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Comments
Yesterday (NYE) the wife's 2004 XC90's transmission gave up the ghost and on her first call to Barbagello Volvo they said it was likely it would require a new box - $8000 and a two week wait. Pretty severe over the phone diagnosis for a problem that doesn't exist.
Could xc90volvomum or agitlits post details of their contact within Volvo Australia to start talking about getting some "good will" assistance with the repair. I'm not expecting to pay nothing but there does appear to be a case to be answered.
Disappointed - I work away and reliability was a big factor in buying a Volvo for a family car.
Thanks, Marty.
I'm really sorry to hear about your problem. I haven't had the same one with my XC90 T6 yet, but probably is only a matter of time!
I am so paranoid about this problem that I emailed Volvo Australia in advance to see what I should do *if* the problem should occur with my car. Anyway, I just emailed general Volvo customer hotline which was owners@volvo-customers.com.
I can forward to you their exact response, if you like. Just drop me a line at agitlits@gmail.com
Their response was that each "Good Will" assistance case is considered on a case-by-case basis. This, I presume, means the service history of your vehicle, etc. However, the response was in August 25 and I suspect that they may have become more lenient since there is now a pending class action in the USA regarding this exact matter.
What I would do first if I were you is to lodge case with Volvo Australia and then they will tell you to take the vehicle to the dealership for proper diagnosis. I suspect there will be at least partial assistence from Volvo Australia.
Please email me if you want the exact response and also to talk about it.
Please, also let me know how you go as I am really interested in the outcome.
Best wishes,
Alex
Sounds like it. Did the Service transmission light come on?
Lisa
Can any one share experiences with pursuing this with the dealer and what was most successful...Thanks so much,
Mike
Welcome to the unfortunate club known as the XC 90 transmission failures.
First, complain to Volvo and put it in writing-can do it online.
Second, same thing to the NTSB.
Third, online complaint to your state's Atty General
Fourth, online complaint to your state's Consumer Protection.
Then let Volvo know all the people you are complaining to as this shouldn't have happened and you are fully aware Volvo is replacing these transmissions and radiators, including cooling lines for free.
See how that works, and keep us posted on your progress! Best of luck!
So far, this has worked for eleven people, and myself as well!
Lisa
Laws65@sbcglobal.net
Contact the NTSB-again online
File an email complaint with your state's Attorney General
File an email complaint with your state's Consumer Protection
Mention this website and how Volvo has done "Goodwill" transmissions to others.
Good luck!
Lisa A Souza
On Monday morning I took my car to the dealer. When I arrived I told them that the light came on, and that I had researched the issue online, and asked the tech what the process was for working with Volvo on this issue. He said that we needed to see what was wrong, and then we could make a plan.
Five hours later he called me and told me that yes my transmission needed to be replaced, but he had contacted volvo and they were going to pay for the entire thing, but he couldn't get the part for a week or so. The car was running fine, and he told me I could come get it until the parts came in.
I took the car in yesterday and got it back today. They replaced the transmission, radiator, aux cooler lines and upgraded tcm. The total cost to me was 0 dollars. I did have to pay for a rental car, and I did ask them to do an oil change which I paid for.
My dealership here in Minneapolis was great to work with. I purchased this car used, not from the dealer. I have had some work done at the dealer, but I have had work done other places too. I do not have a Warranty.
If you have any questions please let me know. I was so scared at the thought of $9000 into a car that I bought because I thought it would last forever. I have new faith in Volvo.
Anyone have it go the second time and have it paid for? And, on the second time, about how many miles did you have in between breakdowns?
I have an XC90 which I bought used with 69,000 km on it. My research showed that my vehicle had the original transmission replaced at 48,000 km. So I'm currently on my second transmission. I doubt it will be the last one.
Someone I know who lives in Australia like me just had the transmission fail on his XC90 T6. He was not the original owner. Volvo Australia flatly refused to contribute anything because he is not the original owner! In the US, it seems, different rules apply, presumably due to the class action being close to resolution by the courts.
Volvo Australia said that because his car is out of warranty and he purchased it used he cannot expect Volvo to fix it at their expense and they also mentioned that they cannot predict the durability of each single component in their cars which is BS as transmission units are supposed to be reasonably durable!
Good luck
Alex
Took the car to Volvo and they diagnosed it with....transmission failure.
I have had to get a new transmission and it was difficult to get them to agree to pay for it because I had had all my "work" done elsewhere.
They are paying for the transmission, but after looking at all the others in the same situation this car is soon to be sold....with a new transmission.
Another problem is the annoying engine vibration when I am in stopped at a light or stop sign. The engine vibrates slightly until I accelerate then runs smoothly. Again I was told that this is normal. Again, I don't think so.
Any thoughts?
Though I have brought it back to Volvo three times for this and have had two ride-a-longs with Volvo mechanics, they continue to tell me that is the computer that controls the shifting. They can not change it since it is set at the factory. They told me my only work-a-round was to shift the car manually if I didn't like it. Great!
