LEFT TO DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH OBVIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS THAT CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY ANYONE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10151203

3,000 miles · Feb 17, 2004

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKE LOCKUP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10058314

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2004

Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT NORMAL CONDITIONS BRAKES LOCKED UP. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED LEFT WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEMS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10053362

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.