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I'm also in SoCal and facing $7,900 repair. Would appreciate direct contact by email.
OldJim3
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I think I'm in that situation right now. ('04 XC90 T6 - about 88k). "Transmission Service Urgent" light just came on Friday. My wife had the car towed 90 miles to our dealership (Volvo Santa Ana in SoCal). I'll get the verdict today. Which dealership did you take your car to? I'd like to know since it sounds like its nearby.
Thanks,
Ken
1. Called Volvo USA directly and explained what happened, explained that I am aware that the transmission problem is a well-documented problem. They told me to take it to a Volvo dealer and after the dealer would determine what caused the problem (as there might be external causes/works that lead to transmission failure) and take it from there.
2. Took my Volvo to Manhattan Volvo and was quoted about $9,000. Well, I should not say quoted, but was told that it would cost that much. Explained that I am aware about the transmission failure rate in T6's is off the chart and that rarely these cars make 100K miles.
3. I was told that by the dealer that they will open a case with Volvo USA and they'd let me know what they say but was asked to be patient with them. (I told them keep my car for six months as long as I don't have to pay for the repairs).
4. Dealer called me said that the transmission has been replaced, radiator, hoses, lines, anti-freeze, coolant and a bunch of stuff and was asked for a permission to drive it 100 miles to make sure the car runs properly. I told them drive it around the globe for all I care, as long as I don't have to pay for it.
5. Got an email from them the next day saying the car runs like NEW. I am like, wait a second, so I don't have to pay for anything since the parts were ordered and work was done without my consent, right? They said not a penny. Volvo is paying for everything.
6. Went picked up my car, thanked them a million times and true, the car runs like new. I was going to sell it before transmission failed but now I am keeping it for another year or two.
So, to all of you fellows who are worried - Do not worry a bit as Volvo truly stood behind their product with me and I am sure they will take care of your cars as well. But remember, when you approach this thing, BE NICE and BE PATIENT as it will take weeks for a case to open and everything get approved. Don't tell the dealer " You have to do it" because they do not have to do it when you don't have a warranty.
Hope this post will help you as your posts helped me as well. By reading some of your posts, I knew what to do and how to approach this problem, so I thank you all of you who took your time to post.
Cheers all,
M
Thanks
BA
Thank you so much for your detailed post. I own a 2004 XC90 T6 with 60K miles and had a complete transmission failure this weekend. I will begin addressing first thing monday morning. If not for my search on the internet and this forum in particular I would not have known about the transmissions issues on the XC90. I will post my progress.
We purchased a 2004 XC90 T-6 AWD used from a dealer in 2005. Thankfully we decided to spend the extra money and purchase an extended warranty to cover all maintenance up to 110,000 miles. We have had 2 axles, motor mounts, fuel pump, sun roof leaks and as of this past Saturday, the transmission failed on this vehicle. Like I said, we have the warranty and all of these repairs have been covered in full with exception of a small deductible. The transmission has been slipping for about 3 months now and the Volvo dealer has kept telling us that they cannot find anything wrong with it. Saturday on the way back from the beach, it started slipping real bad and slipping out of gear. About the time we arrrived home the "Transmission Service Urgent" light came on and it would not make it up our driveway. I had it towed to Volvo of Tampa on Sunday and by the time I arrived in the service department on Monday morning, they had it back in the shop, handed me the keys to a new 2010 XC90 and said to drive it until they found the problem. My service advisor called around noon that day to let me know the transmission had to be replaced and it was covered by my warranty. That extended warranty was expensive however we are way ahead now with this transmission problem. I would recommend anyone who has the XC90 to purchase an extended warranty. If you are in the Tampa area, they have the best service department I have ever dealt with. I also think that having a professional service advisor working with you can make all the difference in the world.
We bought ours at Borton Volvo, it was under warranty, the transmission first died at 40000 miles in 2008 and it was under warranty.
Warranty is now expired and it appears transmission has failed again - we couldn't even get it up the driveway. So we are back where we started years ago, but with no warranty.
Any hints?
I bought mine used and ran out of warranty as well. Here is what I did and what I've posted previously and has helped many others on the Forum as well.
1. File a written complaint to your State Attorney General
2. File an on line complaint to the NTSB
3. File an on line complaint to Volvo
4. File a complaint to your State's Dept of Consumer Protection
Let Volvo know or make one letter and cc in all parties. Let Volvo know you learned of this in this Forum-as they are aware of it-and keep pushing. This shouldn't be happening to these cars over and over again, period. Good luck and report back on the Forum how you made out, but deal with your local Volvo dealer. Some people have had luck with aftermarket transmissions, but I didn't go that route and was fortunate to have a new transmission, oil lines, cooling lines, and a brand new radiator from Volvo.
