Volvo XC90 hesitation problems

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

Coming from a cold start in hybrid or pure mode the ERAD disengages causing the vehicle to slow down, hesitate and buck until the gas engine can engage to recover acceleration.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator or the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the electric rear axle drive system had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure occurred each time the vehicle was driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to continue driving the vehicle because the vehicle was safe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · NC

2017 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, approximately 81,000 miles, experienced intermittent hesitation/loss of propulsion when accelerating. When acceleration is requested, the vehicle can hesitate before power is delivered, creating a serious safety concern when entering, merging into, or crossing traffic because expected acceleration is not immediately available. Diagnostic testing identified faults in the IEM/ERAD system, including P286D00, Clutch A Engagement Time Performance/Too Slow, and P0A1B62, Drive Motor A Control Module, Algorithm Based Failure. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by an authorized Volvo dealer. I was advised that the high-voltage battery cells appear to be functioning properly and that the dealer is consulting Volvo technical support regarding the loss-of-acceleration condition. Volvo has issued Technical Journal guidance addressing ERAD clutch DTCs, including P286D00, on this generation of XC90. I am concerned that delayed or failed engagement of the ERAD clutch can cause an unexpected delay or loss of propulsion during acceleration. I am also aware of another the federal safety agency complaint involving a 2017 Volvo XC90 ERAD clutch failure, the federal safety agency Complaint No. 11673211, describing a delay in propulsion followed by sudden power delivery. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this condition as a potential safety defect involving ERAD clutch engagement and intermittent loss or delay of propulsion in Volvo XC90 T8 vehicles.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · AK

The hybrid motor periodical will hesitate when accelerating from a stop, specifically it'll start accelerating then lose power for up to a couple of seconds before regaining power. This poses a safety risk if you start pulling out into traffic and suddenly and unpredictably lose power while there's oncoming vehicles. The problem just occurred for the first time about a week ago and coincidentally just a few days after taking the car in for its annual service, since then it has happened more frequently and I can't find any rhyme or reason as to why it happens. The vehicle will be going in to be checked out shortly. There have been no warning lights any time this has happened.

Filed May 2, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that both oil and coolant would frequently be added to the engine as both the check engine and oil warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions where the crank shaft seal and fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. One day while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the turtle warning light appeared on the instrument panel which indicated that there was reduced engine performance. The contact managed to drive the vehicle to Herb Chambers Volvo Cars of Norwood(1120 Providence Hwy #1, Norwood, MA 02062) where they were informed that contact that the fourth engine chamber had burned out which lead to engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2019 · Fuel system · 33,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 volvo xc90. While the contact's wife was making a left turn, the vehicle stalled and hesitated to drive. The vehicle was taken to volvo of monterey (1711 del monte blvd, seaside, ca 93955, (831) 899-8800) where the hybrid system was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was currently at the dealer to have the hybrid system repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and recommended that the contact trade in the vehicle. The failure mileage was 33,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2019 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · MD

There is something called an erad, which is essentially the vehicle clutch for my electronic plug-in hybrid xc90. It is the instrument that switches between electric and gas. Mine failed. When it fails, when you hit the gas enough to push it out of electric mode to gas mode, the car essentially hesitates for 1-2 seconds - it feels like it's trying to figure out what to do then an override to gas mode happens. When I identified the problem, I was trying to turn off of three lanes of traffic to a side street and the car hesitated (temporarily doesn't respond to throttle input) as I was sitting perpendicular to traffic. The all gas mode then turns on and takes over, but it hesitates which could be a serious problem. I could've been hurt, but, thankfully, I wasn't. After that, I drove it in full-time gas mode until it was fixed (no problems when I did that). If this were an isolated incident, I wouldn't report it, but there were 4 other volvos suffering from the same issue at my dealership alone (volvo cars of bethesda) so they couldn't take me for 3-4 weeks. They sell fewer than 5% of their total fleet of these t8 electric hybrids, so for 5 total cars to have the same issue (2016 - 2018) indicates a major problem. I'm concerned someone who doesn't necessarily have my awareness of cars who may otherwise feel safe in the car's throttle response may take an unnecessary chance and get into an accident. Please investigate. Thanks!

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 152,105 miles · OH

Upon leaving out for the day vehicle hesitated somewhat when I would accelerate on gas pedal. After driving for only 5 mls. Vehicle started sputtering, I thought maybe I should stop and get gas that would solve the problem but no the problem continued and got worse, as long as I was just coasting it was ok, but upon accelerating is when it felt like it was about to stall and there was also fuel smell when accelerating. The sputtering & shaking and rough sound worsen as well. I spoke with an auto repairman and he informed me of the vehicles recalls on fuel system and that it was most definitely what my situation was with my volvo.

Filed Sep 15, 2011 · Acceleration, Engine · 2,400 miles · TX

I first experienced the delay in re-acceleration one morning on my way to work. After coming to a complete stop @ a stop sign, I stepped on the gas to take a turn and the car hesitated at a very slow pace to take off. I chalked it up as the car being cold early in the morning. It continued to happen periodically until one day it happened as I was stopped at a busy intersection waiting to turn left. When the intersection was cleared of oncoming traffic from a reasonable distance I pressed the gas to go and the car literally dragged in slow motion into the intersection. The acceleration was so slow that it allowed time for the oncoming traffic to reach me. With the front of my car in the intersection and the oncoming traffic coming directly at me at full speed I had to floor the gas pedal to jump kick the car into speed to get across the intersection safely. After that near death experience I called my dealer immediately. They were able to get me in the next day, gave me a loaner vehicle and kept my car overnight. I got a call from my service advisor the next afternoon stating that they could not duplicate the problem, however they will reset the cars computer to see if that helps. Well it didn't. I now don't drive the car unless I absolutely have to. It's still happening and I don't feel completely safe when driving my car. Our daughter will be getting her license soon and we thought out of our two cars that the volvo xc90 will be the safest for her to drive. Now I don't see it as even being an option for her. I've been online researching similar complaints by other 2011 volvo xc90 owners and didn't find much of anything. Perhaps there were just a few bad apples out of the bunch and I just happened to get one of them. My 2011 was purchased new off the showroom's floor june 2011 with 550 miles at delivery. I now have a little over 4000 miles.

Filed May 12, 2011 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · NY

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.