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Volvo XC90 Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • fjgj99fjgj99 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a 2007 v8 w/ nav xc90. Price was 24K. The test ride was great. The vehicle is beautiful. The vehicle is being sold by a VOLVO dealer and the vehicle is a Certified Pre-Own. The carfax report is squeaky clean with the exception of the high mileage (64K). The price is great (24K). Part of me feels like all my homework and research paid off. The other part of me feels like the house never loses and I am going to get screwed.

    Thoughts? Am I being paranoid? Should I just enjoy the car?
  • mrspracticalmrspractical Member Posts: 5
    If it makes you feel any better, we did the same thing except the mileage was about 26,000. We opted for the extended warranty based on the recommendation of our mechanic who LOVES these cars. He recommended the warranty based on the fact that the computer components are costly if they should fail. BTW, he only works on BMWs and Volvos.

    We bought our 2006 V8 in January '09; I believe it was a lease return. We now have about 49,000 miles on it and are happy so far....I hope this helps. Enjoy it! You just got a new ride!
  • bryangmdbryangmd Member Posts: 27
    I have that same year, with V8 with 52K miles. We are about to replace the original tires. Besides the minimul leg room in the second and third row, it has been a great car. It rides well and I don't mind trips. Only issue we have had was a musty smell from the AC after it has been off. We also had the bluetooth installed and it is great. Does it come with a good warranty?
  • oilkatoilkat Member Posts: 1
    We found out today that our 03 Volvo XC 90 with 68,000 miles needs a new transmission and recommended new radiator as well to take care of metal shavings....all to the tune
    of $ 8000 . Do we look like we have "stupid" written across our face? We thought Volvo's were indestructible. Thanks for the blogs, it shows that Volvo knew there was a problem but didn't want a recall. Information is power, hope it helps when dealing with the Volvo dealer to repair.
  • joncar1joncar1 Member Posts: 7
    My independent Volvo repair reported that my car has CV joint grease mixing with the transmission fluid. He found transmission fluid leaking out of the wheel end of the axle. He suspects plug at inner end of axle came loose. Anyone else had a similar issue? Would love to get Volvo to repair it for me at their cost. Car only has 57K miles.
  • barbara16barbara16 Member Posts: 15
    Does anyone out there have knowledge about the tail light unit. The outer plastic is broken (my son swears he knows nothing about this) and after a whole was drilled to let the water drip out the bulb needs to be replaced. My husband can not figure out how to remove the bottom light unit. Does the upper portion of light have to be removed to remove the lower? Any suggestions?
  • joncar1joncar1 Member Posts: 7
    Did you have any success with Volvo Customer Relations?
  • hcnursehcnurse Member Posts: 2
    yes...they conveniently found an intermittent fault in the central electronic module. they did not find this fault last year when it happened the first time. Had the CEM replaced about 2 weeks and no problems so far.
  • utesutes Member Posts: 3
    RE: musty odor. I had the same problem; Volvo dealer was going to charge $140 for some "environmental" service. Took to a Volvo specialist; he replaced the pollen filter ($39.95) and showed me how to use Lysol spray (to kill mildew and bacteria) and spray it into the air intake area (gotta pop the hood for that), with recirculation turned OFF and AC running full blast, and it took care of the odor problem! He suggested I do it a few times, and I have. Hope this helps.
  • fjgj99fjgj99 Member Posts: 2
    Hey...thanks for the feedback. I get that musty smell too...Yes, the warranty is good up to 100K miles (which I have 37K) or 6 years from service date (which I have 2 3/4 years left). I am definitely not going to exceed the mileage. I love the car so far.
  • flyhalflyhal Member Posts: 1
    It's in the manual. You use a small flat tipped screwdriver on one side of the lens and apply pressue toward the lens and it pops out.
  • jon40jon40 Member Posts: 2
    There are a couple of three inch long hexagonal bolts you can get to from inside the boot space. Unscrew them and the lens pulls off easily. Lift the floor flap and remove it then pull off the side panels. You can then get to just behind the lens. Undo the two bolts with a spanner (10mm I think). and that's it. I got the dealer to take one off because it was tight.
  • dan_zdan_z Member Posts: 8
    I wanted to provide (just for reference) an account of my experience with our XC90 over the past 5 years. Overall we have been very pleased with the XC90 and wanted to provide our real world experience.

