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Comments
Really tough call. Most of the vehicles on this forum have a lot less miles, and even though we all still had to fight and be pushy, there's been a bunch of us that have had some success. My replacement tranny from Volvo is only one year unlimited mileage warranty, so that is a better deal with the tranny shop, but $2600 is still a lot of money-for me anyway-
I guess it depends on what you plan on doing with the car as well. I had a XC 70 AWD wagon before this and never had the types of issues I have with the XC90. I would never purchase one again. I don't even know that I'd purchase a Volvo again after this experience.
You could still do what we all did and complain to all the parties and see what happens-what's a couple of emails? But then again, it depends how much time/money you want to invest into all of this...
Sorry I can't be more specific, but it all depends on what you want to do.
Take care and Best of Luck.
Lisa
But just my thoughts.....
Lisa
2003 XC90 T6 AWD, 78,185 miles, I am the 2nd owner bought it with 58,000 miles 2 years ago. Previous owner gave me his Volvo service records. 60,000 mile service everything was fine. Unfortunately... now I have joined your group. July 2, 2009 while driving 7 miles at 25-40 mph, the dreaded "TRANSMISSION SERVICE URGENT" light came on. Took it to my local mechanic who said error code "TCM 002B" the 3rd and 4th gear are bad, probably have to replace tranny, but take it to the dealer, cost $35.00. July 3, took it to North Point Volvo in Little Rock, Arkansas (the ONLY Volvo dealer in Arkansas). After 2 hours, said that my battery was bad and they couldn't read the codes, new battery was $150.00, so I went to AutoZone and bought one for $90.00, so now they can test, right. 2 hours later, they tell me I need a new tranny, cost $177.32 for the diagnostic, and $8300 + tax for the replacement tranny(part# 8602595, $4743.86), radiator(part#36000087 $496.44), trans cooler(part# 30741490 $526.24), trans cooler line #1(part# 31212264 $133.98), trans cooler line #2(part# 31212261 $78.91), trans cooler line #3(part# 31212265 $133.98), coolant($23.98), and new bolts... yes seriously, new bolts (6 for the torque converter(part# 979671 $15.00), and 4 for the subframe(part# 985111 $53.88). Labor was calculated at $99.00/hr for 18 hours($1782.00). If you are doing the math, you realize that I am a couple hundred short, but the remaining figures were not listed on my estimate, I will assume shop supplies, but they wrote $8300 + tax. Before I went to the dealer, I began reading some of these postings, so I somewhat knew what to expect. However, I do believe I have the highest estimate to date. Apparently the economy is good at Volvo. It was too late in the day to contact Volvo Customer Support, so we'll see what happens on Monday. As I am currently unemployed, I have nothing better to do with my time that write letters and make phone calls, but I will hold off hoping they will just do what is right. If anyone has any advice for me, please let me know. I was searching for the posting #170 as I saw a link saying it may be of some help, VolvoAdvocate may have been the poster?
Interestingly enough, when I returned to AutoZone to return the old battery for the core charge, I had them throw it on the tester, and it came back as good. I asked them if their tester tested under a load, and they said yes. So... thinking that was strange, I took it to Advance Auto Parts, and they tested it too. It was good. So here I sit with 2 good batteries and a go nowhere XC90 until who knows when.
Sorry, but welcome to the "club". I would see what the dealer does, first-then plan your actions from there. I also am the second owner of my XC90 that got a free replacement transmission and other parts. I purchased mine from a wholesaler who buys cars at the Auction in CT. I think they also did a little pitching for me to Volvo when they found out what I had done. If you need help after talking to the dealer on Monday, please let us know, as a few of us have been successful. I'll hope the best for you as well and feel free to use the card of I don't have a job to the hilt! Do what you need to do to get this taken care of. I'm still amazed that Volvo hasn't issued a recall, but that's just me.
Let us know how you make out on Monday. I'll cross my fingers, toes, eyes, arms, etc.....
Good luck and fight hard!
Lisa
thx in advance
I would look into the extended warranty immediately-as this is a major issue with these cars. Then depending on if the transmission is covered or not, would determine my personal next steps.
So, in other words, if the tranny is covered by the extended wrty, let them pick up the cost of it, get it fixed and be done with it.
