I was just about to post up about an odd fuel smell coming from my "new to me" 2005 XC90 when I decided to check on any open recall notices on the NHTSA website. Sure enough, among the battery cable problems and sway bar end links is a brand new recall from mid-December, effective January 2010.

I live in MN, bought my car in Chicago, but the car began its life in South Carolina and Georgia, both states are listed in the recall.

Anyone else with a fuel smell?

Dirk


Make: VOLVO Model: XC90
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. Mfr's Report Date: DEC 17, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V483000 NHTSA Action Number: PE09039
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 136100
Summary:
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE.
Consequence:
IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

 

Had the same issue, and it turned out to be a fuel pump leak which cost me $1000, however, there is now a recall for the 2004 and i was *thankfully* reimbursed..

 

hi, the smell comes from the fuel pump and the tank sender, you have to replace the o-rings,it is usual problem.

 

I have the same issuewith the new 2014 XC90 just bought - really bad fuel smell. Cannot keep it in the garage. Also getting bad road feedback at a stop when idling it shakes the steering wheel.

 

Have you taken it to a competent mechanic you trust to evaluate it and see exactly what is wrong ?

 

It's under warranty... Take it back.

 

It has 500 miles on it, it has had all four brake rotors replaced already - idle makes the wheel shake, it has trouble downshifting in auto mode. has a door rattle and the rear wiper doesnt work - this is our 5th XC90 so we know these cars well.... today its back at the dealer for the fuel smell.