Volvo XC90 Maintenance and Repair

rou1 · January 2008

I just purchased a 2007 XC90 and wondering what prices were paid for extended warranty. They offered $3,300

oddmanrush · January 2008

This usually happens in the morning, when engine is cold. More prevelant on colder days. The clicking noise arises when gas pedal is pressed. When foot is off the accelerator, it goes away until pedal is depressed again. Seems to go away after car is good and warmed up.
I usually use high test fuel, or middle grade octane. It doesn't seem to matter, though.

Any suggestions before I bring it to the mechanic?

Thanks!

get240back · January 2008

I have 42,000 mi. C/S oil leaking .LF axle shaft removed, inner core seal dislodged allowed trans & cv grease to mix.What I first noticed was Black fluid,seal replaced. Drove for 2 days,Still leaking, now red fluid, Axle & seal replaced again. Still leaking red fluid. Returning to dealer for the 3rd time. Any help. Thanks'

the_kells · January 2008

At 75,000 miles I was advised that my car had an oil leak at the head gasket. Has anyone had this problem with their car. I have taken it to two dealerships both advising of this problem without looking deep, I then took it to an independent Volvo mechanic who by looking deeper advised this was indeed the case.

We have also had an oil leak at the chain drive / transfer case. Has anyone had this problem. :lemon:

An independant mechanic said this car at this amount of mileage should not have these problems.

jakes628 · January 2008

I have an '06 XC90 V8 that has been to the dealership on too many occassions to correct a clanking noise in the rear when either coming to a complete stop or a rolling stop. It seems like the breaks are sticking then release with a clunk and the car vibrates. This occured after both rear wheel seals (hubs) were replaced at different times.The following attempts to repair it were performed:

greasing the E brake cable

replace the rear drive which was a major repair.

The problem still exists and it seems like it happens more often in warmer weather. The dealer has run out of options. Any thoughts?
Thanks

thas9469 · January 2008

I am very unhappy with Volvo right now. I purchased a 2003 XC90 11 months ago and once my used car warranty was up things started to go wrong. I t was found that this vehicle (which was owned by Volvo fleet) still had the original spark plugs in it, never changed, the original air filter, never changed (63,000 miles). The wheel bearings on the right rear went, some inter cooler piping was causing a loud whistle and then the final straw was the transmission went on Christmas Eve, with 75,000 miles. I have since learned that the cause was a faulty plug in the front axle (which also had to be replaced) and this christmas gift cost me $4,400.00 after alread $1,500 worth of repairs prior). I have tried the dealership - nothing and I have written Volvo - sorry, we don't back our cars after 50,000 miles. Anybody out there that can share a story where volvo backed their vehicles after the warranty? Any info would be very helpful. I am writing more letters to volvo and I am hoping that I will get them to help with some of the repairs. I just hope there are no more repairs for at least a year so I can afford them. Thanks for listening and this will be my only post about my one really bad vehicle!!! Any info can be sent to thas9469@hotmail.com. Thanks again.

volvomax · January 2008

First of all, did you buy the car as a CPO from a Volvo dealer?

If not, it isn't Volvo's fault how the car was cared for or re-conditioned.

Next, NOBODY warranties a car after the warranty is over.
What is the point of having an end date for a warranty then?
Volvo has been known to goodwill a repair IF you are the original owner and if the car has a good maintenance history.

hypnosis44 · January 2008

1) The 2003 XC 90 is listed on Consumer Reports as a "Do not buy" car. There is no reason why the average buyer would know that - but it is a very bad vehicle and has been for several years. My local independent Volvo repair center (30 years in the business) just says "Don't touch them unless you are willing to pay triple the average costs of keeping them running".
2) "CPO" or not, the dealer has at least a moral obligation to sell the car in at least a condition that does not require immediate service to bring it up to everyday standards - those are not "CPO" standards which are far higher.
3) The car is known to be a problem model; the dealer sold it in less than "honest condition"; Volvo has an obligation to see that its dealers operate at some minimum level of responsibility, which they did not; known defects in the car that were never repaired by Volvo or any dealer should be Volvo's responsibility, not the unknowing and trusting buyer's.

volvomax · January 2008

1) The 2003 XC 90 is listed on Consumer Reports as a "Do not buy" car. There is no reason why the average buyer would know that - but it is a very bad vehicle and has been for several years. My local independent Volvo repair center (30 years in the business) just says "Don't touch them unless you are willing to pay triple the average costs of keeping them running".

