2017 Volvo XC90 T8

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/22/2024· ENGINE

  Was driving and my low coolant light came on. I pulled over and car shut down and coolant leaking all over the exhaust and block of the engine. Crack in the coolant bleeder hose leaving me stranded on the side of the road. I then googled the issue to my surprise it is the same crack point and part that the previous year 2016 model had a recall on for safety as this is a fire risk leaking on the exhaust and this being a flammable liquid. I am just upset as this was a recall for the previous year model and it is happening on the 2017 model with many other people having the same issue. Contacting Volvo and they will not cover this as there is no active recall on this $800 for a $23 part that is a known issue is a problem and the risk of my vehicle catching on fire when I have 5 children In the car is very concerning for a car that is suppose to be reliable. Not to mention the bad front strut problems on these that go out and send you going in the wrong direction on a bump. Hope this gets taken care of due to the risk!

• 12/15/2025· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINEFire

  The contact owned a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after driving 35 miles at 70 MPH on I-95 South in South Carolina, the contact started smelling an abnormally gasoline odor inside the vehicle entering through the AC vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact and her husband continued driving, believing that the odor was coming from the outside because the air recirculation switch was set to recirculate the air inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after driving an additional 5 miles, the gasoline odor grew stronger, and the contact suggested to her husband to pull over so that they could exit the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband pulled over and they both exited with a child. The contact stated that while running away from the vehicle she could see flames underneath the vehicle coming from the engine before the vehicle exploded and was engulfed in flames. The contact and her husband ran away from the vehicle and there was grayish white smoke coming from the vehicle. The Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that Fire Department and Police Department filed incident reports, but the contact had not yet received the documents. The contact stated that the entire front of the vehicle including the engine compartment had melted down to the wheels. The contact sustained soreness to the neck and left shoulder, as well as a headache from the fuel odor. The contact, her child, and her husband were emotionally distressed from the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The Insurance Provider and a claims adjuster was notified of the fire and the contact was informed that further investigation was needed to determine the cause of the fire. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

• 12/11/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The evaporator core malfunctioned (AC system), resulting in the failure of the air conditioning system. The defective part remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. This issue compromised the vehicle's ability to maintain a comfortable and safe environment, particularly in extreme weather conditions where the lack of a functioning air conditioning system can pose health risks, especially to young children or elderly passengers. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Volvo service center, where the leak was identified during an inspection. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps or error messages. However, the air conditioning began to perform inconsistently several weeks prior to the complete failure. Given the timing of this issue, just beyond the warranty period, and the evidence suggesting this may be a recurring problem in certain XC90 models, and Volvo Customer Care denied any assistance or support in this matter.

• 12/09/2019· ENGINE

  LEAK IN RADIATOR HOSE CAUSED CAR TO LOOSE ENOUGH WATER IN RADIATOR TO CAUSE ALARM

• 12/02/2024· SEAT BELTS

  There is a belt tensioning failure which means the belt doesn’t snug to your body or engage as you apply brakes. I contacted Volvo North America on 10/31 after visiting the dealer and have not heard back regarding this problem. There is a code which appeared regarding this problem which is why it was taken to the dealership Volvo of Lisle in Illinois. They estimate the cost to repair as approximately $4,000.00 They said the vehicle is out of warranty 5 years from first service date. We believe safety equipment as basic as seat belts are the manufacturers responsibility. This vehicle has never been involved in an accident and would appreciate your help. I can forward copies of the estimate to repair if you require them. Feel free to contact me

• 12/01/2019· WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES

  AFTER JUST 23K MILES, THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND TIRES ALL SHOW OVERWEAR AND WILL REGULARLY NEED REPLACEMENT ABOUT EVERY 20-30K MILES. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS IS IN PART DUE TO DESIGN OF THE CHASSIS AND, IF USED REGULARLY, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. VOLVO DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS A REGULAR COMPLAINT THEY SEE WITH THE 2017 AND NEWER MODELS. TIRE COMPANY (PIRELLI) SAYS IT IS NOT THE TIRES.

• 11/28/2025· SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  On thanksgiving day i drove to train station in the morning, and had no issue. After work i got in the car started to drive, i was going 25-35 miles per hour in the maplewood township, and i wanted to slow down just in case i dont see any kid or person at dark. I almost had no brake! I was so scared and i pushed th brake pedal so hard, i was very dangerous for the society at this moment. I just wish i was not on the highway going higher speed, or there were no people around! I really cannot trust this car anymore, i could have hit something!!!

