Volvo XC90 Maintenance and Repair

1568101130

Comments

  • rdpchicagordpchicago Member Posts: 3
    I have a new 2005 XC90 T6 AWD with less then 1500 miles. I have noticed that when I turn the stearing wheel all the way to the right when making a turn I get a rubbing (like if you were to rub your hand over a ballon) sound and vibration in the steering wheel as soon as I start to turn back to center while accelerating. This is the second problem in the first month I have owned it. The first was a softwear issue with the pressure level in the gas tank. Any info?
  • beaster4beaster4 Member Posts: 10
    Picked up my 2005 V8 XC90 two weeks ago and I noticed the distortion in the driver's side view mirror as well. Like your description of the 'fun-house' effect. Have you gotten a resolution for the problem? When I asked the dealer about it, they indicated that nothing was wrong.
  • satellite1satellite1 Member Posts: 4
    well, I got my 2.5T last week and I have same problem on my driver side view mirror and dealer will change it for me whenever I bring it.
  • beaster4beaster4 Member Posts: 10
    So your dealer acknowledged the problem? Did he give you assurance that the replacement part will not have the same problem?
  • satellite1satellite1 Member Posts: 4
    Well, I just stop by today and service manager said it's probably because of chemicals from rain sensor on the surface of the side mirror...He said it'll be much better after times go by and it'll be same effect with replacement...Actually I'm feeling that it's getting better than last week...so I'll wait little more to see what's happening later...
    Beside this, I told him I can hear some wind noise from driver's side door...not always but sometimes...He said the wind turbulence in front of rack bottom is making this wind noise...and they replace the little tape to sealing the bottom...and it is much better now...
    Let me know if you feel better for the mirror distortion...
  • twinztwinz Member Posts: 4
    My 2004 XC90 is having its transmission replaced after on 13k. Anyone else have this problem? The car is just 18 months old with low mileage. The dealer tells me this is rare. Id like to know if he's telling the truth or if this is a known issue.
  • guyfguyf Member Posts: 456
    Do you have a 4 speed (T6) or 5 sped (2.5T)?
  • twinztwinz Member Posts: 4
    I have the T6
  • guyfguyf Member Posts: 456
    From what I hear it's not uncommon to have problem on th 4 speed (GM sourced?). The 5 speed is from Japan and very reliable.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Guy,
    The GM transmission is one of the most widely used transmissions. It is very unusual to have problems with this transmission. What you have heard was contributed to the very specific early (late 1998) S80 T6 production error. Once the issue has been resolved, there was no any indications of any problems with the GM transmissions. The same transmission is used on S80 2.9 (just without the Geartronic option) and I could not remember any indications of a problem with it.

    GM transmissions are highly regarded in a world and are used on a number of upper class brands, including Volvo, BMW and Bentley

    http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/about/index.htm
  • twinztwinz Member Posts: 4
    So it seems this may be rare. My concern is that a car this new should not have to have a transmission replaced. If we have a badly assembled car what else is going to go wrong with the transmission or other things, especially when we run out of our warranty in a few years. Has anyone had any experience requesting the dealer replace their car, in what circumstances? to me this is a serious defect in the car we bought, even if they replace it, I dont think we should have to drive an expensive dud! thoughts are welcome. Even thoughts from those that may work at volvo or their dealerships :-)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Things break, even on new cars; a bad tranny doesn't mean that anything else is going to fail. It sure leaves a bad taste in one's mouth though.

    I think your warranty only entitles you to a replacement transmission (most likely a rebuilt one) - it'd be an unusual dealer who would give you a new car just because you have a bad tranny, although they may offer you a great deal on a new one.

    You could ask Volvo to extend the warranty on the replacement to allay your concerns a bit.

    Steve, Host
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Just FM/OI
    What were the symptoms of a problem?
    Has a dealer informed you what that problem actually was - mechanical failure, low level of the fluid, assembly defect?
    And although it is upsetting to have such serious problem with your car - take a look to it from a different perspective. The reliability of each car brand/model is determined by the average number of defects per 1000 cars. Yours already have gotten one serious problem - therefore, statistically your particular one has much lower probability to have another one.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    therefore, statistically your particular one has much lower probability to have another one.