The only 03 that really had any issues was the T6.
The 2.5T's were by and large fine cars.
However, there are plenty of resources available to car shoppers before they buy.
Being an informed buyer is the best defense.

3) The car is known to be a problem model; the dealer sold it in less than "honest condition"; Volvo has an obligation to see that its dealers operate at some minimum level of responsibility, which they did not; known defects in the car that were never repaired by Volvo or any dealer should be Volvo's responsibility, not the unknowing and trusting buyer's.

First of all, it has not been established that a Volvo dealer sold the car used.
Judging by the post, I tend to doubt that it was a Volvo dealer.
A non Volvo dealer wouldn't be aware of the XC90's service or repair needs.
If anything, the lesson here is that it is best to pay a little more and get a CPO car.
What is also clear is that the previous owner didn't maintain the car.
That isn't the responsibility of Volvo Cars either.

runnergirl1 · January 2008

Please help! I have 36,000 miles on my 2004 XC90, and have maintenance issues that cannot seem to be resolved. I have had problems with my door speakers since day 1 of owning my XC90. The speaker will not stay tight against the door, and because it's loose the whole door rattles. Dealer has replaced the speaker numerous times, but this doesn't help at all.
The car clunks when I turn right at low speed with the brakes pressed. Dealer has seen the car for this on more than one occasion and has replaced bearings, which helps for a short time and then the clunking starts again.
I'm also having problems with the transmission. The car clucks when I shift from Park to Reverse, and it revs too high before it changes gears when I'm driving (auto trans). Dealer updated software, but I have a lack of confidence in their ability to fix my car.
To add insult to injury, I'm on my 3rd set of tires. Can anyone out there get more than 10,000 miles from their tires?
I love the way my XC90 drives, but if I had know then what I know now, I'd never have bought this car...this is my last Volvo.

tatilija · January 2008

"there you go again" as my favorite president would say! I know you work for Volvo but regarding thas9469 post about his XC90 my 04 XC90 had every service required by the dealer and the transmission still failed, along with many other things, the 03 and 04 XC90's are just a hunk of junk! I'm just sorry I didn't see this website before I bought the car, I know better now! I still recommend to anybody out there even considering the purchase of a Volvo don't waste your money! Volvo has a huge problem with the 03 and 04 XC90 it is not if the transmission fails, it is when it fails, because IT WILL FAIL. :lemon:

tatilija · January 2008

Make them replace your transmission while it is still under warranty, if you wait until you are out of warranty you will have at least a $4200 bill! If you need to copy all of these posts about the transmission repairs in these cars and take it with you to the dealership. If you don't get any satisfaction that way, call Anne Belec CEO of Volvo North America in Irvine.

hypnosis44 · January 2008

As long as Volvo reps "cover" for these very bad, and unsafe cars they will continue to undermine public confidence in the entire Volvo line. Volvo makes some good cars, the XC 90 is not, and has not been one of them. The newer ones are showing themselves very little better than the earlier ones, although the new six may redeem itself, it is still too early to tell, and to early to buy one. If you do buy one, get the Volvo (not after market) extended warranty, and then sell it at the end of coverage with full disclosure to any new buyer.

