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Volvo XC90 Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • alhajialhaji Member Posts: 1
    I have a 06 XC90 and have been experiencing a whistling noise, especially on moving/acceleration. Have you found any solution to your whistling sound, which you are convinced is not the transmission? Please help. i am worried that it will lead to a bigger problem.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I wonder if you just have some surface rust on the brake pads and rotors from sitting for a month. Some cars develop surface rust on the brakes overnight and they'll make a racket the first few times you brake.

    The creak going downhill doesn't make sense, unless you were riding your brakes perhaps.

    Some of the brake franchise chains will do a free inspection so that may be an easy way to check them out. I'd get a second opinion before agreeing to let them do any work though. :shades:

    If it is just rust, using the brakes should wear the rust away pretty fast unless your climate really did a number on them.
  • chombis3chombis3 Member Posts: 2
    We bought our first Volvo in 2005 a fully loaded xc90 because of the safety factor, especially now that the grandkids are almost always with us. about two months ago I had the front pads and rotors replace at Midas at a cost of 600.00 + dollars I was told that the rears were still not needed I have done many a brake job in my 64 + years, but a little hesitant because I have not been able to locate a repair manual for this year and model I will probably come out next year after the vehicle is 5 yrs old. Do I need any especial tools would appreciate any and all advice, thanks chombis3
  • leguerraleguerra Member Posts: 1
    How much should it cost to have my 2006 XC-90 serviced at a Volvo dealer? I'm especially interested in what I should be charged to do only what is required by Volvo for each of these mielage intervals: 30,000 miles, 37,500 miles, 45,000 miles, 52,500 miles, 60,000 miles and 67,500 miles. I know it will vary from dealer to dealer and from one part of the country to another, but I would like to know what others out there are paying so that I can compare that to what I am paying.
  • mrspracticalmrspractical Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2006 xc90 V8 awd. The 37,500 maintenance was $435 at Power Volvo Irvine (California). I bought the vehicle as a CPO vehicle in January this year.

    Hope this helps.
  • jakie26jakie26 Member Posts: 1
    I have never had as many problems with a car (in this price range) than I have with the XC90. The dealership has become my second home. The steering wheel squeals when I make a right turn. The dealer says it's a XC90 manufacturing problem. I just have to bring the car in every 4 mos so they can put silicon in the steering to get rid of the squeek. That's 3x a year! I have a 2007 and after a year of having the car, the brakes squeal so loudly that my neighbors always know when I'm arriving. It's embarrassing. The dealer has replaced the front and rear pads twice. Problem still not solved. The alignment is always off and the keep asking me if I've hit a curb. No I haven't, but this is a freakin SUV. Thank God I haven't taken it off road! Only God knows what irreparable damage I get from that. My tires were almost completely bald on the right side due to the alignment! I had to replace all four. This car has cost me more money than I care to think about. I don't know if writing the Volvo headquarters will help, but when I think about how much this car costs compared to cheaper cars I've had, I feel sick.
  • utesutes Member Posts: 3
    I'm having to replace front rotors and brake pads on 2005 XC90 (68K miles); any thoughts about using ceramic brake pads vs. the regular ones? Any benefits to using ceramic? Any cons?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    If you have problems that cannot be fixed by the dealer, then you qualify for the Lemon Law. Contact a lawyer.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • tbenschtbensch Member Posts: 3
    I am trying to decide whether to purchase a 2007 3.2L I6 or a 2006 4.4L V8. Obviously I will lose a little in the MPG column with a V8, but I am wondering if there is any appreciable cost difference in the general/scheduled maintenance of a V8 versus that of the I6.

    Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.
  • abvbyndabvbynd Member Posts: 10
    Not sure about the 2007 models, but we have a 2005 XC90 V8 that gets 2-3mpg better than my sisters XC90 T6. They are equiped much the same (3rd row seats, etc.) And as far as mileage goes we usually get around 22-23 on the open road and 16-18 in town. Our last trip from California, thru Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona (total of 3500 miles) I was getting 24.5 mpg running between 70 & 80 mph. We can't complain! Not sure if maintenance costs would really differ that much.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Real world mileage is very very close w/ the V8 vs the I6.
    Maintenance is also the same,except you have 2 extra spark plugs to replace.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Edmunds Maintenance Guide will tell what Volvo says needs to be done and will estimate what it should cost in your zip code.
  • kylechoffmankylechoffman Member Posts: 79
    480 - what a ripoff. Half the stuff they do can be done by companies that specialize in that trade for far less. I have a 2006 xc90 and i just hit 38K mileage. I am experiencing lots of creaking sounds and have had them for a while. My XC has 38K on it and I have passed the 37500 checkup. My local dealers ask 300-400 bucks for the checkup. I called one and they said they do the regular stuff that jiffy lubes can do. They said they also do a brake fluid flush (could be done cheaper at a brake specialist) and change the Engine Air Filter (I think this is what I put a K&N in for no?). On top of that they will re-torque the underside of the car and grease things as well as check all service bulletins that are up on swedespeed.

