2005 Volvo XC90 8 cylinder

Summary:

Very nice vehicle

Faults:

Have had to replace the shifter knob.

A plastic piece on the driver seat has also cracked.

Also the plastic cover on both headlight washers have been lost or stolen.

General Comments:

Did a lot of research on this vehicle before it was purchased. After reading reviews on the vehicle, and how bad the T6 engine and transmission combo was, I decided to purchase the V8 model. The V8 motor is manufactured by Yamaha, and the 6 speed transmission is also manufactured by a Japanese company. This combination is fantastic. City mileage is 17 to 18, and about 24 to 25 mpg on extended highway trips.

The suspension is a little stiff, but the seats are fantastic, which makes up for it. Tons of room in the cabin.

The AWD is fantastic in the Wisconsin winters.

Overall, very pleased so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2011

2005 Volvo XC90

Faults:

At ~78,000 miles and after my warranty lapsed, the transmission failed. The warning light indicated to take the car to the dealer immediately. The diagnosis was metal filings in the transmission and cooling systems for the transmission. All had to be replaced, but the Volvo service manager said it would cost $7300.00. I said no way and wanted to speak to Volvo management; the results were a revised estimate to repair of $2700.00.

I am still not satisfied, especially after I read about the other transmission failures for XC90 SUVs from 2003-2005 on the Internet. There should have been a recall based upon the numbers of failures. I did ask how many transmission failures that the dealership repaired, and the manager indicated 12 such reports. Then I asked how many of those had to be replaced, and he indicated 1/12. With those odds, I decided to make the repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th July, 2010

2005 Volvo XC90 AWD

Summary:

Not worth wasting money on

Faults:

AWD went at about 30K miles.

Fuel pump module at 90K.

Engine mount at 130K.

Radio at 110K.

GPS went at 120K.

And those are just the highlights that I can remember off the top of my head. Essentially, every year we have owned this car, service has run in the multiple thousands of dollars on top of car payments.

The only good thing I can say about the car at this time, is that the leather seats have worn very nicely.

General Comments:

I would not recommend buying this model, and I would not buy from Volvo again. It's a shame too, I appreciate the comfort and safety of their vehicles; but we're spending thousands every year to repair things that should not have gone wrong to begin with.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th January, 2010

13th Jan 2011, 12:18

I agree with you wholeheartedly. The reliability and cost to maintain my 2005 XC90 is horrific. It is now at the point where I cannot drive it any longer with out sinking another $6,000 into it.

2005 Volvo XC90 T6 T6

Summary:

Do not buy

Faults:

Design flaw in the transmission. Just started to fail. Dealer tried recommended service and software upgrade to no avail. Problem has been known for years.

General Comments:

Volvo said to be reliable and safe. Unfortunately, the XC90 is not reliable, and therefore not safe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th March, 2009

3rd Oct 2017, 16:56

The transmission in the biturbo engine only lasts 40000 to 70000 miles, depending how the car is driven. They got rid of this transmission somewhere in 2005 or 2006.

2005 Volvo XC90 5 cylinder

Summary:

Nice when working... major risk on drive train

Faults:

In less than 70k:

Braking module.

3 wheel bearings.

2 angle gears.

General Comments:

Angle gear is a major problem... very expensive. It is being replaced for the second time... just 17k miles on second one. First one failed at less than 40k.. but discovered around 52K with front wheel spin in snow. I purchased an extended warranty, so repairs covered by warranty agent first time and Volvo parts second time. Dealer says it is made by GM... and I thought I was buying a Volvo... of course engineered by Ford. This car is not close to reliability of prior Volvo's I have owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th February, 2009

11th Mar 2009, 08:56

I too am having to replace the angle gear in my 2004 XC90. It is going to cost 2100.00 and my Eagle extended warranty will only cover 1000.00.

Let's see, I have had to replace the gear shift, tires at every 20,000 miles, and other numerous problems, so that in the little over 1.5 years of ownership I have spent out over 4000.00 on this used car (can see why someone else wanted to dump it).

I will NEVER buy another Volvo. I know Ford makes some of the parts, but I have never had a problem with any Ford I ever owned. I would tell you DO NOT purchase this car unless you have thousands of cash on hand to pay in upkeep.

In reply to 11th Mar 2009, 08:56

12th Oct 2012, 13:21

There is nothing wrong with changing tyres every 20k - in fact that's very good for such a heavy vehicle!

3rd Oct 2017, 17:02

The metal quality in the angle gear was too soft on models up to mid 2006. After that Volvo redesigned the angle gear and it was problem free. But up to mid-2006 all AWD Volvo cars - XC90, XC70, AWD S60s and the S60R, all have the angle gear failing. Hit Youtube and watch several videos about how to fix this issue; there are plenty of skilled mechanics showing tricks to save you money on this not easy and costly repair.