If not, then I would recommend what I have to all the others on this forum and do the following, all online.
1. File a complaint with the NTSB
2. File a complaint with Volvo
3. File a complaint with your states Consumer Protection-
4. File a complaint with your states Attorney General-and please let Volvo know to what extent you are filing complaints with-might make them more motivated to work with you....
There have been a few on the forum that have done this and had success, I did and had success as well. But my only issue I've had with the car thus far has been the transmission-cross my fingers and toes here, so hopefully for you, once the tranny issue is resolved, you will have more peace of mind. Good luck, and don't feel bad about complaining-the more of us that do it-the more this issue will be brought out in the open. Also, I don't know if this will show on a carfax report, maybe the dealer where you purchased it had no idea, but I'd find that hard to believe........but that's me....
Let me know if you need anything else.
Lisa
Yea, I hear you! I did the following as the second owner of an 2005. Apparently, the original owner on mine was a lease.
1. Write the Consumer Protection for your State.
2. Write the Attorney General for your State.
3. Write a complaint to Volvo-
4. Do the online complaint for NTSB.
Do what you need to do. I did all of mine on line, either by forms or links thru email-and wrote scathing letters. This shouldn't be happening to any of us!
I hope this helps and I'll hope for the best and cheapest outcome for you! Let me know if you need anything else!
Lisa
I am extremely concerned because this forum has been brought to my attention that this vehicle (T6) is notorious for having transmission problems at low mileage and owners must pay out of pocket for something that appears to me to be a flaw in the manufacturing. Volvo should recall these faulty transmissions and take responsibility for the trouble, safety and loss of money they are causing their customers. “Volvo for Life” only if you want to purchase a new transmission every 20-40k miles!
I do plan to ask my dealership for more information because I have maintained the car at a Volvo certified mechanic; it has received every service suggested. This should not have happened.
I sent a complaint to Volvo, NTSB and the Attorney General.
Agreed, and please don't forget the Consumer Protection for your State. I think the more of us that complain, the father we will all get collectively as a group. It does bother me that Volvo calls this "Good Will" when we all concur this shouldn't even be happening at all. But like anything worth fighting for, you do have to endure. Following what I did and listed above worked for me and about seven other people, that I know of, so far, so lets hope it works for you as well. This handles the immediate issue.
My concerns going forward is what happens if these "new and improved transmissions" fail as well, and we are out of warranty again? And how long will they last, I personally don't have a lot of faith that this new one will last, but that's my personal concern.
Let us know how you make out with your dealer and Volvo. I'm hoping everything goes very well!!!!
Lisa
In the early failures, they failed to replace the cooling lines and radiators and the metal shavings from the dead tranny would migrate into the new one and kill it very soon. This is now standard procedure with a T6 tranny replacement.
Remember, Volvo recommends NO service to this tranny what so ever! I have seen a few posts from people that flushed their tranny and had it fail soon after.
I was also surprised to see some make it past 100K! There is hope! I just hope mine holds together long enough to trade it in on a new V8 XC90! Sweet! NO GM trans!
It is a great car and a great engine, just a bad GM (General Mistake) trans!
I hope they found the internal problem and made changes to the new replacements. Volvo wants EVERY tranny returned to them still assembled. A strange note, someone else was in for the same thing at the same dealer, and they had an after market warranty. Their warranty company refused to let Volvo install their tranny. They insisted thet the dealer use their company's rebuilt unit with a lifetime warranty and unlimited mileage. They REFUSED to let Volvo replace the cooling lines or radiator! Wonder how long that one will last....with unlimited warranty, who cares! Maybe they know something Volvo doesn't....or they're just stupid.......???
I still want to know what Cadillac this trans is from??? Ironic thing, I bought my XC90 used from a Cadillac dealer!
I also had to laugh at CARMAX offering more on a 04 XC90 if it didn't have a turbo???? All 04 XC90's had turbos!!! 5cyl has one, 6 cyl has TWO...go figure.
Of all the cars I've owned, the only one to not ever leave me stranded somewhere....my 1958 Edsel! HA! Still have it!
I am the original owner of a 2003 Volvo XC90 T6. It has low mileage for its age (56,500) and has been serviced exclusively at Volvo dealers. I used to live in rural Wisconsin -- 100 miles away from the Volvo dealer in Madison, who did not have evening or Saturday service hours, so service was a pain. I now live in South Florida within 35 miles of 2 Volvo dealers.
