2005 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD from North America - Comments

Replaced Both rear wheel bearings at about 50K

Steering became stiff and made rear end type noises

Dealer said it was Angle Gear (AWD) and would recommend replacing transmission as well. Said it would save labor and several had to replace transmission later. This was not covered by Volvo or assisted. Very disappointing as only 94K miles. This should last 200k miles or more. I've never had to replace a transmission on any other vehicle. The cost of repair was $6000. When I went to pick-up car steering was still stiff. Rack and power steering pump were replaced. Still rear end noise. Dealer replaced rear wheel bearing. This indicates a manufacturing design flaw. I would not purchase or recommend a Volvo. Manufacturer would not help on the transmission or angle gear. I know several XC90 owners that have had transmissions replaced.

Very nice car but not well engineered.

I purchased a 2005 Volvo XC90 T6 with 39000 miles on it for my wife because I like the superior safety ratings and because the XC90 is a good looking, well thought out car. It was absolutely like new in every detail. However, after one week the transmission went out. The dealer replaced it with a rebuilt, rather than new, GM transmission. Dealer said Volvo would not replace it with anything else. That's not good since the GM transmission is known for having problems. The trans was replaced under warranty along with the radiator.

In addition, the heater/AC went bad and had to have the guts replaced. The entire trans/AC repair took four weeks. I picked up the car on a Saturday and by Sunday had to use Volvo Roadside Assistance because the battery died. On Monday the car died again and had to be towed to the dealership. The AC/heater blower was coming on when the car was parked with the ignition off. Obviously, it would drain the battery. Also the radiator fan would come on when the car was cold and ignition was off. And to ad insult to injury, the battery was bad and had to be replaced.

During the six weeks we have had the car it has spent 4 1/2 weeks in the shop. Is this a sign of things to come? And what if the trans goes out again in 30,000 miles? Who gets to pay the $9000.00 bill the dealer said it would have cost me if Volvo hadn't covered it.

Could it be the Volvo's are so safe because they spend so much time in the shop and so little time on the road?