Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
SUVs Volvo XC90 / XC60 Volvo XC90 T6 Transmission
452 messages, Last post on Dec 08, 2009 at 8:13 PM
You are in the Volvo XC90 / XC60 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
|
Greetings, one and all. I accidentally stumbled upon this Volvo XC90 T6 forum while trying to get feedback on the just-released 3.2L version of the new 2010 Volvo XC60. I've read every message in this forum and re-read some of them. Being a car buff who diligently reads numerous car magazines, I must admit that this was the first I had heard of the Volvo XC90 T6 transmission problem. I am the original owner of a 2003 Volvo XC90 T6. It has low mileage for its age (56,500) and has been serviced exclusively at Volvo dealers. I used to live in rural Wisconsin -- 100 miles away from the Volvo dealer in Madison, who did not have evening or Saturday service hours, so service was a pain. I now live in South Florida within 35 miles of 2 Volvo dealers. Thus far (knock on wood), my 2003 Volvo XC90 T6's transmission seems fine. COMMENTS: (1.) It would appear that the GM transmission in T6 Volvo XC90's is prone to premature failure. Unfortunately, we don't know how prevalent the problem is. Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Honda, Toyota -- you name it -- have their share of "lemon"-related problems and also often drag their feet. (2.) I strongly agree with host STEVE (message #79) that, "Class action suits aren't so appealing if the lawyers make millions and the consumers get a $500 coupon off a new Volvo." Remember what happened when CBS-TV's "60 MINUTES" fabricated the Audi "unintended acceleration" problem? Audi values nose-dived. Lawyers made millions, but Audi owners got nothing more than vouchers. From personal experience, as a former stockholder, I was involved in a couple of "class action" lawsuits -- one for General Public Utilities (of Three Mile Island fame), the other for TYCO International (of Dennis Kozlowski fame). In the case of General Public Utilities, I lost about $3,000. Know what I got from the "class action" lawsuit? $2.31! In the more recent case of TYCO International, I lost a lot more money. When I got the "class action" lawsuit packet, I spent hours going through it to make sure it was even worth participating. Based upon the info provided by the lawyers, I calculated that I should get back about $2,000 or so if I partcipated. Perhaps more, perhaps less. So I went through the hassle of filling out all the paperwork, providing all the necessary documentation, sending a change of address letter when I moved, etc. Just a few months ago, I received a "settlement" letter. Guess what it said? There would be no checks issued for less than $10 and, since my settlement amount (which was never specified) was less than $10, I was getting nothing. Zilch! "Class action" lawsuits sound nice ... sound tough. "We're not gonna take it any more", etc. But CAVEAT EMPTOR. Personally, what I think we need to do is not enrich some lawyer(s) through a "class action" lawsuit, but get Volvo to: (a.) Recall all their XC90 T6's; (b.) Replace all XC90 T6 transmissions and radiators, etc. free of charge; (c.) Provide for free loaners while the work is being done; and (d.) Reimburse XC90 T6 owners who have already paid for such work (and related expenses) out of their own pockets. This is the right thing for Volvo to do -- most important ethically, but also from a long-term business point of view. Personally, I love my XC90 -- its styling (still fresh after 6 years; how often can you say that?); its safety features (current T6 transmission problem notwithstanding); its overall features and solidity; etc. I want a good reason to consider another Volvo in the future, as do (I suspect) several others in this forum. REQUEST FOR ADVICE: As I said, the transmission on my 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 with 56,500 miles seems to be fine. I had the 52,500 miles service done early -- at 50,000 miles (just before I moved from Wisconsin to Florida) -- and had an oil change a couple of days ago -- just before I stumbled upon this forum. Both were done at Volvo dealers. I was planning on going up north (Illinois, Michigan, etc.) for a few weeks later this month. Having read all the posts in this forum, I've gotten a bit paranoid -- i.e. will my transmission suddenly konk out and the dreaded "TRANSMISSION SERVICE URGENT" message appear on my instrument panel? I could take my other vehicle, a 2004 Honda Pilot, but -- frankly -- the Honda doesn't feel nearly as solid as the Volvo, does not have the side curtain airbags (despite being a year newer model), is not as comfortable, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, and my apologies in advance for taking up so much time and space. George |
