[vlnldy]

We have a 2017 XC90 T8 Inscription, which we purchased barely used in summer of 2018. About a month after ownership, the electric engine stopped working and had to be rebuilt.

Then it happened again around 2020 (?). They "rebuilt" the electrical engine again.

Both times, before the complete electric engine fail, we'd hear a high pitched sound when electric engine was engaged (blue mode drive/Pure). This increased each day, over a period of about 2 weeks to a month, until there was a LOUD thunking/grinding/awful noise, and then the electric engine stopped working. The car was still barely drive-able with the other engine.

It's now 2023, and our 7 year extended warranty is almost up, and it JUST HAPPENED AGAIN, thankfully very close to home. We are taking it into the shop today.

This is our first luxury car. Before this, we've owned Toyotas and Subarus. We never had these many issues with those brands. We picked the Volvo XC90T8, because it was one of the few SUV's available at that time as a plug in hybrid with AWD. We have kids, and Volvo had a reputation for safe vehicles. Although the vehicle is beautiful and the sound system is phenomenal, this is NOT what I would expect for an $80,000 vehicle. It does not feel safe. This is absolutely ridiculous and infuriating. I want to get rid of this thing.

Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[Old Reliable]

I have never heard of this happening. Something has definitely gone really wrong. Something is causing the electric motor to fail and unless you know of someone who is very well versed who could diagnose the culprit I would honestly recommend just trading it in and getting a newer XC90 because these were problematic years anyway. I know it sucks but just based on my experience when a car has issues that early on it's never a good sign. It can a lot of times mean there will be a pattern unless the problem can be fixed and the root of the problem is solved.

Volvos are known for reliability and safety. So you weren't picking the wrong vehicle. However 2016-2017 XC90's seem to have some problems. They were first model year cars. Volvo was in the middle of completely retooling it Torslanda plant. It's pretty widely discussed on these forums about these years. I feel bad that you are going through this because obviously the main reason someone buys a Volvo to begin is for the dependability. And I can say it's not a myth it is indeed true. Volvos are service vehicles in places like Northern Europe. They are super reliable cars but any car is not problem free. Subarus can have problems, Toyotas can even a Porsche GT3 or Mercedes-Benz. So I wouldn't let this turn you on the Volvo brand because they really are wonderful cars and I have seen some posted SPA cars with as much as 500-600,000 km on them. They are million+ mile cars. So they are known to be reliable. I think you just got a problematic year unfortunately.

If you also want to and the Hybrid route has freaked you out which I would understand, you can also just go the T6 route too. But if you did go with a newer T8 tbh I think you would be fine. Because that's when most of the problems got figured out.

If you somehow decide you really want to keep this particular car then I would want the dealership to consult with one of the technicians from Sweden see they can verify and fix the problem. Otherwise I would just upgrade to a newer XC90. It happens, it's usually rare but it happens.

 

[Ultrarunner511]

I have never heard of this happening. Something has definitely gone really wrong. Something is causing the electric motor to fail and unless you know of someone who is very well versed who could diagnose the culprit I would honestly recommend just trading it in and getting a newer XC90 because these were problematic years anyway. I know it sucks but just based on my experience when a car has issues that early on it's never a good sign. It can a lot of times mean there will be a pattern unless the problem can be fixed and the root of the problem is solved.

Volvos are known for reliability and safety. So you weren't picking the wrong vehicle. However 2016-2017 XC90's seem to have some problems. They were first model year cars. Volvo was in the middle of completely retooling it Torslanda plant. It's pretty widely discussed on these forums about these years. I feel bad that you are going through this because obviously the main reason someone buys a Volvo to begin is for the dependability. And I can say it's not a myth it is indeed true. Volvos are service vehicles in places like Northern Europe. They are super reliable cars but any car is not problem free. Subarus can have problems, Toyotas can even a Porsche GT3 or Mercedes-Benz. So I wouldn't let this turn you on the Volvo brand because they really are wonderful cars and I have seen some posted SPA cars with as much as 500-600,000 km on them. They are million+ mile cars. So they are known to be reliable. I think you just got a problematic year unfortunately.

If you also want to and the Hybrid route has freaked you out which I would understand, you can also just go the T6 route too. But if you did go with a newer T8 tbh I think you would be fine. Because that's when most of the problems got figured out.