Wishing you well!
Lisa
I'm in Sydney, Australia. Look forward to hearing from you, or any other readers with any class action info.
I purchased my Volvo from the Gold Coast and when my transmission went at 80,000klms they didnt want to know me. I phoned then emailed the Sydney HO and they offered to pay half originally and when I started referring to this being a common problem in the US that is being ignore is Australia I got some interest. Eventually they paid for the new transmission $7K and I paid for the service $1200. They had Brisbane put the new transmission in and they gave me a loan car for 3 weeks while the parts arrived. They only gave me a 12 month warranty but they are responsible as its not a reasonable expectation for a car of this value.You really have to really make a song and dance and they'll pretend its not a common problem until you start quoting the US and their class action. I would also get onto NRMA as they have standards they can quote as acceptable.
Good Luck.
Leah
I like many here thought I was stuck with an out of warranty Volvo and even had my car towed to a transmission shop. After doing an internet search as an almost afterthought I followed the advice here and went to my dealership and politely explained my situation and acknowledged I had ceased to use the dealer for service. To my pleasant surprise I was provided a new transmission and radiator at minimal diagnostic cost. The radiator replacement I believe is due to the potential for metal in the system which could damage the new transmission. I was without the Volvo for only three days.
My experience I think had to do with the fact that I was informed and civil and working with a similar party on the other side. I did not have to work with Volvo USA or issue threats, although those were viable follow up paths.
My personal experience with Volvo was exemplary and exceeded all expectations.
Took it to the large local Volvo dealer and guess what!? Volvo is paying for the brand new transmission, radiator etc. 100% including labor.
I'm so happy!!! This dealer has won me over as new customer. After this, I'll be servicing my 2004 XC90 with them.
Is your vehicle the XC90 or the new Volvo XC 60? I know other XC70 wagons have had complaints with the transmission as well, but they stopped making the XC90, debating about another Volvo and would like to know what you purchased.
Thanks
Lisa
Tom
Good Luck
Leah
Now I would like to take it to the dealership and have them deal with it. I feel Volvo should be responsible and I want to do all I can to see that happen. I would like to be nice about it. Please someone inform me of their experience and also inform me of what I can do in case they will not pay for it.
I called the dealer and they said to bring it in but gave me no assurances.
How's your transmission holding up?
I only spoke to a customer service person who relaid everything between Volvo HO and myself. I suggest you contact the Dept of Fair Trading as well as NRMA but ensure you let Volvo know you are contacting them. I would also mention this transmission problem is well documented on many web sites and surely they have some responsibility to advise owners of a well known and costly problem. Although I didnt get NRMA involved they did say it wasnt a problem you expect to have in a expensive car at around 80,000 kmls. Volvo have tried to keep this problem quite so you may even have to think about going to a TV current affairs to get them to start negotiating. Sorry I cant give a specific name as I have nothing in writing it was all done over the phone. Best of luck.
Leah
She was able to get Volvo to pay for everything. Her story was featured in Readers Digest as well. Best of luck.
Does that surprise anybody?
Very sad....
xc90 owners dont be afraid to take your vehicles back to your dealers. Volvo will stand by their vehicles. Signed a happy Volvo Owner.
This is a huge mess.. Any suggestions??
I am currently living in Korea and my transmission went out today while driving from Seoul. I received a warning message stating "Urgent Service Transmission." My volvo has 63K miles,HELP PLEASE!!!! I purchased my volvo while stationed in Germany, and never had any issues before. There are two Volvo dealers close by, so any advice would be great!!!
THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT BEING INITIATED SO LOOK INTO IT.
I had the transmission rebuilt by a local transmission repair shop. I had just bought it on the secondary market and thought surely it was out of warranty. Well I assume it was but the other day I got info from Volvo for an extended warranty covering the transmission. Now I have to find out if it was under warranty. The lawyer in the class action is supposed to help me get compensation for the amount of the rebuilt transmission. I hope that works out.
Currently it started being difficult with going into reverse in cold weather the other day. We are still under warranty at the transmission place but they don't think it is failing again. Will see.
i am about to contact ken garff for this exact problem and wondered if there is anything specific i should say to them. i am very disturbed as i am a single mother and this problem nearly caused me to be in an accident with my two daughters in the car. any help would be appreciated.
thanks!