26th Jan 2010, 19:59

I really wanted to be the first post of the year. Actually I was hoping to see a comments stating a factory recall was being offered. 2004 XC90 T6 75,575 miles. New trans installed $4775. Reading each one of these posts is simply priceless!!!

3rd Feb 2010, 23:11

My T6 failed at 106,000 K, I bought the car new in 2003 and I have never driven the car rough.

The light "service Transmission Urgent" came in after a winery tour of stop and go along the wine route. I have extended warranty. Volvo Canada refused to replace the transmission until they could see the same diagnostic message appear (the messaged disappeared after the car was towed to the dealer). I made a big stink about it, and my dealer was extremely helpful. They loaned me new C30 and S40 in two different occasions in order to drive my T6 in an effort to bring out the diagnostic message. It has taken me 5 months of persistence and the co operation of the dealer to bring out the problem. Under the extended warranty, Volvo has finally authorized the dealer to replace the transmission at their cost (though I still had to pay some $250 for whatever parts and new software fix). The bill was $7200 CDN. I hope the car will last for another four years, and I will move on to replace this gas guzzler, possibly another Volvo with extended warranty, and if the Chinese would leave the Swedes alone.

6th Feb 2010, 16:27

On Jan 14, 2010, on the way sending my daughter to her school, my 2004 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD, at its 113,000 miles, the "Service Transmission Urgent" message lit up, and the car seemed lose its power to the wheels. I realized there was something wrong with the transmission.

I managed to drive the car to a parking lot and had car towed to the Volvo dealer. After one hour, I was told I needed a new transmission. I prepared myself to pay a few thousand for the bill, since the warranty for the car has expired.

However, I am really blessed. My dealer talked to Volvo and later informed me that Volvo would cover all the expense for the repair, which included a brand new transmission, a new radiator and new connection hose/tubes in between, with has a list repair price of $7900. After 5 days, I got the car back, now it ran like a new car since then.

Before the repair, I found the car had poor acceleration and sometimes transmission jumped. I though it was due to its age (113,000 miles!) of the engine and the deteriorated transmission performance. I did not know it was a sign of transmission failure.

I was told the replaced transmission had an improved design. Hopefully it was true, and could at least last 50,000 miles for me.

Volvo XC90 T6 AWD is one of best cars among 5 cars I have owned, and I love the strong twin turbo engine which has outstanding 280 ft-lb torque starting at 1800rpm -- this is one of the reasons I love T6 over V8 or T5, or the new 3.2L.

17th Feb 2010, 09:24

I have posted here before. This post is to update.

The original transmission in my 2004 XC90 T6 failed at 72K miles and was replaced at an out of pocket expense of $4700USD. The vehicle has always been serviced at the same dealer since new, and has never missed any service marks or maintenance.

2 weeks ago at 122K miles, it was brought in for the 120K mile routine maintenance. I asked the transmission be inspected thoroughly. It was given the thumbs up and approval for towing; no problems found.

Wednesday last, it failed. Back in July 2009, I was researching this transmission issue and found how widespread it was. I very politely but firmly asked VolvoCars of North America to refund my full payment for the original transmission replacement. They denied my request, but offered to pay 50% parts and labor for the "next transmission that needed to be replaced". On Friday, the dealer called to tell me that he spoke with the regional Volvo representative, who reconsidered and agreed to pay the full parts and labor for a replacement transmission.

Since this was his choice, I now have no choice but to go further to speak directly Volvo Cars N.A. and explain that if Volvo sees fit to pay for the SECOND faulty transmission, then certainly the FIRST should have been covered also.

I'm on my third transmission in 122,500 miles. Copies of my full service and repair history as well as copies of the postings to this and several other XC90 transmission websites are being sent to Volvo Cars N.A., the Department of Transportation, and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration for review.

I believe this issue needs attention. I suggest anyone with similar stories begin writing (yes, on paper) and emailing with copies going to: their dealer, their state attorney general, their State Department of Transportation, the Federal Department of Transportation, and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.

Your letter should be FACTUAL. Leave out the emotion and drama. Your letter should be courteous and concise. Don't beat a dead horse. You should include copies of every receipt that pertains to your issue. Tell EVERY 2003-2005 XC90 T6 owner you know who has these issues to get involved.

18th Feb 2010, 12:41

We have a 2005 XC90 T6 with 125000.

I have complained of transmission slipping at 60k, 83k, 95k, 105k and always got the brush off from Volvo and the service department. They always said it was a software problem.

Now finally the tranny has gone and the service light is on. It will be interesting how they treat my family as the warranty expired at 100k. My 80 year old mother bought the same vehicle at the same time, and the tranny died at 70k and she does drive like a grandmother.

Volvo should make good on any of these trannys via a recall. The transmissions were bad from the start. Volvo for Life? What a joke.

5th Mar 2010, 14:27

My 2004 XC90 transmission went out 12/22/09 and I was given a $10,000 estimate from the dealership. I took it elsewhere and the quotes were $3600. Since then I've started surveying random people by asking what year is your car or have you gotten a new transmission? If their car is 2003-2005, the answer is yes and many say several. Has anyone filed a class action? Any suggestions?