NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2016 Volvo XC90 (Page 1 of 3)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,393 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.

2016 Volvo XC90 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2016 Volvo XC90 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #52

Feb 282023

XC90

  • miles

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

Hi, I had a 2016 XC90 which has serious safety problems. The sunroof has a factory defect, leaking water into the car and causing failures in electronic systems and airbags. Many other owners have sued Volvo and won their cases. Additionally, the issue has been certified by the court, and there are technical bulletins published by Volvo addressing the problem. Yes. The water leak can damage entire electronic systems, such as airbags, the start-stop system, braking system, and lidar system. Once water enters any of these systems, it can lead to accidents and fires due to short circuits, posing a deadly risk. This issue can cause accidents or fires. No, but Volvo has published a bulletin, and there have been many court cases filed against Volvo since 2016. No, the vehicle has not been inspected. It's causing numerous random errors on the dashboard. This issue occurred approximately two weeks after I purchased the vehicle. link for class action [XXX].) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Antioch, TN, USA

problem #51

Mar 012024

XC90

  • miles
The car has a factory fault with the Windshield Wiper or Turn Signal contact switch, which is causing the inability to use the left/right signal and the wipers. The entire part is factory faulty, rendering the vehicle unable to operate safely. This affects visibility during wet conditions because the wipers cannot be activated due to the malfunctioning switch, which can lead to serious accidents. Additionally, malfunctioning left/right turning signals can also cause serious accidents, as it is a crucial function. Yes, the vehicle is available upon request. I contacted Volvo, but they declined to fix the issue. They have published a technical bulletin regarding the problem but are not recalling the vehicles. Many other Volvo models have the same factory defect, as can be found on the internet. The technical bulletin confirms their fault. I have attached the file. No, the vehicle has not been inspected. Yes, the vehicle shows a "turn indicator malfunction" message on the main screen. This issue started around 89k miles.

- Antioch, TN, USA

problem #50

Feb 062024

XC90

  • miles
When driving slowly to enter a parking garage, the steering wheel on the car started to feel stiff, and as I completed the turn, there was a loud snapping sound. The dashboard showed an urgent fault saying -??SRS Airbag Urgent - Drive To Workshop-??. I drove it to the Volvo dealer. The steering wheel was having problems turning left. When the dealer attempted to move the car, it was then unable to turn left at all. So, the steering wheel completely failed.

- Milton, FL, USA

problem #49

Jan 092024

XC90

  • miles

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

When driving and stop in a traffic light, for example, the Volvo ignition going off and I have to re-start it. The problem is rooted probably in the fuse associated with Volvo's stop/start motor. I found that other models have had the same problem, like the recall#R39574 and the reference safety campaign #15V555000.If the fuse blows in traffic, it could increase the risk of an accident, especially a rear-end collision.

- Bergenfield, NJ, USA

problem #48

Nov 042023

XC90

  • miles
On a travel trip to Seattle, we stopped at few stop, and when my sons tried to exit the rear doors, both would not open. Neither from the inside or outside. Nothing worked. Upon searching, this is a very common issue with the 2016+ models. When inquiring with volvo, it will cost anywhere from 1000-2000 per door to fix the "locking" mechanism which they say can corrode. Ridiculous. This is a major safety issue if passengers can't exit. I've never had a car which a door can't be opened.

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #47

Nov 062023

XC90

  • miles
The DIM (driver/driving instrument module), also known as the dashboard, on my vehicle suddenly stopped showing anything (speed, gas or battery charge level, etc.) recently, although there is still power (I could see the background lighting in the dark) and the vehicle can still be driven. This is certainly a severe safety issue. I had my vehicle checked at a Volvo Dealership shop; their diagnosis concluded that the entire DIM needs to be replaced; software update alone won't solve the issue. I shared this issue at a social media site (Volvo XC90 Owners Club at Facebook) and several others said to have had the same or similar issues with the DIM. I'd suggest Volvo to recall this safety issue.

