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Volvo XC90 T6 Transmission

905 messages,  Last post on Jun 12, 2013 at 9:22 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volvo XC90, Suspension, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 74 of 92

#722 of 905 Re: Volvo came up Short om the Transmission [baffledtxn] by volvoom1

Apr 30, 2011 (8:45 am)

Replying to: baffledtxn (Mar 28, 2011 10:42 pm)
The transmission on my 2004 T6 was replaced twice by the dealership, Don Beyer Volvo of Falls Church, Virginia, under my warranty and service contract. Don Beyer Volvo is a well regarded dealership in the DC area, where Volvos are as popular as BMWs. DBV is rated highly for both sales and service. High quality, similarly sized loaners are generally available, especially with reservations. Loaners are usually new cars, with a few thousand miles, or recently introduced models, such as the redesigned XC70, or now, the XC60. The loaners are a marketing strategy.
 
The first transmission was replaced at no cost during a recall; as was the second when the first one rapidly failed. After the second transmission was replaced I was told by my service manager that the real problem had been with the radiator (cooling system), not the transmission. The second time they replaced the radiator as well as the transmission, and indicated that they had this choice the first time, but did not want to do more than was necessary. I paid nothing for both repairs, and thought that the fact that my transmission had been replaced and the low miles on my car would bring me high blue book or above, should I decide to sell my car.
 
Volvo later offered an extended warranty which expires soon. The warranty was a good investment, but did not cover the cost of repairs for replacing the leaking sunroof or drying out my car.
 
After reading these posts, I am becoming more concerned that the transmission is not the only reason why Consumer Reports has placed the 2003-2007 XC90 on their list of used cars that should not be purchased if shopping in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 USD.
 
Because I do not wish to have large expenses for a car that is 7 years old, I decided to sell it even before I read these posts. This was my second Volvo, having purchased a certified 2001 in 2003. I still own this car and have no plans to sell it in the foreseeable future.
 
In 2007, I had a one car accident in my XC90. I recall putting the car in park, but did not engage the emergency brake. There were about $3000 USD in repairs, of which I paid $500 under my insurance policy. The accident was ruled by my highly regarded insurance company as driver error, because I could not provide legal proof that the car had slipped out of gear. The next time the car was serviced, I reported the possible slippage to my service adviser who agreed with me that I would have no way to show the possibility that the transmission had malfunctioned. The $500 deductible, and higher rates for insurance have been additional costs of driving this car, but my injuries were minor, and could have been much worse.
 
The car fax report shows that there was an accident, not that it was body damage at 5 mph or less. For another cosmetic repair that would cost $2,000, but which does not affect appearance or drivability, I was advised to deduct an additional $500. Even with the receipt from the body shop, I was offered less than low bluebook by a Volvo dealership; I was offered mid bluebook by the dealership where I purchased it and where it is serviced, and could probably get more if I purchased a second Volvo. An independent foreign car service company provided an informal appraisal of $15,000.
 
Now that I am ending the time period for the extended warranty, I am again having some of the same problems I had before the second and third transmissions were installed. The car sometimes will not start, perhaps a separate issue, and the steering wheel has locked, a simple fix. But there remain some strange sounds emanating from underneath the car. All in all, something unexplainable happens about once a week. The first time I took it into the dealership, a $100 computer analysis was performed at no cost and there were "no problems" with either the brakes or the transmission. I believe the issues I am experiencing may be related to a recently replaced fuel pump (?), again under warranty, with a $100 deductible.
  
I would consider participating in a class action lawsuit, but do not expect to accomplish more than sending a message to Volvo and to others that the design and execution of the XC90 was not Volvo's best effort. They were the second or third to produce an SUV like this, and newer models (2008 and newer) compete well with the Acura MDX, for slightly less money for the same safety and other high tech features.
 
Volvo has been responsive to requests from Don Beyer Volvo to cover repairs that are arguably covered by the extended warranty. Occasionally I receive coupons via email or internet that cut the costs of the oil changes in half. (In addition to premium gas, the Volvo XC90 requires oil changes twice as the same age Acura MDX. ) So my experience with the company, as represented by Don Beyer Volvo of Falls Church, has been favorable -- more favorable than any other dealership for sales or service, including the ones I am contacting now about replacement vehicles, other than a Volvo.
 
Regarding the change in ownership of Volvo since 2003, when I purchased my first Volvo, this has not been a problem from the standpoint of service or sales, based on my own observation and the reports of Volvo employees. I recall that the XC90 was manufactured in North America, and the XC60 I am considering is manufactured in Sweden. In fact, I was pleased to introduce two new drivers to the dealer ship in order that they might attempt to find the same level of service in other parts of the country.
 
New and used car sales persons at Acura and Volvo have advised me to make a decision about a vehicle to replace my XC90 sooner rather than later, because all car manufacturers depend to a certain extent on parts that may be difficult to obtain because of the tragic events in Japan. The effect of this tragedy on the supply chain is difficult to predict at this time.
 