volvomax · February 2008

My perspective is simply broader than yours.
It may surpise you, but the vast majority of XC90's never need a transmission.
Yes, some have, usually after the car is well out of warranty.
Obviously, it is a shame when any car breaks down,but it does happen.
Even cars with sterling reputations suffer breakdowns, sometimes catastrophic ones. Recalls by all automakers have gone way up over the last 5 yrs. Even the japanese are not immune to this. Cars are more complicated than ever, and that complication cuts into reliability.
i have often stated that I would not own any car for a long period of time without an extended warranty. Precisely because the chance of an expensive repair goes up the older a car gets and because of the high cost of components. Even if I owned a Honda or a Lexus, I would get an extended warranty.
It is foolish to expect a motor company to publish a warranty and then have them honor a claim when the car is 10, 20, 30000 miles over than warranty.If you dropped your car insurance,and then had an accident, why would you expect them to pay? Car makers aren't charities, they are businesses.

burosky · February 2008

I have my fingers crossed while I'm typing this post (which makes typing difficult :-) ). I hope I don't jinx myself. My 2005 XC90 has been good to me. For the 3 years I've had it, it has not been to the shop except for the regular maintenance intervals. The only thing I've had to spend on are the tires. I replaced it at around 30K miles. Not that it already needed replacement. There was still enough tread life but by the time the lease ends in July I know it will be just about or less than the 5/32 tread life requirement. I figured might as well replace the tires early and feel safer during the rainy season. I'm returning it because I want to go with a smaller car with a better gas mileage. Although the gas consumption is average for this vehicle, for commuting, I prefer to drive one with somewhere around 35 mpg. That actually more than doubles the value of my gas money because I wouldn't have to use 91 octane.

I just thought I'd share my experience. I truly feel bad for those who've had so much trouble with theirs.

runnergirl1 · February 2008

Thank you for your help and advice. Unfortunately, my gut feeling is that my dealership is simply unwilling to make any necessary repairs while the car is under warranty. I am going to contact Ms. Belec's office ASAP.

tatilija · February 2008

My perspective is broad enough to see the posts on the site and know that the transmissions in the 03 and 04 XC90 will all fail. Your perspective on the other hand is skewed because you work for Volvo. Please.....
Volvo's "dedication to quality" and "commitment to surpass customer expectations" . . . is a bunch of bull. I for one will make it my mission to tell everybody the truth about their cars and the junk that Volvo is cranking out these days. XC90 :lemon: s! You can try to defend this all you want but the truth about these cars is on this site for all to see. Again... for anybody out there even giving a thought to the purchase of one of these cars . . . DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

elias · February 2008

tat, please enlighten us further as to all the 03 & 04 transmissions failing - how many miles, how many years, what sort of usage will wreck the transmission quickest? what's the most miles you've ever seen an 03/04 xc90 transmission go? what is the usual failure mode?
volvomax perhaps you have some data/viewpoint on the above questions too,.

volvomax · February 2008

You are entitled to your opinion, no matter how erroneus it may be.
How many XC90's have you personally been around?
How many XC90 owners post on Edmunds?
A truthful answer to both is not many.

You are emotionally invovled, which is understandable, but it hardly makes you a credible source on all of Volvo.

barberfamily · February 2008

If you read my post my 03 xc90 t6 only had 30 thousand miles back in november and it was babied like a dream. we only used it for the weekends and did not commute to work in it. although volvo has helped us just out of warranty they have spent over 12 thousand dollars in it and guess what? my transmission they just put in it that does not yet have 1 thousand miles on it is now skipping also. there are way too many posts on this website to deny this is a problem in this vehicle and two different volvo dealers in this area are admittting the tranny is no good but put it off on gm since they made it. there should have been a mass notice to folks or a recall regardless of the loss to the company for many folks have many friends and neighbors such as myself and it has been embarrassing explaining why mine is in the dealer more than it is home now and having them look at me like i am stupid for the kinda money i paid for it the vehicle to have these problems now. fact is for the cost of a volvo you can buy other brands for half the money and save if you have these many problems. I saw three other xc90s getting transmissions at the dealer at the same times i was dealing with mine. so in one small city i know of four vehicles in three months. this website helped me get another transmission for i printed over 50 people in the last year with bad transmission in this vehicle. my dealer approached the situation and it could not be denied it was not my fault.

tatilija · February 2008

Thank you!! Our dealership replaced our Transmission (twice) and now it slips/skips it NEVER did that before we took it to them when the "urgent transmission service" message came up. We took it back after they replaced the transmission the first time for the slip/skip and they could feel it doing the same thing. They kept it until they could get it to "throw a code" which it did for the transmission. So they replace it a second time and we have the same problem only now the dealership is now trying to get us to authorize (at our expense) for them to tear apart the Turbo, because they "think" it may be the Turbo. I will be printing out your transmission problem and putting it right under thier nose. By the way has the slip/skip in your XC90 been fixed ?? If so did they replace the transmission again?

tidester · February 2008

Let's keep the discussion about the XC90 and not about each other.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

hypnosis44 · February 2008

Consumer Reports has ranked the Volvo XC at the bottom of its rankings ("Bad Bets") for sometime. The independent Volvo repair shops say stay away from them unless you like driving them enough to absorb the triple costs of owning them. The Consumer Reports owner satisfaction rating is average for this car; about the same as for the Ford Freestyle. That is a lot of people speaking out about the EX over many years. Their will always be people enamored of their particular car no matter how badly the numbers are, I had a Ford Pinto that I drove to over 100K without a single significant problem - I still know the pinto was a pretty bad car for most everyone who had one. Also: There is, amazingly, a Yugo owners club still operating somewhere on the West coast - it is still not a good car.

hypnosis44 · February 2008

Check out the Extended Warranty site on Edmunds Car Space for some cautions and suggestions.

barberfamily · February 2008

We are still working on that issue. We are going back on thursday to try to work on the new transmission problem because i think they may be getting ready to work with us on a trade. we are done. i have a volvo s60 also with no problems at all. i think if we can get a fair trade we are gonna get out of it.

tatilija · February 2008

Thanks, let me know how it goes. I have asked the dealership for high BB for my car but I don't think they are taking me seriously. Thanks again for your post, it sounds like your car is doing exactly the same thing mine is doing after the transmission was replaced (twice)

barberfamily · February 2008

Does your make a whistling noise after you give it gas and let off the pedal? This is another noise that keeps coming back along with the skipping we can not figure out. Also when we put it in gear sometimes when it is parked it makes a clunk. Just wondering after thinking about it if they are doing the same thing since they seem to have similar issues.

tatilija · February 2008

I haven't noticed any whistling noise, but I have noticed that "clunk" when putting it in gear. We are not the only ones that have this slipping issue, I have been e-mailing with someone else on this forum that has the same exact issue. I think this is bigger than Volvo would like to admit and think they are trying to sweep it under the carpet... or sweep it under the volvo!

thas9469 · February 2008

I have a 2003 with 75,000 miles transmission just went - Volvo says too bad - if you cannot prove that this vehicle was serviced completely by Volvo at every single visit - how do we know somebody didn't do something to it. Anne Belec's assistant tells me that any Volvo bought at an auction is a fixer upper - his exact words. Think twice about getting a Volvo. I will never have another one after I dump this one.

janie001 · February 2008

Hi,

At the end of December, we purchased from a local dealer a certified pre-owned 2006 XC-90 with 24,000 miles. Weve had a number of odd problems with it and Im wondering if anybody thinks they are a bad omen or are simply part of buying a pre-owned vehicle.