If you somehow decide you really want to keep this particular car then I would want the dealership to consult with one of the technicians from Sweden see they can verify and fix the problem. Otherwise I would just upgrade to a newer XC90. It happens, it's usually rare but it happens.

It’s the ERAD, and it’s been happening since the 2016 XC90’s hit the market. It’s still happening with newer SPA’s. Very well known issue with members all over the forum with the same issue.


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[Old Reliable]

It’s the ERAD, and it’s been happening since the 2016 XC90’s hit the market. It’s still happening with newer SPA’s. Very well known issue with members all over the forum with the same issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is this why the T5's, T6's and diesels have the most miles? I was wondering why there was such a gap in the mileages. What's the fix?

 

[Ultrarunner511]

Is this why the T5's, T6's and diesels have the most miles? I was wondering why there was such a gap in the mileages. What's the fix?

That’s my assumption. The fix starts with the manufacturer (GKN Automotive) and Volvo. Long term reliability was never the goal with the T8’s. It was the false allure of being “green” promoted by Volvo.

Continuing to replace them under the extended warranty only goes so far. There are multiple reports here of 2021’s needing new ERAD’s.


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[Old Reliable]

That’s my assumption. The fix starts with the manufacturer (GKN Automotive) and Volvo. Long term reliability was never the goal with the T8’s. It was the false allure of being “green” promoted by Volvo.

Continuing to replace them under the extended warranty only goes so far. There are multiple reports here of 2021’s needing new ERAD’s.


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That's terrible. I'm glad a T8 wagon wasn't available when I bought my car. Imagine? You wouldn't think anything of it. You get all this extra power and the consumption is lower. Then though all your reliability is lost. I remember one of the techs when I asked them recommending the T8.

I knew something was up because typically when a car has lower consumption it will see higher mileages even if it's priced higher. All the research I have done in the past on other cars points to that. But the fact that it wasn't was kind of a red flag. That's what made me a little suspicious but I didn't think too much of it. This explains it. I never wanted to say it was problematic if there was no evidence before hand. But that's crazy and it's $3,000 + labor many times? ...on a Volvo?

Do you think this is as big of a problem as it's reported to be or do you think some people have no problems?

 

[Old Reliable]

OP. I think if you replaced the whole electric drive unit it might fix your problem but don't quote me. Some are still reporting failures. Idk though something doesn't make any sense. Can you confirm the part number on the rear electric drive that is currently installed in your car? The whole unit please. From what people are saying the drive has been updated 3 times so far. So people might be curious in the part you currently have installed.

 

[Old Reliable]

Ultrarunner, I thought you said in a older thread that you said the A/C in your car was not able to keep up with hot weather. Even after the evaporator core replacement. Does you car have the inline resistor installed? 🤔

 

[vlnldy]

OP. I think if you replaced the whole electric drive unit it might fix your problem but don't quote me. Some are still reporting failures. Idk though something doesn't make any sense. Can you confirm the part number on the rear electric drive that is currently installed in your car? The whole unit please. From what people are saying the drive has been updated 3 times so far. So people might be curious in the part you currently have installed.

Going through our records, in 2021, they "rebuilt" the ERAD. It had previously been completely replaced. And the Volvo shop is currently waiting on parts to completely replace the ERAD AGAIN. We can't locate the actual invoices with part numbers at the moment...

 

[31355]

Going through our records, in 2021, they "rebuilt" the ERAD. It had previously been completely replaced. And the Volvo shop is currently waiting on parts to completely replace the ERAD AGAIN. We can't locate the actual invoices with part numbers at the moment...

Unfortunately there were some issues with earlier built cars. Fortunately there is a revamped design that so far has proven to permanently fix the problem. Sounds like the first 2 times you still were on the old design. I think you can be confident this time will permanently fix the problem. To be fair, while not a great reliability record on such an expensive car, it never posed a safety issue nor left it underivable or you stranded. It is too bad the ERADs have been problematic, but don't give up on the car. You are right, it's a great vehicle. Let it get fixed properly and then enjoy many miles of enjoyable driving.

 

[Ultrarunner511]

Unfortunately there were some issues with earlier built cars. Fortunately there is a revamped design that so far has proven to permanently fix the problem. Sounds like the first 2 times you still were on the old design. I think you can be confident this time will permanently fix the problem. To be fair, while not a great reliability record on such an expensive car, it never posed a safety issue nor left it underivable or you stranded. It is too bad the ERADs have been problematic, but don't give up on the car. You are right, it's a great vehicle. Let it get fixed properly and then enjoy many miles of enjoyable driving.

