Volvo XC90 water leak problems

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Body · NY

COMPONENT / SYSTEM: Sunroof drainage system — left front sunroof drain hose and sunroof tub. The vehicle and the component are available for inspection on request. WHAT HAPPENED: On or about July 6, 2026 I observed water entering the passenger compartment at the right rear interior quarter trim panel, visible on opening the tailgate. I reported it to Volvo Car USA Customer Care by telephone the same day. On July 29, 2026, while I was driving on a highway, water dripped from the overhead panel above the rearview mirror, surrounding the interior lights, onto me. The same day I found water again at the right rear quarter trim panel and, on removing the cargo floor panel, standing water in the spare wheel well with wet carpet, carpet backing and insulation. The vehicle was at an authorized Volvo dealer from July 31 to August 13, 2026. On September 13, 2026, during heavy rain, water again entered from the overhead panel above the rearview mirror — the same location. HOW SAFETY WAS PUT AT RISK: Water entered the passenger compartment and fell onto the driver while the vehicle was being operated at highway speed, which was a distraction. Water has also accumulated in the cargo area, where the battery and fuse box compartments are located, creating a risk to electrical components. Wet carpet, padding and insulation remain a mold concern. REPRODUCED OR CONFIRMED BY A DEALER: Yes. Under repair order 403698 at an authorized Volvo dealer, the technician water tested the sunroof drains and stated on the dealership's video inspection that "the one on the left front is draining pretty slow," that it "has a slow flow through the hose that goes through the sunroof tub," and that when he poured water into the driver's side drain hose "it was overflowing a little bit into the tub where it's not supposed to go." The written repair order records only: "CLEAN SUNROOF DRAINS AND RE-WATER TEST SUNROOF DRAINS. ALL ARE DRAINING AS DESIGNED. ALL OKAY AT THIS TIME." No cause is stated on th

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

The vehicle first experienced a safety-critical malfunction while driving on the highway on August 11, 2026, producing in-vehicle warnings reading "Transmission Acceleration Performance Reduced" and "Gear Lever Locked," along with broader electrical system symptoms, requiring the 2018 Volvo XC90 to be towed to Volvo Cars Brooklyn on August 11, 2026. At that time, dampness was discovered under the driver’s floor mat, leading to the discovery of a sunroof leak and resulting water intrusion. The dealership represented the vehicle as fully repaired and safe to drive. The same safety-critical malfunction occurred later that night, while driving about 90 miles away from the dealership, with the same warnings appearing, confirming that the original repair failed to address the underlying issue. Loss of normal transmission and braking function while the vehicle was in motion directly affected the driver's ability to control the vehicle. The vehicle was towed for a second time on the morning of August 12, 2026, to Volvo Cars Brooklyn, where it was confirmed that module corrosion caused by the original sunroof leak had not been properly diagnosed or corrected during the first service visit, and that this corrosion had disrupted signals to the vehicle’s electrical, braking, and transmission systems. The dealership completed a corrective repair on August 12, 2026, replacing the OFM module and removing water, following the second incident. The vehicle has not been separately inspected by Volvo’s manufacturer-level engineering team. This failure is consistent with a broader, documented pattern affecting this vehicle platform. Volvo has previously issued a Technical Service Bulletin addressing a sunroof-related water leak on an earlier model year of this platform. While that bulletin does not specifically cover the 2018 model year, numerous 2018 model year owners have independently reported the same failure pattern, a failed sunroof seal, often linked to clogged sunroof drains.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · NY

On or about July 6, 2026, I observed water entering the passenger compartment of my 2024 Volvo XC90 at the right rear interior quarter trim panel, visible on opening the tailgate. I reported this to Volvo Car USA Customer Care by telephone the same day and was told the vehicle would need to be brought to an authorized dealer. On July 29, 2026, while I was driving the vehicle on a highway, water dripped from the overhead panel above the rearview mirror, surrounding the interior lights, onto me. After parking, I inspected the vehicle and found, the same day, water again entering at the right rear interior quarter trim panel and, on removing the cargo floor panel, standing water in the spare wheel well together with wet carpet on the cargo floor panel and wet carpet backing and insulation. Water is entering the vehicle at more than one location. I am concerned about water reaching electrical components, including the battery and fuse box compartments located in the cargo area, and about mold in the carpet and insulation. The vehicle has approximately 31,151 miles and was purchased as a Volvo Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in September 2025. It is scheduled for service at an authorized Volvo dealer on July 31, 2026. I have photographs and video of these conditions.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Electrical, Suspension · CA

