Aside from normal care, I have only replaced my tires and a gas cap. I started to experience some water seepage onto the driver-side. I covered the vehicle when it rained and figured I would have a look at it when I had time. July 2015, I took my volvo to savannah volvo, fixed my breaks along with other safety fixes, after 14 hrs of having my vehicle and 2800 later, pete stated everything was taken care of and the water seepage was due to the drains being clogged, but, they are all clear now, we did a water test and everything is ok. You will experience some more water seepage but it should dry up in a few days. He also mentioned some other work that needed to be done though not until november, december. I said great and got on my way. Three days later it did rain, confident I did not need to cover my vehicle and was still experiencing water seepage from my visit, I did not think any thing of it. The next day, my control panel started to light up. I called savannah, and he mentioned it must just be because you put a full tank of gas....what??? Ok. As the week went on the control panel continued to light up one by one. The day before going back, my driver side turn signal was on. Hoping I did not have a dead battery the next day, I headed to volvo. After 4 hrs they tell me the roof drains were cloggd and seeped onto the cem, and it is damaged. I said to pete, I thought the drains were clear when I left a week ago??? Yeah, well, we can't create a problem with your drains. Though, after 10 yrs I leave there and 3 days later experience a problem, after you told me my drains were all cleared? Several phone calls to the dealership and volvo headquarters, not one person is taking responsibility for this bad design, which could have caused my transmission to limp and a possible accident! It now sits in my driveway, after spending 2800.00 I will never purchase another volvo!
2005 Volvo XC90 electrical complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 51, newest first, as owners wrote them.
After rainfall we began experience power failures in our volvo. No windows were left open and the interior was not exposed to any water. But while driving the dashboard went out the needles for the fuel, miles per hour and everything went out. It came on shortly after then off again this time with the radio and windows could not roll down or up. Once the car was off it came back on only to repeat the same issue the dash and radio come on and off while driving and at one point will shut off everything until the car is turned off again. The headlights will flicker as well from time to time. This is extremely frightening considering I have a toddler and small child and while driving on a highway to have everything shut off was beyond frightening and extremely worrisome. I have been told it has something to do with the cem and I have read many forums with people with the same problem and even a friend whose car did the same thing. I am extremely frustrated that I don't feel safe driving my car and that I have to pay a lot of money for something that does not seem like a normal failure especially since my car does not even have many miles on it. Please investigate and look into this please. Thank you.
2005 xc90 v8 stalled in traffic. Would not restart, but starter would crank. Fuel pump controller was found to be internally corroded and filled with dried salt. This controller is mounted forward of the right rear wheel well. Many instances of this controller failing due to salt / moisture ingress have been reported by other owners. The controller was relocated to the inside of the vehicle some model years later.
Driving at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights appeared. The car completely died while I was on the road. The steering wheel and brakes froze up and the speed decreased to barely nothing. I could get the car to just make it off the road safely because I could not turn the wheel or use the brakes well. Thought it was my oil so I was able to get someone to add oil to it while on side of busy road. Started car up fine and drove for 5 more days until it happened again. Got it towed to mechanic who changed the fuel pump. Other electrical problems arouse while mechanic had it so brought to volvo who says I need a new control electric module in my car.
After parking at restaurant, we walked to our parked volvo and when I turned the key, it would only go from 0 to the 1 position ( I.e.lights, radio would come on) but it would not turn any further to the start position had to have it towed to the dealer and was told this has happened before to this model and it is an ignition lock failure. They need to order the part from sweden and have it match our keys. $850 !!. This is a safety issue in my mind has we could have been stranded anywhere and if this is not the first time this has happened, why are they not recalling this part?
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. The loss of power and loss of lights came close to causing a major multi-vehicle accident. Many are aware of this problem. Please do not wait until people are killed to reopen the investigation and re-consider a safety recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the transmission failed and the instrument panel dimmed temporarily. The contact disconnected the battery cable to reset the vehicle and managed to restart the vehicle. The failure occurred multiple times. An independent mechanic stated that the central electric module malfunctioned which prevents the vehicle from draining water properly during rainy conditions. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Complete instrument panel failure while driving - no ability to let the windows up or down, no speedometer visibility, no gas reading . There was no ability for defogging window, no ability to turn on heat or air. This is really dangerous when driving. The panel goes completely blank.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and the turning signals failed. The contact stated that the electronic power steering system, SRS air bag service, anti-skid, and the immobilizer warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the central electronic module, rack and pinion nut, and pinion shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 139,419.
