VOLVO Complaints

My 2023 Volvo VAH experienced complete transmission failure. Dealer claims failure was caused by water contamination from air system. However: • Air dryer filter had been replaced at authorized Volvo dealer. • Entire air dryer unit had been replaced with new OEM assembly. Despite documented maintenance, internal transmission damage occurred. If water accumulation in the air system can destroy the transmission even after proper maintenance and replacement of air dryer components, this may indicate a design defect or inadequate moisture protection system. This resulted in complete vehicle immobilization and $16,565 repair invoice. I request investigation into potential systemic defect in Volvo air system / transmission interface

There is a great deal of vibration at highway speeds. It has been like this since I purchased the car.

While driving at 10 mph on a residential street, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power braking assistance, making the pedal nearly impossible to depress. An expert Volvo technician has confirmed that the brake vacuum pump failed because the exhaust camshaft, which drives the pump, sheared or failed internally. I want to emphasize that this catastrophic mechanical failure occurred at only 45,000 miles. A camshaft is a non-wear item that should last the lifetime of the vehicle; for it to fail at such low mileage and take out the braking system is an unreasonable safety risk. This is a known issue (Internal Ref: TJ 29131) that directly links an engine defect to a primary safety system failure. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and the failed parts are available for inspection."

Our rear backup camera is no longer working. I see that other years have been recalled for the same issue, but our 2021 XC90 is not covered under the recall. It seems to be the same issue.

The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC40 BEV. The contact stated that after the brake module OTA firmware update, the brakes became inoperable. The OTA update removed the AUTO-HOLD function. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal failed to respond as needed. The "AUTO-HOLD" message was displayed while at a stop sign. While driving up a steep hill and making a turn, the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The AUTO-HOLD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the AUTO-HOLD function was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.

My Volvo EX90 has recurring software reliability problems affecting safety-related detection systems and hands-free operation features. These failures involve inconsistent or incorrect detection of vehicles and pedestrians and unpredictable loss of hands-free phone functionality. These issues create increased distraction and reduce confidence in driver-assistance safety features.

Our 2025 Volvo EX90 was delivered with the seat track covers missing for the second row captain's chairs. It took a few weeks for the dealer to order them and install them. Looking at other active listings it appears most of the 6-seat Volvo EX90s being offered for sale is missing the seat track covers. I believe this is a saftey issue as without the cover the seat tracks and wiring is exposed and likely increases the risk of injury to 2nd row passengers (feet getting caught in seat tracks or debris getting into seat tracks preventing them from working properly, etc). I have reported this to my local Volvo dealership and Volvo Customer Support. I believe they should issue a recall to ensure the seat track covers are installed before delivery and that all already-sold EX90 missing the seat track covers gets them installed.

The onboard charger (GHCA) has now failed to charge on any Level 2 (the most common kind) charger. The first time it failed was on December 15, 2025 and was replaced under warranty and released back to me on December 31, 2025. Then on February 4, 2026, it failed to charge on a Level 2 charger and was confirmed to have a second onboard charger failure. (Both failures confirmed by Volvo technicians.) Not being able to charge presents safety issues of being stranded and leaving the car completely in-operational. In addition to the GHCA failure, the dash that sits on top of the steering wheel has gone black/dark twice in the last 2 weeks. while driving, with no known reason. That dash houses the speedometer, the battery percentage indicator, my gear shifting indicators as well as other ancillary items such as a map and speed limit signs.

The catillatic converter exploded as we started the vehicle .was a very loud explosion..no fire but lots of smoke.

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact was able to pull into a nearby parking lot where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the cause of the failure and repaired the vehicle. The contact believed that the battery and drive train were repaired. Approximately 2 to 3 years later, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, lost motive power, and stalled. Law Enforcement arrived on the scene, and while assisting with moving the vehicle from the middle of the road became aware that coolant was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the inverter drive system and wiring harness had caused a catastrophic drive failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.