    That is a non sequitur. Having drawn a full house has no effect on the probability of drawing one in the next game.

    tidester, host
  • twinztwinz Member Posts: 4
    The computer warning light came on one day....:urgent transmission service". Right after I got to the traffic signals the car just didnt have much power with my foot flat on the accelerator. The dealer took it in the next day and found metal shavings in the oil and engine so not a good sign.

    I called Volvo (not the dealer this morning) and they wont extend the warranty. I cant believe the attitude, this car is low mileage and 18 months old. I hear what everyone is saying this is probably the only major issue we will have, but its ridiculous to have to replace a major engine part with a car in this condition. I seriously would reconsider purchasing this car if I could again.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Agree with your example, but it is not applicable here.
    The poster still in the SAME game, he did not get a new car.

    And going back to the cards, if you get a full house and keep drawing from the SAME deck without reshuffling, the probability of drawing another one is drastically diminishing. You can validate this statement in any textbook on probability theory.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Once again,
    I am sorry that you have that "unlucky draw". I hope that the rest of your experience with XC90 will change your overall perception for better.

    It could be a transmission manufacturing defect, it could be an assembly defect, when some foreign deposits have gotten inside of the gearbox, or it could be a preparation error, when there was not enough transmission fluid, and it was not checked by the dealer. Considering this, you would have to press really hard to make Volvo admitting their fault and extending a warranty. I would rather ask for concession in a nice way, as a PR gesture.
    (It's not that I am on Volvo side, I just could see a lot of difficulties to proof that there was a problem with Volvo's workmanship, and there liability for the third party parts is limited to the replacement).

    One way or other, there are satisfied Volvo owners out there, and I hope that eventually you could become one of them, when XC90 will work just fine from now on for many years.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You can validate this statement in any textbook on probability theory.

    The same book tells you that unless you can make a case that the replacement parts have greater statistical reliability than the originals then you're dealing again from the same deck. There is no evidence of greater statistical reliability in the replacement parts and your statement remains a non sequitur.

    tidester, host
  • scottntexasscottntexas Member Posts: 2
    I have a new XC90 and have recently noticed an intermittent vibration coming from the moon roof once my speed hits 70mph. Has anyone encountered this in the past?

    FYI, if anyone is concerned regarding mpg with the XC90 don't be. I have the 2.5T and we just took our first 200 mile trip. With the A/C on and averaging 70 mph, my mileage was 23.65 (22.1 on the trip computer) as calculated by total miles driven / gallons added. Note that there were 2 adults and a 2 year old in the vehicle, along with ALL the luggage you need to haul for a child.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    It probably comes from the roof racks and then transmits to the internal moon roof cover. The roof racks make all kind of funny noises on all the cars. I need to say that our XC90 is pretty good in this respect.

    And I am getting the same MPG results on my long highway trips.

    The MPG is, at very high degree, a function of your driving habits.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Please read your email.

    tidester, host
  • in2b8in2b8 Member Posts: 3
    Got 1st XC 90 T5 AWD in April '03 (early '04 model). In first 10 months had fit and finish problems, faulty HVAC system, faulty alternator, clunking from rear suspension, and finally slippage in the transmission. Dealer replaced with a brand new vehicle in April '04. Besides needing an immediate software upgrade for the 5 speed transmission we have had no other problems since with the new vehicle.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    I have,
    Please read yours
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Thanks, Lev.

    tidester, host
  • troll1troll1 Member Posts: 1
    Experienced check engine light problem 3x. Ice buildup on windshield wipers is major problem & dangerous. Windshield wiper fluid release freezes easily. Headlight fluid releases all over the hood. Shallow pockets on each door. No sunglass holder or change holder. Radio station reception is poor. Cup holder at second row of seats is not secure so cups fall & spill. The cruise control option is set to easily by the slightest touch of the steering wheel, which is dangerous. GPS system is lousy. My advice, try another vehicle. My prior car was a Lexus RX300, boy do I miss it.
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    trolls.....you didn't notice the shallow door pockets or no sunglass holder or change holders when you bought the car? I'd say that's YOUR bad, not Volvo's.

