I was getting off the highway and made a left turn. As I was accelerating the motor gentle cut off.. (You wouldnt even notice if you wasnt driving) Full Traffic was behind me, so luckily I was able to get out of the way and pull to shoulder. It was the day before Christmas and car hasn't ran since. Upon investigation I found the CEM was effected. When the car died I was in left hand lane and I had to make my way to right, the shoulder. Yes the problem was diagnosed by myself. However I did investigation and researched using all data at library. It has not been inspected by anyone else. There where no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It happened all of a sudden in the middle of traffic when I was getting off the highway.
2005 Volvo XC90 electrical problems
51 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 97,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 51
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical mileage
- 97,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- 12v/24v/48v battery: cables1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Volvo XC90 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Volvo XC90 electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Misplacement of the jack's crank handle can pose a safety risk as it can result in a short circuit of the battery which could then lead to a fire.
- 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. This warning label will inform an operator not to place the jack crank handle between the bracket and the battery free of charge. The recall began on july 7, 2007. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.
Recall number 07V221000 · Recall details
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Smoke may appear from under the hood and it may be impossible to start the car. If the short circuit happens during driving, electrical power could be lost resulting in the warning lamps being deactivated. An electrical short could result in a fire.
- 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.
Recall number 05V529000 · Recall details
Related 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 operation.If the water reaches the CEM connector electrical faults may result.In response to such faults the CEM, a microprocessor controlled device, will attempt to reset by temporarily shutting down (for 100 milliseconds, or 0.1 seconds) and restarting; this effects various CEM functions including the instrument panel (IP) display, gauges, wipers and also the transmission gear (if it is in the overdrive range).During the reset owners may experience temporarily loss of the IP displays and an abnormal 'jerking' in the transmission/drivetrain.If the problem persist for 6 consecutive restart attempts, the CEM will enter a 'Limp Home' mode that disables non-essential electrical functions yet maintain safety critical functions such as low-beam headlights, low-speed wiper operation, brake lights, and non-overdrive transmission operation.Warning and error messages will also be illuminated in the IP display.Consumers reported experiencing conditions consistent with CEM resetting and the limp mode operation in their reports to both ODI and Volvo.No reports or allegations of crash or injury associated with possible CEM failures have been reported by Volvo or otherwise identified by ODI.Volvo revised the design of the wiring grommet (sealing device) and the plenum cover starting in May 2005 and October 2005 production dates respectively, the occurrence of the condition effectively ended after these changes.A technical service bulletin (TNN 37-35) has been published to diagnose and repair earlier production vehicles using the improved wiring grommet and/or new plenum cover.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE10025
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 first condition in approximately 10,529 my 2005 xc90 and s80 vehicles equipped with six-cylinder engines (the federal safety agency recall no. 05v‑529).in a may 18, 2007 letter, volvo notified the federal safety agency that it would be conducting a service campaign to address the second condition in approximately 42.211 my 2005 xc90 vehicles by inspecting the jack crank handle for proper positioning and affixing a warning label on the battery bracket to warn operators not to place the handle between the battery and battery bracket (the federal safety agency recall no. 07v‑221). The actions by volvo address both conditions that pose a risk of battery cable fire in the subject vehicle population.the available evidence does not indicate that the other battery cable conditions reviewed during ea06-006 present have resulted in any fires in the subject vehicle population.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist in any one of the issues.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
EA06006
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 result in a fire.volvo recalled the affected vehicles to address the potential grounding condition (the federal safety agency recall #05v‑529).there were 13 complaints, including 4 fires, and 10 warranty claims related to the condition addressed by 05v‑529.during pe05-057, volvo also provided odi with information regarding three other issues related to the battery cable/terminals in my 2005 xc90 vehicles:1) under torqued battery cable attaching fasteners to the starter allegedly causing engine stalls and melted parts in the engine compartment (applicable to v8 engines only).2) the jack handle may be critically mispositioned against the positive battery cable/post allegedly causing fires in some vehicles (applicable to all xc90 vehicles).3) a potential chaffing condition of the positive battery cable to a sharp edged sheet metal flange in the rear storage compartment. (applicable to all xc90 vehicles).the preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea06-006) to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of each of these issues.