    2005 XC90 2.5T purchased in November 2004. Currently have 115k miles. Car is used in city traffic and early in its life was also used for road trips. But you can see that we average about 20k miles a year, so it does get used a lot.

    TIRES
    The biggest surprise in ownership for me was the cost of keeping up with the tires. We are on our 4th set of tires. The Pirelli Scorpion that were originally on the car were terrible. Managed about 25k miles, but that was reall pushing it. And constantly dealt with the humming/vibration that has been reported numerous times here. Complained several times thru life of tires to dealer, but never got any compensation for what I thought were substandard tires. Second set was Continental Crosscontact LX which ended up giving us about 40k miles. A good tire, but speed/temp ratings are a notch down from top level. Third set Bridgestone Dueler HL Alenza gave us about 50k miles. Overall very pleased with this tire and currently am running our second set of Duelers.

    We keep the tires rotated with each oil change. Had alignment checked several times, but alignment was never a real problem.

    BRAKES
    We have had better luck with our brakes than most have reported here. Front pads replaced at 65k miles. Back pads replaced at 94k miles. Front pads and rotors recently done at 112k miles.

    I would consider myself a normal driver (if not a little aggressive) and am shocked at the life I got out of the original pads, but I am not complaining.

    A real compalint though is the brake dust that builds up on the wheels. I have considered ceramic pads, but nobody at Volvo will recommend them (even though there are numerous here and on other boards that have not had any problems). I have decided that I can put up with the dust considering the life that I was able to get out of the standard pads.

    REPAIRS
    91k miles we had to replace a broken motor mount ($263)

    91k miles we replaced the housing that protected the computer ($371) (there is a protective housing around the computer that keeps dirt and water out of the computer. The housing has some sort of drain mechanism that allows the water to drain off. This drain got plugged with leaves and dirt and caused water to get into the computer. Bad design probably, but computer was ok after dried out).

    112k miles had to replace the bushings on the front control arms (caused a knocking noise when braking and turning). $722

    MAINTENANCE
    We have pretty well stayed up to date on the scheduled maintenance. Just had the timing belt replaced and opted to do the water pump as well even though Volvo did not recommend unless a leak was observed ($1068).

    GAS MILEAGE
    I keep track pretty close. I get about 17-18 in the city (mainly commuting to and from work mostly highways though stop and go traffic). On road trips generally get 22-24 mpg.

    OTHER COMPLAINTS
    The "leather" seats have been a bit of a disappointment. Cracking began at about 40k miles and continues to get worse. I took in and compained early, but the best that they would offer is to dye the affected areas (cracks would have remained). They claimed that this was normal wear, but I would expect more from a Volvo.

    Overall my experience has been good. We have had a few bigger repairs recently, but not unlike what I would expect with any other car. I expect to continue driving this car for another 100k miles or more, so I will keep up the maintenance on it. I have recommended it to friends and continue to do so while pointing out the tire wear and potential brake wear frequency (though I have not seen the brake issues). And of course, I was infinitely lucky that I was too cheap to buy the T6 model and avoided the transmission issue that is a real problem. But the 2.5T is a great model.
  • bdmartinbdmartin Member Posts: 1
    I am having these exact issues with my 2004 XC90. Have you had any further issues since the CEM was replaced?
  • tw04xc90tw04xc90 Member Posts: 1
    Hi- I have no clue on this topic but I'm being told that my 2004 XC90 with 104,000 miles should have a new water pump and timing belt. I see some of the comments in this forum, but what I also need is a little more history. Is it common in the XC90 to need this replacement at 105,000 miles? Help!
  • armermarmerm Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2010
    This is on my 2008 XC90 5-seat auto trans FWD. After a while of driving the coolant temp will rise to the point of a turn vehicle off message if I am unsuccessful at "goosing" an upshift to happen if I am at speed, or keeping the vehicle moving while at a light or in a traffic jam. The gears affected are primarily 3rd and second.

