Volvo XC90 grinding brakes problems

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

The ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) transmission on my 2021 XC90 T8 Recharge has suffered an internal failure at approximately 112,550 miles. The vehicle makes loud grinding and slamming noises from the rear drivetrain and locks up when attempting to drive, making the vehicle completely undrivable. The dealership (Volvo Cars Gilbert, AZ) diagnosed the ERAD clutch as slamming and suspects internal gears are missing teeth. A software update was attempted but did not resolve the mechanical failure. The ERAD transmission needs full replacement at a quoted cost of $5,211.56 (part number 32324105-9). This is a known failure point on the T8 platform and Volvo has redesigned this component (ERAD2) for newer models due to reliability issues with the original design. This failure presents a safety concern as the rear drivetrain can lock up unexpectedly during driving. This ERAD failure occurred alongside two other hybrid system component failures within a 3 month period: the High Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) and the vehicle batteries (VCM and main), suggesting a systemic hybrid system reliability problem.

Filed Aug 28, 2019 · Engine · VA

Very loud squealing noise started from engine bay while stopped at a light accompanied by a yellow check engine light. Noise would disappear under acceleration but return again off throttle. Dealer diagnosed as a failed 'breather chamber' with the following comment: 'if not repaired, faulty breather chambers can leak oil on other major engine components, including the exhaust manifold which could lead to a number of safety issues including fire.' the vehicle currently has 52,000 miles. I'm told this is a regularly occurring volvo issue by mechanic friends.

Filed Aug 22, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 25,000 miles · SC

We have owned our xc90 since november 11, 2017. The brakes were squealing when braking in normal condition(s), no rain on road or water on brakes whether we were driving on city streets, highways or freeways. Volvo service technicians had to replace all 4 rotors and brake pads on 30 march 2018, just a little over 4 months of owning the vehicle. Four months later 8 august 2018, volvo service technicians had to replace all 4 rotors again, but not the brake pads. There is nearly 25,000 miles on this car, which normally rotors aren't typically replaced up to 70,000 miles. I understand this varies based on driving but twice in 8 months for all 4 rotors is insane. They also found all four rotors each time were warped. We owned a 2012 volvo xc60 for 5 years and never had the brakes or rotors replaced during that entire time. Secondly a grinding sound is coming from the sunshade when it is being opened or closed. Our vehicle has been in the shop since 14 august 2018 where they replaced the sunshade, only to have to replace it again 21 august 2018. We went to pick up the vehicle and the grinding sound is back again, which now volvo will have to replace the sunshade for a third time. I am a volvo customer for life, but these issues need to be addressed and fixed for future models. I am thankful for the courtesy vehicle during this time, but I really want my vehicle back. I assume my next course of action if we get the vehicle back a third time with a defective sunshade or brakes is lemon law.

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 3,400 miles · MD

Brakes continously squeak. The dealer has inspected the break system twice and made one attempted repair. One week later the brakes are backing to squeaking. I have owned the vehicle less than 90 days, I've had issues with the brakes for more than half that time. The center display computer screens freezes constantly, but recently freezes and will not restart until after the car is stopped and restarted.

Filed Oct 30, 2017 · Brakes · 2,000 miles · CO

Brakes squeak badly. Vehicle has been in multiple times to be repaired. It sounds like gremlins are in the car when you brake. It is a know issue on these vehicles according to the dealer and to volvo. They sprayed stop squeak on the brake bad which is now all over my car and the brakes still squeak.

Filed May 15, 2017 · Brakes · CT

Volvo xc90 2016 hybrid -safety issues and terrible customer service. I started the car and my brakes suddenly made this weird noise and I could feel a shift in the brake pedal. Up popped a notice on the screen by the odometer saying "brake pedal characteristics changed service required." I started to drive my kids home, thinking it was just a service notice and not a tow situation. As I drove on town roads (not hwy), the brake made a grinding sound (could also feel it in the pedal) when lightly depressed and when I fully pressed the brake to slow or stop, it wouldn't do anything at first and then it would suddenly engage in a jolting and jerky stop motion it was very scary to drive the car like this. I wasn't sure if the brakes were going to work well enough to get me and my two children home. Fortunately, we did make it home but the car is not safe to drive like this. Volvo towed the car out of my driveway this am. The westport service dept claimed they have "never heard of the issue," despite my finding of countless similar complaints online and a notation about it in the manual. I've only had this vehicle for 6mo. It was new off the lot.

Filed Feb 2, 2017 · Brakes · 6,400 miles · CA

Brakes/grinding noise happened automatically without any reason or object near. Car was traveling 50mph and I had to pull over to the shoulder. Restarting the car, it was able to drive away. Definitely not safe to have the brakes come on like that.

Filed Sep 2, 2013 · Electrical, Transmission · 106,530 miles · WA

While driving 70 MPH on I-5 we heard a loud thump in the engine compartment and we suddenly went to about 25 MPH all of our electronic systems shut down, there was an extremely loud grinding sound for approx. 2-3 seconds. Now I think my transmission is damaged and the electronics system shuts down pretty frequently. I am totally disappointed to read that this has happened to numerous other families. Thank god no one has died from this.....this is very irresponsible and negligent from a reputable auto company. Is it going to take someone or family to get seriously injured or die before they acknowledge this very serious issue. Its time for someone to be accountable for this.

Filed Jul 18, 2012 · Engine · 64,983 miles · GA

I noticed a grinding noise while driving at normal highway speed as it got worse over the next day or so I brought it to my local volvo specialist. After some research I was told that the problem was with the balance shaft and was specific to the 2005 xc90 v8. I contacted volvo north america and received no compensation or even satisfactory customer service. My local volvo tech recommended I bring the car to the volvo dealer, who were the only one's authorized to do the repair. The engine head had to be removed to replace the balance shaft and the bearings needed to be reassembled. It's amazing that the same exact problem can be reported to this extent and volvo still does nothing!! $4200 dollars later, the car was fixed. I'm glad it was caught prior to the engine needed to be replaced..

Filed Jan 18, 2012 · Engine · 90,000 miles · MA

While leaving house to go and pick-up son from school .down the street vehicle started making a grinding noise. I pulled over and had vehicle towed to the volvo dealer to be repaired. Thinking it would be covered by extended warranty I was told no. The problem was with the counterbalance shaft bearing. Even though it was a manufactures flaw with the design of their engine repairs ran close to $3500.00 . I was planning to purchase another volvo vehicle but maybe not . I think I'll go american.