Volvo XC60 won't shift problems

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · IL · fire

Pulling into a gas station, a turtle warning light (limp mode) came on in the dash, and the car started moving very slowly. Moments later the engine was on fire. Basically the entire front end of the car melted away before the fire department in New Buffalo, Mich., could put it out.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Electrical · GA

An intermittent electrical failure occurred to my wife causing my 2021 Volvo XC60 to stop and then later go into limp mode while driving. The service light went on immediately and was very startling to her and made it difficult for the drivers following as the car speed was significantly reduced/ I suspect limp mode though it was not on the dashboard. When I called Volvo and then brought the car in... it is a known issue to Volvo. They purposively produce a vehicle that is known for sunroof leaks which knowingly leads to electrical issues exposing their customers to harm. Volvo (Geely) inspected the car, found the electrical issues from the front interior to the battery compartment that had water over an inch deep. the VGM (Vehicle Gateway Module) was replaced and reloaded, all connectors were separate/dried and several had to be cut/spliced and rewired due to corrosion damage. Carpets were removed, the gasket was replaced, the front and rear sun roof drains were cleaned out. Aside from the safety concern the shrinking of the rubber gasket caused the issue. Not funny, but Volvo/Geely states that the repair now has a lifetime warranty after I was charged over $4,000 USD. The vehicle is only about 5 years old!!

Filed May 30, 2026 · Fuel system · AZ

My 2021 Volvo XC60 experienced a fuel system failure at approximately 53,500 miles. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed multiple warning messages and entered reduced-power (limp mode), including the turtle symbol on the instrument cluster. The vehicle unexpectedly would not start despite multiple attempts. The failure occurred while I was at a physical therapy appointment approximately 25 minutes from my home. After approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle started and was able to be driven. Because of the warning messages, limp mode, and failure-to-start condition, the vehicle was taken to a Volvo dealership for diagnosis. The Volvo dealership diagnosed the vehicle with ECM fault code P008A00 (Low Fuel Pressure). According to the repair invoice, testing confirmed that fuel pressure was intermittently low, and the dealership determined that the in-tank fuel pump was faulty. The fuel pump was replaced to correct the condition. This failure created a safety concern because the vehicle became unexpectedly inoperable and would not start when needed. Had the failure occurred in a remote location, during extreme weather conditions, at night, or in an emergency situation, it could have left the vehicle occupants stranded without reliable transportation. The inability to start the vehicle occurred without warning and could have resulted in a more serious safety risk under different circumstances. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealership, which inspected the vehicle, diagnosed the fault, and replaced the fuel pump. Repair records are available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred at approximately 53,500 miles, which is relatively low mileage for a major fuel system component. Because fuel pump failures can render a vehicle unexpectedly inoperable, I am submitting this complaint for review and investigation.

Filed May 27, 2026 · NY

I repeatedly lost propulsion or shut down while driving. The vehicle would not shift into Drive or Reverse and would not move, although displays and lights remained powered. This occurred three times in approximately two weeks. One event occurred at approximately 55 mph. I had to call the police for help. This after Hudson Valley Property Maintence the two previous stalls had been fixed. Dealer performed software update/reinstall and test drove vehicle approximately 30 miles, but the same failure returned and vehicle required towing. This is a repeated highway-speed safety defect. This vehicle is a safety hazard, and I am afraid for my life. The first two tow truck drivers were not able to get it on a flatbed without dragging it which we chose not to do. It took a third tow truck driver with special equipment to lift the car and tow it. This process took five hours on the hottest day and alone while other cars were coming at me at 60 mph. I had to call the police for help. There was no police report filed. Just a quote to dispatch to send officers to control a dangerous situation. The toe was through Volvo roadside assistance.

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · WI

The "p" button on the car malfunctions. It does not always engage when pressed. After I pressed the "p" button, the car didn't go into park mode and started to roll forward. This put me in danger as well as pedestrians who may have been walking down the street in front of the car. I notified the dealer and they did nothing. There were NO warning signs. Because of the failure of the "p" button to function properly, my car rolled into a parking meter and caused in excess of $4,000 in damages.

