2003 Volvo XC90: transmission slipping

6 of the 93 complaints about the 2003 Volvo XC90 describe transmission slipping.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 102,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Transmission slipping by model year

2017
1
2008
1
2005
13
2004
17
2003
6

What owners say

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 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 Jun 22, 2010 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo xc90. While driving at 38 MPH, the transmission began slipping gears. The contact was able to reach her destination without incident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised replacing the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000 and the current mileage was 102,914.

Filed Nov 25, 2009 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · IL

Transmission failure in 2004 volvo xc90 t6. Volvo well aware of the transmission failure rate in these vehicles but fails to issue a tsb. My vehicles transmission failed at 71,xxx miles with my wife and kids in the car at an intersection. Would not accelerate from a stop. Had reported instances of "slipping" trans to dealer service dept with no resolution prior to this failure. New trans was replaced out of warranty cost over $4700 with no refund or discount from volvo cars of north america or the dealer. Research reveals "squeaky wheel" policy toward compensating owners. I was rejected for compensation and offered 50% discount on parts and labor for "next transmission failure".

Filed Oct 23, 2008 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · VA

Volvo xc90 65,000 miles - regularly factory maintenance at volvo dealership - transmission failure. Almost had an accident accelerating when transmission slipped between 3 and 4th gear and car slipped into neutral. Volvo agrees to pay for parts, but not for labor which is expensive on this luxury vehicle. Many others (edmunds.com) have this same issue and it is a safety hazard.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Transmission · 61,300 miles · MA

My vehicle has 61,400 miles and the transmission needs to be replaced. Out of the blue it started slipping out of gear causing extremely high revving and the a transmission failure light came on. Vehicle is well taken care of and there were no warning signs of this defect. Dealer says a new transmission is needed.