• 11/28/2018· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE AND THE ELECTRONIC GAUGES TO SHUT OFF. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A POND. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (WEAVER BROTHERS VOLVO, 4409 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

• 11/18/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  As I was driving, the coolant low warning came on. Luckily I was able to pull over safely at a nearby gas station. I found that the coolant expansion tank was empty. The coolant was leaking from the plastic connector on the bleeder hose and was pooling on the top of the engine. There is a recall on 2016 vehicles for this (Volvo campaign R29936) and looks like many are having same issue on 2017 models also. My problem was exactly as described, the part broke, coolant squirts out all over hot engine parts, system coolant level rapidly depletes. Fortunately, this happened in place that allowed safe stopping.

• 11/14/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

  On November 5, 2025, while driving my 2017 Volvo XC90, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of braking assist. When I pressed the brake pedal, I heard a loud hissing noise coming from under the dashboard, and the car would not stop. The brake would not work and the vehicle would not slow or stop unless I stood up and used my full body weight to press it. A licensed mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed this is consistent with loss of vacuum pressure from the brake booster/failure of the vacuum brake booster, the component that provides power assist to the braking system. The booster, brake pump, hose from booster to pump and brake pedal clip were replaced, with an estimated cost of $2,858. The mechanic also advised that this failure is not uncommon in Volvo XC90 models. After the incident, I researched similar complaints and found numerous reports on NHTSA and [XXX] describing **identical symptoms—hard brake pedal and hissing sound due to vacuum booster failure—**in the 2016–2019 XC90. For example, one owner reported “hard pedal, no assist, hissing sound behind dash” [XXX] , Volvo XC90 2017 Brakes section, accessed Nov 2025). No warning lights or error messages appeared before or during the event. The problem occurred suddenly and without prior symptoms. This defect posed a serious safety risk to me, my passengers, and other drivers, as it severely reduced braking ability and required excessive force to stop the vehicle. Under other conditions, this issue could easily have resulted in a crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 11/13/2019· HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLVO OF MONTEREY (1711 DEL MONTE BLVD, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 899-8800) WHERE THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE HYBRID SYSTEM REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT TRADE IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

• 11/07/2025· ENGINE

  Vehicle is a 2017 model year of the Volvo XC90 and has the same safety issue in the Quality Bulletin for Recall R29936: Coolant Bleeder Hose (Engine Side), which is for the same make and model but for the 2016 model year. The vehicle has a plastic coolant bleeder hose that can crack and create a coolant leak that drips above the catalytic converter. The coolant accumulates in the catalytic converter heat shield insulation and poses a fire risk in the engine compartment area. The leak can also be small enough to cause coolant to evaporate and off gas into the cabin through the AC, exposing fumes to cabin occupants. The corrective action is to replace the engine side coolant bleeder hose, though this recall did not extend to 2017 model years, in which this same part was used. The same recall R29936 will need to be extended to other model years after 2016 in which the same component or design of component was used.

• 10/30/2017· SERVICE BRAKES

  BRAKES SQUEAK BADLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MULTIPLE TIMES TO BE REPAIRED. IT SOUNDS LIKE GREMLINS ARE IN THE CAR WHEN YOU BRAKE. IT IS A KNOW ISSUE ON THESE VEHICLES ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND TO VOLVO. THEY SPRAYED STOP SQUEAK ON THE BRAKE BAD WHICH IS NOW ALL OVER MY CAR AND THE BRAKES STILL SQUEAK.

• 10/22/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINEFire

  WHILE DRIVING WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR, VOLVO HOOD STARTED TO SMOKE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SIGNALS WENT OFF. WE PULLED OVER, TURNED ENGINE OFF, REMOVED KIDS FROM THE CAR, AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, THE ENTIRE HOOD OF THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, EVEN THOUGH FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. WE HAVE NO INFORMATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE - ENGINE, ELECTRICAL, ETC - BUT THE CAR ONLY HAD 18,000 MILES ON IT. VOLVO HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE ROTORS TWICE IN TWO YEARS - HIGHLY UNUSUAL - BUT OTHERWISE WE HAD NO REASON TO SUSPECT A PROBLEM. WE WERE VERY LUCKY WE WERE ON CITY STREETS AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL OVER.