|
|
I have an 05' XC90 V8 with 50,200 miles. Took it in 2 months ago with complaint of occasional slip in transmission. I occas hear and feel a "clunk" underneath the car but other than that it does not give me any problems. Nothing was found but they did a software upgrade. It still clunks but it may occur 3x in a day or 3x in 2 weeks. Knowing my warrantee was expiring I took it back in and they could not reproduce the problem so there is nothing they can do. They car is fine but I am worried that this may be the first sign of future problems. They did say that since we took it in while the warrantee was in place and it is a documented complaint - if something happens Volvo should be able to help (whatever that means). Any other comments on the first symptoms others have had or does this sound like a transmission problem? Not sure if it is a T5, T6 (not sure what that is). My car is pretty well loaded with options. Thanks, RG |
|
|
Replying to: rginnc (Aug 06, 2009 7:30 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: yurko (Aug 06, 2009 10:31 am) |
|
|
Replying to: rginnc (Aug 06, 2009 7:30 am) |
|
|
|
I am not sure if anyone would care, but I just found out that the 2003 Volvo XC90 is acceptable for the "Cash for Clunkers" incentive. Please do not take offense to this as I know that there are people that do not agree with this program but for me, it's a way out to dump this crappy car that I so regret purchasing just 8 months ago! I hope to anyway.....  E.Martinez
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: laws65 (May 11, 2009 4:19 pm) As all of you, I have had numerous problems with the XC 90, front end clunking and grinding, along with three sets of badly worn tires, other issues too numerous to list. I do not want to put my too small children in this car because I am afraid at any moment the car will die on the highway. Advice?
|
|
|
Replying to: dnap_10583 (Aug 09, 2009 10:48 am) The reports on what owners have had to pay out-of-pocket are all over the place, but this was my experience. Sad thing is that my 2004 XC90 has been my all-time favorite car! I've had several Volvo wagons, before, and have been a very loyal Volvo customer. I have loved driving the XC90 - that is, until the "Transmission Service Urgent" light came on. I was even toying with the idea of buying a new 2010 when that happened. And, now..... I'm spending the summer about 1,000 from home and just hope my drive back goes without inccident. |
|
|
Replying to: dnap_10583 (Aug 09, 2009 10:48 am) What I did, six months ago, that was successful was to file a complaint on line with Volvo, the NTSB, your state's Consumer Protection, and your state's Attorney General. I would also let Volvo know your complaining to each of these agencies, as I believe, it will help. I agree with the other post, that I was without my Volvo for a month back in Feb 2009-but I had a spare car to drive-thank God. It took that long to get it fixed, but it was all done without a charge, so well worth it to me. I hope this helps. Keep your mantra, Complain, Complain, Complain. Volvo should be at the very least issuing recalls or not giving customers a hard time when this dreaded ck engine lite comes on. Let me know if you need more info, but this worked for me, and since I've posted what I did, it helped seven other people-that's my count so far.... So best of luck, and keep persevering! Lisa |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: dnap_10583 (Aug 09, 2009 10:48 am) I have been servicing my car at the same dealership where I bought it and I've paid for every recommended service including the transmission flush that may have caused the transmission failure 2 days later. I didn't even have to argue, I simply towed the car there and told them I have an extended warranty. It sounds like some dealerships are footing the bill for customers loyal to the dealership. Maybe someone will be successful in an individual lawsuit and the bad press will change Volvo's business practices. I agree with previous posts about contacting your elected officials, Volvo Corp. and the NHTSA about the safety issues surrounding this vehicle. My family has owned 5 Volvo's and the XC90 has been a pleasure to drive, but the cost of repairs/maintenance is brutal. Good luck!!! |
|
You are here:
Forums
SUVs Volvo XC90 / XC60 Volvo XC90 T6 Transmission
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Volvo XC90
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
