2003 Volvo XC90 transmission problems

Filed Feb 2, 2021 · Transmission · 141,000 miles · MO

Transfer case keeps locking up and messing up. In past year paid 1500 two times to replace transfer case and is now in shop again for same reason. Transfer case locking up. Feb 2020, july 2020, and now january 2021 feb going speed of 35-40, july on highway speed of 70 in middle of freeway, and jan speed of 35

Filed Aug 31, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 114,687 miles · NC

When this vehicle was purchased it started within 4 days to have problems with the transmission, after the transmission the transfer case began to have problems, so the vehicle was placed in the shop before the thirty days tags could expire and both parts were rebuilt by an outside company which was added to the original price tag of the vehicle. Then a year later the vehicle was placed in the shop for the turbo's had gone out on the vehicle on april 11, 2015 until current date. They are now saying the vehicle has a blown head gasket and it is still in the shop.

Filed Jan 29, 2015 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · MD

Transmission failed without warning. Here's the story, my xc90 was dealer serviced a week ago (pm), took on a short road trip over weekend, fortunately made it home before it broke down. Went to work upon returning from trip and while I was parking the transmission failed to engage in any gear. Very unsafe! No warning lights illuminated and there was no 'limp mode.' the rpms rose as if it were in neutral. Could hear a metallic rattling noise coming from transmission. Had to have it towed from work to aamco. Aamco stated the damage was inside of transmission and they would need to remove and tear down to see what issue is, but more than likely it was a complete failure. I just bought this car in november and luckily bought an aftermarket warranty that 'should' cover everything. Issue is the warranty company will more than likely just replace it with a used trans that will fail in a short time and I will have to go through this again. This is a major design flaw on the part of volvo and they should own up to it. The engine produces too much power and the vehicle is too heavy for the transmission to take it. This is a t6 btw, with the 6 cylinder and twin turbo. Volvo should have a recall on this transmission. I have scoured the web and see this is an ongoing frequent issue with the xc90 and volvo is losing what were once loyal customers. Search this issue on the web and you'll wonder if there are any xc90's that do not have transmission problems.

Filed Aug 15, 2012 · Steering, Transmission · 500 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo xc90. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk abnormally and without warning. In addition, the shift gear lever was defective and both the power steering fluid and transmission fluids were leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that the vehicle age had exceeded the time frame in which they were willing to offer any assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and offered no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 500 and the current mileage was 65,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2011 · Transmission · OH

I had the transmission service engine light come on. I took it to the mechanic and he said the coolant has leaked into to the transmission causing the transmission to give out. They said it needs replaced at a cost of 6000. This would be the 3 rd transmission in this car alone. Their are multiple people with the same problem. This is volvox fault and it needs replaced on their dime.

Filed Mar 30, 2011 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo xc90. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH the transmission began to slip. The contact was able to move from the main roadway but as she proceeded into traffic, there was a significant decrease in engine rpms and the failure persisted. The urgent service transmission warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised her that they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure and current mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jan 11, 2011 · Transmission · 104,750 miles · GA

I purchase a used volvo xc90 on 12/17/2010 for my son with a registered 104,555 miles. On 12/29/2010 the transmission went out. I got a couple different estimates from $5,000 to $7,000 to repair or replace. After discussing with the automotive technician, I found out that volvo has had a slew of problems relating to the 03,04 & 05 xc90 especially with transmission problems. I was totally disappointed because I purchase this vehicle based on volvo reputation and the car reliability and due to the fact that I have a 2000 volvo s80 and have had it since 2000 and have had few problems. Although, my son wanted to purchase another vehicle, I steered him towards the volvo. Thinking that since a vehicle (especially a volvo) shouldn't experience this type of transmission problem with relatively low mileage, I contacted volvo north america and told them of my plight and requested that they pay for the repair or at least pay for a portion of the repair and they flatly denied my request. I am totally disappointed in volvo for not honoring and standing behind their product, remember I bought this vehicle based on their reputation for building a sound reputable vehicle, although my son wanted to purchase another vehicle. My confidence in this company has been totally shattered. And to think that I was planning on replacing my 2000 s80 with another volvo this summer.

Filed Dec 22, 2010 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo xc90. The contact was driving approximately 55-65 MPH when the transmission began to jerk with excessive hesitation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the transmission was replaced for the third time. The manufacturer was notified of the transmission failures but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. Updated 07/20/11 *bf updated 10/26/11

Filed Nov 15, 2010 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo xc90. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and the safety warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel prior to the failure. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired for the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Body, Brakes · 85,000 miles · GA

Leaving a parking lot and heard loud sound car wouldn't move. Volvo says the following is broken: lower control arm, cv axle, rotor and damaged rim. We had been parked and were attempting to leaving parking lot(.barely moving) could have been killed if this happened at higher speed. We have constantly spent money on this vehicle and I feel it is unsafe and that when the recalls were made there could have already been a fracture. This car is only driven to work and home on a regular basis. No rough roads. We have not caused any damage. This website does not allow proper selection under volvo and make to allow selection of the suspension/control arm / rotors / axle / tire rims / ball joint, all of which were damaged in this 4 MPH accident. Had this happened at 65 MPH I have no doubt me and my family would not have survived.