- Trophy Club, TX, USA

problem #46

Jul 012023

XC90

  • miles

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

It came to my attention this summer that my 2016 Volvo XC90 has an extensive sunroof drainage problem that has resulted in major leaks in the interior of the car and that has destroyed the electrical system which impacts everything (airbags, speed control, back up camera, object alert warnings, etc. It was impossible to have knowledge of this problem until it was too late (like cancer). Many dashboard lights came on, the car was acting funning, back-up camera did not work, AC worked intermittently, standing water in trunk, headliner water damage, etc. Onboard diagnostic system also not working. I have attached the preliminary report but dealership saying they need to pull up carpets, seats and dash to get to a full diagnosis. Here's summary I put together(Volvo Corp won't really communicate w/consumer). I have photos if needed: I also spent time the last several days continuing to do my research. It takes little more than a google search to understand the widespread sunroom drainage/leak issue with many Volvos. There are too many articles to list, but here is one: [XXX] recalls 127K vehicles due to leak The recall covers 2016 and 2017 XC90 SUVs and S90 sedans Myriad Facebook complaints I also spoke to service managers at various other Volvo dealerships. They have seen and continue to see this sunroof drainage problem and according to them, it is not minor nor unique. They agreed that the first incomplete estimate (~$3,500) that dealership is just that: incomplete. They said there is no way to know extent of the damage until carpets, dash, etc., are removed to see what full damage is but that they often see the need for full body harness replacement. It is special order + requires time to get and considerable labor hours to replace. That can push estimate up to $8,000-$9,000, well above estimate thus far from dealer. And the car will never be the same. Undriveable now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #45

Aug 172022

XC90

  • miles
Main Cooling system hose burst while driving down the road. Volvo Dealer said extremely rare for this to occur. Car overheated, all warning lights appeared and coolant exploded under hood all while driving.Had to have repaired $1000. Also a water leak inside 3rd row & leaks from rear view mirror area. Caused electrical damage to main system computer module, had to have replaced $2000+. All work done at volvo dealer. No frame damage, no missing parts, dealer stated unknown reason. Same thing is now happening a 2nd time and warranty will not cover water damage. Have spoken with others experiencing the same problem with roof leak. No alarms came on prior to combustion/main hose top engine area before break. Happend immediately, unexpectedly

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #44

Aug 022023

XC90

  • miles
I own a 2016 XC90 that was regularly serviced by the Volvo dealer we bought the car from. My son and I were in my car on 08/02/2023 and we were at a stop light and something smelt a little off so my son put his window down to get fresh air. Then, we accelerated when the light turned green. Within 100 yds of accelerating my check engine light when on and simultaneously I lost acceleration. It was clear that something was wrong. I told my son we needed to unbuckle our seat belts and jump out of the car when I could get us safely stopped. We coasted into a parking lot where I found a safe spot to stop. While coasting I looked at my car screen to see if there was oil or other fluid that was low, but there was no indicator of a problem other than the check engine light that had just gone on at the same time as I lost the ability to accelerate. When the car stopped, I grabbed my purse next to me and before we were to the sidewalk the car was engulfed in smoke and then flames. Our lives were at risk within two minutes of the check engine light coming on. This car was on fire in a parking lot of a pediatricians office around other cars with young families inside. It was scary and extremely unsafe for my son and I and many other people who were around the vehicle. Our car received each recall replacement/fix that was identified. This was extremely scary and unsafe, it put our lives and others' lives at risk within 2 minutes. We along with many others called 911, the situation was immediately out of control.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #43

Jul 012023

XC90

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced high oil consumption. After adding oil to the engine, the message "Oil Level Low" was display within three weeks. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the message "low engine function" had displayed and the vehicle would not properly accelerate and was jerking. The contact also discovered puddles of water inside the rear trunk of the vehicle with electrical wires and components submerged in the water. The vehicle had experienced various electrical failures with the back-up camera malfunctioning. In addition, there was mold inside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not included.

- Boston, MA, USA

problem #42

Jan 112023

XC90

  • miles

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

My vehicle-??s SOS, On Call safety functions no longer work. In addition my navigation system no longer works properly. In the event of an accident These key safety features would not be able to alert emergency services or locate my position. This is a direct result in a flawed vehicle modem that uses the 3G network not supported by cellular carriers. Volvo has a solution that would cost me $850 to remedy this safety design flaw. Volvo should fix this key safety issue as it puts my family at risk if we are involved in an accident

- Chestnut Hill, MA, USA

problem #41

Apr 012023

XC90

  • miles
The indicators do not work randomly and we have had near miss accidents. The bulbs are in good working order. The stalk functions correctly. The computer after several seconds flashes up a message that the system has failed. Clearly the system is not safe as it-??s designed. If Volvo are using a computer system to operate the lights it should be sufficiently reliable and fault tolerant to maintain safe operation of the vehicle.

- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA

problem #40

Feb 012023

XC90

  • miles
The door locks FREEZE SHUT in the winter. You CANNOT open the affected door(s). This is a widespread, serious safety issue and Volvo has done nothing about it. A passenger could die if unable to exit the vehicle. Note that both of my rear passenger door LOCKS - not just the door seals, the LOCKS - have done this repeatedly during my ownership. The vehicle is kept out of the elements in a garage.

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

problem #39

Mar 092022

XC90

  • miles
First, the rear passenger side door latch failed at 57k miles, allegedly due to water intrusion. They replaced with a revised part - p/n 32310869. Now at 63k miles, the driver side rear door latch failed in the same way. This compromises safety because it renders the rear seats completely inaccessible. I could not get my children out of the back seat through traditional means. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership and is well documented online. There was no warning or indication when the part had failed. The passenger door stopped working "regularly" (intermittently would not open) a few days before it failed entirely. The driver rear door gave no advanced notice.

- Woodinville, WA, USA

problem #38

Jun 142022

XC90

  • miles
SRS Airbag Service Urgent Drive to workshop light has come on twice. I was told by dealership it is a faulty wire harness where the airbags could possibly deploy if I was in an accident. Volvo does have a recall for the exact issue yet my VIN does not fall in this recall.

- Minooka, IL, USA

problem #37

Feb 252022

XC90

  • miles
While driving the vehicle the "SRS Airbag" warning light comes on, I took the vehicle to the dealership which indicated the "seat harness" would need to be replaced. The seat harness has a integrated chip to alert the airbags to work properly. Volvo has had previously recalls for this issue on 2016 XC 90 vehicles but my VIN isn't included in the recall, I feel they need to expand the recall knowing their are several vehicles having this exact issue. Air bags are federally regulated and this is a safety related issue.

- Minooka, IL, USA

problem #36

Apr 052021

XC90 4-cyl

  • miles
The attached file outlines details - 1.After a recent car wash at a Shell Service Station-??..April 5,2021, upon starting the vehicle -?" the computerized dashboard displayed erratic and incomplete information. It attempted to indicate multiple system failures -?" eg brakes, suspension, and others too garbled to understand. The entire driver-??s console and information center display which were designed to show all of the vehicle operating modes and driver information were compromised and not functioning correctly. The Start/Stop Switch would no longer shut the engine down. I could not get the vehicle to shift out of Park. I found myself quite concerned about a highly computerized vehicle now running with no apparent operator control. I could not be certain whether the engine was being cooled properly from its electrical fans because the cabin was becoming uncomfortably hot. None of the environmental controls worked. Even the electric windows were affected. There were no engine safety indicators of any kind visible working to ensure electrical, engine oil pressure, coolant temperature-??.none of the other operator information systems were working properly and the engine still could not be shut down. I found myself uncomfortable getting out of the vehicle since it has so many self-driving, collision avoidance steering and braking functions that could be affected. I did not want to risk being run over by my own car. Nor, could I allow the vehicle to move, possibly on its own-??so I sat in it for about 3 hours sweating while waiting for a Volvo Tow Service to arrive. The Tow operator was somehow able to get the gear shift to move and was able to back the vehicle out to the street and onto his truck. He was also unable to shut the engine down and towed it to the Neillo Volvo Dealership about 3.5 miles away, here in Sacramento CA. I had deep concerns about safety with this vehicle being towed with the engine still running. All of the instrumentation remained unusable. The consumer stated after the sunroof clogged d

- Carmichael, CA, USA

problem #35

Apr 192021

XC90

  • 117,000 miles
When driving my Volvo after it has rained and I begin to break, while on a road with a minimal decline, rain water pours into the cabin. I was told by Volvo service technicians the water is not able to channel through the sunroof channels correctly due to corrosion or clogging in the drainage tubes/sunroof tray assembly. The water pours into the cabin near the intellisafe/rearview mirror area. This event creates a distraction to the driver especially if breaking while on a right hand curve as the water pours out towards the drivers field of vision. For fear of water damaging any electrical safety components, or the integrity of the interior materials I pull over to dry these components. This event occurs when ever it rains.

- Milford, NH, USA

problem #34

Jan 112021

XC90

  • 48,000 miles
Rear left door spontaneously unlatched and opened while driving with 6-year-old daughter in adjacent seat. Door will subsequently not latch.

- Manhattan, MT, USA

problem #33

Aug 042020

XC90

  • 65,000 miles
The lcd instrument panel randomly goes blank. This happens while driving at various speeds. So, no speedometer, turn signals, gas gauge etc. Can be seen. Volvo claims a software update should fix the issue but it has not. It has been ongoing for almost one year.

- Waxhaw, NC, USA

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