Volvo XC90 loss of power problems

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · PA

Vehicle has exhibited lagging and stalling while driving in "Pure" (electric-only) mode since approximately April 2026, at approximately 85,000 miles, accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. This has occurred repeatedly at red lights, intersections, stop signs, and in stop-and-go traffic, creating a risk of sudden loss of propulsion in live traffic situations, including at intersections where an unexpected stall could result in a collision. The dealership (Volvo Cars of Fort Washington) has diagnosed this as originating from multiple hybrid drivetrain components over several repair visits: the High Voltage Coolant Heater (replaced per a referenced Volvo Technical Service Bulletin), the Inverter Electric Rear Axle Drive Module (IEM) — diagnostic data showed one internal transistor (phase W) reaching 135°C, a severe outlier compared to the other two phases reading approximately 25°C — the A/C refrigerant shutoff valve, and most recently the Electronic Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) transmission, where diagnostic monitoring showed the ERAD clutch slipping during test drives. Volvo's own internal case management system has classified this case as a "Repeat Repair." Despite multiple repair attempts, the underlying drivability defect (lagging/stalling) has recurred each time, including almost immediately after the vehicle was returned following the initial repair, with minimal intervening use. This pattern indicates a persistent, unresolved defect in the vehicle's hybrid drive system that presents a safety risk due to unpredictable loss of power while driving.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IL · 2 injuries

2017 Volvo XC90 manufacturing defect where panoramic sunroof drainage network fails under normal rain, pooling water directly in the floorboard channels over safety module networks and wire harnesses.Water infiltration caused a catastrophic short-circuit of the floorboard-mounted amplifier while driving. This forced the audio system to emit an un-modulated, maximum-volume electronic blast through the cabin, causing severe driver distraction and documented temporary acute acoustic trauma/ear injuries to myself and my young child.Progressive electronic oxidation from ongoing water intrusion has since caused systemic failures of critical safety electronics. This includes spontaneous, unprompted activations of the automated emergency SOS calling network and dangerous operational delays in the backup camera engaging.Dealership service personnel inspected the vehicle and explicitly warned that the water-logged electrical networks are heavily compromised and at imminent risk of a complete blackout while in motion, posing a severe threat of sudden loss of power steering, braking, and propulsion on the highway. Rain is currently actively dripping from the interior ceiling onto passenger cabin components. This platform-wide engineering flaw creates an active fire, electrical, and crash hazard.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · ND

My 2016 Volvo XC90 suddenly lost power while I was driving, requiring me to pull over and have the vehicle towed. This is a documented safety issue associated with a known piston ring defect in 2013-2016 Volvo vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.5L engines, which was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit ([XXX] et al. v. Volvo Car USA, LLC, Case No. XXX, filed XXX. No there we NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I purchased this vehicle as a second owner from Carvana [XXX] — one month after the class action was filed. I was never notified of the defect, the litigation, or any service campaign or extended warranty coverage associated with this VIN, through Carvana nor Volvo. Since the power loss, I have spent $11,543.75 in out-of-pocket repairs (replacement engine, labor, towing). Despite a new engine being installed, the vehicle enters limp mode within one mile of driving. A Volvo-authorized dealer has quoted an additional $19,959.65 in repairs without certifying that the work will resolve the safety issue. Volvo Customer Care has declined to assist, stating their internal service campaign has concluded. I am submitting this safety complaint because sudden, unexplained power loss in a moving vehicle is a significant safety hazard, and because second owners of affected vehicles were never properly notified of the defect. I never knew nor was this disclosed to me before purchase from Carvana nor told to me by Volvo. I was in the middle of nowhere and I was not sure what to do and being a single woman, I was unsafe and scared. What ever this issue is Volvo and the dealer in South Dakota (where it is parked right now) as I had it towed on June 5th, and they don't want to help nor fix my vehicle. I need my catering business vehicle as this is a very concerning for my loss of use for over a year now for my catering part of my business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

I am reporting a failure of the fuel pump system in my Volvo vehicle, which currently has approximately 60,000 miles. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Volvo dealership, which diagnosed the fuel pump as defective and requiring replacement. This appears to be a premature failure given the mileage and proper maintenance of the vehicle. This failure presents a serious safety risk. A faulty fuel pump can cause the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. Loss of engine power without warning places not only the driver and passengers at risk, but also other motorists on the road. Prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced symptoms consistent with fuel system issues, including difficulty starting and intermittent performance irregularities. These symptoms escalated until the vehicle became unreliable to operate. The problem has been confirmed by the manufacturer’s authorized service center, and the vehicle has been inspected accordingly. No external factors or misuse contributed to this failure. It is my understanding that Volvo has issued recalls and/or acknowledged similar fuel pump defects in other vehicles of comparable models and years. Based on the nature of this failure and its alignment with known issues, I believe this vehicle should be evaluated for inclusion under an existing recall or be subject to further investigation. Given the safety implications of fuel system failures, I respectfully request that this issue be formally reviewed to determine whether a broader defect trend exists that could impact other vehicles. The failure occurred at relatively low mileage and under normal operating conditions, raising concern of a systemic defect rather than normal wear and tear.