2016-2021’s are all earlier models? [emoji848]

These are just from Swedespeed:

2022 xc60 extended range inscription express erad failure

I drove two hours to a dealership in my state that had the brand new 2022 plug in hybrid xc60 in stock. I test drove the car and noticed the braking felt off and resistant. I asked the sales rep about it and was told that feeling was due to the regenerative braking in hybrid mode. So, I...

www.swedespeed.com

T8 issue: Park to Reverse to Drive = no acceleration in...

I searched a few different ways to see if this topic has been posted and I found something similar described, but not exactly this issue. This issue is related to a 2022 XC90 Recharge with

www.swedespeed.com

Jerking or stuttering ICE after putting in reverse on T8

Sorry if this has been discussed, but the nature of describing this behavior makes it hard to find in a search. On occasion (maybe 10% of the time), when starting our MY21 XC90 T8 in the garage, and putting into reverse, the initial push on the accelerator seems to cause the ICE to fire up and...

www.swedespeed.com

And here’s the TJ covering it:

TJ33358.7.0-2020

Permanently fix the problem? Just like the pulsating brakes? How’s that going? [emoji23][emoji23]


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[Sumfuncomet]

We have a 2017 XC90 T8 Inscription, which we purchased barely used in summer of 2018. About a month after ownership, the electric engine stopped working and had to be rebuilt.

Then it happened again around 2020 (?). They "rebuilt" the electrical engine again.

Both times, before the complete electric engine fail, we'd hear a high pitched sound when electric engine was engaged (blue mode drive/Pure). This increased each day, over a period of about 2 weeks to a month, until there was a LOUD thunking/grinding/awful noise, and then the electric engine stopped working. The car was still barely drive-able with the other engine.

It's now 2023, and our 7 year extended warranty is almost up, and it JUST HAPPENED AGAIN, thankfully very close to home. We are taking it into the shop today.

This is our first luxury car. Before this, we've owned Toyotas and Subarus. We never had these many issues with those brands. We picked the Volvo XC90T8, because it was one of the few SUV's available at that time as a plug in hybrid with AWD. We have kids, and Volvo had a reputation for safe vehicles. Although the vehicle is beautiful and the sound system is phenomenal, this is NOT what I would expect for an $80,000 vehicle. It does not feel safe. This is absolutely ridiculous and infuriating. I want to get rid of this thing.

Has this happened to anyone else?

Oh Im sure the dealership will give you an excellent trade-in allowance.....NOT! It is a real shame that as Volvo runs towards its goal of electrification they still have nightmare experiences like this happening to customers. I bet when you are able to unload this car you will never look at Volvo again.....sad, but true.

 

[31355]

Oh Im sure the dealership will give you an excellent trade-in allowance.....NOT! It is a real shame that as Volvo runs towards its goal of electrification they still have nightmare experiences like this happening to customers. I bet when you are able to unload this car you will never look at Volvo again.....sad, but true.

Well….could be worse….OP could have had the Tesla nightmare experience. That’s a pretty negative view to have. I cat Lu what do you want Volvo to do at this point other than repair the car does free (which they are)?

 

[Old Reliable]

2016-2021’s are all earlier models? [emoji848]

These are just from Swedespeed:

2022 xc60 extended range inscription express erad failure

I drove two hours to a dealership in my state that had the brand new 2022 plug in hybrid xc60 in stock. I test drove the car and noticed the braking felt off and resistant. I asked the sales rep about it and was told that feeling was due to the regenerative braking in hybrid mode. So, I...

www.swedespeed.com

T8 issue: Park to Reverse to Drive = no acceleration in...

I searched a few different ways to see if this topic has been posted and I found something similar described, but not exactly this issue. This issue is related to a 2022 XC90 Recharge with

www.swedespeed.com

Jerking or stuttering ICE after putting in reverse on T8

Sorry if this has been discussed, but the nature of describing this behavior makes it hard to find in a search. On occasion (maybe 10% of the time), when starting our MY21 XC90 T8 in the garage, and putting into reverse, the initial push on the accelerator seems to cause the ICE to fire up and...

www.swedespeed.com

And here’s the TJ covering it:

TJ33358.7.0-2020

Permanently fix the problem? Just like the pulsating brakes? How’s that going? [emoji23][emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What the hell? Everyone said they fixed that! 🙄 I'm confused now.