• 10/21/2019· SEAT BELTS

  WHEN THE VEHICLE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED, THE SEATBELT TENSIONS BECOME SO TIGHT HE CAN CAUSE INJURY.

• 10/15/2018· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  ON 2018-09-17, THE VEHICLE, A 2017 VOLVO XC90 T8 HYBRID, REPORTED AN ERROR STATING "REDUCED PERFORMANCE" WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, WITHOUT THE HYBRID SYSTEM, ONLY WORKING ON THE GAS ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES AFTER THE ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED. THE NEXT DAY, 2018-09-18, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, WITH THE SAME ERROR. AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN A QUARTER OF A MILE, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY HALTED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, AND THEN LIMITED THE VEHICLE SPEED TO 17 MILES PER HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO IT'S ORIGIN, UNABLE TO EXCEED THE 17 MPH RESTRICTION, AND A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED IN. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE NEAREST VOLVO DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR 20 DAYS UNDERGOING REPAIRS. AS OF 2018-10-15, THE VEHICLE HAS BEGIN TO EXHIBIT A SIMILAR PROBLEM AS WAS ORIGINALLY REPORTED WITH 2 MONTHS OF VEHICLE PURCHASE IN SEPTEMBER, 2017, AND WHAT LED TO A MULTI-DAY REPAIR IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, 2018, PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT OCCURRING IN MID SEPTEMBER, 2018.

• 10/08/2019· ENGINE

  FOLLOW UP TO 09/16/2019 COMPLAINT ID NUMBER 11255771. THE ENGINE NOISE WAS DIAGNOSED AS SIGNIFICANT INTAKE CAM SHAFT BEARING(S) WEAR. THIS WAS NOT A LUBRICATION ISSUE PER THE DEALER, SO APPARENTLY A MANUFACTURING ERROR. THIS CAUSED METAL CONTAMINATION THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE IN THE OIL. PER THE DEALER, 2 OTHER XC90'S HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM IN THE US. THROUGH THE VIP EXTENDED WARRANTY, A NEW LONG BLOCK ENGINE WAS AUTHORIZED AND INSTALLED, MINUS A $100 DEDUCTIBLE. A $15K-$20K SERVICE (PLUS ALL DIAGNOSIS') FOR THE $100 DEDUCTIBLE IS NOT A BAD DEAL. THE ENGINE SOUND IS NOW GONE AND IS IDENTICAL TO A NEW CAR. HOWEVER, THE CONFIDENCE IN VOLVO IS DECREASING. SAFETY, COMFORT, BEAUTY ARE ALL TOP NOTCH. BUT MECHANICAL ERRORS LIKE THIS ARE CRAZY FROM A $60,000+ VEHICLE.

• 09/26/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The ac went out while my toddler was in the car. We are in the Arizona area and the temperature has exceeded over 100 degrees. It turns out there are several complaints with the evaporator. There is major issues and complaints.

• 09/26/2022· STRUCTURE

  Rear passenger doors would get locked stuck, and can not get unlocked from inside or outside. This issue would remain even after locking/unlocking car multiple times or enabling/disabling child lock multiple times. Dealer suggested this is common issue in this model of the car, and needs an expensive repair of the latch mechanism. This is a safety hazard as this would would trap the passengers inside the car in case of accident or any other emergency. Please look in to this matter, this should not be happening in a relatively new(5 years), low mileage, always garaged car like Volvo.

• 09/25/2024· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The Park Neutral Position (PNP) switch malfunctions. Yes Not a huge safety issue if you are parked in your driveway and cannot start the car. But if you are driving and the if you have the engine auto start/stop engaged the car will unexpectedly not restart and you have to play with the gear shifter to get it started to move out of an intersection or out of the way of traffic! This has happened several times with my wife and myself. I have not had it confirmed by a dealer or service center No No

• 09/20/2024· ENGINE

  Coolant bleeder hose started leaking at y-connection. Appears to be same problem that lead to recall R29936 in earlier MY16 vehicles.