    Once in this state it is virtually impossible to switch to (W)inter mode. Switching to manual shifting seems also inconsistent.

    If I start a drive in (W)inter mode the vehicle runs fine - no transmission or coolant problems. Since I am not used to manual shifting, I didn't try starting and continuing a drive using manual shifting.

    All fluids are full, although the owner's manual does not specify how to check trans fluid.

    No leaks observed, either right after driving or overnight.

    Anyone seen this problem? I don't have a clue what's going on.

    Thanks in advance.

    armerm
  • stevefrancostevefranco Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 XC90 which has developed a steering / engine noise when the engine is cold. Once the engine has been started but with the car still stationary, I can turn the steering wheel to the left or right and get a high pitched whining noise. This noise intensifies at full lock. The whining noise continues for about 20 - 30 minutes whilst driving and then disappears completely. Presumably this is because oils / fluids are then running freely at max temperature, but cannot understand why noise persists for a short period from cold. Any suggestions / similar experiences ?
  • rippermanripperman Member Posts: 10
    Hello all,

    I have an 2004 XC90 and today a problem started with the ignition. It's very hard to turn he key to start the car. it feels like the key is going to snap. It does start but you have to pull the key back a little otherwise it sticks in the starting position and makes the sound like when you turn the key when the car is already running.

    I called the dealer and they said if it was what they think it is, the ignition part costs 300 and it comes custom made from Sweden based on my key. total cost for the job is 650, with labor.

    has anyone ever experienced this? I should imagine this type of work wouldn't be for a regular mechanic??

    thanks
  • bennatjuddbennatjudd Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2010
    I have had exactly the same problem with my 2005 v8 awd model. The issue started about two weeks ago and was incredibly difficult to turn at first but the first occurance was in the parking lot of a store so not starting the vehicle wasn't really an option. The problem has lessened and the vehicle can now be started with relative ease again but the key still needs to be turned back to the on position manually. I'm hoping this is something that volvo will eventually resolve because that cost is rediculous for something that is ovbiously not a "wear and tear" issue. Sorry I couldn't be of more help but at least you know you're not alone.
  • rippermanripperman Member Posts: 10
    thanks for the message. i had to have the ignition assembly replaced. 680 bucks!!
  • buddy1208buddy1208 Member Posts: 1
    Had the same experience with tires. Purchased Michelans twice, very dissappointed with wear. Then went with Yokahama's Geolander's which have worn significantly better. I put the Yokahama's on my other Volvo too.

    Where did you get the drive belt replaced? THe Volvo dealer in San Antonio wants $925 to replace it. Seems very high to me.
  • msc8210msc8210 Member Posts: 2
    Hello. My car has the same exact problem, and i'm wondering if you were able to fix it... Please kindly let me know and if there are any options out there as how to solve this problem. I don't want the dealer to charge me a fortune for this.
  • msc8210msc8210 Member Posts: 2
    how much was the replacement if you don't mind me asking.
  • snielson55snielson55 Member Posts: 1
    Highly recommended. The timing belt has to be replaced at 105k anyway and it's cheaper to replace the water pump while they're in there. Much more expensive to go back in after the water pump fails later.
  • aislinnewingaislinnewing Member Posts: 1
    We have brought our 2007 XC90 into the dealership twice in the last month for service, both time we asked them to check the breaks because they were grinding at times. It was a distinct metal on metal sound. The first check was done with the 75K service. The breaks were reported to be 5mm and still w/in the normal measurements. It was the same measurement for front and rear on both left and right sides. During this visit they also rotated and balanced the tire, PSI set to 36 rear and front. One month later we brought the car in again specifically for the grinding noise. The mechanic was not there when I picked up the car, but I was told that my breaks were "found low but not grinding. Breaks not needed this visit. Found the tires all cupped." Does this sound right? It makes me nervous because we just had the tires rotated and balanced a month ago, not to mention I drive around with a 1 & 3yo child.
  • raycouzraycouz Member Posts: 1
    My 2005 XC90 may be a lemon - 3 sets of tires before 100K miles, 1st set lasted 20K miles.
    replaced both rear whell bearings at about 60K miles.
    currently at 110K miles - per my local Volvo Dealer - radio / ECM need replacement ($900), front main bearing leaks oil, timing belt needs replacement, front tie rods bad, breather box bad - $3000 repair cost, and the list goes on.