    The car ain[t perfect - I've yet to find a car (under 70K) that is. C'est la vie. It does well what I need it to do. I didn't pay 45K for a sunglass case or a purse. Change holders are overrated.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I'm just guessing but it seems you would be unhappy with any vehicle. Most of the problems you mentioned are easily remedied and relatively insignificant. Good luck in finding what you want.

    Also, I recommend a less provocative user name.

    tidester, host
  • rdpchicagordpchicago Member Posts: 3
    I have a new 2005 XC90 T6 AWD with less then 1500 miles. I have noticed that when I turn the stearing wheel all the way to the right when making a turn I get a rubbing (like if you were to rub your hand over a ballon) sound and vibration in the steering wheel as soon as I start to turn back to center while accelerating. This is the second problem in the first month I have owned it. The first was a softwear issue with the pressure level in the gas tank. Any info?
  • rdpchicagordpchicago Member Posts: 3
    I had a check engine light problem. I had it fixed only after it had had been "fixed" twice before. It no longer comes on. The problem was with softwear that read the pressure in the gas tank. They replaced the 05 model with a larger gas tank but never updated the software from the 04 model. This might be the problem if it is an 05.
  • jxd1jxd1 Member Posts: 1
    I purchased an 04 model last June. A couple days after picking it up I noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine when I started it up that would eventually go away as it warmed up. My service department asked me to 'break it in' and see if it would go away permanently. It didn't. After 2000 miles I took it back in and they had a Volvo rep come in and take a look. He decided to replace the engine. I really didn't like the idea of having a dealer installed engine in my vehicle that was only a month old so I requested a replacement, which I eventually got after some resistance. I used the 'Volvo for Life' slogan in my plea, being that I was a first time Volvo buyer and a younger family of four. I did have to pay $500 to buy the extra options (18" wheels, reverse sensors, wood steering wheel). And I had to settle on a different color, but the piece of mind on the engine thing made it worth it.
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    I purchased an 04 model last June. A couple days after picking it up I noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine when I started it up that would eventually go away as it warmed up. My service department asked me to 'break it in' and see if it would go away permanently. It didn't. After 2000 miles I took it back in and they had a Volvo rep come in and take a look. He decided to replace the engine. I really didn't like the idea of having a dealer installed engine in my vehicle that was only a month old so I requested a replacement, which I eventually got after some resistance. I used the 'Volvo for Life' slogan in my plea, being that I was a first time Volvo buyer and a younger family of four. I did have to pay $500 to buy the extra options (18" wheels, reverse sensors, wood steering wheel). And I had to settle on a different color, but the piece of mind on the engine thing made it worth it.

    Good for you! Sounds as if your dealer did well by you, even though you had to put up a bit of a fight. $500 for those options is pretty good!
    Kudos!
  • mc2065mc2065 Member Posts: 2
    I read the manual and it says the XC90 has the ability to auto lock the doors when accel'ing passed 7mph. How do I activate this??? Got an 05 T6 with all 3 pkgs. Do I have this feature??

    Marty
  • rhollowayrholloway Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 T6 XC90; I am in the process of having my second transmission installed. I am stuck on vacation and currently in a rental car. This is the first and last Volvo I will buy!!!! We are considering trying to trade it in on something else because I do feel that Volvo has a transmission defect that the company is unable to fix. I have 5 kids and this was a big purchase for me that is one of the worst decisions I have ever made. I had the first transmission replaced at 5000 miles and now the second at 36,000 miles. I guess if I keep the vehicle I will pay out of my pocket next time. Do not purchase the XC90 until they have worked out the bugs on the transmission. I will let you know how Volvo plans to get me home from my vacation while they wait to get the transmission to install.
  • rosiarosia Member Posts: 3
    Wednesday I got up at my normal 5am to go to the gym. Got there with no problems (about a 20 minute drive). When I cam out, my engine would not turn over. all the lights on the dash came on, but nothing when you turn the key to start the engine not even a squeak.

    As I waited for the tow truck I tried a couple more times. Each time I noticed that the dash lights would dim when I tried to start the engine. When the tow arrived the driver tried a few things and by the time we left. the dash would completely blank out when the key was turned to start the engine. But the lights came on and were bright in the ingnition on position.

    On the ride to the dealer the tow driver told me he had towed 4 XC90s with similar problems in the last 2 weeks.