Tl- the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not diagnose the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 45,000. Rk
This car has been a constant problem - I am the original owner and the cost to repair is extremely high.. I am a recent widow and a single mother of 3 children on a fixed income... I am so tired of this car being so unreliable and the repair costs are bankrupting me. I have no where to turn this car has been a lemon from day one and the manufacturer and dealer could care less.
The central electronic module (cem) will not perform as intended. As a result, audio system, parking assist, and passenger airbag does not work. Audio system turns on sporadically by itself and runs continuously(I have to pull over, turn the engine off, then wait 3+ minutes to stop it). As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the turn signals, high beams, and headlight switch might not work. This issue was recall 2014 volvo s60, s80, xc60 and xc70. 2005 xc90 but it should be included in this recall because malfunctioning electronic system (passenger airbags, head lamps, and/or turn signals) increase the risk of a crash. It's not fair, when same problem is accepted as reason for recall for 2014 models(xc60, s60, s80, xc70) but not 2005 xc90s.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90.the contact stated that while driving approximately 57 MPH, all of the dashboard warning lights failed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the central control module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 106,000.
2006 volvo xc90 t6 awd april 21, 2013 approx 8:30 pm driving at approx 8:30 pm, traveling at about 55 miles per hour, remote 2-lane highway (us191, eastern arizona) on twisty mountainous road, switched from high-beam to low-beams to accommodate oncoming vehicle approaching around a bend. A moment or two after switching to low beams, the volvo's headlights lights flickered and went out all-together. Error message reading something to the effect of "low beam bulb failure" appeared on message screen. High-beams didn't appear to be operable either. I activated fog lamps and proceeded cautiously to destination (approx 25 miles away). Approx 15 miles from that point, I was pulled over by dps patrol advising I had no headlights...and that my license plate light was also not operating. The next morning, investigated further, discovered there were no issues with the headlight bulbs (low beam and high beam) or with license plate bulbs specifically (they were not burnt out), nor were there any issues with any blown fuses related to those exterior lights. I did discover that the drl (daytime running lights) were still operating as normal (which utilize the same bulb as the low headlights) confirming that there were no issues with those bulbs. All research since this event is pointing me to conclusion that this monumentally unsafe condition was caused by a bad/faulty cem design by volvo (online research, speaking with volvo mechanics and reviewing similar the federal safety agency complaints). There is no preventative maintenance that I could have done to prevent this from happening. This is not an owner maintenance issue, this is a design or materials issue. Volvo should be required to recall & repair to prevent this safety issue. I request the federal safety agency open (re-open?) investigation into this issue, as this very dangerous safety issue that needs addressing before much worse consequences result.
This complaint relates to pe10025. I have to replace cem and casing for wiring cost 5500.00. Volvo should be responsible for part or all of this repair. It is water seepage into the cem case. Water drips down through hood of the car and corrodes the wires. Causes major electrical shorts. I consider this to be a manufacturer defect. Way to many cars are experiencing this issue and it is extremely costly. I would sincerely wish you to consider making volvo responsible.
Driving in pitch black night on backroads of charleston, sc. Lights went out after left headlight flickered for a few days. Lights went out and car went off road as we were in a curve. Regained control after spinning on wet grass. I need the headlights repaired by volvo at their expense and reimbursement for the failed engine I had to replace.
This complaint refers to the federal safety agency action number pe10025. Service bulletin number tnn 37-35. It is outrageous and unacceptable for you to not have issued a recall on this matter. Volvo should be expected to replace my wiring grommet and/or plenum cover at no charge. It is applauding that volvo would not take this serious and issue a recall as it is clearly a defect and a safety hazard. My children and I were on the interstate when this happened to us and it was very dangerous. It is clearly a problem and safety issue that volvo recognizes or they would have not changed the design and issued a bulletin. I do not understand how a company can sell me a product that malfunctions and then expect me to pay them to repair it.