I appreciate the time everyone has taken to share concerns, and hope that this post is helpful. Yes, this has been one of the most expensive cars I have driven, given the purchase price, premium gasoline, frequent oil changes, regular maintenance, and repairs -- but it has been one of the safest, other than a Chevy Suburban, and most rewarding, other than....well, my other Volvo.

#723 of 905 Re: It is true.... [sugree] by tradez25

Apr 30, 2011 (6:07 pm)

Replying to: sugree (Apr 17, 2011 8:33 am)
Thanks for your posts. My xc90 2004 has 99,250 miles on it, and the transmisson service urgent light just came on. should i bring it to my local dealer first, or call customer service first? totally freaking out....thanks

#724 of 905 Re: It is true.... [tradez25] by tradez25

May 06, 2011 (9:12 am)

Replying to: tradez25 (Apr 30, 2011 6:07 pm)
Just picked up my 2004 xc90 from Stillman Auto. My car had 99,984 miles and Volvo replaced my transmission for free. They also gave me a free loaner car. I was afraid that I would have to pay out big money, but they took care of everything, and never once tried to get any money out of me. I didn't even have to bring up the class action suit. The magic number seems to be 100,000 miles or less...i was saved by 16 miles!! Thanks Volvo..very happy!!

#725 of 905 2004 volvo xc90 by trouble18

May 12, 2011 (8:48 am)

just purchased a 2004 xc90 from dealer lot- transmision serv lgt came on after one day- been back to dealer twice still coming on- he says he will fix - i asked if he was sure it was not transmission- he said yes- what is the deal with a class action suit regarding the transmissions in this unit?

#726 of 905 Just purchased a 2004xc90 by smokin6

May 13, 2011 (3:43 pm)

I would take thwe care to the dealer and ask a few questions. 1). How many transmissions have been put in this car? 2). Is this a gm transmission? If the answer he gives you is that this is not the original or that it was replaced with a gm part-I would ask for my money back ASAP. Make sure your car has less than 100,000 miles on it. If so, you have a great chance that they will fix it at no cost to you. If you need more help please email. Is your car a T6 if so you might have a problem if not you may be ok. Good luck.

#727 of 905 Re: It is true.... [tradez25] by gerri2

May 19, 2011 (2:34 pm)

Replying to: tradez25 (May 06, 2011 9:12 am)
This is interesting. I have just found out my 2004 XC90 needs a new transmission. I have asked my volvo dealer check with the factory to see if I can get this replaced after reading this and the class action.
Is there anything else I can do to support this claim.
Gerri

#728 of 905 Is it true by smokin6

May 20, 2011 (11:54 am)

If you can explain your specifics I can try to help. Volvo is very picky as to who they help. They have no set parameters as it is a moving target. I would be happy to help you get what you can out of them. You can email me directly if you would like--

#729 of 905 Re: Is it true [smokin6] by Stever@Edmunds HOST

May 20, 2011 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: smokin6 (May 20, 2011 11:54 am)
You can mark your email "public" in your Profile and members can reach you that way. That feature has been a bit buggy this week so shoot us an email if it doesn't work for you.

#730 of 905 2004 XC90 T6 - Transmission by csilacci

May 25, 2011 (9:01 pm)

My transmission just failed for the 2nd time. I just finished driving the car to the dealership and leaving it there after hours. I'll know more tomorrow. The first trans went out at 43K miles and was under warranty. My car now has 94K. It is not driven hard and this is the 2nd time. It is ridiculous. Let's hope my dealership stands behind their work.

#731 of 905 Mine Was Paid in Full - 99K Miles by rdeans

May 26, 2011 (12:55 pm)

i just wanted to post and let you all know my experience. my transmission failed around 48k the first time (in the middle of a busy intersection, with my newborn and 2-yr old in the car to boot). this past weekend it failed again at 99k and i spent HOURS reading this thread, fearing the worst. my car is out of warranty and i have not gone to the volvo dealership since 2007 when my warranty expired so my history with them is older (i use a shop closer to my house now). they looked up my old transmission problem and saw that i have already been through this. once my car was towed there they checked it out and saw right away that it was obviously totally shot. i mentioned when i called to inform them it was on its way that i knew there were several class action suits and that this was an ongoing issue but that was really all i ever said. the man i dealt with said he couldn't know what the next step would be until he got in touch with volvo. they called me back the next day letting me know that they had submitted a prior authorization to volvo to get them to pay for the transmission and that i should hear the next day one way or another. they called me today and they will be paying for the new transmission at 100% coverage, and i honestly didn't have to do anything to get them to do this (not even be a regular at this location). there was another minor issue with a leaking valve that they said they could repair while they were in there which i'll be paying for but the transmission, the issue that is clearly plaguing most of us on this thread, was covered. i dealt with farrell volvo in southborough, ma, for anyone local. i have to say, i was beyond nervous waiting for the call, especially after reading these horror stories, but maybe they're playing a bit nicer these days. i'm thrilled with the way it was handled (and less than thrilled that this is even an issue for those of us who spent major bucks on these cars) so i hope it goes the same for you all. best of luck to everyone else, i know what a nightmare this can be!

Messages Page 74 of 92

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