Volvo XC60 won't start problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · KY

I am reporting recurring electrical system failures involving a 2024 Volvo XC60 B5 Mild Hybrid. The vehicle has experienced repeated 12V battery depletion, no-start conditions, and problems with remote locking/unlocking. These incidents have required service and towing. Previous repairs have included battery replacement, battery testing/recharging, and a software update. The vehicle has also experienced an EVAP system fault (P0455) requiring purge valve replacement. It has started dying or failing electrically off and on while driving down the interstate. Most recently, the vehicle again became inoperable and was towed to Quantrell Volvo in [XXX], where it has been for approximately one week. The dealership has indicated that the vehicle now starts but displays an SOS warning. They have also identified a suspected parasitic battery drain but have not yet determined its cause. These failures create a safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly become unable to start or unlock, potentially leaving occupants stranded. The SOS warning raises additional concern that emergency communication functionality may be affected. The underlying electrical failure has not been conclusively diagnosed or repaired. I located Volvo Technical Journal TJ 36189.2.2, “ICUP Vehicles, 12V battery drain - Upgrade Software to V2.9 or later,” which describes similar symptoms, including intermittent no-start conditions, inability to unlock, and depleted 12V batteries. I am requesting that Volvo determine whether this vehicle is applicable and whether the prescribed diagnostic procedure has been performed. The vehicle is currently at Quantrell Volvo and available for inspection. I am requesting investigation into the recurring battery drain, electrical failures, and SOS warning, and identification and repair of the underlying cause. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

On the night of XXX, my 2015 Volvo XC60 exhibited a cluster of electrical failures with a passenger aboard: the panoramic roof switch was unresponsive, the headlights cut out completely, the fuel gauge was inoperative, and the key fob was dead (no unlock, no hatch release; the vehicle sometimes would not start). The next morning, XXX, on [XXX] westbound at approximately 80 mph in heavy traffic, in darkness and a torrential downpour, I switched on the rear fog lights for visibility and the headlights went completely out; the vehicle's electronic systems failed at highway speed. My passenger ([XXX]) and I were not injured. I recorded 28 seconds of video of the instrument panel during the event: the display cycles (warnings present, then gone, then back), the gear indicator changes on its own, and the fuel gauge sits on empty throughout. The vehicle limped to a friend's house and is now parked and cannot be driven. A post-incident diagnostic scan (codes read, not cleared) shows 20 fault codes across 8 modules, centered on the Central Electronic Module — including DIM U042268 (invalid data received from the CEM), ECM codes for a shutdown-timer failure, lost communication with the immobilizer, and 'the engine cannot start,' plus a power-steering battery-voltage fault. The battery is a brand-new AGM battery and read 12.0 volts. The same morning I found the left front brake caliper leaking brake fluid (photographed). This vehicle also has an open safety complaint for a different failure — VOQ #XXX(airbags did not deploy and seatbelts did not lock in a XXX hit-and-run) — and the pre-existing SRS fault code from that complaint (XXX) is still present in this scan. I am filing the electrical failure separately so both problems are categorized accurately. Documentation (photographs, the in-event video, the complete scan) is in my possession and available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Nov 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Let me Preface this with, my Make, Model, and year for these problems have been recalled back in 2021, however I was not the owner then and my VIN was not listed as an affected vehicle i guess, nonetheless the problem is exactly the same as experienced by those that were listed on the recalls in the past. Im the 2nd owner of this vehicle and I have owned it for almost 3 years now. In July 2025 after a summer rain in so. cal, I was a couple blocks from home running errands and after being stopped at a light, i began to accelerate and felt like the vehicle was loosing power, I made it home but definitely not able to go the speed limit and once i got home I couldnt shift it into any gear and the vehicle would not turn off. So I had to remove the fuses under the hood, I left them out for a few hours and let the car sit off in my garage during that time. I later came back put the fuses back in and then the car wouldnt turn over. I had it taken to the dealership by AAA and thats when i first learned of the sunroof leak, I contacted Volvo Headquarters and got no help and explained all of the same to the service dept at the dealership working on my car. Long story short the dealership allegedly found water under my interior carpet which obviously damaged modules, I am still paying on that repair. Fast forward to October 2025, same thing all over again only this time the dealership tells me essentially its on the house, however they had my car 3 weeks and did no repairs only got water out of it once again and “brushed off some corrosion”. When I pick it up, it immediately starts funny, i turn the car off and walk right back into the service dep t& raise my concern, to which i was told they had no problem with a hard start up, and we go out to my car & it starts up fine, so i leave 4 days after I got my car back, the check engine light comes on, & immediate warning of reduction of engine power & sure enough thats what it did. today it enters safety mode & wont start