The suspension module failed due to water accumulation on floorboards. Suspect other electronics may be at risk. Water ingress cause by a combination of what dealer said was a worn out sunroof gasket and two of four drains that became plugged. Further examination from dealer found the plugged drains were crimped from when the vehicle was manufactured. The dealer blamed the excessive water ingress was further allowed by a failed sunroof seal. The vehicle has always been serviced by the dealer and problem areas like that were either not inspected or not reported. The seal appears as good as the day we purchased vehicle from dealer. It seems it needs a more expert eye to detect how it fails. The result was standing water in the floor boards and body cavities, which then caused the suspension module to fail. The entire interior had to be disassembled to verify there was no further electrical damage. The dashboard and other interior pieces needed to be removed to replace or correct the drains. This appears to be a common problem with this model although no service advisories seem to have been issued. Total estimated damage is about $5200. Vehicle has only 60K miles. Volvo has rejected responsibility for the compromised drain and failed sunroof seal. Service documentation attached, not including the estimated $1700 to remove dash for repairs.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Body, Visibility · 40,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while retrieving items from the trunk, the contact became aware that there was water leaking into the cargo area. The contact stated that the holders were full of water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the sunroof drain hose needed to be replaced and sealed, and the flooring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Locks · TN

Rear Drivers door (left) fails to latch. Volvo has an updated part for better water ingress prevention, then the part that was used to build the car. The problem is that water enters the moveable window, runs down the metal channel separation gthe fixed and moveable window, and enters the door latch mechanism. This is extremely dangerous, in that the door may appear closed, and the vehicle may allow the driver to move forward or backward, but the door is not latched and can fly open leading to death! This is an issue known by Volvo, hence the updated OEM replacement part, however they are grossly negligent in not reporting or self recalling vehicles for this issue.

Filed Mar 3, 2025 · Body, Electrical · 147,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after a rainstorm, there was water leaking from the rearview mirror, which leaked into the vehicle, causing the electrical system to fail. There was an abnormal sound of water swishing around inside the vehicle. The on-call warning and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked sunroof cassette leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Body · TX

My 2018 Volvo XC90 had repeated water leakage from the panoramic sunroof. In most cases, when the vehicle is parked flat or the front is at a slight angle, water leaks in and collects in the cargo area. It collects into a plastic compartment over the battery located on the right side of the cargo area and/or on top of the rear cargo mat. When the vehicle is moving and it is raining, water leaks in from the rearview mirror, making the entire dash, screen, shifter and both driver and passenger wet. The rain also comes in from the rear right side of the second row making the entire seat or any passenger sitting there wet. Volvo is not acknowledging this defect nor are there any solutions in place. This is extremely concerning.

Filed Jul 24, 2024 · MA

The sunroof of the vehicle started leaking water after 4 years of ownership. Upon bringing it to Volvo dealer, I am quoted $2500-3000 to fix and check for faulty electrical or mold in carpeting. This is a safety issue as the water could damage critical electrical components. This is a 2020 vehicle, basic faulty sealing should be covered as recall or known issue that the consumer is not liable for.

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Electrical · FL

Awakened to lights flashing, horn going off, wipers running on a vehicle that was parked with keys removed. The cem underneath driver's side dash had gotten wet from rain water leaking into it and subsequently shorted out requiring $2350 replacement via dealer. This IS A Huge problem.... however, and wait for it. IT IS NOT DUE TO THE SUNROOF.... I know this with absolute certainty because I have 3 2006-2010 xc90's and NONE HAVE SUNROOFS but all 3 had to have CEM reprogrammed. I can't understand why NOTHING has been done about this... it's absurd.