 

[Ultrarunner511]

What the hell? Everyone said they fixed that! [emoji849] I'm confused now.

Oh, there’s plenty more. These are really good because 2021 owners of numerous platforms chimed in on the same symptoms requiring the ERAD replacement:

Clunk and loss of throttle while reversing

Had a weird experience with my 2021 V60 PE last week and couldn't find much info from a forum search. I parked next to a bush with one branch about 8 inches away from the driver side. While attempting to reverse, the car wouldn't go anywhere. It would back up a few inches before the throttle...

www.swedespeed.com

T8 Shudders in pure mode - inconsistent behavior

I have a 3 month old XC90 Recharge (T8). I charge it up every night in the garage. For my daily commute in the morning, I put the car in Pure mode. About 1 out of every 15 times (~ 2x per month), when backing out of the garage first thing in the morning, the car will shudder. Hard to describe...

www.swedespeed.com

‘21 S60 T8. 1000 miles and electric motor is “iffy”

Month old, just hit 1000 miles. I like the car a lot. With the weather warmer now we’re getting 2.5-3 miles/kWh so happy with that. A few days ago noticed a check engine, but nothing in the driver alert section. Then today it was gone. Then later today—on the same drive—I noticed it was a...

www.swedespeed.com

Farmer enjoys sweeping statements, and often hypocritical statements that he conveniently forgets about.

If the change in the ERAD for 2022/2023 is a “fix” I’d be surprised. The first SPA T8’s hit the roads in 2015. It took until 2022 to “fix” the ongoing problem. The T8’s/recharges are too complex. It’s that simple. Now with OTA update disasters along with the Google system… Volvo has an uphill battle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Old Reliable]

Oh, there’s plenty more. These are really good because 2021 owners of numerous platforms chimed in on the same symptoms requiring the ERAD replacement:

Clunk and loss of throttle while reversing

Had a weird experience with my 2021 V60 PE last week and couldn't find much info from a forum search. I parked next to a bush with one branch about 8 inches away from the driver side. While attempting to reverse, the car wouldn't go anywhere. It would back up a few inches before the throttle...

www.swedespeed.com

T8 Shudders in pure mode - inconsistent behavior

I have a 3 month old XC90 Recharge (T8). I charge it up every night in the garage. For my daily commute in the morning, I put the car in Pure mode. About 1 out of every 15 times (~ 2x per month), when backing out of the garage first thing in the morning, the car will shudder. Hard to describe...

www.swedespeed.com

‘21 S60 T8. 1000 miles and electric motor is “iffy”

Month old, just hit 1000 miles. I like the car a lot. With the weather warmer now we’re getting 2.5-3 miles/kWh so happy with that. A few days ago noticed a check engine, but nothing in the driver alert section. Then today it was gone. Then later today—on the same drive—I noticed it was a...

www.swedespeed.com

Farmer enjoys sweeping statements, and often hypocritical statements that he conveniently forgets about.

If the change in the ERAD for 2022/2023 is a “fix” I’d be surprised. The first SPA T8’s hit the roads in 2015. It took until 2022 to “fix” the ongoing problem. The T8’s/recharges are too complex. It’s that simple. Now with OTA update disasters along with the Google system… Volvo has an uphill battle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok how may of these cases are there? Is this really affecting as many people as it sounds like it is? Or? Do you know people who are running into this? I am just trying to better understand this.

Farmer is completely biased. He's nuts. He won't say anything bad about Volvo. If you think I am completely crazy? Ok? 😂 I don't even say as crazy stuff as that guy! It is really funny that part. I don't know of any who is that pro anything. haha.

 

[Old Reliable]

The sad part about this is it's just ERAD right? So if they fixed that 1 problem it would then be a normal dependable Volvo? Man they are so close. That sucks!

Was this fixed in the last software update though? I saw mention of that? There's no way Volvo would allow this to still be happening right? Even if they were slow to fix the problem.

 

[dbphillips]

Great... Our ERAD was replaced right after our 2022 XC90 ER arrived from OSD. Glad we didn't even try to use an adapter in Sweden/Norway.