The dealer says this is normal...hmmm.
and the vibration while brake stopped with motor running?...hmmmm
Thanks
Volvo corporate called back the next day and said to just take the car into our local Volvo dealership and they would take care of 100 percent of the transmision replacement as well as the axle and anything else involved.
My initial contact with them the second time around was much more pleasant than the first time. All in all, I'm pretty sure Volvo is very aware of the faulty GM tranny they put in the T6's. The guys at Ken Garff told me they were going to recalibrate the software for the torque that the T6 puts out in attempt to reduce the wear and tear on the tranny.
I bought the Volvo because my wife is hauling my 3 young children around and I wanted to get her a solid and safe car. I was told the Volvo was bullet proof! After owning this XC90 I can honestly say I would be hard pressed to purchase another newer Volvo!
I think the domestic companies (Ford in this case) get their hands on the engineering and parts in the Volvo and the car goes to crap. If I wanted domestic, I would have purchased a Jeep! But, I think they know that. That is why they are mucking up what the Swedes did pretty well.
My other ride is a Jeep. I am a patriot, just please let the Swedes continue on with their parts and design of a great car.
Cheers!
I'm from Asia and the local distributor is not supporting the replacement for the transmission for the T6 the way its unfolding in USA.
As precautionary measure, I'm searching for rebuilders to supply rebuild kits and parts to strengthen the GM transmission found the the XC90 T6.
Anyone with contact or recommendations do drop me a message, many thanks!
Bernard
Sorry to hear of your troubles. Depending on the state you live in and the price you paid for it, there is a state law of a certain number of days of warranty-Connecticut is 30 or 60 days-again depending on the price and age of car-I believe.
There have been over a dozen of us that have professionally appealed to certain parties and thankfully received new transmissions at no cost. I'll hope the best for you and your family and if you look at my prior posts, I've outlined what you can do-as my goal is to empower others and hope Volvo helps us all.
Best of luck and feel free to reply should you need more help.
Take care.
Lisa
This would "square" with my understanding that Volvo redesigned the transmission for 2006 which corrected the earlier years inherent weaknesses.
The "track record" satisfaction reports for 2006 appear very good....look at Edmunds ratings which shows that transmissions get high marks or, at least, not a significant issue for 2006 .
Any knowledge or comment on this ?
Thanks!
Hopefully, if Volvo is smart, they are replacing ours with the newer version. I asked and the Volvo salesman didn't know.
Lisa
laws65@sbcglobal.net
Very interesting b/c I went to my local Volvo Dealer in CT, where I even worked as a teenager, trying to see what I could get on my 2005 XC90 for a trade in, based on the shape. I test drove the XC70 Cross Country Wagon, as I loved my old one. The transmission did the same thing. It was a V6, non turbo, as I was told it isn't standard anymore as they had too many problems with it. When I stepped on the gas, the car seemed to slip into gear at a higher than expected rpm. When I mentioned it to the salesman, he said, it's the way the newer transmissions are and I'm probably just used to my XC90 one now-what a joke. I'm beginning to wonder if once Volvo switched and switches over more and more of their parts to Ford the bigger the issues will be!
Good luck!
Lisa
Actually, I have found my XC90 to be a terrific vehicle .... wonderful driving characteristics and, of course, the confidence of Volvo safety.
I have only had a few service issues - AWD loss and upper suspension arm replacement beside the typical tire wear,of course. (I am driving on Bridgestones after Pirelli and Michelins) I have also been careful to have tires rotated and balanced and periodic 4 wheel alignments which has really helped.
In sum, the XC90 is perfect for me in comparison to others.
Hope your expience, too, has been and continues to be a good one.
Sign me up!
I did. This was over the problem of the "lock-up" when the car should shift from 3rd to second. This only started occuring after the "new" transmission in my car.
I was called back by my Volvo dealer and had another ride-a-long with the Mgr and head mechanic. The head mechanic knew the problem since he has driven with me previously. We were easily able to replicate the problem numerous times. They are now trying to see if this is happening on any other T6 xc90s. If they can't then my car will go in the shop for who knows how long. Luckily I get a loaner.
I have not heard on this board anyone else who has this problem.
I am new to this, and somehow could not find if anyone responded to your request for extended warranty info. I have a 2004 XC90 - 64k miles, and I too am thinking about buying an ext warranty. Any luck with advice? Volvo dealership quoted me yesterday a full coverage for $2422 - 3 yr, 36k, with $250 deductible . Sounds high, but I am not up on this subject!! Thanks so much
I'm so glad to know that my volvo isn't the only one with these problems, that I'm not the cause. These constant noises and creaks can make one wonder.
Volvo should have a longer warranty than 50,000 miles like everybody else.
I'm in the PDX area also. I'm just beginning my quest to get this tranny covered. I was wondering if you have had any luck. thanks.
Will update with how things go when I find out more!
~Faith