• 09/18/2024· ENGINEFire

  The contact owned a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, a white-colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle's engine compartment. The "Coolant Low" warning message soon appeared on the instrument panel as the contact pulled over into a parking lot and exited the vehicle with her three children. As the smoke grew rampantly, the vehicle quickly caught fire. A fellow motorist attempted to extinguish the fire but to no avail. The authorities quickly arrived at the scene and the fire department extinguished the fire. While the incident all mentally shook the contact and her 3 children; no medical treatment was rendered. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession for an insurance inspection. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The dealer nor the manufacturer had to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

• 09/16/2019· ENGINE

  ENGINE MAKES A LOUD WHINING SOUND. THE HIGHER THE RPM'S, THE HIGHER PITCH THE WHINE. DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT THAN THE SUPER CHARGER AND THE TURBO. OCCURRED SINCE AROUND 10,000 MILES. INITIALLY, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BALANCE SHAFT UNDER A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. THIS DID NOT CORRECT IT. DROVE MULTIPLE XC90'S AND NONE OF THEM HAVE THE WHINE SOUND. OUR XC90 HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR NEARLY TWO WEEKS NOW AND THE BALANCE SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED AGAIN AT THE DIRECTION OF THE MANUFACTURER. THE TECHNICIAN HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE THE BALANCE SHAFT A THIRD TIME BECAUSE IT DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN HAS INSISTED THE SERVICE REQUEST BE EXPEDITED. THE ONLY ANSWER WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN IS THE SOUND IS COMING FROM THE ENGINE.

• 09/13/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The A/C evaporator core in my 2017 Volvo XC90 failed prematurely, cracking and leaking refrigerant. This is a well-known problem among XC90 owners from model years 2016–2020. Repair costs are USD$5k+ because the entire dashboard must be removed to replace the evaporator. This is not normal wear and tear. Volvo has issued multiple Technical Journals (e.g. TJ 35912.1.0 -- attached -- and later revisions) instructing dealers to install an additional resistor in the evaporator temperature sensor harness when replacing the evaporator. This proves Volvo knows there is a design defect causing evaporator cracking and failure. However, Volvo corporate has declined to assist with repairs for my vehicle. Driving without A/C in high summer heat presents a serious risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly during long commutes (I drive over an hour each way daily). The HVAC system is also critical for defogging and defrosting the windshield. Loss of refrigerant and evaporator performance can impair defroster operation, creating visibility hazards. The combination of extreme cabin heat and impaired defrosting creates an unreasonable risk to safety, not merely an inconvenience. In addition, right now it costs me just a few hundred dollars to refill my AC system every summer. This is what I've been doing for several summers now. But the Volvo quote to fix this factory defect was over $6k. So that means myself and thousands of others are all incentivized to just fill up R134A and have it leak out, harming the environment in the process. Volvo's refusal to recall and fix this issue is causing this economic incentive. It should be on them to fix their failure, not us. I asked Volvo corporate to goodwill this repair but they declined to do this (see attached).

• 09/11/2023· ENGINEFire

  The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, she noticed smoke from the engine compartment. The vehicle spontaneously caught fire. The coolant warning light was illuminated a minute prior to the failure. There were no reported injuries or air bag deployments. The fire department was on the scene. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. A police report was filed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

• 09/11/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  "Volvo On Call Service Required" message shows up on the dash suddenly every 3-5 minutes, and the black message box itself is close to, and bigger than, the speedometer reading. It makes it difficult to monitor and maintain speed without distraction. At the same time, every 3-5 minutes, top of the center screen completely flashes with "message stored to Car Status app" to draw driver attention and causes a major distraction while driving.

• 09/06/2018· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE LOW SPEED AUTO EMERGENCY BRAKING/FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOWE PEARSON VOLVO BOISE (7805 W GRATZ DR, BOISE, ID 83709, 208-377-3900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.

• 09/01/2026· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  2017 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, approximately 81,000 miles, experienced intermittent hesitation/loss of propulsion when accelerating. When acceleration is requested, the vehicle can hesitate before power is delivered, creating a serious safety concern when entering, merging into, or crossing traffic because expected acceleration is not immediately available. Diagnostic testing identified faults in the IEM/ERAD system, including P286D00, Clutch A Engagement Time Performance/Too Slow, and P0A1B62, Drive Motor A Control Module, Algorithm Based Failure. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by an authorized Volvo dealer. I was advised that the high-voltage battery cells appear to be functioning properly and that the dealer is consulting Volvo technical support regarding the loss-of-acceleration condition. Volvo has issued Technical Journal guidance addressing ERAD clutch DTCs, including P286D00, on this generation of XC90. I am concerned that delayed or failed engagement of the ERAD clutch can cause an unexpected delay or loss of propulsion during acceleration. I am also aware of another NHTSA complaint involving a 2017 Volvo XC90 ERAD clutch failure, NHTSA Complaint No. 11673211, describing a delay in propulsion followed by sudden power delivery. I am requesting that NHTSA review this condition as a potential safety defect involving ERAD clutch engagement and intermittent loss or delay of propulsion in Volvo XC90 T8 vehicles.

