PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated August 2026
26
complaints filed for this model year
2007–2016
Model years affected
$3,600 – $7,500+
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.
Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.
Start my diagnosis →"Sounded like a bomb exploded," 2 occupants injured
Check engine light: Off
A 2015 incident describes a sunroof shattering with a loud noise, "sounded like a bomb exploded," directly injuring 2 occupants — one of the few sunroof-shattering instances with confirmed direct injury rather than property damage or a near-miss.
Subframe cracking particularly noted on V8 models
Check engine light: On
The front subframe has been reported rotting prematurely, attributed by owners to excessive engine heat combined with poor exhaust layout design — a distinct causal mechanism from the road-salt-trapping design flaws seen on other nameplates.
Caused by engine heat and exhaust layout rather than the road-salt trapping reported on the Audi Q5.
One documented case occurred at just 8,866 miles
Check engine light: On
Multiple complete transmission failures are documented, including one case where the transmission "failed driving down the highway" at just 8,866 miles.
Alternator failure occurring while in motion
Check engine light: On
Central Electronic Module failure has been reported to prevent the vehicle from starting at all, and alternator failure has occurred while the vehicle is in motion.
CEM overheating is also reported on the Volvo XC90, which suggests a weak point shared across Volvo models.
Floor flooding even in minor weather
Check engine light: Off
Windshield leaks cause floor flooding even in light rain.
Windshield seal failure is also reported on the Volvo XC60.
Front upper strut mounts fail, causing noise over bumps
Check engine light: Off
Front upper strut mounts fail, causing noise over bumps. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 118 owner reports on file.
Volvo extended the warranty on the Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) due to a high failure rate
Check engine light: On
Volvo extended the warranty on the Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) due to a high failure rate. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 68 owner reports on file.
The ABS Control Module fails, which can trigger the check engine light
Check engine light: On
The ABS Control Module fails, which can trigger the check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 owner reports on file.
Oil leaks from the PCV housing and turbo return line seals
Check engine light: Off
Oil leaks from the PCV housing and turbo return line seals. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.
Front control arm bushings wear out
Check engine light: Off
Front control arm bushings wear out. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 41 owner reports on file.
The Steering Wheel Module (SWM) stops working
Check engine light: Off
The Steering Wheel Module (SWM) stops working. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 39 owner reports on file.
Rough idle and stalling, with the check engine light on
Check engine light: On
Rough idle and stalling, with the check engine light on. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 31 owner reports on file.
A high-pitched whistling noise is caused by a cracked breather box and PCV system issues
Check engine light: Off
A high-pitched whistling noise is caused by a cracked breather box and PCV system issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 27 owner reports on file.
Hard, erratic, or improperly-shifting transmission, addressed via software upgrade or internal repair
Check engine light: Off
Hard, erratic, or improperly-shifting transmission, addressed via software upgrade or internal repair. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 61 owner reports on file.
Exterior light bulbs burn out prematurely
Check engine light: Off
Exterior light bulbs burn out prematurely. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
Worn sway bar links cause knocking over bumps
Check engine light: Off
Worn sway bar links cause knocking over bumps. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.
No official recall has been identified for this generation. Enter your VIN to check for the current, confirmed recall picture on your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
This nameplate's sunroof spontaneously shattered at highway speed in a 2015 incident described as sounding "like a bomb exploded," directly injuring 2 occupants. Sunroof shattering is reported on many vehicles, but injuries are rare. Separately, the front subframe has been reported rotting prematurely due to excessive engine heat and poor exhaust layout, a different cause from the road-salt trapping reported on the Audi Q5. A Central Electronic Module failure that prevents the vehicle from starting is also reported on the Volvo XC90, and windshield leaks are also reported on the Volvo XC60.