Since we signed the papers, weve been into the dealer nearly every week with irritating, non-engine related repairs. First, the radio was randomly (and constantly) cycling through its preset stations and adjusting the volume itself. They replaced the unit entirely and declared it fixed, but it wasnt at all. We brought it back the next day and they determined the problem was with the buttons on the steering column and replaced those. Since that repair, the radio has worked fine. Next there was a problem with the passenger side mirror not adjusting properly. Again, it took two trips to the service center before they actually fixed the problem (replaced some internal springs). Now the mirror is working fine. Last week, I rolled down the rear window on the drivers side (in 17 below weather) and it got stuck in the down position. Its currently in the shop waiting for a new window control mechanism.

I know that part of the problem is the dealer, who has not sufficiently tested their fixes before declaring the car fixed that is making me feel like Im practically living at the dealer with my new car, but Im also wondering whether these little problems might be foretelling a poorly assembled vehicle with more problems to come. Im also not sure whether I should be demanding anything special from the dealer at this point. All the work has been covered under warranty, but do they owe me anything for selling me a car that has incurred this many problems and caused so much inconvenience in such a short time? A free loaner car? A coffee mug? I dunno. Im not sure what I should be doing to properly advocate for my rights. Also, should I be concerned about the future of this car or is it still too soon to tell? Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you!

LJ

the_kells · February 2008

I get the that whistling noise. I don't think it is the transmission as I took it to a tranny specialist, and he said my transmission was fine.

jindalr · February 2008

I just had my 2004 XC-90 transmission replaced at 75,000 miles too. Let me know if you need any help. I think this may be a problem. Lucky for me I had bought insurance, but I don't see why it went out.

tatilija · February 2008

Yup, it's a huge problem and Volvo knows about it as you can see from the numerous posts about it on this forum. But what do you expect from a GM Transmission, if I wanted a GM Transmission I would have bought a Tahoe. So unfortunately for all of us that purchased the XC90, especially the 03 or 04, the transmission will fail . . . they will all fail. The car is to heavy for the transmission Volvo put in them and now they don't even stand behind their product. As soon as the dealership has mine in working again, I'll be getting rid of it. :lemon:

pinkydog · February 2008

Picked up my XC90 3.2 FWD last week with 9 miles on it. Exactly one week later (today), it has 485 miles, and a message warning: "LOW OIL LEVEL" and the red triangle sign is lit. Checked the oil, barely made it to the dip stick bottom. It blows white/bluish smoke upon starting, but goes away after a little bit. Also blows bluish/wite smoke when accelerating. No visible leaks in the engine compartment and underbody. The car is currently being driven normally mostly in city driving. Where did the oil go? Is this normal for a 7-day old car? I know engines consume oil, but this is a brand new car with less than 500 miles on it. Thanks in advance for your insights.

bryangmd · February 2008

Ouch. I would recommend you start taking very detailed notes with special detail to time and date. I had a friend who went through this with a Jeep and had to fight for a lemon law. They just couldn't figure out where the oil was going. Good luck.

hypnosis44 · February 2008

The combination you discussed is not a very good one. As the other poster stated keep good notes; and it would not hurt to put a call into your dealer about your observations and log it into your notes. Put in exactly the oil that Volvo recommends - I would actually go to the dealer and buy their oil over the counter and save the receipts. The worst that can happen is you will never need the notes or the receipts.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

pinkydog · February 2008

Thank you very much. I have started keeping notes about this. They still have my XC90 and is replicating the smoke issue. I really do think that there something went wrong during the assembly process of this vehicle that need to be corrected. Will keep you all posted.

truffles1 · February 2008

Is this a blown headgasket?

pinkydog · February 2008

Could be more than that, not exactly sure. I don't think I'll have my XC90 back, it's that bad. I should get a new one soon, of course, if Volvo decides to go that route. I'll let you all know.

nonna1 · February 2008

I'm driving a 2006 XC90 V-8 AWD and love it except for one thing. My headlights go on and off spasmodically. I get a message...bulb failure low beam...but since they are on a lot it's not the bulb. My dealership (under warranty) performed a computer update to try and resolve the issue...did not help. When I kill my engine and restart they come on again. Sometimes if I simply turn the light switch they come back. Has anyone else had this isse?

nicevision2020 · February 2008

hello readers.. my windshield star cracked because of stone hit. My insurance replaced the windshield. But one thing i noticed i can see more light through the windshield. Is it original windshield having solar coated?