• 09/01/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  THE VEHICLE HAS A AUTOMATIC PARK OUT FUNCTION THAT FAILED AND HIT CAR BEHIND ME WITH NO TIME FOR REACTION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. VOLVO REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. THIS PARK OUT FUNCTION SHOULD BE DISABLED UNTIL THEY HAVE A SOLUTION THAT PREVENTS THE CAR FROM HITTING OTHER OBJECTS.

• 08/24/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The consumer stated the problem was software updates which resolved all the problems, but wants to understand why the software update caused so many issues.

• 08/18/2024· WHEELS

  My car experienced a cracked front left control arm. It was not in an accident and the crack caused a creaking sound when conducting turns.

• 08/13/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEFire

  While on the highway, the system reported that engine coolant was low and to pull over safely. I pulled into a parking lot and within a couple of minutes the engine burst into flames. The local fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The car is totaled.

• 08/10/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the window power switch was enabled; however, the window switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the rear-view camera, the door switch, and the air conditioner failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact became aware of water on the front passenger’s side floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

• 07/27/2017· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

  ON 7 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY AND AGGRESSIVELY BRAKED ON ITS OWN. THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SENSED THAT I WAS ABOUT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE ON THIS MODEL. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T GET REAR ENDED AS THE 7 INSTANCES ALL HAPPENED ON HIGHWAYS. MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO HAS AGREED TO REPURCHASE MY VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.

• 07/25/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE OBSERVED BEHAVIOR OF A UBER SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE IN PITTSBURGH, PA. ON MAY 8TH 2017 AROUND 7:30PM EDT, I WAS DRIVING ON CENTER AVE TOWARDS THE INTERSECTION OF CENTER AND SOUTH HIGHLAND AVE, AND AN UBER XC90 WAS PASSING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION HEADING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. A PEDESTRIAN WAS WAITING TO CROSS AT THE CURB NEAREST TO THE APPROACHING VOLVO, STANDING A LITTLE CLOSE TO THE EDGE BUT DEFINITELY NOT IN THE STREET. THE VOLVO WAS IN THE CENTER OF ITS LANE AND HAD AMPLE SPACE TO PASS THE PEDESTRIAN. JUST AS IT REACHED THE CURB/CROSSWALK, IT SUDDENLY JERKED TO ITS LEFT AND VERY QUICKLY SWUNG BACK TO RETURN TO LANE CENTER IN A TIGHT ARC. IT CAME CLOSE TO THE OPPOSING LANE AND MAY HAVE CROSSED OVER. IT DIDN'T APPEAR TO BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN AT ANY POINT. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO KNOW IF THE UBER WAS IN SELF-DRIVING MODE AT THE TIME, BUT THE (UNNECESSARY) EVASIVE MANEUVER BY THE VOLVO WAS UNLIKE ANYTHING I HAVE EVER WITNESSED OF A HUMAN DRIVER.

• 07/24/2020· STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

  FRONT END, WHEELS BEGIN TO BOUNCE AND VIBRATE UNEXPECTEDLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH. THE BOUNCE/VIBRATION/WOBBLE AFFECTS STEERING AND CAN BE FELT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL. STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES SIDE TO SIDE AFFECTING HANDLING. WHEN BRAKING DURING THIS EVENT THE STEERING BECOMES WORSE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS LEFT/RIGHT WITH HARDER FORCE MAKING HANDLING AND STOPPING DIFFICULT. PROBLEMS TEMPORARILY RESOLVED WHEN VEHICLE STOPS BUT CAN RETURN WITHIN MINUTES. PROBLEM NOT PERSISTENT BUT FREQUENT ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS 60+ MPH AND THE PROBLEM IS UNEXPECTED. PROBLEM OCCURS AT ABOUT 1.5 HOURS OF DRIVING, BUT CAN OCCUR AT LONGER INTERVALS. ONCE THE ISSUE STARTS IT GENERALLY CONTINUES UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS

• 07/18/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I WAS USING THE PARALLEL PARK ASSIST AND THE CAR SLAMMED INTO THE CURB DAMAGING THE RIMS. THE DEALER INSISTS THAT THERE IS NO MALFUNCTION. THE CURB WAS OF THE PERFECT HEIGHT AND IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION

• 07/13/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  ERAD (Electronic Rear Axle Drive) clutch failure. Upon depressing accelerator pedal, when in drive modes that rely more on ERAD (Hybrid/Pure modes), the clutch occasionally does not engage correctly, resulting in no power for a full 1-2 seconds, then power kicking in, in full. Not being consistent means not having a good way to anticipate when the problem will arise in order to compensate for it. The hazard came when attempting to cross traffic (to take a left into a commercial driveway), the delay happened, then before the ability to fully "cancel the attempt" (by releasing the accelerator and pressing the brake while still in the turn lane), the power kicked in and sent the vehicle into traffic. The delay-then-subsequent full-power meant that the gap was suddenly significantly smaller when pulling into the oncoming lanes, and attempting to correct for a delay in power meant the possibility of then not having the accelerator down, which could have left me in in the lane of oncoming traffic for much longer than necessary due to human reaction times in addition to vehicle "reaction times" to inputs. This is apparently a relatively common issue on Volvos of this generation, with multiple "ERAD versions" to account for transmission clutch failures within these units, as well as other failures.

• 07/11/2026· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Spark plugs, fuel injectors, cylinders and cylinder walls, pistons, oxygen sensor. Our safety was put at risk because the vehicles "reduced performance" was triggered and it affected the acceleration of the vehicle. The Volvo dealership was able to reproduce the issue because of the engine misfires.The only alert we received was the day prior our engine needed a liter of oil. We topped off the oil and that alert went away. The day we had the reduced performance we were alerted of that at the time on the highway. It's a little turtle icon. We were not able to accelerate efficiently and it was definitely unsafe to be driving but we had to get home.

• 07/11/2024· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  The exterior door handle stopped being able to open from the outside. This poses a serious safety risk; as well as an overall inconvenience for the driver. To get inside the vehicle, one must crawl through the passenger side to open the driver's side door from the inside.

• 07/09/2022· AIR BAGS

  The airbag sign comes on but nothing wrong with the car. This is third time it came on. Adaptive auto breaking switch does not work.

• 07/01/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I am reporting a safety defect related to the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) in my 2017 Volvo XC90. The VCM is critical for emergency communications, including automatic crash notification and location sharing with emergency responders. This function is vital for occupant safety in the event of an accident. My VCM was serviced at an authorized Volvo dealer in Natick, MA in December 2024 due to intermittent connectivity issues. Despite this recent service, the VCM completely failed in mid-April 2025. When the module fails, the vehicle loses the ability to automatically contact emergency services and transmit its location after a crash, significantly increasing the risk of delayed or absent emergency response. I am aware that Volvo previously issued Safety Recall R39917 for 2017–2019 XC90s regarding VCM software errors that could prevent GPS location from being sent to emergency personnel. Volvo has refused to cover the repair, even though the failure directly impacts a safety-critical system that was already subject to a recall. This failure compromises the car’s core safety promise and leaves occupants at risk in emergencies. I urge NHTSA to investigate ongoing VCM failures in these vehicles, as the repairs have not resolved all safety concerns. Volvo should be required to address these failures to ensure driver and passenger safety.

• 06/15/2021· ENGINE

  Coolant bleed hose broke causing vehicle to overheat. Part is made of plastic and not durable for long-term use. 2016 year was recalled, but not on the 2017 model.

