8 Ways to Fix Volvo Sound Not Working

Having no sound in your Volvo can transform your premium driving experience into a frustratingly silent journey. You’re cruising along when suddenly—nothing. No turn signal clicks, no music, no safety alerts. Just silence.

I’ll walk you through why this happens and how to fix it, whether you’re dealing with a complete audio blackout or just partial sound loss in your S60, S90, XC40, XC60, or XC90.

What Causes Volvo Sound System Failures?

Volvo sound systems can fail for several reasons, affecting models from 2016-2024 with both the older Sensus and newer Google Android Automotive OS systems. When your Volvo sound stops working, here’s likely why:

1. Software Glitches

The most common culprit is software-related. Many owners report that dealerships have identified software glitches as the root cause, especially after recent updates. This explains why rebooting often provides a temporary fix.

2. System Overload

Modern Volvo infotainment systems juggle numerous functions simultaneously. This multitasking can lead to memory leaks or processing bottlenecks that eventually crash your audio system. Your car’s brain gets overwhelmed, much like when your smartphone freezes after too many apps are running.

3. Hardware Issues

While less common, hardware problems might include:

• Amplifier or audio module failures
• Loose ground connections (especially if sound cuts out while driving over bumps)
• Connection issues between components

4. Sleep Mode Failures

Sometimes the system doesn’t properly wake from sleep mode, causing audio functions to remain dormant even though the display appears to be working normally.

How to Fix Volvo Sound Not Working

When you’re faced with silence in your Volvo, try these solutions in order:

The Quick Fix: System Reboot

The most effective immediate solution is a system reboot:

1. Press and hold the Home button beneath the center display
2. Keep holding through any screen cleaning messages
3. Continue holding until the screen goes dark (about 20 seconds)
4. Wait for the Volvo logo to appear, indicating restart

Many users report this works in about 90% of cases. For particularly stubborn instances, you might need to perform up to four consecutive reboots.

Try the Sleep Mode Method

If rebooting doesn’t work:

1. Park your car in a safe location
2. Lock it completely
3. Walk away for at least 30 minutes (allows the system to enter deep sleep mode)
4. Return and restart your vehicle

This approach gives the system time to fully reset and has been recommended by Volvo support.

Switch Media Sources

For volume control issues specifically:

1. Switch to a different media source (FM to Bluetooth, for example)
2. Adjust volume
3. Switch back to your original source

This can reset audio routing and resolve certain types of sound failures.

Check Physical Connections

If you’re comfortable doing so:

1. Check that all connections to the audio system are secure
2. Ensure there’s no water damage or debris in connection ports
3. Examine for loose wiring, especially after recent service

Update Your Software

Outdated software can cause persistent audio issues:

1. Visit your Volvo dealer for the latest software update
2. Alternatively, check if your model supports over-the-air updates
3. Ensure all updates are fully completed before restarting

Battery Disconnect Method

As a more drastic measure:

1. Disconnect your car battery (negative terminal first)
2. Wait 15 minutes
3. Reconnect (positive terminal first)
4. This forces a complete system reset

Factory Reset

For persistent issues:

1. Go to Settings > System > Reset
2. Select “Factory Reset”
3. Confirm the reset
4. Note: This will erase all your personalized settings

Visit Your Dealer

When all else fails:

1. Have your dealer run diagnostics using the VIDA system
2. They can pull error codes even from intermittent failures
3. Ask them to check for Technical Service Bulletins related to audio issues for your specific model

Which Volvo Models Have Sound System Issues?

Sound system failures have been reported across numerous Volvo models:

The wide range of affected vehicles suggests multiple potential causes rather than a single flaw, which is why different solutions work for different cars.

