Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% | 21,000 miles |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% | 37,000 miles |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2020 | 4 | 12% | 25,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% | 8,000 miles |
| 2016 | 11 | 6% | 5,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% | 2,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% | 21,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% | 110,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% | 120,000 miles |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% | 113,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% | 230,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was depressed, causing the vehicle to crash into a parked vehicle. The contact's wife did not sustain any injuries, and no medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The instrument cluster display on my 2020 Volvo XC90 went completely out while driving my vehicle. This was a single point of failure and SAFETY ISSUE as it affected my speedometer, gas gauge, etc. I was driving without any functioning indicators on the highway when it went out. There was no advanced warning. The issue was fixed by my dealership and part replaced, invoice is attached. We have made multiple attempts to resolve this issue with Volvo Corporate, who has been non-responsive to the overall safety concern. Based on research Ford Motor Company (Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-506) faced a recall for their Escapes because of a similar safety issue.
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. …
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.
Previous issues with brakes, suspension, leaking sunroof, electrical and gauges. Vehicle became disabled due to defect with coolant system, smoke from engine compartment, towed to Monterery Volvo (dealership/service center identified issues with coolant leak present turbo & cooling Plastic pipe. Cruise control-Vacuum Pump: Found vacuum pump leaking oil. Estimated repair $5,414.38
At least three times now the automatic braking system has applied without any object or vehicle in front. Once was on the i95 at 65mph going under a bridge the brake suddenly applied causing the car to dip and passengers to be shaken, then it continued as normal. Another time on the i78 near newark airport at 50mph passing some parked cars on the shoulder the brakes applied. Another time in local traffic at 30mph the brakes applied possibly when there was a slight dip in the road. The car has been looked at a couple of times and had a software update, but it still does it. It has now been in the shop for two weeks with no result Volvo suggested it was ezpass and we could wrap the ezpass in foil (and what, unwrap it for each toll booth!). This is a frightening safety issue because if we had been tailgated a car would have hit us.
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. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. The contact noticed that the space between the accelerator and brake pedals was only 4 1/2 inches wide. The width of his foot is 5 inches wide. There is an insufficient amount of space to adequately apply pressure to the accelerator pedal without also depressing the brake pedal. The dealer stated that they were aware of the failure, but have not made any efforts to correct the design. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 54,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo XC90 years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (17), 2016 (11) and 2017 (5) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volvo XC90 acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Volvo XC90 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volvo XC90 acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (3 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.