Thus far (knock on wood), my 2003 Volvo XC90 T6's transmission seems fine.
COMMENTS:
(1.) It would appear that the GM transmission in T6 Volvo XC90's is prone to premature failure. Unfortunately, we don't know how prevalent the problem is. Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Honda, Toyota -- you name it -- have their share of "lemon"-related problems and also often drag their feet.
(2.) I strongly agree with host STEVE (message #79) that, "Class action suits aren't so appealing if the lawyers make millions and the consumers get a $500 coupon off a new Volvo."
Remember what happened when CBS-TV's "60 MINUTES" fabricated the Audi "unintended acceleration" problem? Audi values nose-dived. Lawyers made millions, but Audi owners got nothing more than vouchers.
From personal experience, as a former stockholder, I was involved in a couple of "class action" lawsuits -- one for General Public Utilities (of Three Mile Island fame), the other for TYCO International (of Dennis Kozlowski fame). In the case of General Public Utilities, I lost about $3,000. Know what I got from the "class action" lawsuit? $2.31! In the more recent case of TYCO International, I lost a lot more money. When I got the "class action" lawsuit packet, I spent hours going through it to make sure it was even worth participating. Based upon the info provided by the lawyers, I calculated that I should get back about $2,000 or so if I partcipated. Perhaps more, perhaps less. So I went through the hassle of filling out all the paperwork, providing all the necessary documentation, sending a change of address letter when I moved, etc. Just a few months ago, I received a "settlement" letter. Guess what it said? There would be no checks issued for less than $10 and, since my settlement amount (which was never specified) was less than $10, I was getting nothing. Zilch!
"Class action" lawsuits sound nice ... sound tough. "We're not gonna take it any more", etc. But CAVEAT EMPTOR.
Personally, what I think we need to do is not enrich some lawyer(s) through a "class action" lawsuit, but get Volvo to:
(a.) Recall all their XC90 T6's;
(b.) Replace all XC90 T6 transmissions and radiators, etc. free of charge;
(c.) Provide for free loaners while the work is being done; and
(d.) Reimburse XC90 T6 owners who have already paid for such work (and related expenses) out of their own pockets.
This is the right thing for Volvo to do -- most important ethically, but also from a long-term business point of view. Personally, I love my XC90 -- its styling (still fresh after 6 years; how often can you say that?); its safety features (current T6 transmission problem notwithstanding); its overall features and solidity; etc. I want a good reason to consider another Volvo in the future, as do (I suspect) several others in this forum.
REQUEST FOR ADVICE:
As I said, the transmission on my 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 with 56,500 miles seems to be fine. I had the 52,500 miles service done early -- at 50,000 miles (just before I moved from Wisconsin to Florida) -- and had an oil change a couple of days ago -- just before I stumbled upon this forum. Both were done at Volvo dealers.
I was planning on going up north (Illinois, Michigan, etc.) for a few weeks later this month. Having read all the posts in this forum, I've gotten a bit paranoid -- i.e. will my transmission suddenly konk out and the dreaded "TRANSMISSION SERVICE URGENT" message appear on my instrument panel? I could take my other vehicle, a 2004 Honda Pilot, but -- frankly -- the Honda doesn't feel nearly as solid as the Volvo, does not have the side curtain airbags (despite being a year newer model), is not as comfortable, etc.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks, and my apologies in advance for taking up so much time and space.
George
Any other comments on the first symptoms others have had or does this sound like a transmission problem?
Not sure if it is a T5, T6 (not sure what that is). My car is pretty well loaded with options.
Thanks,
RG
E.Martinez
As all of you, I have had numerous problems with the XC 90, front end clunking and grinding, along with three sets of badly worn tires, other issues too numerous to list. I do not want to put my too small children in this car because I am afraid at any moment the car will die on the highway.
Advice?
The reports on what owners have had to pay out-of-pocket are all over the place, but this was my experience.
Sad thing is that my 2004 XC90 has been my all-time favorite car! I've had several Volvo wagons, before, and have been a very loyal Volvo customer. I have loved driving the XC90 - that is, until the "Transmission Service Urgent" light came on. I was even toying with the idea of buying a new 2010 when that happened. And, now.....