Our car wouldn't start in our garage one morning. Turns out, we needed a new cem due to a leaking protection box (I can't remember the name of it but it started with a p). After 843 in parts and 816 in labor and almost a month at the dealer due to a backordered wiring harness the problem was fixed. After doing some research we have discovered that this is an epidemic among volvo owners and we are actually one of the lucky ones whose car died while it was parked instead of while we were driving! This is ridiculously dangerous and the fact that this leaking box is a common problem and that volvo has actually developed a redesigned model to fix the issue with their first gen model leads me to believe that they should be forced to replace their faulty design in all of their xc90s. As someone who bought her volvo for its reputation for safety, I am disgusted that this problem has been allowed to go on for so long.
I drove in severe down pour yesterday and experienced an yellow error message followed by an electrical short and anti skid message. I reduced my speed to 50 MPH on the interstate and proceeded home. After stopping the lights would not turn off and I immediately took it in for service where the technician advised me that this was a problem with water getting into the engine compartment wiring harness and causing the central electronic module to short ciruit and rust. This repair alone costs over $5000 due their defective design and improper sealing of important electrical components. I avoided any possible accidents by driving slowly but do not feel safe were I to travel in inclement weather in the future. I do believe that the electrical system would short circuit leaving me without essential power and possibly hurt or stranded. I can see from your database that an investigation was completed on 11/22/2010 under id pe10025 citing no real safety issues. I disagree and would encourage you to revisit this issue immediately. Volvo has conceded to replace the cem ($753.52) unit but not the engine compartment ($3034.71) that houses it, therefore owners like myself will continue to experience the same problem and real danger from it.
A complaint was previous filed regarding to turn signal problem. Situation getting worse. Volvo xc90 v8 2005; replaced cem unit two years back. Recently following problems happened. 1. Turn signal stop working 2. No high beam 3. No windshield washing 4. No cruise control 5. No vehicle information function problems look like associated with faulty cem again. Vehicle is very risky to drive with unreliable or not-functioning turn signal.
Volvo xc90 2005 low beam bulb failure error and one beam turns off. Then comes back on, and sometimes all lights go off. Very dangerous at night. If you turn the headlight dial to another setting they will come back on, but then blink off again, and sometimes off completely. The biggest issue is the intermittent occurrence of this. The car is not safe to drive.
Purchased used 2005 volvo xc90 in spring of 2010. During the next year experienced very intermittent electrical issues. Examples are locks not working, blinker, radio. These issues literally only happened a couple times. In april 2011 had biyearly safety and emissions done at local dealership (non volvo) and it did not pass emissions. Next day took my volvo xc90 to weiss volvo and it passed emissions (without me knowing they cleared errors on the car to get it to pass. This must be the reason in europe that dealerships can't inspect their own make of cars) on july 17 2011 I was driving down the highway with my 1 year old in the back seat. Radio went out. A few minutes later almost everything in the car shut down except for the engine. Lost A/C (it was 110 that day), lost power steering, braking was intermittent, no blinkers, no headlights, no lights in interior, while I was at full speed on the highway. I am not sure if engine was intermittent or not because I got off as soon as I could. I was very close to weiss volvo so dropped it off there again on the date of the total failure. Called volvo customer care on july 18 2011 to file complaint. Weiss volvo called back and told us car wouldn't start. Called back later in the day and said they saw that everything went out and car was full of codes. Weiss sent in an estimate for $1500 to replace ECM. I asked weiss to perform an emissions test (by mo law manufacturer's cars must pass emissions test up to 80k miles and my car had 61k) I researched ECM and found very similar stories to mine and brought this up to volvo na. Volvo na told weiss volvo to "reset" my car (again without my permission). The car then was functional after reset. Weiss then "tested" my car for almost 3 weeks to figure out the design flaw for a total of 451 miles. The mechanic told me it was the ECM but volvo na said it was various other reasons and wouldn't replace it. Car still broke. Reached limit.