• 06/04/2026· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while her son-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firmly depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the vacuum hose had detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

• 05/22/2023· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

  The 2017 Volvo xc90 hybrid regularly experiences these two issues when it is below freezing in Montana: 1) doors do not catch in the latch so they do not close and/or will fly open when turning. This occurs every time the temperature is below zero. 2) when below zero temperature occurs,

• 05/05/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, approximately one week later, the warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the small coolant hose was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 05/05/2022· SUSPENSION

  The air suspension dust covers on the rear air springs were originally installed from the factory using substandard plastic zip ties that are known to slip off. This is a known design flaw and is even documented by Volvo via technical journal and reported to the NHTSA as follows. NHTSA ID Number: 10158664 Manufacturer Communication Number: TJ30517.6.0-2019 All vehicles with this design flaw are at risk failure of the rear air springs. The manufacturer has taken a wait and see approach to pass on the cost of repairs to customers. One of the air springs was found to have its dust cover slip off and was confirmed by a Volvo dealer. This was caused due to use of plastic zip ties rather than crimped metal straps which have been used as a repair documented by the manufacturer and used in newer version of the air springs. The cost of repair for each spring affected is $1300-1500 and at the time of repair the require that the unaffected air spring be remediated with a metal strap to prevent failure which could lead to unexpected and catastrophic air spring collapse. I obtained two quotes from two Volvo dealers. Volvo has already voluntarily extended the warranty on another associated component for their air suspension system which they know to have a manufacturing flaw. This air spring design flaw should also be included or added as a separate voluntary or mandatory campaign. Fortunately, I noticed this failure while replacing winter tires for summer tires and was able to preemptively get this assessed by my servicing dealer. They explained the severity of the issue and recommended as per Volvo's Technical Journal to replace the entire air spring as it was compromised due to road debris exposure from having its dust cover drop. A component failure due to an inappropriate restraint being used to retain a safety shield around the air spring could lead to loss of control.

• 05/02/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I am reporting multiple critical component failures on my 2017 Volvo XC90, which I believe represent potential design or manufacturing defects related to vehicle safety and reliability. At approximately 93,000 miles, my Volvo XC90 experienced a battery failure, thermostat failure, which did not resolve the vehicle's engine issues. Subsequently, the dealership diagnosed a failed Engine Control Module (ECM), requiring complete replacement at a cost of over $5,000. The ECM is a critical motherboard component responsible for engine control and vehicle safety operations. Its failure risks sudden engine malfunction, stalling, or loss of power while driving, which could cause unsafe conditions. I am concerned that multiple major component failures, especially in a premium brand vehicle under 100,000 miles and less than 10 years old, represent a systemic reliability issue. These failures occurred despite regular maintenance and responsible usage. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether similar cases exist for 2016–2018 Volvo XC90 models involving premature ECM or engine cooling, electrical, short circuit system failures. I am available to provide service records and additional documentation as needed.

• 05/01/2023· ENGINE

  On Saturday, April 22, 2023, I was driving when I noticed the vehicle had issues when driving/accelerating on the local roads. The car had delay in accelerating and/or had trouble with power when driving. There were also instances of plumes of white smoke coming out from the exhaust. Once I noticed the issue, I immediately drove the vehicle home. This is a major safety issue for myself and for others; afraid the car may suddenly break down in the road and/or unable to pick up speed when needed and unintentionally causing an accident on the road. On the way home, the vehicle dash board displayed engine system light and the performance was reduced. On Monday, April 24, 2023, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. I was informed by the mechanic that the number one (1) cylinder of the engine had lost compression and there are serious problems with the engine. The vehicle is available for inspection. Given that the engine is such a critical component of the vehicle, I would not expect such engine failure in a six (6) year old vehicle, that has been regularly maintained, never been in any major accident and had not previously experience any engine issues. I believe the engine failure was due to defects in the vehicle. I have reached out to manufacturer via email/mail for assistance and information regarding this matter.

• 04/27/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFire

  To whom it may concern. Our 2017 XC90 unexpectedly, spantaneously, and catastrophically caught fire under the hood and was a total loss 5 minutes after parking it on April 19, 2026. There were no leaks or other signs of mechanical issues. The vehicle had all regular maintenance completed at the Byers Volvo Service Department in Columbus, OH. It had no open recalls. It was always parked overnight in a garage. The Fire Inspector noted a possible vehicle manufacturing defect as the cause of the fire, however the vehicle was too heavily damaged to be definitive. We do have video of the entire incident as the Volvo was parked on Federal Government Property at the time. We are happy to share any and all information if this helps future vehicles to be safer. It should be noted that there is an active recall for the 2016 XC90 for a coolant hose leak that can cause a fire. Given that the 2017 XC90 is of the same design. Upon checking the internet and Reddit, it appears that our situation is not unique and there are other instances and reports of similar fires.