Signs Your Volvo Has Audio System Problems

How do you know if your Volvo has a sound system failure versus just a simple volume issue? Look for these symptoms:

Complete Audio Blackout

The most common manifestation is a total loss of all audio output, including:

• No turn signal clicking sounds
• No navigation voice guidance
• Silent voice assistant responses
• No music playback through any source
• Missing warning sounds and parking sensors
• Non-functional hands-free calling

Partial Audio Failures

Some users report mixed symptoms where certain functions continue working while others fail:

• Radio works but Bluetooth doesn’t
• Media plays but navigation voice is silent
• Sound works but volume controls don’t respond

Intermittent Issues

The problem can be inconsistent:

• Sound works after starting the car but fails during driving
• Audio cuts out when going over bumps
• System works fine in the morning but fails later in the day

Safety Concerns When Your Volvo Sound Fails

When your Volvo’s sound system fails, it’s more than just an annoyance—it can affect safety:

Missing Safety Alerts

Without sound, you’ll miss important alerts:

• No audible parking sensor warnings
• Silent collision detection alerts
• Missing blind spot warnings
• No audible feedback for lane departure warnings

Distracted Driving Risk

Attempting to fix the issue while driving can be dangerous:

• Performing a 20-second reboot requires taking attention off the road

Navigation Challenges

Without spoken directions:

• You’ll need to look more frequently at the screen
• This increases eyes-off-road time
• Complex directions become harder to follow

Preventing Future Volvo Sound System Failures

While immediate fixes are important, preventing recurrence matters too:

Regular Maintenance

1. Allow your car to completely power down overnight at least once weekly
2. Don’t overload the infotainment system with too many running apps
3. Keep Bluetooth device connections to a reasonable number

Stay Updated

1. Accept software updates when offered
2. Check with your dealer quarterly for available updates
3. Join owner forums to stay informed about potential fixes

Document Issues

If problems persist:

1. Document exactly when failures occur
2. Note which functions fail and which continue working
3. Take your records to the dealer to help them diagnose patterns

Consider Extended Warranty

For older models with persistent issues, consider:

1. Extended warranty coverage if available
2. Third-party service contracts that cover electronics
3. Volvo’s software maintenance subscription

When Only the Dealer Can Fix It

Sometimes DIY fixes won’t solve the problem. Head to the dealer when:

Persistent Issues

If rebooting only works temporarily and the problem returns within days or hours, professional diagnosis is needed.

Multiple Systems Affected

When audio problems coincide with other electrical issues like malfunctioning climate control or instrument panel errors.

Post-Update Problems

If issues began immediately after a software update, your dealer might need to roll back the update or apply a fix.

Volvo Sound System: Troubleshooting by Model

Different Volvo models can exhibit unique audio issues:

XC40 Sound Issues

XC40 owners commonly report:

• Complete audio loss after system updates
• Issues particularly after the Android Automotive OS update
• Sound returning after multiple reboots

XC60 Audio Problems

XC60 drivers experience:

• More intermittent sound failures
• Issues often related to sleep mode
• Problems particularly in 2021 models

XC90 Sound System Failures

For XC90 owners:

• More commonly hardware-related
• Amplifier issues more frequent
• Problems after specific software updates

S60/S90 Audio Challenges

S60 and S90 sedans show:

• More issues with Bluetooth connectivity
• Phone integration problems affecting all audio
• Media source switching issues

Understanding Volvo’s Audio Systems

Knowing your system helps diagnose problems:

Sensus vs. Google Android Automotive

Volvo uses two main infotainment platforms:

1. Sensus Connect (older system):
   • Found in most 2016-2021 models
   • More stable but less feature-rich
   • Common issues with Bluetooth and source switching
2. Google Android Automotive OS (newer system):
   • In most 2022+ models
   • More features but more complex
   • More software-related audio failures

Premium Sound Packages

Higher-end Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins systems add complexity:

• More components that can fail
• Dedicated amplifiers that can malfunction
• More sophisticated signal processing

Understanding which system you have helps target troubleshooting efforts appropriately.

Real Volvo Owner Experiences

Many Volvo owners share similar experiences with sound system failures:

“My 2021 XC60 would randomly lose all sound. No turn signals, no radio, nothing. The dealer identified a glitch in the latest software update and applied a fix. It’s been perfect for months now.” — Volvo forum user

“Four reboots in a row finally fixed my XC40’s sound issue. It seems like sometimes one reboot isn’t enough to fully clear whatever’s causing the problem.” — XC40 forum member

“After the 3.3 update, my XC90 lost all audio. What worries me is having to reboot while driving—it feels unsafe to hold that button for 20 seconds on the highway.” — Reddit user

When your Volvo goes silent, you’re definitely not alone—but with these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be back to enjoying your premium sound experience in no time.