NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2005 Volvo XC90 (Page 1 of 3)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,508 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Volvo XC90 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Volvo XC90 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #49

Oct 101990

XC90

  • 138 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had filled an earlier complaint and this to be added to the earlier form that I had filled needs to go to the engineering department. See photo the electrical complaint from the magnetic electrical beings in me and in this picture I believe is about design of the fuses in vehicle and what they are tryin to communicate here I believe would be the distance between the positive and negative connections like what it is doing to them as it goes through those types of fuses. What I believe to be what happens to them in those plastic fuses and would like them the fuse to be designed further apart a little bit bigger than a penny and with the connection straight across and not going up and down and back through it self. The magnetic beings would like to see the connections straight across so that they don't interfere with each other while traveling through the substraight. Not sure but you were this type of being you would try and communicated these things and design well just look and if you would like they like the older glass fuse with the stainless steel design. If you could they are asking that you the ntsb go back redesign a fuse that don't go back into itself they like straight across the connections to give them better flow. Reminder this goes to the earlier form that I wrote to you it an addition information cause they are important part of this world I am referring to the magnetic beings in electricity in every vehicle made and need to be taken into more consideration especially when making systems that heavily rely on the entities. They the beings are asking this of you thentsb to take them more into consideration as we us them rely on them the invisible magnetic electrical beings more and to develop friendlier and heavier system for them because the design now is making them sick and they are I am asking for the entities that you make healthyelectricity

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #48

Nov 122018

XC90

  • 14,042 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. Ever since the vehicle was purchased in November of 2018, there had been several electrical failures. The headlights, power door locks, and power rearview mirror failed to operate. Also, the transmission caused the vehicle to jerk and stall while driving. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown Volvo dealer, but they refused to provide diagnostic testing and stated that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 14,042.

- Waco, TX, USA

problem #47

Oct 012017

XC90

  • miles
2005 Volvo XC90 has many problems. Transmission jumps and jerks when switching to higher gears. Almost throws the car off the road at times. Also, vehicle has many electrical problems due to car not being sealed properly. This leads to electrical issues including faulty air bag codes, brake lights and rear turn signals going out. Car has no brake lights nor rear turn signals at all. Dealership can not find problem says it is due to the 2005 Volvo XC90 not having relays at all. And also from water being introduced to electrical parts.

- Chapmansboro, TN, USA

problem #46

Jul 262017

XC90

  • 180,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This model is experiencing the same as recalls in similar models but for some reason isn't recalled. Fuel system is faulty. Leaking fuel and cracks in fuel pump. Replaced with 4 pumps from Volvo and now it is kicking out ECM code and blowing every fuel system installed.

- Valdese, NC, USA

problem #45

Aug 092017

XC90

  • 178,417 miles
My 2005 XC90 (odometer approx. 178,000 miles) throws check engine, reduced engine performance and engine service required dashboard warnings intermittently, despite the fact that it has a new cem and a second new throttle body in less than two months. It also issues a low beam headlight bulb failure warning, even when the bulb is lit, and the left turn blinker is sticky. Sometimes, the driver's seat and passenger side rear view mirror readjust simultaneously upon opening the driver's side door, with no key in the ignition and no one sitting in the seat. Recently while traveling on an expressway at 65 mph, the car abruptly lost speed (a terrifying experience) and struggled to accelerate to 40 mph. A few days later, it lost power in heavy city rush-hour traffic (also terrifying) as a red light turned green. It barely made it to 10 mph and came close to causing a chain reaction crash with the cars behind it (also terrifying). Luckily I was able to steer into a nearby bank parking lot, turn it off and restart it. It drove normally but the warning lights remained. I have taken the vehicle to the Volvo dealership multiple times, citing electrical system woes, which resulted in the two previously mentioned repairs. They identified a wiring short as the cause both times, yet act mystified as to why the problems have persisted despite those repairs. I reported the seat/mirror shifts and the ongoing low beam bulb failures to the service manager, who replied (without examining the car) that the bulb was either burnt out or loose in the socket, and that the seat shifting was simply the way the memory function works. I get the sense that Volvo does know what's wrong with this vehicle, and they don't want to tell me. I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with the lack of answers, and am afraid to drive this car.