    I expected far more from this car - parts are "Volvo Only" - very expensive

    I am concerned about the overall mechanical quality of this vehichle - ready to blow it up.

    I don't know if I should invest $3k in this car or get rid of it.

    Anyone with similar problems?
  • onawhimonawhim Member Posts: 9
    Ours was a v8. Notice past tense. Lost oil between servicing and although I should have gotten oil in sooner, it seized before I got it to the dealer. There was no apparent oil leak in the driveway so I'm not sure where the oil went. Also needed front end bushings and one mechanic thought the transmission might have been going too. It was on it's way to auction, still drivable, and the timing chain broke. Totally dead. We got 3500 from a salvage guy probably because it had brand new michelins and the body was in great shape.

    Car broke my heart because I loved driving it. We were also on our 3rd or 4th set of tires. Had other under carriage repairs. If the car was running I think we might have gotten between 10-12k for it. You'll have to decide when it isn't worth putting more money in. Good luck!
  • pgeracipgeraci Member Posts: 1
    File a lemon law complaint with your state and try to get out from under the nightmare. SOON
  • mtnmommymtnmommy Member Posts: 9
    So- besides the cracked seat sides, malfunctioning windows and sunroof, speaker screen fall-off, and, of course, the ever-loving transmission problems- we now have a stereo malfunction. I searched the forum for matching problems and promptly lost them to no avail. On the first day, the stereo would not turn on until you pressed it twice, and then would only display the "High Performance Sound" message and shut off. Then, two days in a row, I must have crested my driveway in a certain manner because it magically came on for no reason. The last time it did that, as I arrived at my destination and removed the key- the stereo kept playing for approximately 60 seconds! I love this car but it's beginning to feel like an abusive relationship where I should be calling a hotline. Have an appt with my Volvo guy tomorrow- but afraid he will be stumped too. Help?
  • redgeworthredgeworth Member Posts: 1
    I have a '03 XC 90 and the interior/ exterior lights seem to brighten and dim as the engine revs by itself. I have changed out the mass air flow sensor but the problem persist. Any suggestions?
  • timlam01timlam01 Member Posts: 1
    Does 2005 xc90 v8 need timing belt change? If so, in what mileage should the belt be changed? Some people saying that it has timing chain instead of belt. For my understanding, timing belt does not need to change.
  • dunvegandunvegan Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 xc90. It has 75k on it. Im the only owner and its been serviced at the dealer only As I was driving down the highway this evening the front left wheel basically fell off. Luckily we werent going that fast and we are all ok, but we were stuck in the middle of the highway with rushing by at 50mph.