I'm spending the summer about 1,000 from home and just hope my drive back goes without inccident.
What I did, six months ago, that was successful was to file a complaint on line with Volvo, the NTSB, your state's Consumer Protection, and your state's Attorney General. I would also let Volvo know your complaining to each of these agencies, as I believe, it will help. I agree with the other post, that I was without my Volvo for a month back in Feb 2009-but I had a spare car to drive-thank God. It took that long to get it fixed, but it was all done without a charge, so well worth it to me.
I hope this helps. Keep your mantra, Complain, Complain, Complain. Volvo should be at the very least issuing recalls or not giving customers a hard time when this dreaded ck engine lite comes on.
Let me know if you need more info, but this worked for me, and since I've posted what I did, it helped seven other people-that's my count so far....
So best of luck, and keep persevering!
Lisa
I have been servicing my car at the same dealership where I bought it and I've paid for every recommended service including the transmission flush that may have caused the transmission failure 2 days later. I didn't even have to argue, I simply towed the car there and told them I have an extended warranty. It sounds like some dealerships are footing the bill for customers loyal to the dealership. Maybe someone will be successful in an individual lawsuit and the bad press will change Volvo's business practices.
I agree with previous posts about contacting your elected officials, Volvo Corp. and the NHTSA about the safety issues surrounding this vehicle.
My family has owned 5 Volvo's and the XC90 has been a pleasure to drive, but the cost of repairs/maintenance is brutal. Good luck!!!
Unless your XC90 has an unbelievable number of miles on it, it is worth more than the $3500-$4500 the government will give you for it via the C4C program.
'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
Keep me posted if you need anything else.
Lisa
laws65@sbcglobal.net
The first tranny went around 36K, slipping gears, slow shifts, etc. Replaced with a rebuilt, since that is all that is available, luckily under the Volvo warranty.
The second tranny went this past March, at around 80K, in a spectacular fashion and ground the gears up. They could barely get it on to the roll-back truck. Replaced this time under a GEICO extended warranty, lucky again for the warranty coverage.
I came home July 5th to find a lake (not a puddle) under the XC90 in our garage. They said that the pan bolts were stripped and that caused it. I screamed and they replaced tranny number 3 with tranny number 4 after a month's wait to get a "reliable" rebuilt. They said that they replaced the tranny and the radiator with with rebuilt equipment, again, since that is all that is available, but all is fixed.
NOW.... this morning... my wife picks up the completed car from the dealer and on the way home.... not 15 miles from the dealer.... the "Urgent, Transmission Service Required!" light comes on. What is with this?!?!?!?!
Volvo keeps trying to say that it is the 2003 and 2004 GM transmissions that they used. Well, step up and take some responsibility for your design and equipment choices. This is the third Volvo we have had since 1992 and I would gladly take our old 960 wagon back which just passed 230K (my bother-in-law is still driving that one).
The dealer is coming to pick this pile of metal up this afternoon and give us another Volvo loaner (negotiated when we purchased the car) and it is now their move. My "Irish" is up and they have 48 hours to solve this situation before I go totally corporate, governmental, and media on them. They won't like me when I'm mad and I have been VERY reasonable and patient with them up to this point.
I have had previous run-ins with 3 other Fortune 1000 corporations over the past 10 years and those three corporations did not like the experience. Two of them use it as a consumer training exercise and example. You see, when I am this upset I look at it as a sport or a very expensive game that I now have nothing to loose and they have there entire reputation and corporate image to try to salvage and protect. (Don't get me wrong, we love our dealership, they are in the middle of this, but it is time for them to go to bat for us against Volvo and choose a side.)
I will not be dealing with Volvo Consumer Relations from this point on, I go straight to the Executives (Chairman, SVPs, and VPs) and the Board of Directors. They really hate getting e-mails, calls, and registered letters from a long and valued customer. They are about to experience a new lesson in customer dis-satisfaction and how the media, government, and internet can be an asset or their worst nightmare. Stay tuned... I'm good at this and Yes, I can be bought into silence, if they make the right deal.
Agreed, something doesn't add up here.