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #44

Jun 072017

XC90

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the vehicle randomly stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed and parked on the contact's street due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was not available.

- West Hollywood, CA, USA

problem #43

Aug 012015

XC90

  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 72 mph, the instrument panel began to flash off and on. The vehicle suddenly shut off and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the central electronic module was damaged due to water exposure and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Hinsville, GA, USA

problem #42

Aug 152015

XC90

  • 210,000 miles
My Volvo XC90 also has been diagnosed with cem problems after various symptoms began to arise. After going through a car wash, the display began showing various messages. The biggest problem is the the windshield wipers stopped working. I have ordered a new cem and intend to replace it. I am an attorney. If this vehicle continues to fail after the cem is replaced, I intend to take further legal action, especially in light of the reports and complaints I have read on this website. I intend to call the local dealer tomorrow to put them on notice of the problems with my vehicle. I cannot believe a reputable company like Volvo does not take care of the customers who have purchased their vehicles. I am formally requesting that the investigation into these problems be reopened as the problems caused by the cem design flaws cause dangerous problems that can threaten the safety and even the lives of those who drive and ride in the Volvo XC90

- Wetumpka, AL, USA

problem #41

Jun 152015

XC90

  • 162,189 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that when it rained, water entered the vehicle through the passenger side and onto the dashboard, causing the instrument panel lights to dim. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and the radio no longer worked. Additionally, the headlights turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failures. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 162,189.

- Newburgh, NY, USA

problem #40

Jul 132015

XC90

  • 130,000 miles
Aside from normal care, I have only replaced my tires and a gas cap. I started to experience some water seepage onto the driver-side. I covered the vehicle when it rained and figured I would have a look at it when I had time. July 2015, I took my Volvo to savannah Volvo, fixed my breaks along with other safety fixes, after 14 hrs of having my vehicle and 2800 later, pete stated everything was taken care of and the water seepage was due to the drains being clogged, but, they are all clear now, we did a water test and everything is ok. You will experience some more water seepage but it should dry up in a few days. He also mentioned some other work that needed to be done though not until November, December. I said great and got on my way. Three days later it did rain, confident I did not need to cover my vehicle and was still experiencing water seepage from my visit, I did not think any thing of it. The next day, my control panel started to light up. I called savannah, and he mentioned it must just be because you put a full tank of gas....what"?? ok. As the week went on the control panel continued to light up one by one. The day before going back, my driver side turn signal was on. Hoping I did not have a dead battery the next day, I headed to Volvo. After 4 hrs they tell me the roof drains were cloggd and seeped onto the cem, and it is damaged. I said to pete, I thought the drains were clear when I left a week ago??? yeah, well, we can't create a problem with your drains. Though, after 10 yrs I leave there and 3 days later experience a problem, after you told me my drains were all cleared" several phone calls to the dealership and Volvo headquarters, not one person is taking responsibility for this bad design, which could have caused my transmission to limp and a possible accident! it now sits in my driveway, after spending $2800 I will never purchase another Volvo!

- Richmond Hill, GA, USA

problem #39

Apr 092015

XC90 6-cyl

  • 54,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After rainfall we began experience power failures in our Volvo. No windows were left open and the interior was not exposed to any water. But while driving the dashboard went out the needles for the fuel, miles per hour and everything went out. It came on shortly after then off again this time with the radio and windows could not roll down or up. Once the car was off it came back on only to repeat the same issue the dash and radio come on and off while driving and at one point will shut off everything until the car is turned off again. The headlights will flicker as well from time to time. This is extremely frightening considering I have a toddler and small child and while driving on a highway to have everything shut off was beyond frightening and extremely worrisome. I have been told it has something to do with the cem and I have read many forums with people with the same problem and even a friend whose car did the same thing. I am extremely frustrated that I don't feel safe driving my car and that I have to pay a lot of money for something that does not seem like a normal failure especially since my car does not even have many miles on it. Please investigate and look into this please. Thank you.

- Cedar Glen, CA, USA

problem #38

Jun 162014

XC90

  • 90,000 miles
2005 XC90 V8 stalled in traffic. Would not restart, but starter would crank. Fuel pump controller was found to be internally corroded and filled with dried salt. This controller is mounted forward of the right rear wheel well. Many instances of this controller failing due to salt / moisture ingress have been reported by other owners. The controller was relocated to the inside of the vehicle some model years later.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #37

Oct 302014

XC90 5-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
Driving at approximately 40 mph, the check engine and oil warning lights appeared. The car completely died while I was on the road. The steering wheel and brakes froze up and the speed decreased to barely nothing. I could get the car to just make it off the road safely because I could not turn the wheel or use the brakes well. Thought it was my oil so I was able to get someone to add oil to it while on side of busy road. Started car up fine and drove for 5 more days until it happened again. Got it towed to mechanic who changed the fuel pump. Other electrical problems arouse while mechanic had it so brought to Volvo who says I need a new control electric module in my car.

- Raynham, MA, USA

problem #36

Nov 172014

XC90 6-cyl

  • 156,000 miles
After parking at restaurant, we walked to our parked Volvo and when I turned the key, it would only go from 0 to the 1 position ( I.e.lights, radio would come on) but it would not turn any further to the start position had to have it towed to the dealer and was told this has happened before to this model and it is an ignition lock failure. They need to order the part from sweden and have it match our keys. $850 !!. this is a safety issue in my mind has we could have been stranded anywhere and if this is not the first time this has happened, why are they not recalling this part?

- Lafayette, CA, USA

problem #35

Aug 202014

XC90 8-cyl

  • 170,000 miles
While driving vehicle at 55-60 mph all dashboard lights came on and car lost power. This caused a frightening and extremely dangerous situation. Without headlights or tail lights I could not be seen by other drivers. I tried to cross 2 lanes and get onto the shoulder with no power steering or engine power. While I was very fortunate I was not in or did not cause a serious accident I had an extremely close calls. I changed lanes and almost collided with another vehicle traveling at 55. Once in the lane another driver who was unable to see my vehicle (no lights) came up behind me at a high rate of speed. Only a last minute swerve avoided a rear end collision that no doubt would have caused a terrible accident with very serious if not tragic results. Additionally other drivers had to swerve to avoid the vehicle-causing a very dangerous, chaotic situation. The loss of power and loss of lights came close to causing a major multi-vehicle accident. Many are aware of this problem. Please do not wait until people are killed to reopen the investigation and re-consider a safety recall.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #34

Jul 312014

XC90

  • 165,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the transmission failed and the instrument panel dimmed temporarily. The contact disconnected the battery cable to reset the vehicle and managed to restart the vehicle. The failure occurred multiple times. An independent mechanic stated that the central electric module malfunctioned which prevents the vehicle from draining water properly during rainy conditions. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

- Biloxi, MS, USA

problem #33

Mar 172014

XC90 5-cyl

  • 112,655 miles
Complete instrument panel failure while driving - no ability to let the windows up or down, no speedometer visibility, no gas reading. There was no ability for defogging window, no ability to turn on heat or air. This is really dangerous when driving. The panel goes completely blank.

- Lilburn, GA, USA

problem #32

Mar 192014

XC90

  • 139,419 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and the turning signals failed. The contact stated that the electronic power steering system, SRS air bag service, anti-skid, and the immobilizer warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the central electronic module, rack and pinion nut, and pinion shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 139,419.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #31

Sep 182008

XC90

  • 45,000 miles
TL- the contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving 55 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not diagnose the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 45,000.

- Collierville, TN, USA

problem #30

Feb 032014

XC90

  • miles
This car has been a constant problem - I am the original owner and the cost to repair is extremely high.. I am a recent widow and a single mother of 3 children on a fixed income... I am so tired of this car being so unreliable and the repair costs are bankrupting me. I have no where to turn this car has been a lemon from day one and the manufacturer and dealer could care less.

- Glen Mills , PA, USA

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