NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

4.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,983 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.

2018 Volvo XC90 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2018 Volvo XC90 Owner Comments

problem #6

Feb 192023

XC90

  • 101,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2018 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after coming to a stop at a stop signal, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to restart, and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the starter motor fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

- Middletown, DE, USA

problem #5

Jan 022023

XC90

  • miles
The car starting leaking water into the rear view mirror in June. This wouldn-??t be much of an issue, but the cars computer system for drive assist is located in this area and has caused the car to malfunction in all areas. This XC90 pilot assist is now malfunctioning causing a huge safety issue. This is apparently a known problem with their cars with the panoramic sunroof, but is now a safety hazard. The Volvo dealership did not fix the issue and is now happening again effecting all of the electrical system.

- Berkley, MI, USA

problem #4

Sep 172019

XC90

  • 21,000 miles
When the car is parked, I unlock the driver's door, the tailgate opens on it's own (possibly into traffic) then afterwards, every time when starting the car, a "12V battery charging fault stop safely" error occurs twice. It seems to be ok to drive, but it is not clear as to whether the fault can cause a safety issue, as the message implies. So many of the systems in the car are electric. This is a reoccurring problem that has happened 4 times now, and Volvo has not been able to fix it.

- Columbus, NJ, USA

problem #3

Nov 192018

XC90

  • 11,500 miles

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

I purchased my 2018 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD (hereinafter, the '2018 XC90' or 'the vehicle') in October 2017, through lease agreement. Shortly thereafter, I noticed that the fuel efficiency of the vehicle was well below the epa rating and warranted range, based on representations by the dealer at, and prior to, the time of sale. I took the vehicle to the dealer's service department, so the issue could be investigated further. The dealer reported there was a software update that addressed the problem, and that it would no longer be an issue. Subsequently, the issue continued to re-appear and the fuel efficiently continued to suffer. I again, on numerous occasions (between 5 or 6) between December 2017 and November 2018, took the vehicle to the dealer's service department. In each occurrence, except the final one prior to this complaint being filed, it was again reported that no issue existed or had been remedied with a software fix. Furthermore, in (or around) July of this year, the compressor (or another component controlling the HVAC system in the 2018 XC90) failed, whilst driving to houston, Texas. The heat inside the vehicle quickly raised. This part was replaced in houston. In October 2018, I again, finally, took the 2018 XC90 to the service department because (1) the check engine light came on; and (2) the electronic safety systems, such as the auto braking, had automatically engaged without any cars around the vehicle. The vehicle was also driving and handling in a strange manner. Fuel efficiency was again a concern. The service department had the vehicle for approx. Two-and-A-half weeks. They, ultimately, determined the fuel parts, were defective. They replaced these parts and noted it would be responsible for all prior fuel issues. However, they also stated a recall was issued, but my vehicle was not on the list. No recall notice exists with the NHTSA.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #2

Aug 082018

XC90

  • 25,000 miles
We have owned our XC90 since November 11, 2017. The brakes were squealing when braking in normal condition(s), no rain on road or water on brakes whether we were driving on city streets, highways or freeways. Volvo service technicians had to replace all 4 rotors and brake pads on 30 March 2018, just a little over 4 months of owning the vehicle. Four months later 8 August 2018, Volvo service technicians had to replace all 4 rotors again, but not the brake pads. There is nearly 25,000 miles on this car, which normally rotors aren't typically replaced up to 70,000 miles. I understand this varies based on driving but twice in 8 months for all 4 rotors is insane. They also found all four rotors each time were warped. We owned a 2012 Volvo XC60 for 5 years and never had the brakes or rotors replaced during that entire time. Secondly a grinding sound is coming from the sunshade when it is being opened or closed. Our vehicle has been in the shop since 14 August 2018 where they replaced the sunshade, only to have to replace it again 21 August 2018. We went to pick up the vehicle and the grinding sound is back again, which now Volvo will have to replace the sunshade for a third time. I am a Volvo customer for life, but these issues need to be addressed and fixed for future models. I am thankful for the courtesy vehicle during this time, but I really want my vehicle back. I assume my next course of action if we get the vehicle back a third time with a defective sunshade or brakes is lemon law.

- Goose Creek, SC, USA

problem #1

Dec 262017

XC90

  • 3,400 miles
Brakes continously squeak. The dealer has inspected the break system twice and made one attempted repair. One week later the brakes are backing to squeaking. I have owned the vehicle less than 90 days, I've had issues with the brakes for more than half that time. The center display computer screens freezes constantly, but recently freezes and will not restart until after the car is stopped and restarted.

- Lanham, MD, USA

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