Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 24% | 5,000 miles |
| 2024 | 17 | 47% | 32,000 miles |
| 2023 | 10 | 24% | 112,000 miles |
| 2022 | 14 | 47% | 11,000 miles |
| 2021 | 13 | 33% | 60,000 miles |
| 2020 | 11 | 32% | 79,000 miles |
| 2019 | 11 | 26% | 38,000 miles |
| 2018 | 15 | 29% | 21,000 miles |
| 2017 | 19 | 24% | 31,000 miles |
| 2016 | 56 | 28% | 10,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 18% | 58,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 26% | 94,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 43% | 59,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 28% | 101,000 miles |
| 2007 | 14 | 37% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 16 | 30% | 85,000 miles |
| 2005 | 51 | 23% | 97,000 miles |
| 2004 | 158 | 34% | 95,000 miles |
| 2003 | 18 | 19% | 79,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety alert audible sounds failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the alerts failed to provide an audible alert. The contact turned off the vehicle and started and the system independently reset. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an unknown software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure became persistent. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen seized. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a still image. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving through a residential area at 35 MPH, the vehicle independently slowed down with the message "Engine Has Now Stopped" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle initially failed to restart after the first attempt; however, the vehicle restarted after the second attempt and resumed normal operation after the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,300.
The contact leased a 2024 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the infotainment screen and instrument cluster went black with the message "Critical Error - Pull Over When Safe". The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times at various speeds. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a local dealer. The contact stated that the failure occurred often, and the warning light was ignored while driving to the dealer. The contact stated that occasionally, the system was independently rebooted when the vehicle stopped. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle several times and replaced several batteries; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and dispatched technicians to consult with the technicians at the dealer; however, the failure persisted. …
Instrument cluster failure and turn signal malfunction while highway driving. No interior sounds, including no lane change warning or near collision warning signals, and no audible confirmation of signal; no exterior blinker activated despite use by driver. Instrument cluster went blank. Safety at risk and accident occurred: approaching car from rear passenger side hit front right side of our car because there was no exterior signal and no audio or visual alerts in our vehicle about lane change or blind spot. Signal and instrument cluster failure: the car is at the manufacturer/dealer for the third time for similar issues with our vehicle (2 prior times they stated the issue was fixed). Manufacturer reports that they're sending a team to investigate given that this most recent episode lead to an accident.
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving to the residence, the air bag warning light, malfunction light, driver's side turn signal, parking light, and daytime running light illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went blank. The contact stated that for approximately five to ten minutes, the scene was visible. The contact called the independent mechanic regarding the missing air bag, but there was no resolution. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the dealer was unable to service the vehicle because of an open work order on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was emailed, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 39,397.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2023 Volvo XC90 on [redacted]. The vehicle was purchased from Guaranteed Motor Cars in Palos Hills, IL. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 39,019. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. When the instrument cluster was installed, it was discovered that the mileage was 111,914. The contact filed a complaint with the State Attorney General's Office.
The contact's father owns a 2022 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that upon entering the garage where the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the vehicle was idling and had turned on remotely. The contact stated that a message displayed on the instrument panel stated that the vehicle was remotely started by an unknown app. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The contact was concerned for his family's safety. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the app had been deactivated and advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 11,400.
There have been three incidents where the following happens: While driving in regular suburban driving, the entire infotainment system and cluster panel (all digital--odometer, tachometer, everything) shut off entirely (go black) and the climate system also shuts off. It goes through some reset cycle and then eventually restarts after several seconds. Both times it has been right after pressing some button on the steering wheel that controls the infotainment or doing some operation with the infotainment system such as skipping a track or making a call. Apple Car Play has not been in use. The first time it was 4-5 months ago (2024). The second time was about 2 months ago. The third time was on June 6, 2024. This third time, while at a red light, everything went black and even the car shut off. …
Related recalls (6)
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary.
Electrical system
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
Remedy: Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023.
Electrical system › Software
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021.
Electrical system › Software
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
On certain passenger vehicles, it has been determined that while doing battery maintenance the jack's crank handle can be misplaced under a bracket which retains the battery.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and ensure proper placement of the jack crank handle and a warning label with approved text will be affixed to the bracket which retains the battery.
Show 1 more recall
Electrical system › Starter assembly › Solenoid
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, due to an error in the factory assembly instruction, the b+terminal May be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. If this occurs, the conflict between the b+terminal and the starter motor solenoid May develop into a short circuit of the battery cable to ground.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and increase distance between the b+terminal and the starter motor solenoid by adjusting the terminal. The recall began on January 31, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
NHTSA investigations
Central Electronic Module Failure
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…
Volvo xc90 battery cable failures
The office of defect investigations opened a preliminary evaluation, pe05-057 based on early warning data submitted to odi by Volvo. The data contained field reports of thermal failures of the positive battery cable. On November 17, 2005, Volvo notified odi that it had identified a safety defect in the positive battery cables in approximately 9,000 my 2005 Volvo xc90 vehicles with six cylinder engines that could…
Volvo xc90 battery cable failures
During pe05-057 and ea06-006 odi identified two conditions involving the positive battery cable in model year (my) 2005 Volvo xc90 sport utility vehicles that could result in a vehicle fire:(1) positive battery cable grounding to the starter solenoid housing; and (2) misplaced jack crank handles under the battery bracket after battery service/maintenance.during pe05-057 Volvo initiated a safety recall to correct the…
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo XC90 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (158), 2016 (56), 2005 (51), 2017 (19) and 2003 (18) model years. Electrical complaints make up 34% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volvo XC90 electrical problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 25V-179 (traction battery, Mar 24, 2025); 23V-188 (electrical system, Mar 22, 2023); 21V-273 (software, Apr 21, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volvo XC90 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (6 mentions), followed by the wiring › front underhood (2).
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.