Volvo XC90 won't shift problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · UT

My 2025 Volvo XC90 (VIN: [XXX], approximately 50,000 miles) has recurring electrical failures affecting the infotainment system, HVAC/defroster, airbags, windshield wipers, and turn signals. On [XXX], while driving, the infotainment-based HVAC controls suddenly stopped functioning, disabling windshield defrosting. The windshield rapidly fogged, severely obstructing my visibility. I nearly drove off the road, and the lane correction system helped prevent an accident. After pulling over and rebooting the infotainment system, the HVAC and defroster resumed working. During the first snowfall of the season, the vehicle also unexpectedly entered limp mode on the freeway, forcing us onto the shoulder and leaving us stranded. These failures recur unpredictably. Airbag and wiper warnings disappear after the vehicle is shut off for several hours. Infotainment and turn signal failures temporarily resolve after rebooting the infotainment system. I reported these issues repeatedly to Ken Garff Volvo in Salt Lake City. The dealer performed software upgrades on [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX] (part #31483292), but the failures continue. The dealer stated the updates would fix the issues. I do not know whether they reproduced each malfunction. The vehicle has been serviced by an authorized Volvo dealer. I am requesting a Volvo corporate safety investigation. I am unaware of any police, insurance, or separate manufacturer engineering inspection. Recurring warning messages and electronic failures preceded the November 4 incident, although I do not recall a specific warning immediately before the defroster failed. The vehicle is available for inspection with safe transportation arrangements. These unresolved failures create a serious risk of collision or injury. Dealer declined to provide full repair and diagnostic records, stating Volvo corporate would request them directly. Only software upgrade part numbers and module lists were provided. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · UT

My 2025 Volvo XC90 (VIN: [XXX], approximately 50,000 miles) unexpectedly entered limp mode while driving on the freeway during the first snowfall of the year. The vehicle suddenly lost normal driving capability, forcing us to pull onto the shoulder, where we were stranded in hazardous winter driving conditions. This created a serious risk of being struck by passing vehicles. The vehicle has a history of recurring electrical failures involving airbags, windshield wipers, turn signals, infotainment, and HVAC controls. These failures often temporarily disappear after restarting the vehicle or rebooting the infotainment system, only to return later. I have repeatedly reported these electrical problems to Ken Garff Volvo in Salt Lake City. The dealership performed software upgrades on [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX] (part #31483292), but the failures continue. The dealer stated the updates would correct the problems. I cannot confirm whether the dealership reproduced the limp-mode failure or identified its cause. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Volvo dealer. I am unaware of any separate inspection by Volvo corporate engineers, police, or insurance representatives. There was no warning messages displayed immediately before the limp-mode incident. Other recurring warning messages, including airbag and wiper errors, have appeared during the vehicle's history. I requested complete repair and diagnostic records, but the dealership declined to provide them, stating Volvo corporate would request whatever information it needed directly. The vehicle is available for inspection with arrangements for safe transportation. I believe this unexpected loss of driving capability presents a serious collision risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

2020 Volvo XC90 suffered a sudden catastrophic engine blowout, blinding exhaust smoke, and dropped to a 10 mph limp mode on the highway with zero prior dashboard warning lights or oil alerts. the vehicle lacks a manual dipstick, making the me entirely dependent on a digital safety warning system that failed. [XXX] Volvo has failed to give me any documents/ photos or proof of cost of repair for almost 60 days INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · CA

Vehicle was stopped at a stop light with brake pedal pressed. Car started rolling with brake pedal pushed and repeatedly pushing the brake pedal did nothing! Car jerked three times and responded to pressing the park button. Once in park, I noticed that all warning lights came including brake warnings but the car would not turn off and it was stuck in park. Car would not come out of park but the radio and hazards worked. Police responded and advised not to take my foot off the brake until the tow truck got there. Initially, the tow truck driver could not put the car in drive or neutral or turn off vehicle. Tow truck driver was able to turn off the car and get it started again. Brakes should not just stop working in the middle of traffic in a 2 year old car with only 17k miles on it. Reporting because it appears this is a repeated Volvo issue. Per the Volvo app, all software downloads were updated and there was no error message before this happened.

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 Jun 16, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · IL

My 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid experienced a catastrophic, premature component failure of the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) propulsion system while driving. The ERAD unit suffered a total failure of internal bearings and sensors, completely disabling the electric rear wheel propulsion system and suddenly forcing the vehicle into a reduced-power "limp mode" on the road. This sudden loss of hybrid propulsion creates an immediate highway safety hazard, removing expected acceleration and vehicle control in traffic. Volvo has documented this exact engineering flaw internally under Technical Journal TJ 36665, recognizing a manufacturing vulnerability in these specific hybrid components. However, the manufacturer is refusing to provide remedy or financial cost-sharing to repair this vital propulsion and safety defect, leaving a hazardous, compromised vehicle on the road.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Fuel system · 79,900 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly entered LIMP mode and decelerated before stalling. The failure had occurred on two separate occasions. On one occasion, the vehicle did not restart and was towed to the dealer. During the second occurrence, the vehicle was restarted moments later and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that diagnostic trouble codes for fuel delivery system malfunction and low fuel pressure were retrieved; however, the exact cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the fuel tank was half-full during the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,900.

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 Jun 28, 2018 · Transmission · 210,000 miles · KS

Transmission does not shift correctly. Numerous of problems involving others. Needs to be replaced. On highway did not want to go during rush hour traffic. Could of been seriously injured by oncoming traffic when they obviously know that the transmission is a problem

Filed Jun 27, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 5,000 miles · MA

Around 10.30 am on sunday, 26th june 2016, I was driving on I-95 (near stamford ct) with my family when the car suddenly lost power, slowed down dramatically in the middle of I-95 and started to crawl at 10 miles/hour. We were in danger of being hit by a number of vehicles while I negotiated to exit the highway on exit 9 and pulled over into a side street. The instrumentation panel of the car had blanked out. The car could only crawl at about 10 miles/hour. It would not shift to higher gear even in manual mode. I called the volvo on call and they advised me to switch off the car, exit the car and then re start the car after five minutes. I did that and the problem still persisted. I some how drove the car to the nearest volvo dealership (stamford volvo) which was closed on sunday. Dropped the car off in the lot, rented a car and drove 200 miles back to boston.