    Hard to say exactly what happened because we didn't hit any potholes etc, but the firemen (who had to shut the road down to allow us to get the car towed, and who cleaned up all the transmission fluid that was split all over the road) and the tow truck operator thought that the front axel had detached from the transmission and that the ball joint then broken off. Looking at all these posts about xc90 tie rod problems and transmission/axel problems, does anyone have a similar experience or knowledge of what could have happened here ?
  • marmar12011marmar12011 Member Posts: 1
    havent had this problem YET, volvo did have a recall on certain suspension nut, check NHTSA, report to them. Just wondering, did your car have a loud clunking noise when wheel turned all the way right? kind of like a joint or something, very loud and startling. Also did it have a noise when going over speed bumps, somewhere in suspension?
  • sdn2005xc90sdn2005xc90 Member Posts: 2
    I have that issue with my '05 as well.
  • sdonnellsdonnell Member Posts: 1
    Hi, Is there some kind of secondary belt on an 05 V8? I just found a broken belt in the same area as the main serpentine belt. its only about 2 ft long. Does this run the A/C perhaps? Car seems to be running fine, not over heating, Alternator is ok, steering ok. Thanks.
  • lcmnlcmn Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2012
    My 04 xc90 came in this am for the urgent transmission light. I've read so many repair posts that have started this way. The vehicle has 135k in miles. Volvo North America nor my dealer will compensate me in any way in regard to my transmission needing repalcement ($6,000).
    I'll list all the parts that have needed replacement since I bought the vehicle certified used in 05.
    bushings on front right and left
    rear wheel bearing
    Electrical system failed twice- always in the summer
    Switchblade keys- both don't work anymore
    transmission
    Air intake snorkel-company never created a fix left winter snorkel on continuously
    garage door opener in visor- never worked, dealer couldn't get it to work
    Headlights had water in them from rain or car wash. Dealer wouldn't replace seals
    strut plate cracked
    U joint on front axle both right and left
    outer tie rods replaced
    left front stabilizer link
    blower fan motor replace
    upper engine mount replaced
    head gaskets were replaced
    Please avoid this model if you can!
  • rippermanripperman Member Posts: 10
    is this model the T-6?
  • armermarmerm Member Posts: 2
    Turned out to be a broken electric cooling fan motor, which allowed overheating at idle, which tripped transmission overheating sensors, which etc, etc, etc....

    armerm
  • spina45rpmspina45rpm Member Posts: 1
    I realize I'm replying to an old post but... My XC90 wore out tires quickly too. The dealer replaced the first set for free. After talking to people I found out the dealer provided the CHEAPEST tires available. I went to Sears and bucked up for the tires meant for heavy vehicles and rated to last 60,000 miles or something like that. Anyway, tire issue was never an issue again.

    Avoid the dealer. Find a local guy who has a computer thingy that services Volvos. And go to Sears for all routine stuff. Oh yeah, when you buy tires at Sears you can bring them in every 4000 miles for a free rotation and balance. So every 4K miles I have them change my oil/filter (even thought Volvo says 7.5K) and rotate tires.

    I feel very lucky...our 2005 XC90 has been very good. In the beginning Volvo sent us letters to go in for "Important Service." In other words they discovered a production defect and fixed it at no charge to me. I went in about 2-3 times for those fixes. AT 75K miles our's is still running very well. Feels nearly new.
  • rippermanripperman Member Posts: 10
    I have a 2004 XC 90 T-6. The original tires are Michelin MXV4 (i think that's right) Pilots. these tires are terrible. wore out very fast. The volvo is heavy and is AWD which makes them wear out even faster. I do mostly city driving too. I recently bought Michelin Primacy and like the way they fell so far. I have about 6K miles on them and no sign of wear yet. I'm gong to be rotating them very soon. Thanks
  • jennellejennelle Member Posts: 6
    Do not buy this car. I bought brand new from the Ontario dealer. I have had one problem after another. Most were minor but annoying since my closest dealer is 1 1/2 hrs away and they don't offer authorized repair anywhere but at a Volvo dealership.

    At 500 miles the brand new tire blew and the spare was defective. Stranded in the desert for 4hr waiting for Volvo road side assistance. Got to dealer after 10pm, closed and I was stranded in Ontario. Nightmare.

    Took 4 trips to dealer to fix the noise coming from the dashboard.. some kind of baffle problem. I spent all day waiting, got in my car and noice still there. Dealer "O yes, i see here that we didn't have the part...we've ordered part. You'll have to bring it back.." 2nd attempt, spent all day. They didn't have the loaner car i reserved. End of the day, 1/2 way home, noise started AGAIN. Dealer - ... "so sorry, it's hard to tell which baffle is making the noise. Come back and we'll replace the rest of them...." Long story short... 4 trips latter I gave up and now live with the noise.