    My question for you all is Can I say no to the 37500 service and get them to re-torque the underside as well as grease it for free as covered under warranty? As far as I know, if there are service bulletins out for these issues they should cover them at no cost.

    Thanks in advance for responses.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    My question for you all is Can I say no to the 37500 service and get them to re-torque the underside as well as grease it for free as covered under warranty?

    Warranty doesn't cover maintenance. If there is a mechanical failure or a service bulletin that addresses your SPECIFIC issue then it is free.
    If you do have an outside company do your maintenace work make sure you keep the reciepts. Warranty work can be denied if there are no maintenance records.
  • 619sdbolts619sdbolts Member Posts: 2
    I lived in Va beach and they charged $300 for a 37500. i now live near St. Louis. 60K service: a whopping $600. It varies from region to region, needless to say its a ripoff. try finding an import service shop. I found one that was able to reset codes and perform the maintenance at $125-150 in va beach. another one here in IL costs under $500. So again, IL and MO are much more expensive. Go figure...
  • kylechoffmankylechoffman Member Posts: 79
    Thanks volvomax. I keep all receipts. The brake and tire place that did my last oil change, rotation checked my brakes and tires for free and did a great job so thinking of using them again for the brake fluid flush. Then i will go drop it off for the sevice updates that are under warranty. I reset the service light myself.
  • duker98duker98 Member Posts: 6
    I have an 03 xc90 just out of extended warranty that needs rear shocks, tires and soon a tranny. Is there any sense in putting this kind of $$ into the vehicle?

    Thanks
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    Why do you say it needs a trans?
    What model do you have? How many miles? What options?
    Can't tell you if its worth the money if we don't know what your vehicle is worth.

    Do you have the self-leveling suspension? That will make a very big difference on the rear shock replacement cost.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • gigiurogigiuro Member Posts: 1
    Hi,I have a VOLVO 2005 XC90, I want to change the POLLEN FILTER, I do not know location end and how to open.......Does anyone know how to do...
    Thanks ;)
  • nivolvomazdanivolvomazda Member Posts: 1
    Joined this to find out what next to expect from my 2005 XC90 D5.

    So far been through rear wheel bearings, power steering oil cooler and just back today with new flywheel, clutch and slave cylinder on clutch. It's my wife's car, she loves it, and I have a soft spot for it, but it is costing the earth to keep going. 50,000 miles.

    Oh, an then there's the AWD which has stripped the transmission rod so it only drives front wheels at the moment.

    Bring on the turbo, that should go soon....
  • jccai1jccai1 Member Posts: 113
    We are having some strange problems with the turn signals and the radio in our 2005 XC90 2.5T, both problems started within two days of each. The radio jumps between preset stations and adjusts the volume on its own, every a couple of minutes. When playing a CD, it jumps between tracks. Meanwhile, the turn signal started acting up. The rhythm of the blinking varies erratically. It would do the normal tick-tack-tick-tack for a few seconds, then it would skip a beat, doing two or three flashes one after another without the normal lag in between. Then it would go back normal. Then the cycle starts again.

    The first trip to the dealer, they charged us a lot of money and replaced a control module in the steering column that's supposed to fix both problems. Immediately after the "fix", we noticed the radio still skips. So we took it back and complained. This time they decided the radio control buttons on the steering wheel are bad, which they would replace free of charge out of the kindness of their heart. Ordered the part and told me to go back next week. As I was driving off, I noticed the turn signal started doing the same thing again! So these incompetent fools charged me several hundred dollars to replace a part that didn't need to be replaced! I'm taking it back next week and raising hell. :mad:

    In the mean time, does anyone on this forum have any ideas or advice? Thank you in advance!
  • abvbyndabvbynd Member Posts: 10
    The dealer we trusted (for the last 15 years) closed up (it was also a Lincoln/Mercury Dealer), we still have another Volvo Dealer in Town (about 1/4 of a mile from the Independent), but we had many problems with that dealer before (not changing the oid filter on oil changes, not putting in my own Synthetic Oil, not rotating the tires, etc...but was charged for all of this), so I am very hesitant to use this other Dealer in town. I guess it's a trust issue, and I know that our head mechanic from the closed Volvo dealer went to this particular independent. Hpe this helps.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Thanks - at least you don't have to drive too far if you ever need warranty work.
  • jcgmartinjcgmartin Member Posts: 1
    I've never had the turn signal problem, but the radio skipping problem happens every time the temperature drops near freezing -- luckily I live in Texas so that doesn't happen too often. The dealership has tried to fix it a couple of times, with no luck, but I've given up. The dealership is really far out of my way and the skipping problem with the radio only happens for the first few minutes until the cars warms up.
  • jccai1jccai1 Member Posts: 113
    Update: The problem got much worse after my second visit. I lost turn signals altogether, and most of the functions on both the left and right stalks on the steering column. This means no high beam, no rear wiper, no windshield washer, only one front wiper speed, etc.