I'd like to add my complaint to the list of those already reporting the abrupt loss of all electronics, including windshield wipers and all dashboard gauges, during a rainstorm. My issue was also identified as a prematurely corroded central electronic module (cem) caused by a design flaw allowing water to access the cem connector. I'm shocked to find out volvo knew about this in 2005, well within the warranty period for most of these affected vehicles, and did nothing to correct or even alert their owners. I urge the federal safety agency to revisit their investigation, and force a recall if volvo continues to refuse. I can assure you as a driver during this event, this is indeed a safety issue, and I hope we aren't waiting for enough injuries or deaths before you get to that obvious conclusion.
Brakes lights always on. Took car to dealer and they advised that water had leaked into cem module and main wireharness and required replacemnet at a cost of $7000. Known issue to volvo with service bulletin sent to dealers. Found independent volvo repair shop willing to replace module only (software download from dealer) and clean build-up on harness connectors. Requiring removal of part of dash, driver seat. Took 4 days at repair shop. Repair completed for under $2000.
During rain the windshield wipers stop working, headlights go out and car loses power. I have come dangerously close to high speed accidents due to the loss of power. Also car has a severe jerk in the transmission when accelerating after a turn. So strong I thought I was hit from behind. There is a problem the federal safety agency investigated with water getting into the cem. Volvo acknowledged manufacturer defect that results in water getting in cem but will not replace the defective cover. There is no way of knowing when this might happens-appears to depend on how heavy the rain, if roadway has a lot of water. This needs to be recalled for safety reasons-volvo continues to put consumers at risk.
1. Normal city/highway driving. 2. Turn signals sporadically do not function. Ambient temperature does not matter, whether in winter or summer. 3. Nothing was done to correct.
2005 volvo xc90 v8 awd-numerous electrical issues since purchasing vehicle from a local dealer in upstate ny in 2010. Odd problems such as headlights failing, power windows opening and "anti" theft features (key lock) being activated for unknown reason-the vehicle required a balance shaft replacement at about 70k miles (I believe it had 65k miles when I purchased it) which apparently was due to manufacturer not having drip holes in engine compartment. I believe the electrical issues are somewhat related to that problem in that water seems to be a problem for this vehicle. The odd electrical issues don't always happen when its raining but moisture appears to be a factor. Latest issue was a locked shifter in the park position-car would start but could not put into any gear-towed to dealer and they replaced the cem (central electronics module) for $2300.00. I made them give me the defective module so have it if you would like to examine it examine it. Luckily, I only had one dangerous issue and that is when the headlights failed during a dark/rainy night. Too early to tell if the cem fixes the problem as just had it fixed today 5/13/2011. Started researching why this would be an issue and that's when I started reading other volvo drivers experiences that seemed quite similar to mine. I never had complete vehicle failure but losing the headlights was not fun...I think volvo knows exactly what the issue as they didn't hesitate in installing the cem...I am listing the specific date that the headlights failed below-they failed several other times but cant recall the specific dates.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. While driving approximately 40 MPH in rainy weather, the driver attempted to turn on the windshield wipers but they would not engage. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told that the central electronic module would need to be replaced because rain was seeping into the central electronic module. The vehicle was repaired. Updated 05/05/11*lj updated 05/13/11
While driving on the highway in rain, the headlights of the car began flashing on and off (sometimes drivers side, sometimes passenger side, sometimes both) intermittently. I pulled over and turned off and restarted car. This solved the problem for a few miles, then it did it again. Now, the right light is out completely, but at least the left seems to be staying on. This exact same thing happened one other time. The dealership claimed they could find nothing wrong with the vehicle.
2005 xc90 v8-many problems with check engine light coming on and car losing power. Lost power on interstate-car would lose power and speed-needed tow-happened twice. Current issue check engine light came on followed by all lights coming on stating brake failure, power overload, limp mode and brake failure. Dealer replaced alternator at cost of $1006. 10 days later check engine light and anti skid light came on followed by brake failure light. Car lost headlights and windshield wipers-9 pm and sleeting. Dealer now says need to replace cem and battery at a cost of $3,000 due to water in cem. It was raining or sleeting both times the check engine light came on. Volvo redesigned the cover to prevent water intrusion but needs to issue recall. Very dangerous- ticking time bomb. Someone will have an accident on rainy night on interstate. Please consider requiring recall-owners of this vehicle are spending thousands of dollars due to volvo xc90 v8 design flaws. How can volvo be allowed to sell vehicles that should not be driven outside/or in the rain.
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