2003 Volvo XC90 T6 from North America - Comments

Unfortunately you can add me to this list. I have a 2003 XC90 T6 AWD with 86,000 miles that I bought used about two years ago. Just had the transmission check urgent message show up today. I have taken it to a third party shop to have it checked out. I am not optimistic about what I am going to hear from them after reading all the posts on this site. Sounds like I may be able to take it to a dealership to at least have them take on some of the cost. I would like to just thank everyone for sharing their stories.

My husband and I had a 90,000 mile service done on Saturday, Dec 27th on our 2003 XC90 - and let our dealer, where we purchased the vehicle and have had all of our services done on time, know that we would be driving from No. VA to Boston on the 29th and wanted to make sure we would be safe for the trip. We paid $1400 for the service, brakes and a new engine mount brace.

On New Year's Eve in a major snowstorm, the Transmission Service Urgent light appeared. We are told we need to replace the transmission and the radiator because radiator fluid and transmission fluid have been intermixing. The quote was $7,000 for both. We were not aware of any problems with the engine - just the light warning us. We drove a rental car back to Virginia...

Add me too! ‘03, XC90 with 77,284.

Here's my story:

I noticed a few hard shifts and checked the transmission fluid only to find a brownish stinks liquid. I took it in to my local dealer (where I bought it two years ago) and service said that axle seal went and coolant contaminated the transmission. That's a familiar story is it not?

Service had me replace axle (and seals) and flushed the automatic transmission fluid. The best and worst part of the story is that on the bill, it stated:

"FOUND FAILURE OF THE LEFT SIDE AXLE SHAFT SEAL FOR CV JOINT. CV JOINT GREASE FOUND IN TRANSMISSION FLUID. REPLACED THE LEFT SIDE AXLE SHAFT AND PERFORMED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSHES TO CORRECT CONTAMINATION OF TRANS FLUID. IF HARSH SHIFT REOCCURS TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT WILL BE NEEDED TO FURTHER CORRECT THIS ISSUE"."

Further correct this issue...that's a great line. We picked up the car on 1/7/09. On 1/10/09 at 11:00 AM we got the URGENT TRANSMISSION SERVICE message and the car jumped to 3rd gear.

It's back at the dealer. The service guy will look at it Monday.

I'll be making a call to Volvo North America and my regional representative as well.

I've read the same story by so many people. At this point, I am praying for mercy. I was literally seven days out of my CPO warranty. I'm hoping to be reimbursed for the axle service (which did nothing), and replacement of transmission.

I will re-post as things progress.

BUYER BEWARE: 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 Transmission problems, transmission failure, dark ATF, Urgent Transmission Service.

My story is like many of the above. I took my 03 T6 XC90 in for 60k service around the first of the year. I had them check out a clicking noise I was hearing around the front left wheel. Besides the $500.00 for the 60K service I ended up paying $2,000.00 for a broken engine mount, new brakes (third time replaced) and replaced left front axle. The axle was replaced because of Transmission fluid contamination. They then performed a transmission fluid exchange. Little over a week later I get the "Service Transmission Urgent" warning. They now tell me I need to pay $6,000.00 to get it fixed. I told then to stop all work until I have time to figure this out. I am so glad I found this site, I'll be prepared tomorrow when I talk to them!

My '04 XC90 T6 failed at 45,000 miles after being at the dealer for a factory service and transmission fluid flush ($400) two days prior. The car slipped out of gear in the parking lot and as we rolled home (0.5 miles) the urgent engine light came on as we parked. Luckily, we had purchased the extended warranty (100k or 10 yrs) which covered everything. The dealer stated that coolant had leaked into the transmission and both the radiator and transmission were replaced. I assume the transmission was a factory rebuild just as faulty as the first. Volvo still says they can't find the problem causing the leaking fluid.

I've also had the cd changer replaced, the rear seat cable, am on my 3rd set of tires (stay away from pirelli scorpions), the car smells like mildew when it rains (can't find source), and I've spent a fortune on brake pads and rotors (probably replace a set every 10,000 miles).

My family has owed 5 volvos and only this car and my mom's '02 S40 have had major engine issues. Our previous station wagons had over 180,000 miles before they got wrecked.

‘03, XC90 with 77,284. Here is my update from three posts back:

Dealer called today and sure enough, the transmission needs replaced. Dealer quote for parts and service are just over $6000.00. When asked if I could appeal this to someone, the service advisor kindly relayed the 1-800 Volvo number.

I talked to a kind man today and reported my problem (s) as detailed above. He asked for the VIN, mileage and Dealer info. He explained about the regional service rep. and that we would be contacted in 1-2 days. Nothing was promised nor denied.

I started the conversation with "I'm not happy today, and it's because of my Volvo." I stressed that the two reasons we bought the vehicle were reliability and safety. Ten days out of warranty and my T6 XC90 fails. If I were Volvo, I would fix or replace and keep me as a customer.

I will report Volvo's decision when it occurs.

‘03, XC90 with 77,284 Another update. My call to Volvo Customer service was two days ago. I received a call today from my friendly service advisor. He told me that Volvo analyzed my situation and they offered to cover the parts. He related that the cost of the parts were actually the bulk of the bill totaling around $4,000. I will be responsible for around $2000.

I said yes.

My goal, repair and trade. I'll give the dealer a chance to give me a good trade value and a deal on another (Non-T6).

Another failed transmission story for the 2003 XC90. Volvo replaced the transmission last year while under warranty. The Urgent Trans light is on again but the warranty is out. I've been fighting with Volvo on the A/C for the last 4 years and it still doesn't work. They say it's my problem now that the warranty is expired. I'm sure I'll get the same response when I take it in today for the transmission. I've had my XC90 in the shop over 20 times in the last 4 years. I've never owned a vehicle that needed the brakes and tires replaced so often. I've had problems with the radio/CD player and the navigation system. Not to mention all of the engine problems. I spent 40 grand on junk. I'll never buy another.

Hi, I am from Thailand, and I'm faced with same problem with the XC90 transmission error.

Very expensive to fix; cost over 5000 US. Really sad; I think Volvo need to fix this issue ASAP. They are just denying my claim as out of warranty; this is my second change.

Regards.

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?

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.