    Made a third visit to the dealer. They decided the cruise control buttons had a short and shorted out the new "lever hub" control module they just put in on the first visit. So they replaced the cruise control button module and the radio button module on the steering wheel. They also claimed to have replaced the same "lever hub" module again. Everything seems to be working when I picked it up yesterday. Hope it stays this way. Will update if the problem recurs.
  • bruce163bruce163 Member Posts: 1
    Hi. New to this. A shop where I have brakes, tires, etc., done says Volvo recommends timing belt replacement at 120K, with lots of dire warnings if I do not. I have 139K on it now. Do I spring for the $900 job, which they're quoting me (which includes water pump replacement -- is that necessary?) and to do it as soon as possible. I live in New England, if that matters, and I plan to drive this car as long as I possibly can. Thanks.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    If you have 139k on the original timing belt you should get down on your knees and pray to whatever deity suits you that the belt hasn't snapped yet and eaten your valves.
    Volvo's use zero clearnace engines, which means if the timing belt breaks, the pistons will come up and crunch the valves. Rebuilding a head is expensive. Much more so than the $900 for the work.
    Go directly to the mechanic, do not pass go do not collect $200.
    Let them do the water pump too.
  • jazzcola1jazzcola1 Member Posts: 3
    We're having the same problem with the light. It's like the old cars, if the service folks don't see it, they tell us they can't fix it. Unfortunately we have other sensors replaced on the XC-90 2008.
  • jazzcola1jazzcola1 Member Posts: 3
    We have less then 10K on the XC 90 and the trim cracked. It cost us $400 to replace it. The service guy said my wife was too heavy -- she weights 99LBS. Shouldn't the trim be covered by the auto warranty?
  • vwvwvwvw Member Posts: 1
    I have exactly the same vehicle with the exact same problem.
    Dealer says there is no problem after having it there twice.
    Problem seems to be accentuated with heavier loads
    I WILL find this problem while under extended warranty.
    I believe it is transmission related at this point and it was not like this when it was new.
    I also am very disappointed with Volvo quality .No wonder the dealer gave me roughly a $9000 discount off the sticker price.
    Sticking with Volkswagon in the future.
  • byron6byron6 Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know where I can locate what should be performed for this maintenance period. The dealerships seem to combine a 30K and 60K at a cost between $650 and $750. They want to change spark plugs and re-torque the suspension. I called an auto shop that specializes in Volvo and they charge $250 - $350 but do not change the plugs. It seems early to change plugs on a car with only 30K miles.
    Thanks
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    check your owner's manual.

    yes, it is early to change plugs. Dealer is trying to make extra money off you.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • byron6byron6 Member Posts: 3
    Unfortunately the manual does not provide details of what tasks should be performed for any service. I also requested a printout from two dealerships on what is performed for each maintenance interval but neither could provide that level of detail.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check out the Edmunds Maintenance Guide.
  • byron6byron6 Member Posts: 3
    Perfect --- Sorry I did not find this on the site before. Huge difference from the $750 Volvo wants to charge for the service.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The dealer will undoubtedly recommend that some other stuff be done, and you may decide to do some of it.

    But the service writer undoubtedly works on commission too. ;)
  • jeff618jeff618 Member Posts: 29
    I found aftermarket full wiper blades (rather than refills) for the Volvo XC90. I like to replace the entire wiper because of the abuse the ice and snow put the wiper frames through - I figure better safe than sorry. I went with Trico Tech Beam Blades. I've been a Trico NeoForm guy for a while, but I tried the new Techs because they have a new mounting system that allows the wiper arm to sit slightly lower than in the past. The Techs are beefy as hell and look great with the new, lower side mount. By the way - they came with complete removal and installation instructions - very easy. Got the whole set-up online.
  • augustus44augustus44 Member Posts: 1
    I am thinking about buying a used Volvo cx90 but I reasd that it is among the worst cars to buy. Can someone shed some light on why it's a rotten car--because it looks great.
  • christchurchchristchurch Member Posts: 125
    I, too, would like to replace the pollen filter (cabin filter?) but like you I don't know where to find it. Have you had any response to this inquiry on this board or anywhere else ?
    If you have the info..please pass it along. Any maintance we can do ourselves saves us big bucks.
    Thanks ! :)
  • jayzivjayziv Member Posts: 3
    How do I drain the window washer tank , I used windex instead of wiper fluid. I know
  • lspodlspod Member Posts: 4
    Hey -

