2005 Volvo XC90: windshield wiper failure

Filed Nov 5, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 210,000 miles · AL

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

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Visibility · 128,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo xc90. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic diagnosed that the central electronic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that his vehicle was not covered under the federal safety agency campaign number: 06v144000 (visibility). The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 102,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Aug 9, 2011 · Electrical, Fuel system · 93,834 miles · MN

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.

Filed Jun 9, 2011 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Mar 24, 2011 · Electrical, Visibility · 49,700 miles · VA

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

Filed Jan 31, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 131,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Dec 28, 2009 · Electrical · 32,357 miles · VA

I am writing this letter to notify the federal safety agency of a total system failure of my 2005 volvo xc90 that I believe was due to a manufacturer defect which should be part of a recall. After driving on the interstate (in extreme rainy conditions) for approx 2 hrs, the car displayed a warning message that read ?anti-skid disabled? And then ?brake system failure? At which point we experienced total brake failure. W/in a minute of this happening, the entire control panel illuminated then went blank and all the electronic components in the car turned off, including the windshield wipers. Fortunately we were able to maneuver the car safely to side of the road (after the brakes reengaged)t. The car was towed to freedom volvo in va beach, va for inspection and repair. Upon explaining the incident to the service mgr, we were informed that they were well aware of the problem we were describing as they had seen ?a rash? Of this exact issue a few years back. I suspect that my car, with relatively low mileage for a 2005 (32,000), was just catching up with the other 2005 xc90?s that had already experienced the problem. The car was repaired without delay and ready for pick-up within two days. We were told the problem stemmed from water leaking in ?over time? Through the engine bay harness which in effect caused the central electronic module (cem) to short out. After asking the service technician why this problem was not identified during the recommended maintenance check-ups (which was completed on our car just a few months prior to this incident), we were informed that this is not something that is inspected. He did go on to state that he has not seen any repeat problems for the vehicles that he had completed this exact repair. He also noted that the engine bay harness for the xc90 was redesigned after '06. I request that this problem with the engine bay harness on older model volvo xc90 be investigated.

Filed Nov 8, 2006 · Visibility · VA

Windshield wipers leave a streak across windshield, significantly impairing vision and making driving in rain hazardous. Both wiper blades and windshield wiper arms were replaced by dealer - problem persists. This has been an ongoing issue since the car was purchased; dealer acknowledge the problem but has not adequately repaired the car.