Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid dies suddenly

[Henri65]

Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid 2015

I am writing to address a recurring and unresolved issue with a Volvo XC90. Since August 2023, this vehicle has been experiencing unpredictable and non-reproducible shutdowns during trips, posing significant safety risks.
For detailed insights of the analysis so far a certified Volvo Service party, I refer to the attached addendum, a report from HHHHHHHH*(translated into English).

The sudden unpredictable shutdown of the car at any speed, however, has a recurring pattern: it shuts down, the brakes and steering wheel still function and the outside car lights are still on (as far as we've experienced). The hazard light and direction indicators can be operated and also function. Most importantly: Motor shuts off immediately and the only thing you can do is to try come to a full stop in a safe place, then put the car in 'P' mode (Parking) and start up the car again.
The car computer records nothing, reportedly.
We can't provoke the above-mentioned breakdown at will either.
Despite diagnostics by HHHHHHH, a certified Volvo Service company in Haarlem, Netherlands, the exact nature of the problem remains unidentified. The reason is that HHHHHHH wants us as a customer to pay for an open-ended investigation into a non-conformity issue of the product, that reportedly leaves no trace in the log files of the vehicle. We, again as a customer, don't think this a reasonable and defendable approach of Volvo Services in general to have a customer pay for investigation in a (claimed 'unprecedented') issue in the product that obviously has strong safety consequences for the driver and passengers.

The engine sign goes on in the dash board ever since we bought the car in 2021. Supposedly caused by incomplete burning of the fuel mixture. The mechanics that looked into this issue, haven't been able to solve it. So this older issue could be related, however it never led to sudden stalls.

Any suggestions welcome!


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Below is the report of measurements performed to date. Based on this, you can decide on further diagnostics.
• No guided fault found in the vehicle's log files after reading.
• Software package was outdated; updated and tested extensively, vehicle continues to function well.
• Customer collected the car and was requested to note date and time of any reoccurrences to create a technical report for the factory. From the log of the car they could then see what happened and why.
• Issue reoccurred on October 3, at 20:10 and 21:18. Log files show no causes. Observed possible deviations in the engine and electric motor, but unlikely to cause complete vehicle shutdown.
• Technical support from the factory suggests replacing expensive components like the lambda sensor or even the electric motor, though this may not resolve the issue.
• Advised the customer to use the car in the evenings or weekends for us to experience the issue firsthand.
• Further diagnostics are recommended, allocating at least an additional two hours without guarantee of identifying the cause or covering repair costs.
• The customer did not agree and retrieved the car unrepaired and without a definitive diagnosis.

[100K+]

This customer pays attitude unfortunately I have found in my experience is the manufacturers way for getting to the bottom of suspected faults. I owned a V70 Awd a few years back which I detected a fluid leak from - suspected clutch slave leak. I had a Volvo extended warranty but still had to agree to pay the dealer if, on opening up the engine/gearbox there was no fault found.
I did ok as they replaced slave cylinder, fitted new clutch (contaminated) and new dmf as out of tolerance. All free to me. They also suggested they renewed the collar gear, with no labour cost to me,I just paid for the parts.
Personally I think you are stuck, I don’t see Volvo wishing to get involved in an almost 10 year old car, regardless of safety issues.
Social media, or writing to motoring press, or consumer champions may help put this matter more in the spotlight but without much more publicity Volvo I think will just hope you will go away.
Cheers Bob