8th Jan 2008, 19:00

I have a 2003 XC90 with 45,000 on it. Tranny slipping in 1st gear... $6000 quoted to replace it.

10th Jan 2008, 15:14

I have a 2004 XC90 T6 and the transmission failed at 60,000 miles. Had it replaced for $5400 and the supposed new one failed a few hundred miles later. Brought it back in and after a week of trying to fix got it back. Drove off the lot and it started slipping again. This is a major defect that has cost me thousands.

I'm a hard working 34 year old who really can't afford a $35,000 car, I only bought if for the safety. Now I'm stuck with a huge payment and a lemon. I'm going to blog all over the net about this horrible problem. I'm going to make sure this costs Volvo MILLIONS in lost revenue.

11th Jan 2008, 04:12

How is going to "make sure it costs Volvo MILLIONS" going to solve anything? Being British and therefore not inclined to sue everyone, I cannot see how this would work. In case nobody noticed, most manufacturers have problems and duds. Putting them out of business will not help? It is a problem - but it is also a machine and machines will break - no matter who makes them. I a personally pleased that Volvo has spent so much time and money on making cars safe (Volvo invented the seatbelt) and continues to do so - it is a shame THEY didn't make the gearbox!!! We can't all go about driving Toyotas - otherwise we will be the most boring species alive!

14th Jan 2008, 12:51

I have a 2003 XC90 51,300 miles, trans went out. Took it to the dealer said they would do nothing. I started to call around and asked the service manager if I could talk to the after sales marketing manager. This is the person that makes the decision weather the dealer helps you or not. After I started to look for him they all of a sudden wanted to pay for the transmission and give me the warranty labor rate. The trans will end up costing me $1100 to replace. Should cost nothing. By the way The CEO of Volvo North America is Anne Belec. Her E-mail is Beleca@volovcars.com in case everyone with this problem would like to drop her an email. More the Better.

23rd Jan 2008, 13:42

I own a certified preowned Volvo XC90 T6. We love the car, but it's the most problematic car I have ever owned! It's a good thing the cpo warranty is for 6 years/ 100,000 miles because I will need every bit of it. Below is a list of issues I've had with the car:

2-steering racks.

Sunroof drain clogged causing interior flooding (twice).

Numerous front end noises.

Transmission died and replaced at 78,000 miles ($4,500 to replace.)

I still have a year and 22,000 miles left on the warranty then it will be traded.

25th Jan 2008, 20:58

I have owned Volvos for over 25 years. I had one Volvo with over 400,00 miles.

Our 2004 XC 90 has been a problem, culminating in the transmission failure at 76,000 miles. It seems most cars have a 100,000 mile power train warranty. Volvo is willing to help pay for some of the price, clearly they know they have a problem.

I would like to hear from Volvo. I would also like to hear any other solution. Rumors of issues with Audi killed the North American sales for many years. Volvo needs to step up and back their brand or there won't be a brand to back.

31st Jan 2008, 22:11

I have a Volvo 2005 XC90 and am on my 3rd transmission replacement. I can't believe it - truly a lemon. Something must be done about this...it's supposed to be such a great car. I should sell it and buy a Hyundai!!

5th Feb 2008, 23:52

2005 XC90 T6 AWD, Tranny #1 went at apprx 36K. Tranny # 2 just went at 62k. Someone should tell Volvo that at 30k your supposed to only change the transmission oil and filter NOT the friggin transmission! Owned two Explorers prior to this 'premium' SUV, both trucks were solid as a rock.

14th Feb 2008, 20:37

Our 2005 XC90 T6 just had its transmission replaced at 47,000 miles (under warranty). We had problems over the last year (sticking or slipping) and they said that some computer upgrades would fix the problem. When the transmission light finally came on and then went back off before we could take it in a week later, they said Volvo thought it needed a transmission flush which we paid for. A week later the whole transmission failed and they have replaced. I hope this one will last a few years.

19th Feb 2008, 15:21

My 2003 XC90 T6 transmission was replaced at 78,000 miles! I asked the service manager how many transmission replacements they have done at this dealership and his answer was 30! I wonder how many total transmissions have been replaced on the T6's so far?

No wonder the T6 version of the XC90 was replaced after two years! Imagine how many transmissions Volvo would have to replace if they kept the T6 engine and transmission combo.

23rd Feb 2008, 16:47

I have an "04" XC90 T-6 that I bought new and have followed the dealer service schedule and on Feb 20 08 the transmission failed on road trip. I limped into the nearest dealer (40 miles) and they diagnosed the Trans. failure and informed me that the new trans would be over $5,000 and since the car is out of warranty (67,300 miles) Volvo would not help. They also told me that this was a rare occurrence, but they just happened to have a new transmission in stock. (makes one wonder?) I have been driving for 55yrs and I have never had a transmission failure in that time and I have logged more than 2 million miles in that time. It seems to me that Volvo reliability is nothing more than a myth. I have spent more for maintenance and repairs on this car than any vehicle that I have ever owned. Needless to say that when my car comes out of the shop it will be gone and I will never own another Volvo.

22nd Mar 2008, 09:38

I bought a 2004 XC90 T6 for my wife for the safety. We like the truck itself, but now hate the brand. In the four years we have had it, we have spent about $12,000 on maintenance. $4700 for a new transmission is the latest debacle. We've had virtually all the ills outlined on these posts. Current other cars include a Porsche and a BMW. Have spent little (on the Porsche) to nothing (on the BMW) in the same time period. I WILL NEVER, EVER buy or lease another Volvo and would discourage others from doing so. Everyone I see with an XC90, I ask them about the transmission and tell them to plan on it failing before 80,000 miles. Some have told me they have already experienced the failure. Volvo obviously knows they have a problem and is doing nothing. Avg. trade on the '04 XC90 on the usual sites is about $18,000. The dealer offered me $6500!!!. What a joke. Even they don't believe in the brand. Trading it on a Jeep today!!!