Filed Sep 7, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CT

August 23rd, 2024, the car started hesitating when gas was applied. The transmission light came on, then the parking brake light came on saying it was turned off, the check engine light came on, the volvo on call light came on, and the car wouldnt turn off. I moved the shift into different gears, and was able to turn the car off. I waited a while and started the car again. This time the on call, and check engine light stayed on. I called the dealership, was told it was probably a low battery. Had me come in Monday the 26th to have it checked. But Saturday the car wouldn't start right away, and all the warning lights came back on and wouldn't shift gears. Had to call AAA to have it towed. Got a call from the dealership Monday August 26th. Was told they were testing the battery to see if it fails so they could replace it under warranty. They ended up replacing the battery, and told me there was a lot of water in the trunk under the spare tire, where the battery for the on call is located. Said there was a gap in the sunroof weather stripping where tree debris probably clogged the drain pipes. They cleaned that out, and replaced the sunroof weather stripping which was under warrenty. But I was told the water and clogged pipe was not under warrenty, and had to pay for that? September 6th, 30k service and check the on call light that never went off. They found 1.5 inches of water under my front carpet and will be checking for electrical damage and corrosion. They told me this is not covered under the warranty and advised to call my insurance. My safety concern is future electrical issues/ failures while driving. At any time something could malfunction. Thats a huge safety concern and not feeling safe to drive the car. There is nothing about this huge problem in the warranty or maintenance to check the drains !!! September 9th I will call the claims department and notify the adjuster. Also call back the dealership. Prior to this I've had no problems with the car.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · NV · crash

While slowing down and just about to make a turn into a private residence off of a highway, multiple indicator lights illuminated and audio warning "dinging" occurred for approximately 3 seconds. As I had already been slowly applying the brakes and starting to slightly turn the wheel towards the driveway when those warnings briefly came up, the moment the lights and sounds stopped, vehicle then maintained speed (while still on the brakes) and locked steering position it was at simultaneously. Having no control at that point, it continued until crashing into a wooden fence. Once at a complete stop, cabin lights and "dinging" activated as it acknowledged the impact. And although it was only going about 15 mph, seemingly to only have damage to the front passenger side bumper/headlight area, it would not shift into any gear or turn off. Not to mention that the front passenger side airbag(s), or any of them, deploy- seriously raised even more concerns as the main reason I purchased a Volvo was for their well known status of safety standards. Had this obvious electrical malfunction happened moments before at higher speed/steering straight ahead, it would've resulted in very serious injuries to myself and others while it speed through 2 intersections at a highway ramp just down the hill. Was towed to a local collision repair & auto body shop until Progressive Insurance took it to their damage assessor where it was declared a total loss. I've owned it for almost 3 years and always had weird inconsistent electrical "quirks"- nothing ever of serious concern though. Has spent a total of 4-5 months in the past 3 years at different Volvo dealerships and mechanics but no one could ever explain why different warnings would be displayed randomly for days-weeks, off/on for no apparent diagnostic reason, 12V power socket was the same way... Please investigate the electrical components that directly affect the operational use and control! Extremely common & dangerous issue with these!

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Electrical · CA

Vehicle completely had multiple warning lamps come on while I was driving and it was apparent the computer was failing. Car would not turn off when I moved to turn off the ignition knob. When restarted, car would not shift. Car had to be taken to dealership by tow truck. Dealership notes that water leaked through sunroof over time and accumulated under seats of car, entering into electrical systems. This is also noted by owners of other Volvo cars in public forums.

Filed Oct 8, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · VA

I've experienced many problems with the Google built in system in this Volvo. But the one that keeps happening is the speed sensors. The car is supposed to read traffic signs, including speed signs and alarm when exceeding the posted speed limit. It does not work. For example on I66 East bound in Virginia, the speed limit is not 80mph, it is either 60, 65 or 70 if using the express lanes. The Volvo keeps showing the speed limit on this interstate as 80, see attached images showing speed limit sign at 80. Complained to Volvo, they blamed Google. Complained to Google, they blamed Volvo. Other roads have the same sign recognition. The car infotainment & safety features randomly shut down, or fail, while driving and the vehicle has to be reset often. Back up cameras quit working while backing up sometimes it will not go into reverse without shutting off the car or doing a reset.

Filed Jun 14, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

4 months old 2022 Volvo XC60 software bug that drained all batteries on board caused the vehicle to not to start, stuck in park, it was impossible disengage parking brake or put the car in neutral. Without any warning or battery low or battery empty indicator, the vehicle failed to start. We were put at risk by a car that can fail without warning and not start at all as we were stranded at a remote location. When the car failed to start, it could only be moved by a flat-bed tow truck, as it was impossible to put the car into neutral and it would not roll. The Volvo dealer confirmed that the vehicle failed to start because of a software bug. Dealer indicated that they were not able to start or move the car, they had to connect to it wirelessly and applied updates then reset battery and charge it for 4 hours, as the software bug caused the battery to drain without warning or indication, which provides power systems such as, starter, parking brakes and gear selections system. There were no warning indicators, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.