    When I arrived at the dealer (I had called them to tell them I was coming and would need a loaner)I was told they would need the car for at least a week and had no loaner to give me. I eventually convinced them that my 11 month old car should not be behaving this way and that if they really needed my car for a week and were not going to provide a loaner that THEY would have to write a note to my boss and drive my children around :).

    I got my loaner.

    Anyway....has anyone else had a problem like this? I have had Volvo's my whole life (my parents too). And never had such an experience with reliability OR service.

    Thanks,

    Rose
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    hi Rose. i haven't heard of that being a typical problem. what year/engine is your xc90? please let us know what the problem turns out to be. thank you, /eli
  • rosiarosia Member Posts: 3
    Hi Elias,

    My XC90 is a 2004 T6AWD. I will definetly let you know what they tell me at the dealer...if they ever call me. :)
  • aegaeg Member Posts: 23
    I recently purchased a XC90. I believe my questoned has been answered by someone's complaint.I have a XC70 that my wife drives. They both have the climate package. Have they eliminated the wipers on the headlamp for the XC90. AS I was standing in the driveway using the windshield wiper washers the headlamp washer was spraying all over the hood. I then noticed there were no wipers on the headlamp. Does Volvo install them aftermarket. I assume they are not part of the climate package. If so it makes no sense.Thanks for your input.
  • guyfguyf Member Posts: 456
    Yes they have eliminated the headlamp wipers. I find the new "high pressure" system does not work as well as the wiper system and uses tons of fluid. So much for progress....
  • 44ad44ad Member Posts: 12
    There are no headlight wipers on the XC90 - take a look at the lens shape - it would be difficult to design a wiper that would work on that shape, unlike the relatively flat shapes of the older headlight lenses. Mine sprays all over the hood too - Volvo could do better.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    I was lucky to be able buying the heated seats as an individual option for the 2004 MY.
    I would disconnect the washers if there is no wipers, thought the high pressure washers might help driving through the wet mud and puddles at night.
    Can the injector be adjusted? It is used to be the case (for the wind shield injector) on older models.
  • guyfguyf Member Posts: 456
    Well they are not totally useless. In winter up here the roads are so dirty and the dirt can totally block your headlights.

    The problem is that some weeks I used up to 1.5 gallon of washer fluid. It's a good thing that the reservoir is so large.
  • rosiarosia Member Posts: 3
    Hello Again,

    The dealer calle dme this morning and told me that the cause of my problems was the starter. I questioned that the starter on a 8 month old car would go and he said it was unusual.

    So they are going to replace it and I shoul dhave my car back on Wednesday as long as the parts arrive.

    Very Strange.
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    Unfortunate but not strange.
    I had bad starters on Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord in my past.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    thanks for the followup, rosia. i hope you get your xc90 back soon. well, all's well that ends well. sort of. :)

    and yeah, lev, the windshield washer reservoir on the xc90 is h u g e !
  • fasted64fasted64 Member Posts: 2
    Take the vehicle back to the dealer as something is wrong. I have an O5 XC90 with the same engine and it's wonderful. Plenty of power and very respponsive.
  • fasted64fasted64 Member Posts: 2
    I have had my 05 for 6 months and not had a problem.
  • james003james003 Member Posts: 1
    TRANSMISSION OUT AT 20k miles! I just got my xc90 back after a week. A couple of months ago, after placing in park the vehicle lunged forward a few feet. Last week out of no where the transmission started shifting very rough then started shaking when trying to shift to 2nd gear. no warning light etc. The service tech told me he has seen them go out sooner than this and they don't even open them up, they send them back to the lab. So far it is running good with the new tran. I hope this is the last time!
  • guyfguyf Member Posts: 456
    Do you own a 2.5T or a T6?
  • guyfguyf Member Posts: 456
    After a winter of driving on salt covered rod, my wheel nut were rusted on the surface. Not looking very good. I pointed this out to the service manager and he pulled up a service bulletin for the installation of chrome nut covers. This took care of the problem and it looks nice. :)
  • scottntexasscottntexas Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone experienced a rattling when the rear cargo slide cover is attached? It's very annoying. Dealership told me they have heard several complaints regarding this but did not offer a fix. Am interested to hear if anyone else encountered this noise and how they resolved the problem.

    Thanks,
    Scott
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