Please, please keep us posted, and don't forget to register the complaint with NTSB-or their board b/c they can put pressure on Volvo as well..
Lisa
laws65@sbcglobal.net
You state Volvo "is stepping up if you have 60K miles or so, they are picking up the entire cost."
QUESTION:
Did you have to go through the hassle and delays of formal complaints (as mentioned by others in this forum), or was this handled smoothly between your Volvo dealer and Volvo USA -- as it should have been?
Did you get any feedback from your dealer or Volvo on whether Volvo is thinking of replacing tranny's on vehicles that haven't failed yet?
Thanks.
I'm the one who started all these complaints, let my dealer where I purchased my car know I would make more of a stink if I had to. They then let the local Volvo dealer know and low and behold had it taken care of for free, after paying hundreds for a tranny flush that I shouldn't have had to had done. I've tried selling my car to no avail, and wonder if I have any chance to pay off my loan if I trade it in.....
Lisa
_Mike
*constant battery drain, and subsequent issues related,
*costly tows to dealer and local mechanic,
*replaced key ignition cartridge (it actually began seizing up...wear and tear?! joking?
*replace tie rods as a result of too many tows,
*transmission slippage
*now apparently needing a full transmission replacement!!
I drove a lowly 1993 Camry LE problem-free for 16 blissful years prior to purchasing my, "Volvo for life" upgrade :sick: I finally laid it to rest after the tranny failed at 400,000 kms. :P I never knew I had it so good; and you won't either until you buy a Volvo :lemon: I'm presently waiting on Volvo Canada to address my latest tranny issue. Please keep me posted. Have you addressed Sweden Volvo directly about your problems? Maybe there's some hope there.
Cheers,
WasagaBeach,
CDA
Please keep me posted
Tks in advacne
The results have been beyond their expectations. Volvo has replaced the transmission, radiator, oil cooler and lines in all cases at no charge.
The only issue has been the wait since there was a problem with inventory.
Also do the failures seem to occur with a particular engine, or is it happening with all the differant engines sizes.
Cheers,
wasagabeach
1. Go to a dealer and get them to give you a diagnosis and estimate on how much the full thing is going to cost.
2. Go to volvousa.com and send them and email explaining what the problem is and how you read up on the problem, and know that they do a so called "good will" service, for free.
3. Volvo should call you back in a few hours. They called me 2 hours after getting my email, and the next day to tell me they have approved the whole $8500 fix for free. So now Im just waiting for the dealer to get the parts and fix the problem free of charge.
My car was purchased used at 45K , and now is at 69K, and they know this is a problem apparently because they were VERY willing to do this free of charge. So the lesson is, research, call, complain, and you will get your problem fixed, as it should be. I do have to say even though I am probably going to end up trading in the car of fear of this happening again, I am super satisfied that Volvo is standing by their product and is admitting that they made a inferior product. Good job them as far as that goes. GOOD LUCK!!
So VERY glad things worked out well for you. That totals eight people so far! The main thing is to put your complaint in writing! Great job!
Lisa
laws65@sbcglobal.net
I was more than a little concerned because the day before this happened, the car showed a "low coolant" message. I added coolant/water, and the message went away. Then, when the trans message came up, I was thinking that I now knew where the coolant went . But, from the looks of it, that wasn't the case.
Time will tell. The car has been great, except for the looming transmission issue.
Can someone tell me how to get Volvo to step up and fix the problem? Initial reaction from the local dealer is "there is nothing they can do".
I am very happy to hear that the Volvo dealer worked so well with you, without too much fuss! Most of us haven't been so fortunate. My new transmission was given a one year, unlimited mileage warranty, but I feel like it still isn't right. But time will tell. I am on my second Volvo, have loved the cars, until like you and the rest of us, this major critical malfunction. Best of luck to you, and let us know if you run into any issues, I'm sure a bunch of us would do what we could to help!
Take care.
Lisa
I have really loved this car (my third Volvo turbo) and was getting interested in buying a new one right about the time this all happened. The car's resale is already discounted for this problem and I will have to "disclose" and take a bath selling it just so someone else isn't victimized by the tranny. I am just so, so disappointed in Volvo.
Cheers,
Wasagabeach
How do we get this lemon of our hands?? I am at this point looking at selling it to a parts shop. :lemon: