Faults:

Oh, where to start... bushings, bearings, struts, water ducts, turbo hose, transmission started going @ approx. 65,000 miles.

Car went out of warranty in March 09, THEN, they noticed transmission was slipping, told me to buy extended warranty. I said "no" due to the fact that this had been an issue prior to car going out of warranty. Called regional Volvo office in Rockleigh, NJ. Dealer then replaced transmission as a "good will" measure. Got car home, it now leaks transmission oil.

Has been back to dealer 3 times since (new pan gasket, etc.) They now say it is un-repairable, due to defective part in rebuilt transmission placed in car. They are calling Volvo hotline to see if another new transmission can be placed in car.

General Comments:

When this car is running properly, it handles beautifully. Took it to Canada for son's ice hockey tournament in ice & snow - handled like a dream. Then, transmission went 1 month later... :(

Faults:

Transmission started slipping at 79,000 miles. Dealer couldn't find a problem. Now on vacation in another state, and the engine light and service transmission urgent light on.

Different dealer quoted $7,000 + to replace transmission - and national back order for part for 2-3 weeks! They act like this is an uncommon problem.

Faults:

Most recently, the transmission went after a year plus of having the "check engine" light come on. A myriad of other problems have occurred. A typical visit to the dealer service department runs $500 to $1000, with at least one visit per year since I've owned the car.

Volvo corporate did pay for my transmission replacement when I called them, but the dealer did not help with the negotiation, and did not offer a loaner or help with a rental for the three weeks that I didn't have my car, because the transmission replacement was on backorder.

General Comments:

This car is unreliable, which makes it frustrating and expensive to own.

The style and comfort are beautiful, and the space for an SUV is "just right" -- not too big or too small. It drives really well and is flexible for all of my human and non-human transport needs.

Faults:

Transmission failed after 56,000 miles and will cost $4500 to replace.

Hubs failed and were $1,000 to replace earlier.

General Comments:

The Volvo XC90 is a wonderful car -- when it works. The seats are very comfortable and the ride is smooth. There's plenty of room and the controls are well placed.

However, the rear hubs started making noise and were $1000 to repair. Then the transmission failed at only 56,000 miles, costing $4,500 to repair.

We will be trading it in for a different car (NOT a Volvo) before too long.

Faults:

Front end suspension has been replaced twice, including bearings and now recently bushings.

Head gasket has been replaced in Jan 2007, less than year and half ago.

Various other smaller issues have been dealt with by dealer under the warranty.

Car is recently out of warranty, dealer replaced water pump as they found it to be leaking (no evidence of this to our knowledge).

Immediately after the service we went on a 900 mile trip; oil appeared in coolant, no oil in engine, destination dealer replaced oil cooler, problem still existing.

Home service dealer thinks the head gasket might be bad again, trip destination dealer thinks engine is block is cracked as a result of bad installation of water pump or head is cracked.

Volvo claims not covered by warranty or not their issue. Our bills are at over $5k and climbing, no one seems to know what is wrong, dealer that has car wants to replace the engine, home dealer does not agree with the other service dealer, Field Technical Engineer in both regions does seem to agree on proper fix nor who should handle bills.

Volvo customer service rep has offered a 20% discount post facto on pump replacement good to $100. Home rep thinks goodwill from Volvo will handle bills, dealer with car says "tough" we are on our own.

We are now stuck over 900 miles from home with a baby in tow and are burning cash trying to figure out what is wrong. We feel stuck and left out of the "Volvo for Life" loop!!

General Comments:

The car is great looking, has been relatively good to drive and somewhat reliable when not in shop, now we need to see if Volvo stands behind their product!!