Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 Models:
Volvo XC90 Problems
Transmission Failure Common
Premature automatic transmission failure is common. Diagnoses of the fault will be necessary to determine if repair or replacement is the proper repair.
Audio System Problems May Be Due to Software Issues
Problems with the audio system have been reported. There are software upgrades available that will address certain issues. Problems unrelated to software issues will require standard repair procedures.
Oil May Leak From AWD Differential Housing
Oil leaks from the all-wheel drive differential housing have been reported.
Hard Shifting, Erratic Shifting and Other Transmission Issues
Many complaints have been reported regarding Volvo XC90 transmission shifting issues. Long shift times between gear shifts, hard shifting, hard downshifting and a loss of transmission operation all together to name a few.
If the issue is minor, a transmission software update may address this issue so if available, the software should be updated before any repairs are made. After a software update or repair, the shift adaptatio...
Software Upgrade May Fix Climate Control System Problems
There have been problems with the climate control system not working at times. Volvo has made a Software upgrade for the AC control module is available that can correct certain climate control system faults.
Volvo XC90 Recalls (Recent)
Second and Third Row Seat Belts May Not Be Properly Attached
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The seat belt attachments(s) for the second and third row seat(s) may not have been properly fitted. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect and repair the affected seat belt attachments to correct this concern. The Volvo recall number is R127.
Learn more »The Windshield Wipers May Fail in Extreme Winter Weather Conditions
RepairPal Expert Overview:
If the windshield wipers are activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm can slip on its driveshaft, resulting in an inability to move the wipers from the park position. Inoperative wipers during inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to reduced visibility. Dealers will replace the wiper arms and retaining nuts to correct this concern. The Volvo recall number is R156.
Learn more »
Potential Electrical Short Circuit at Starter Motor
RepairPal Expert Overview:
An electrical short circuit may develop between the positive battery and ground at the starter motor solenoid. Smoke may appear from under the hood and the car may not start. If the short were to occur while driving, electrical power could be lost. Any electrical short increases the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect and increase the distance between the B+ terminal and the starter motor solenoid as necessary. This recall is expected to begin on January 31, 2006. The Volvo recall number is R150.
Learn more »Engine Mount Bracket May Break
RepairPal Expert Overview:
One hundred and two vehicles may have been assembled with incorrect bolts securing the engine mount. The aluminum engine mount bracket could break, resulting in excess engine movement. This could lead to an engine stalling condition, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners of the affected vehicles have been contacted and dealers will perform the necessary repairs. The Volvo recall number is 197.
Learn more »One or Both Tie Rod Ends May Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The outer tie rod ball joint may fatigue and fracture. The driver may notice the vehicle is difficult to maneuver, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the outer tie rod ends to correct this concern. The Volvo recall number is R157.
Learn more »Volvo XC90 Questions and Answers
The turn signals work on the outside, but not always showing up on the dashboard display.
how hard is to replace front axel (driver side)any step by step
How to fix an overall readiness result. please some one help.
When driving in town, there is a hissing noise after letting off the brake. Replaced Brake Booster with remanufactured Brake Booster. Upon picking up vehicle, the brake pedal goes all the way to f...
Left light on the whole night and in the morning when I went to turn on the trk it seem like the ignition got lock it won't turn all the way only 2/3 of it. Also a low battery message came on ...
Volvo XC90 Reviews
I got my 2007 XC90 new in 2007. The first month the air conditioning quit working. It was a computer program problem. The dealer repaired it. About six months later the signal arm on the steering column quit working properly. The signal failed to turn off after making a turn and the headlight high beam would not turn on. After dealer repair it was still difficult to get the signal arm postion just right so that the high beam would turn on- a very poor design. At 51,000 miles the AM ban on the radio failed. Research showed it may be a loose connection at the rear window antenae connector. The dealer said it was a $500 repair. Needless to say I get along without the AM band.At 75,000 miles i had broken motor mounts. I also had periodic error display telling me the anti-skid feature was temporarily disengaged. The dealer said the problem was either a control unit or a steering sensor. The control unit would be $600. The sensor would be $1100. All plus labor. I was also told the vacumn pump had a small oil leak- repair cost $750. Needless to say I am now having to budget ongoing car repairs.
This was my first luxury car purchase. I knew Volvo made a safe vehicle and assumed this luxury vehicle would be dependable. That is why I was OK with the price. This has been the most disappointing car purchase I have made. I am 60 years old so there have been a few cars. THe only true postive aspect about this XC90 are the seats. They are the great seats particularly on long trips.
I would not recommend this car. I could have purchased a Chevy, saving money and having the sinilar repair issues.
I have a 2003 XC90 2.5 turbo and could not be happier with this car. I have 84,900 miles on this car and have not had to put on back brakes. I hope to go to 90,000. I did do service on transmission and radiator and ignored their advice not to service either one. The reliability has been as good as my 1988 Mazada 1979 Honda. I am looking hoping to drive this car another 100,000 plus miles!
I bought my 2007 XC90 in 2009 used. Within months, I was having problems with this car. This is the worst car I have ever had in regards to repairs. My Acura was much more reliable. Almost every time I take my car in for an oil change,something else is wrong. Granted, some of it may be the dealer trying to get more business, but a LOT of things are items I noticed were wrong and knew something was quite right. I have had to partially pay for a Valve Body replacement on the transmission, been told, the stay arm is bent, the bushings are bad, the motor mounts are loose, th toe Link is bent,I need new struts and springs, the serpentine belt is cracking, the control Arm and Bushings are bad and the vaccum pump is leaking oil. Not to mention I had to get new rotors for the front and back. Plus the everyday maintance type things, brake pads, alignments, tires, etc. etc. I think I have learned my lesson with Volvo. They may be safe, but only if you repair all the things that go wrong very quickly. So, I should have just added another $10k and purchased something else. I am super disappointed and can't wait to get rid of this money pit!
I have had my 2007 XC90 for two months. I always wanted to own one and hope that I have not made a bad choice. I noticed an unsual noise (almost like an old rusted spring sound)whenever pressing the brakes at any given speed. It also sounds like something is wrong with the front passenger side tire system at this time as well. I have taken it back to the dealer twice and they say everything checked out okay though the annoying noise is still there. About 3 weeks after my purchase, the low tire pressure sensor light appeared and is still on a month later even though the tire pressure is ok. I plan to go back to the dealer on next week for the third time in less than 3 months. I have never had this many isuues with car in so little time. I have had my last car for 10 years and only had repirs on it three times. Looks like this may be a trade in within the next year if things don't change.
My 2005 T6 AWD has been operating great with the exception of a complete electrical harness failure in the first 2K miles. I have read the horror stories regarding the T6 transmission and want to maintain a clean record with Volvo. The 45K check-up found a clean bill of health. The 60K check-up recommended replacement of a front axle due to plug leakage, replacement of front breaks pads and rotors, and list totaling about $4,000. I had expected to get ten years from this vehicle, not sure now if the further investment will be worth it.