    Happily still have a XC90 - 2004 - 64,000 miles on it - realizing i will be keeping it a few more years

    Trying to decide if I should buy an extended warranty for 3 yrs, 36k miles, to get me to 100k

    Dealer in Atlanta quoted me full coverage at about $2300

    Any suggestions out there from all you educated Volvo owners?!?!

    thx mucho,
    lynn
  • okafornaokaforna Member Posts: 1
    I recently bought a used XC90 which is in top shape but the Audio System is dead even though the dealer said it was working well. Please could someone tell me where to check for the fault. I still presume its a minor one. Does the Audio System has fuse? in the box?
    I will appreciate you kind help.
  • dunningdunning Member Posts: 4
    YES! If you have a T6, I say you should definitely buy the warranty for $2300. We just bought an '03 T6 with only 56K mi. last month and already it is in the shop for the dreaded Transmission Service Urgent. I limped it a couple more miles to where it could be safely parked & easily towed, but it had only slipped a couple of times in the 25 or so miles between the first sign there might be a problem, to the last straw.

    I am SO THANKFUL that I spent the extra $3500 for the warranty and added it onto my financing I could almost cry! I can't imagine what the out of pocket might be (car has been in the shop for 4 days which includes over the weekend) and I don't even know 'the damage' ($$$) yet.
    Good luck - I hope you make the right decision for yourself. I've never purchased a warranty (and I've had plenty of high mileage older cars than this) but I knew that should something happen, I didn't want to have to dig into my pocket to cover it!
  • alittleboyalittleboy Member Posts: 14
    My mechanic reckons they're not worth the paper they're written on. And I can tell you that I got nothing but disclaimers from my warranty company (Australian Vehicle Warranty Group) when my coolant hose popped off while cruising down the freeway, completely chernobyled my engine and cost me $10k for a complete new one. Warranty doesn't cover anything stemming from 'overheating'. Bastards.
  • blair21blair21 Member Posts: 1
    Do you still own this volvo? The exact same thing happened to us. Dealer said they would fix it and they can't. It can only be done by a Volvo tech. I figured this might be your car if you had sold it? They also claimed one owner, but I don't believe anything they say. They even tried to add on an extra 500 to their original sales price! I was also wondering what you did find out?

    Thanks and good luck!
  • barberfamilybarberfamily Member Posts: 11
    I do not still own it. I got rid of it but the dealer replaced the stereo before it was purchased at the cost of $800.00. I got rid of the xc90 and bought a brand new 10 chev traverse. So glad to be out of it and all the monie it use to cost me. Sad thing was it was an 03 with 49 thousand miles. I never drove anywhere near my money out of it.
  • bethanybreezebethanybreeze Member Posts: 20
    Question I am hoping someone here can answer for us...
    We own a 2006 XC90; it's a Limited Edition Volvo Ocean Race. Recently we had minor repair work done to one of the side doors. The repair shop told us we would need to get a (ie., ONE) new VOR decal for the front outside part of the door. We questioned if it was even possible to replace it, since the decal did say 2005-06 on it. After being reassured that all would be just fine, we got the car returned, and lo and behold, we discovered that BOTH side decals were replaced (one charge of nearly $60... looks like they are sold in packs of 2 decals?). Problem is, these replacement decals are the ones used in the newer Ocean Race Edition. They now say "Around the World" on them, not "2005-06".
    While this may not seem like anything worth writing about, we are furious at the repair shop for not even telling us this part - and very curious what impact, if any, this modification will have on the value of our 2005-06 very well maintained VOR XC90. :confuse: Any info or advise would be most appreciated!
  • marshajomarshajo Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 Volvo XC90 and the dealership is telling me that I should have the timing belt replaced at a cost of $850. I have about 110,000 miles on it and they have said it should be replaced at 105,000. My question is, is it safe to go outside of the Volvo dealership to any other repair business to have the work done and probably save a great deal of money?
  • hcnursehcnurse Member Posts: 2
    Wondering if anyone is having this same problem....while driving my volvo starts jerking and then all of the electrical systems go out - all the interior dash light go off, signal lights, and hazards will not work. I get a message about brake failure and then SRS airbag service. Once you stop the car and restart it functions normally with just the SRS message remaining. It happened for the first time last year and the volvo dealership was unable to find anything wrong. It has now happened two more times with about 3 1/2 weeks in between these two recent episodes. It is currently at the service shop but so far they can't find anything wrong and cannot replicate the problem. Has this happened to anyone???
  • tj76798tj76798 Member Posts: 1
    We are having the same problem, and haven't been able to find anything wrong with it so far. Have you found out any new information since it's been in the shop?
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