PE05057
What 2005 Volvo XC90 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I had filled an earlier complaint and this to be added to the earlier form that I had filled needs to go to the engineering department. See photo the electrical complaint from the magnetic electrical beings in me and in this picture I believe is about design of the fuses in vehicle and what they are tryin to communicate here I believe would be the distance between the positive and negative connections like what it is doing to them as it goes through those types of fuses. What I believe to be what happens to them in those plastic fuses and would like them the fuse to be designed further apart a little bit bigger than a penny and with the connection straight across and not going up and down and back through it self. The magnetic beings would like to see the connections straight across so that they don't interfere with each other while traveling through the substraight. Not sure but you were this type of being you would try and communicated these things and design well just look and if you would like they like the older glass fuse with the stainless steel design. If you could they are asking that you the ntsb go back redesign a fuse that don't go back into itself they like straight across the connections to give them better flow. Reminder this goes to the earlier form that I wrote to you it an addition information cause they are important part of this world I am referring to the magnetic beings in electricity in every vehicle made and need to be taken into more consideration especially when making systems that heavily rely on the entities. They the beings are asking this of you thentsb to take them more into consideration as we us them rely on them the invisible magnetic electrical beings more and to develop friendlier and heavier system for them because the design now is making them sick and they are I am asking for the entities that you make healthyelectricity
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. Ever since the vehicle was purchased in november of 2018, there had been several electrical failures. The headlights, power door locks, and power rearview mirror failed to operate. Also, the transmission caused the vehicle to jerk and stall while driving. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown volvo dealer, but they refused to provide diagnostic testing and stated that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 14,042.
2005 volvo xc90 has many problems. Transmission jumps and jerks when switching to higher gears. Almost throws the car off the road at times. Also, vehicle has many electrical problems due to car not being sealed properly. This leads to electrical issues including faulty air bag codes, brake lights and rear turn signals going out. Car has no brake lights nor rear turn signals at all. Dealership can not find problem says it is due to the 2005 volvo xc90 not having relays at all. And also from water being introduced to electrical parts.
This model is experiencing the same as recalls in similar models but for some reason isn't recalled. Fuel system is faulty. Leaking fuel and cracks in fuel pump. Replaced with 4 pumps from volvo and now it is kicking out ECM code and blowing every fuel system installed.
My 2005 xc90 (odometer approx. 178,000 miles) throws check engine, reduced engine performance and engine service required dashboard warnings intermittently, despite the fact that it has a new cem and a second new throttle body in less than two months. It also issues a low beam headlight bulb failure warning, even when the bulb is lit, and the left turn blinker is sticky. Sometimes, the driver's seat and passenger side rear view mirror readjust simultaneously upon opening the driver's side door, with no key in the ignition and no one sitting in the seat. Recently while traveling on an expressway at 65 MPH, the car abruptly lost speed (a terrifying experience) and struggled to accelerate to 40 MPH. A few days later, it lost power in heavy city rush-hour traffic (also terrifying) as a red light turned green. It barely made it to 10 MPH and came close to causing a chain reaction crash with the cars behind it (also terrifying). Luckily I was able to steer into a nearby bank parking lot, turn it off and restart it. It drove normally but the warning lights remained. I have taken the vehicle to the volvo dealership multiple times, citing electrical system woes, which resulted in the two previously mentioned repairs. They identified a wiring short as the cause both times, yet act mystified as to why the problems have persisted despite those repairs. I reported the seat/mirror shifts and the ongoing low beam bulb failures to the service manager, who replied (without examining the car) that the bulb was either burnt out or loose in the socket, and that the seat shifting was simply the way the memory function works. I get the sense that volvo does know what's wrong with this vehicle, and they don't want to tell me. I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with the lack of answers, and am afraid to drive this car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated that the vehicle randomly stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed and parked on the contact's street due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. While driving approximately 72 MPH, the instrument panel began to flash off and on. The vehicle suddenly shut off and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the central electronic module was damaged due to water exposure and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
My volvo xc90 also has been diagnosed with cem problems after various symptoms began to arise. After going through a car wash, the display began showing various messages. The biggest problem is the the windshield wipers stopped working. I have ordered a new cem and intend to replace it . I am an attorney. If this vehicle continues to fail after the cem is replaced, I intend to take further legal action, especially in light of the reports and complaints I have read on this website. I intend to call the local dealer tomorrow to put them on notice of the problems with my vehicle. I cannot believe a reputable company like volvo does not take care of the customers who have purchased their vehicles. I am formally requesting that the investigation into these problems be reopened as the problems caused by the cem design flaws cause dangerous problems that can threaten the safety and even the lives of those who drive and ride in the volvo xc90
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated that when it rained, water entered the vehicle through the passenger side and onto the dashboard, causing the instrument panel lights to dim. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and the radio no longer worked. Additionally, the headlights turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failures. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 162,189.
Questions about the 2005 Volvo XC90 electrical
Does the 2005 Volvo XC90 have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 51 complaints about the electrical of the 2005 Volvo XC90, 23% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2005 Volvo XC90 electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 97,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Volvo XC90 electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 07V221000, 05V529000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volvo XC90 have the most electrical problems?
The Volvo XC90 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2004 (158 complaints), 2016 (56 complaints) and 2005 (51 complaints).
Is there a class action lawsuit over the Volvo XC90?
Yes. New class action says Volvo's Google-based infotainment screens freeze and take climate and rearview camera with them (November 9, 2026).
Other 2005 Volvo XC90 problems
Engine 69Transmission 62Fuel system 33Lights 26Steering 8Visibility 7Tires 6Driver assistance 5Acceleration 4Airbags 4Body 4Brakes 3Locks 2Suspension 2Wheels 1
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