Thanks

love2driveinct · February 2008

The XC90 is on my short list when I replace my MDX at lease end (along with a new MDX & X5). I am impressed by the safety ratings, design, features, comfort, etc. But reliability is another issue -- obviously I am worried about spending a lot of my precious time at my local Volvo dealer getting the car repaired. I plan to lease for 3yrs/45K miles, and one of the reasons I lease is to not have to worry about a lot of repairs and major maintenance bills. (I have had NO problems with my MDX so far, at 30K.)

So what I want to know is... there seem to be a lot of you who have had problems and are very disappointed with Volvo. Could you please tell me at what point in the mileage the problems began?

Thanks.

sarducci · March 2008

Anyone had issue with rear wheel, wheel bearings? I have 60k miles on my '05 and I think they just wore out. Normal? I wouln't think so for a $45k automobile. Thanks.

hypnosis44 · March 2008

Even one is unusual, but did both wear out? Have you been towing anything, or carrying heavy loads? Was the axle fluid full?

elias · March 2008

nicevision, yes it is possible that an aftermarket windshield would have less tint than a factory windshield. cops have a device which can measure the exact tint %, probably some dealerships and tint shops have those too.

Yes from what i understand it is common for xc90 to eat wheel bearings much quicker than other vehicles, my ex-xc90 ate one around 55k.

i'd buy another xc90 or xc60 if i were to decide again on that class of vehicle.
especially if either were available with diesel. with a choice to buy any european vehicle, i would expect a few more warranty/dealer-visits than if I were to buy a top reliability vehicle like some of those from GM/honda/lexus/etc.

sarducci · March 2008

Yes, one was completely shot and while they looked that over, they noticed the other one was about to go too. Bearings, rotar, ABS sensor all went in the back driver side wheel. Luckily I called a tow truck instead of trying to drive it in to the shop. I tow a small boat twice a year. Once to get it to the water and once at the end of the season to take it out. Hopefully Volvo will come through for me.

rsgaines · March 2008

Whole heartly agree. I really think they should replace the VOLVO logo with a Ford. In three year I have spent nearly 6k on repairs.

Front and rear struts and suspension
Wheel bearing 4 (yes) 4 times
Oil pump
rear hatch
of course brakes and multiple sets of tires.

and a list of other items that I just can not recall at present.

:sick:

rsgaines · March 2008

I think the obvious reason is that since Ford acquired Volvo, they look for any area to cut costs. This also impacts employee moral leading to further quality issues. I have had three Volvos prior to my XC90, 2005.

I have had more issues with this car than any other car I have ever owned. I STRONGLY urge anyone considering a XC90 to buy the insurance. I guarantee you will experience issues with wheel bearings, struts, suspension, the fancy cd changing radio, oil pump, and of course the transmission before this car ever gets to 100k miles.

On the positive, Volvo service departments are reporting record earnings!

bryangmd · March 2008

I must admit, I thought my wife was crazy when she said she was getting a mildew smell from the sunroof when open. I told the dealer who also gave me that look but couldn't find anything. This morning she proved it. She opened the sunroof at highway speed and within 30 seconds there was a musty or mildew smell. Anyone have problems with there sunroof?

Thanks,

skeeter03 · March 2008

ask your volvo dealer to clean out your sunroof drains. there are four (4). At times if it rains hard you might hear the water "rolling" around in the sun roof tray. Your mildew smell is a result of water either sitting in your sun roof tray or it has traveled down your "A" pillar posts.(those are the posts located at your windsheild) and has collected in the matting of your carpet.
:shades:

Volvo XC90 Maintenance and Repair

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