Problem Reports
Volvo XC90
Report: Transmission Failure Common
Volvo XC90 Problem
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
Average Mileage: 77,131 mi (8,600 mi - 185,000 mi)
Premature automatic transmission failure is common. Diagnoses of the fault will be necessary to determine if repair or replacement is the proper repair.
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Visitor, 2005 Volvo XC90, 60,000 mi
I bought this car used with just over 50,000 miles on it. I had it for not quite 3 months before it needed a new transmission. Out of warranty, so had no choice but to spend $4000 on a rebuilt transmission. Two years later, no problems until today. I've only put 7,000 miles on it in two and a half years. I had the "urgent transmission" check engine light come on today...very nervous to take it into the shop today...
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Visitor, 2004 Volvo XC90, 102,000 mi
Transmission failed and had to be replaced.
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Visitor, 2004 Volvo XC90, 60,000 mi
Burnt foamy fluid. Vehicle shudders when accelerating. Erratic pump noise.
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Visitor, 2004 Volvo XC90, 59,500 mi
trans kept slipping in all gears. when I limpped into the dealer they were suprized I made it! Thsat's when I was told that this is a known problem with this 6 speed GM transmission. All parts and labor were covered by Volvo!
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Visitor, 2004 Volvo XC90, 88,000 mi
Transmission seems to be failing. The dealer says I will probably need a new transmission. I had always heard Volvos lasted forever and were high quality. My ABS module has also failed and needs to be replaced.
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Visitor, 2007 Volvo XC90, 110,000 mi
We have taken excellent care of our 2007 XC90 VOLVO SUV but the transmission has been acting up for about 6 months. Volvo said they would have to replace the entire transmission for about $8000.00, our local transmission shop said they are seeing ALOT of these VOLVO SUV 's coming in with transmission problems, they said all that needs to be done is to rebuild the value body cost $4500 approx.
My husband's TOYOTA TUNDRA has almost 280,000K and never had one transmission problem! WHAT HAPPEN TO ' VOLVO FOR LIFE' ?
This is my 4th VOLVO, and it will be my last!Flag ThisLike0 -
diggers253, 2004 Volvo XC90, 56,200 miRookie
56000 miles - sudden and totla gearbox failure.
Am in discussions with Volvo - claiming to have only ever heard of this once ever before although internet says otherwise.
Please email me on xc90@yipes.co.uk if you have had this problem. I need to put together a list to demonstrate that its a defect and not wear and tear.
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Visitor, 2005 Volvo XC90, 78,000 mi
The transmission on my XC90 -- with the 2.9L in-line T6 engine -- is generally regarded as the only engine with the transmission problem. Unfortunately, Volvo used an inferior Aisen-33 transmission in these cars from about 2004-05, which was not strong enough to handle the pronounced torque of the engine; the transmissions were "guaranteed to fail"...just a matter of time. Volvo remedied the problem with a redesigned transmission. I had one of these installed after mine failed, together with a new radiator and all cooling lines replaced with the new transmission, which has worked perfectly since. It should be noted that replacement should be in accordance with Volvo guidelines, and not just be rebuilt by an expensive transmission shop; replacement with a certified Volvo redesigned transmission is key to thte success of the new installation. Those who have experienced transmission failure should petition Volvo for their "Goodwill Assistance Program", who will likely be able to help you financially by assuming some or all of the cost. In my case, they paid $5000 of a $7000 replacement bill; some was better than nothing.
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Visitor, 2005 Volvo XC90, 53,000 mi
New transmission was replaced in 2008 and now it needs to be replaced angain
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Visitor, 2004 Volvo XC90, 90,000 mi
Transmission light came on. Had vehicle towed to dealership. They upgraded the transmission software and it seems to OK. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don't blow the transmission. My udnertsanding is that this is a common problem and subject to a class action law suit. It seems that a "weak" seal failes between the transaxel and transmission allowing heavier transmision oil to comtaminate the transmission. I check my transmision fluid colour weekly.
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