Volvo XC90 slipping 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 Jun 18, 2016 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · MS

We was comming from texas visitng our family back to mississippi our tranmission starting slipping we was told that we had to have another tranmission this will make two transmisson we had to replace. In motion

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 155,000 miles · WA · crash

3 hours into a 3-1/2 hour weekend road trip there was a clunk in the engine compartment. Thinking I hit a pothole, I continued on cautiously. While continuing on these unfamiliar 2 lane windy roads going 43mph (the speed limit was 55) about 2 miles from where the clunk happened my entire dash cluster stopped working. All my dome lights and leg lights came on. The car clunked harder this time. I lost power to the engine, steering was like trying to turn a tank, and the brakes were very spongy. Still traveling on windy roads with large semi trucks behind me and cars passing by in the opposite lane I veered to the right to avoid being rear ended by a semi. Not being able to steer or stop as efficiently as before I coasted into a residents 2-3 man rock landscape traveling at about 5mph. I dented my front license plate and scratched the bumper. With my heart pounding, I turned the car off and got out to see the damage. I went to the residents home and told them my story. They were thankful my fianc and I were okay. Since I hit rock there was no damage done to their landscape. After 20 minutes I started the car. It was hesitant to start. The brake failure light was on for a few seconds then the SRS service warning light came on and stayed on. For the remainder of the weekend trip the car would lurch like the tranny was slipping. Especially after taking off from a stop light. It still clunks once in awhile but we only drive it around town. It's currently at a certified volvo specialist being serviced. This morning all lights stopped working and I couldn't get it out of the garage. The key stuck in the ignition. In conclusion, this mishap could have resulted in a serious injury or fatality. If every car of this make and model is doing this, they need to be recalled and repaired!

Filed Jan 3, 2013 · Transmission · 85,812 miles · CA

While driving on a gentle incline the transmission started slipping & shifting back & forth between gears. It lost power when trying to accelerate.

Filed Aug 17, 2012 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · NY

The transmission is slipping. Engine revs and the transmission won't upshift...eventual gear change cause the vehicle to lurch forward a bit, with a loud thud heard. The vehicle also fails to move off from a stop on occasion...with the engine revving for a while before moving forward. Display message in the cluster: "transmission service urgent"...goes off and on for days at a time.

Filed Jul 17, 2012 · Transmission · 64,000 miles · WA

The transmission in this vehicle is slipping. Trying to pass a car on the highway and could not get the car into gear. Note: the VIN # [xxx] - but I can't validate it on this form but it is the correct number. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 11, 2012 · Suspension, Transmission · 67,000 miles · GA

I attempted to pass another car and the engine revved very high while the transmission was slipping and could not go into gear. This put my children and I in a very dangerous situation with oncoming traffic. Although I was able to swerve back into my own lane in time, it was a very scary 10 or 15 seconds. I have been afraid to drive it until I can get it into the repair shop, but have driven it on short trips around town. The transmission continues to slip some in normal driving. I'm taking it to volvo service tomorrow but some quick research found that this is a very common issue with this SUV, and that volvo is completely aware of it. In fact, the customer service person I spoke with from volvo n.am said "it's an epidemic", and the service writer for northpoint volvo has seen it many, many times. It looks like I'm in for as much as $8500 for a transmission, and even more for possible damage to the axles as well as a new radiator, which seems to be the cause of the whole problem due to fluid contamination (glycol into the transmission fluid). I wasn't aware of the problem until now, but I had certainly wondered why my $48,000 vehicle had plummeted in value compared to other cars! This is not only a serious safety hazard but also a financial hardship on the many people who purchased this SUV based on an expectation of quality at least in line with minimum industry standards. Clearly this company is not standing behind their product and a recall is in order.

Filed Mar 15, 2012 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · WI

Add to the very long list one more xc90 t6 owner with an automatic transmission failure. Transmission began slipping while driving. Repair estimate was $5800. This is the gm-sourced transmission issue that volvo appears to be ignoring. Rest assured I will be participating in any class action suits that I can find until volvo issues a recall or monetary compensation.

Filed Feb 7, 2012 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · CO

We are owners of a 2004 volvo xc90 t6 awd and have experienced a transmission failure that will cost $6500 to replace. Upon further investigation, we have found that there are literally thousands of complaints regarding these transmissions failing yet volvo has failed to step up and address the problem. In our case, my wife was driving the car, in traffic, when the car slipped out of gear and started slowing down! Luckily she was able to get off on the shoulder before trailing traffic caught up to her, but imagine what may have happened if she wasn't able to get out of the way! Volvo knows this is a problem and should do something so that 1) no serious injuries come from this failure, and 2) to compensate the volvo owners out there that have had to shell out thousands of dollars in repair costs for this problem. Please investigate this issue!!

Filed Jun 24, 2011 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · CA

Transmission problem on 2005 xc90 t6. Slipping and shifting problems. Found metal chunks in transmission oil pan. Reported to volvo na for "goodwill" repair or replacement. Denied because vehicle has over 100k miles. Vehicle is only used on weekends an long trips. Not being driven hard. Volvo not living up to expectations or reputation.