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Engine · FL

Engin shut off while driving and would not start again. Fortunately, this happened in a parking lot. If this happened on a highway, there could have been a bad outcome. When the car shut off the steering became very heavy. Dealer says it was a result of skipped timing. Timing belt did not break and has about 10,000 miles on it. Dealer provided no reason as to why this happened. No warning signs and no warning lights before this happened.

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 Sep 28, 2023 · Electrical · ME

There was (still is) an issue with my 2016 Volvo XC60's electrical wiring. I was driving, about to get onto the highway when my volvo stalled on the on ramp. It wouldn't start, it couldn't be jumped. It had to be towed to the repair shop. They charged me over $1,000.00 for a brand new starter, and after they did it started for one day and then it broke down again. I couldn't even drive it out of the repair shop. I had to get it towed again. The dealership said it was an electrical/wiring issue that could be very expensive. I have found out that there was a recall for 2015 XC60 Volvos for wiring/electrical issues causing the vehicle to stall. However my 2016 volvo XC60 does not qualify per the repair show due to the date it was manufactured. I'm submitting this form for a safety issue because volvo clearly KNEW about this issue enough to need recalls for 2015s. There should also be recalls for this same wiring/electrical issue in 2016s.

Filed May 15, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

I've had my Volvo for 6 months and two weeks ago I started getting warning alerts that the braking system, lane departure system and other electrical systems were having issues (the doors wouldn't lock and car wouldn't start). I've taken the car to the Volvo dealership 3 times and they have been unsuccessful in determining what the issue is. There is something wrong with the software and a software update that was installed on my car at the first service visit (when this began happening 2 weeks ago).

Filed Mar 9, 2023 · Electrical · CT

When I go to start the car the car does not start....a warning comes on saying "vehicle key not being detected" see owners manual The key is sitting on the console when I start it. It took me 3 times before it started . I left a gym in the morning hours and it wouldn't start when I came out ...same warning came on.. This has happened 4 times in a 3 month period. Has been in service 4 times. This is a big safety issue I don't want to keep driving this car it cannot be trusted. it's not reliable. When it's in service they cannot replicate it and they told me the first time it was the battery .The next time they said it may need an update . They just don't know. Brought it in 4 th time , now they're saying the Farb goes into sleep mode and thats why it doesn't start the car!!! that so untrue. They looking for things because they can't find a fix. It"s inconsistent . I'm afraid I am going to be stranded somewhere . I have a baby in the car and on the road alot going long distances . this is outrageous NOT SAFE ! INSPECTED BY SERVICE AND THEY CONFER WITH VOLVO. THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON IN THE FIRST WEEK AND THEY HAD TO CHANGE OUT THE THERMOSAT. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON RECENTLY . THESE PROBLEMS DON'T REPLICATE FOR SERVICE BUT I HAVE VIDEOS AND PICS . I AM LOOKING FOR A BUY BACK AND MY DOWNPAYMENT BACK THIS IS SO STRESSFUL AND SO MANY INCONVENIENCES FOR A BRAND NEW CaR CANNOT BE TRUSTED.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NC

Picked the vehicle up from dealership, rapidly received errors in May 2022. Errors as follows; Blind Spot Sensor service required, rear auto brake reduced functionality, park assist system reduced functionality, vehicle had less that 15 miles. A different incident in May, the AC wouldn’t work and had to shut down and reset screen. July 2022, car would not start with either key, confirmed both keys working. Would not recognize key or respond to app, eventually radio would come on but car wouldn’t crank. Dealership updated software. August 2022, GPS kept dropping and continued issues with electrical, TCAM module replaced.