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Engine · MD

My vehicle was signaling me to add oil every 600 - 1000 miles around 85,000 miles. The dealership charged me for a chemical treatment to stop the oil burning around 90,000 miles. At about 95,000 miles, my engine failed while driving on the interstate. There was no warning light or degradation of power. Suddenly, the engine lost power, went into limp mode and I could not maintain highway speed. The display flashes "Engine Performance Reduced." My SUV is now parked in my yard. I have paid two Volvo dealerships and a Volvo repair shop to inspect it. They reported oil burning, cylinder scoring and spark plug failure. There is scoring in the #3 cylinder and there is also no compression in the #3 cylinder. They further advised me that ALL engines that fit in my vehicle will experience this oil burning issue and the subsequent pathway to failure. I see evidence that this is a known issue with 2.0L and 2.5L Volvo engines between 2013-16. Of particular note is that several other owners have experienced failure in the #3 cylinder. There is an issue of clogged rings causing oil burning. Oil burning leads to damage to internal engine components like pistons, spark plugs, valves and etc..causing engine failure and ultimately engine fires. Oil burning extends into the exhaust system and also damages catalytic converters leading to failure of those components and even fires. I understand Volvo issued Tech Journals to dealerships but, to date, this information has not been published to the consumer that we may be made hole. This is a major design flaw that creates an expensive and extremely dangerous situation affecting numerous engine parts subject to high levels of heat during engine operation. Any of these parts are susceptible to spontaneously combusting during operation and without warning. It is an extremely dangerous situation. However, I see no evidence of a recall on my vehicle.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TN · fire

Upon driving a symbol with a turtle and engine cation sign flashed upon the dash displaying and reading reduced power train mode as this is being shown on dash the passenger next to me smelt smoke as we next seen smoke coming from the air conditioning system we immediately pulled over to the safest spot out of the ongoing traffic as smoke continued to worsen now under the hood when flames engulfed the engine and spread to rest of car.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

On September 30, 2025, a 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 experienced sudden engine failure while driving westbound on I-75 (Alligator Alley) at highway speed. The vehicle abruptly went into reduced power mode (“turtle mode”) without warning. This forced the driver to stop on the roadside, creating a serious safety hazard in fast-moving traffic. Component/system that failed: Engine / Power Train. An independent repair facility performed diagnostics on October 6, 2025, including a compression test. Results confirmed that one cylinder had lost compression due to a failed cylinder head. The mechanic attributed this to excessive oil consumption from defective piston rings, a condition documented in Volvo technical bulletins. Inspection: The vehicle was inspected by an independent service center. Photos and test results are available for inspection upon request. The manufacturer was contacted and denied assistance, citing mileage, despite known oil consumption defects in this engine family. Safety risk: The sudden loss of power at highway speed put the driver and other motorists at risk of collision. With no advance warning, the driver was left stranded on a dangerous stretch of interstate. Reproduction: The failure has been confirmed through diagnostic testing and inspection by the independent service center. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: The manufacturer has been notified, but no inspection by Volvo has occurred to date. No police or insurance inspection was performed. Warning messages or lamps: Prior to the breakdown, no warning lamps or messages indicated impending failure. The first and only symptom was the sudden loss of power on the highway. Incident cause assessment: Based on mechanic’s findings, the underlying cause is piston ring/oil consumption defect leading to cylinder head failure. This defect is widely reported in Volvo vehicles with this engine and represents a safety-related condition.

Filed May 2, 2025 · Electrical · CT

I am reporting multiple critical component failures on my 2017 Volvo XC90, which I believe represent potential design or manufacturing defects related to vehicle safety and reliability. At approximately 93,000 miles, my Volvo XC90 experienced a battery failure, thermostat failure, which did not resolve the vehicle's engine issues. Subsequently, the dealership diagnosed a failed Engine Control Module (ECM), requiring complete replacement at a cost of over $5,000. The ECM is a critical motherboard component responsible for engine control and vehicle safety operations. Its failure risks sudden engine malfunction, stalling, or loss of power while driving, which could cause unsafe conditions. I am concerned that multiple major component failures, especially in a premium brand vehicle under 100,000 miles and less than 10 years old, represent a systemic reliability issue. These failures occurred despite regular maintenance and responsible usage. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether similar cases exist for 2016–2018 Volvo XC90 models involving premature ECM or engine cooling, electrical, short circuit system failures. I am available to provide service records and additional documentation as needed.

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 Jun 4, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

The vehicle exhibits excessive oil consumption due to defective oil control rings, as highlighted by Quality Bulletin P10186. Additionally, the sunroof leaks, as noted in Technical Journal 31272 and TJ 35503.3.0, and there are further issues with the windshield wiper/turn signal system, the parking brake system, and the steering wheel module. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The excessive oil consumption and related engine issues can lead to engine damage and potential failure while driving, posing a serious safety risk. The sunroof leakage could impair visibility and cause electrical failures. The persistent dashboard warning messages and system malfunctions further distract and endanger the driver and others on the road. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by various dealers and independent service centers, as indicated by numerous customer cases, court rulings, and a class-action lawsuit. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and documented in various technical journals and bulletins. There is no specific mention of inspection by police or insurance representatives. Yes, there were several warning lamps and messages, including the low oil light, Check Engine light, and messages related to the parking brake and windshield wiper/turn signal system. Symptoms such as slow acceleration, loss of power, higher tailpipe emissions, and a foul odor from the exhaust were also observed. These issues appeared shortly after acquiring the vehicle and persisted despite multiple repair attempts. The incident is primarily caused by engineering flaws and faulty materials, particularly the defective oil control rings leading to excessive oil consumption. Despite engine replacements, the problem persisted, indicating a fundamental design flaw. The sunroof leakage and other system malfunctions further suggest widespread safety and durability issues in the vehicle, rendering it unsafe to operate.