    The GPS system is a joke. Its CD driven, so in just 1yr it was completely out of date. And the charge a ridiculous amt to get and updated CD. I could buy a Tom_Tom for less than the cost of an updated CD. I live in growing area of S. CA. None of the new roads are recognized by the Volvo GPS. It's like having a 6yr old Thomas Guide

    Next, just a miles beyond my sched. maintenance... (driving to dealership is over 100 miles) and they would not honor the warranty... I had to pay

    Now at just 60,000 miles the transmission and drive shaft have to be replaced to the tune of $5000+. If the dealer does the repairs is $8000 . And Volvo won't help one bit.

    Talking to my local mechanic and reading the blogs the Volvo SUV have had a lot of major mechanical problems.

    Do your research... do not buy a Volvo SUV you will be sorry.
  • pj2521pj2521 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a new 2013 XC90. There is a strong vibration from the steering wheel when the car in idle. For example, when in "D" or "R" with brake, or when the car in "P". I bought the car back to the dealership. They said this is normal. Is it? Anyone have the same experience? Thanks.
  • mootodmootod Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I am a Japanese living and working in Bangkok, Thailand for 10 years.
    Now I have a plan to buy a used XC90, and choices are T6 or 2.5T.
    Most of used XC90 in Thailand are model 2003 or 2004, but mileage are not shown on website. I guess most of them are more than 75k miles.

    As I read comments and reviews in this site, T6 owners have negative reviews much more than 2.5T owners. So now I understand I should choose 2.5T to avoid any major problems.

    So I would like to ask experienced owners;
    "Which do you say T6 or 2.5T if you can get back to the time when you bought your XC90?"

    Here is answer template
    Model : T6 or 2.5T
    Reason :

    Thanks,
    Kazu
  • sundance6sundance6 Member Posts: 6
    Kazu-
    I had a 2003 T6 for 100k miles. Everything from 2 transmission to, all wheel drive to the dash boards failed.
    The car is gorgeous and drives like a dream but cost me tens of thousands of dollars to maintain it. I'm sure that the other models are better but I suggest you stay away from the 2003 T6.

    I now drive a Hybrid Highlander with no issues other than a seat that is much more uncomfortabe than the volvo.

    Good luck and I hop eyou get a chance to hear my neighbor in concert, guitarist, Tomo Fujita.
  • shepgshepg Member Posts: 1
    Stop me if you've heard this one, but I was just told by our mechanic that the ETM on our 2003 XC90T is the cause of the stalling & uneven acceleration we've experienced lately. And that it's a common problem, the solution of which may or may not be covered by Volvo, since it's a $600 part plus $400 labor plus diagnostics. Does Volvo replace these free?
  • pugger95pugger95 Member Posts: 2
    Everytime I bring one of my Volvo's to the dealer, they really sell me hard on getting a radiator and flush and fill. Are these ever necessary or are they just trying to get more money during my service visit?
  • pugger95pugger95 Member Posts: 2
    Does anybody believe in getting wheel alignments as part of our preventative maintenance, i.e., even if you aren't experiencing problems with the car pulling?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Sounds like your dealer is in heavy profit mode.

    Confessions From the Dealership Service Department
  • muschnickmuschnick Member Posts: 2
    We have a 2007 XC90 and there is some issue where the car locks itself. It happens when the key is not in the ignition. I'll get out of the car and without pushing anything on the key fab it will lock. Then it will not unlock unless you hit lock, then unlock.

    It happens all the time....Sometimes 30 minutes to an hour after getting out of the car and parking it in our garage. We rarely lock the car in our garage but we almost always find it locked.

    Some observations....

    - Seems to happen more often in the cold
    - Seems to be an issue with the car (educated guess) and not the key as it locks itself even when the key is completely out of range
  • muschnickmuschnick Member Posts: 2
    Thanks in Advance to anyone that can add any thoughts or guesses....I have had a Volvo "expert" look at it and he has not been able to determine what is causing it.

    Anybody have any ideas on how to test or narrow down the issue?

    Thanks!
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