3rd Feb 2009, 23:22

Hi I am from Canada.

Apparently we are joining the ever popular Volvo XC90 failed transmission Club.

As a woman, I don't know much about cars, but at 25,000 km the signal came on the dash board Engine Oil Low at 25,000 km. I was not happy because we paid over $52,000+ extended warranty, and the problem shows in one week after we bought it.

I bought this XC90 2004 in North America at 25,000 KM. The list of problems goes on, two recalls and smokes from the tail. But our main concern was the black smokes and transmission as I heard a lot. The car was under CPO WARRANTIES but I had to pay for repairs as I was told by the service manager. At 60,000km. I have sent a letter to the Volvo customer service line and to the Volvo head office. I have never received any response. I did mentioned that maybe the transmission as I am hearing a lot about it. The mechanic and the repair manager insisted that the car was in good condition and their response was that this car was the best guaranteed,very low maintenance and you may hardly change oil and it will be OK. Guaranteed.

Right now the vehicle is in the Volvo dealership for repair. The black smoke may have damaged my health too since I was told the car is okay. I have always been chased off by the dealership saying that there is nothing wrong with the car. I spoke to the sales manager to trade in this vehicle and she said she will never want an 04 XC90 on her lot as it has a lot of problems.

I will tell everyone that I meet not to ever buy a Volvo. Not only it is a lemon vehicle, the dealership is also a lemon. As soon as this vehicle is fix I am getting rid of it ASAP. Why is Volvo not helping? This is very bad for their reputation. I have also driven a Dodge Caravan and never had a problem.

Does anyone know of a good class action lawyer in North America?

5th Feb 2009, 09:31

I sent this link to a class action firm in CA. They recently settled a case for Audi TT customers regarding a defective instrument clusters. Will let all of you know if I hear back from them. At this point, we have nothing left to lose but more money, time and aggravation dealing with this lemon.

6th Feb 2009, 07:34

Originally posted when my 2003 XC90 transmission went out at 59,000 miles (out of warranty). Dealership said sorry 4500.00 to repair. Called Volvo customer service and after 2 days called back to say they would cover entire cost - all good right? Now 12,000 miles later, back in shop with transmission and will probably have to be replaced - waiting for the verdict from Volvo...

6th Feb 2009, 20:47

Yes - I too am cursed with the Swedish transmission revenge. My 2005 XC90 V8 is slipping badly between 2d and 3d gear. It has 70K miles, I had it serviced every 3000miles and have changed the transmission fluid at 30K and 70K miles.

I was about to have it replaced but after reading all the blog entries here, It would probably be a waste of money and time... count me in on the class action suit against Volvo! J. Stewart, Fayetteville, GA.

7th Feb 2009, 21:38

I own a 2003 XC90 as well.

Transmission failed at 55K miles.

Engine began leaking oil at 65K miles, had to be removed and block "re-glued".

Front Pulley for timing belt came off at 79K miles destroying crankshaft.

Now transmission fluid is black from a defect in the front driver axle which leaked into the fairly new transmission.

Drive shaft failed at 75k miles.

Have replaced engine, transmission, drive shaft and multiple sets of Michelin radials (premature wear from multiple alignment issues). Numerous other less serious issues.

I have a 1998 Yukon with over 200K miles. It runs like a dream and won't die. Next car I buy will not be foreign and especially not a Volvo.

Wendell Gibby Mapleton UT.

9th Feb 2009, 17:35

I am from Canada and own a 05 xc90 T6 with 56000km. I purchased a VIP warranty with it for 7 yrs and 160000km. All the issues were covered under warranty without me paying a penny. I am surprised that your Volvo dealer made you pay for these repairs. May be you should try another dealer.

14th Feb 2009, 15:34

Yes you may add me to the list of 04 XC90 T6 owners buying a new tranny at 69K. Why has some lawyer taken up a class action suit? Maybe FORD/VOLVO should take some bailout $$$$$$$ and build a replacement tranny WITHOUT all the problems that seem to be build into the T6. Come on LAWYERS, take this thing on!!!

Mitch Riddle Markleeville, Ca.96120.

16th Feb 2009, 20:53

Took our '04 XC90 T6 (~73,000 miles) to the dealer this am after hearing an unusual howling sound that would only go away if I gave the car gas. No warning light or any other issues but knew it didn't sound right. Service advisor says there's no mixing of fluids (actually showed us the tube, whatever) but likely the transmission and the extended warranty company needs to send an adjuster to assess coverage. Now I'm reading all of these problems and wonder why the dog and pony show at the dealer. This is the first major problem I've encountered. Tires, brakes and rotors changed once. 41 complaints on NHTSA's website and still no investigation.

I'll hear the verdict from the dealer in 1-2 days but it probably won't be what I want to hear. Will post an update.

18th Feb 2009, 13:58

My wife's 2003 T6 just got the same verdict (new transmission and axle) from the Volvo dealer, and they asked for $7k! That night I worked my magic and sent a legal letter to several key executives (Volvo and Ford) with some specific facts about the high incidence of fault of these parts, and defined the specific action I would take if they didn't remedy the situation in 24 hours. I got a call from my dealer at 9 AM the next day saying they didn't know what I did, but "corporate" called and said that they would cover 100% of the repair and provide a loaner for the week of work required. I now have the car back with a written one year warranty.

Anyone with a similar problem that is interested in my advocacy services feel free to e-mail me with the details: acom@yahoo.com.

21st Feb 2009, 04:21

New Zealand, new vehicle, 2003 XC 90 T6 transmission failure at 60000 kms.

Initial offer from importer 10%-15% parts and labour, then 50% parts and labour... hmm.

21st Feb 2009, 17:58

Here is another XC90 to add to the list. My 2004 T6 AWD had a Transmission Service Urgent light appear after only 35,000 miles. I brought the car to the dealer and the said it needed a update to the vehicles computer and a complete flush of the system to correct the problem. Two weeks after this was done the light was on again and the dealership then said I need a new transmission. My Volvo has low miles for an 04 with only the 35,000. No vehicle should need a new trans at this point.