2003 Volvo XC90: complete transmission failure

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 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 Apr 18, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 104,000 miles · MA

My 2003 volvo xc90 has been to the dealer several times including over 3 times for same problem when I purchased the vehicle in 2006. All recalls have been fixed, front axle, wipers etc. I have purchased 4 sets of tires, tires boston volvo installed and my 17 year old son received a complete blow out because wrong size tires. I continue taking to same dealer and since owning the car have had the same noises in front of car. Boston volvo has stated in october and since owning the vehicle can find nothing wrong, april diagnosed with need new drive shaft after having car for 2 days but could not really fine anything but drive shaft. A strong fuel smell stated fuel pump does not need to be corrected. I need new muffler and taking to my own mechanic the real issue is transmission service urgent and need new transmission. Volvo did not diagnose this problem and my son is driving the car! My son is driving a lemon that is a danger to himself. Taking to volvo does nothing, they cannot even diagnose and give wrong info given to me. I am currently up to over $8,000 in damages and still owe on this lemon. I need new transmission, muffler, still car vibrates and front end noises from whining, thumping etc.

Filed Mar 9, 2010 · Transmission · NC

2003 volvo xc90 transmission failure.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Transmission · 58,800 miles · CA

The automatic transmission failed to go into first gear on a left hand turn. This failure could have LED to an accident. After this incident the transmission would not come out of third gear.

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 May 28, 2009 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · FL

The transmission (without warning) in my 2003 volvo xc90 t6 went out (no reverse & wont shift out of 3rd gear). It is an automatic. There are many owners of this vehicle who have experienced the same problem it has been independently diagnosed as a defect with the particular transmission that volvo choose to put in this model vehicle. Most owners have been told by dealers there is nothing that can be done for them (most problems occur between 40 - 60,000 miles & are out of warranty) except sell them a new or rebuilt transmission (approx. $5,000). My vehicle has 75k miles & I have my vehicle at a repair shop waiting to see what my options are. I have been told by two mechanics that the transmission needs to be replaced.

Filed May 21, 2009 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · OH

I own a 2003 volvo xc90 t6. The transmission failed once at 66,000 miles and was replaced. At that time volvo paid 50% of the cost. My cost was $2,700. It has now failed again at 107,000 and is now awaiting its third transmission. I have filed a complaint at volvo customer service on the website . Volvo is offering to provide the parts if I pay for the labor. The car failed on the new york turnpike creating a dangerous, scary situation. The car was towed to a volvo dealer in albany, ny. I live in columbus ohio. I needed to rent a car @ a cost of $355 to return to columbus. The car is in albany awaiting repair. I have received a call from betty with volvo, telephone 800‑458‑1552 x 1977. Volvo will cover the parts if I cover labor. The labor will cost $1,800. I will also need to incur the cost of a plane ticket to return tto albany. Due to the high costs I will need to incur to fix the car under volvo's current offer, I would like to consider my options. Thanks very much for your help in this matter.

Filed May 15, 2009 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · MN

The volvo xc90 t6 model has a significant safety issue with the transmission. My 2003 xc90 t6 with less than 65k miles on it had the transmission fail. I was driving down a limited access highway (hwy100 in minneapolis) when the transmission failed. I could not drive over 30 MPH on this fast moving highway. In researching this problem, it is painful clear that this model has an extensive history of transmission failures. Time and time again t6 owners are having to replace transmissions sometimes twice with less than 120k miles on their vehicles. Volvo is not stepping up to take responsibility. It is going to take an accident or god forbid injury or death for them to acknowledge this problem.

Filed Mar 1, 2009 · Transmission · 77,344 miles · PA

My 2003 volvo xc90's transmission went out just ten days after the warranty expired. Volvo customer service offered a good faith repair but still cost me several thousand out-of-pocket in repair costs. Six weeks after repair, I have a puddle on my garage floor. This problem, with the t6 transmission, is rather common and well-documented. If the problem is so prevalent, why is there not a full recall or better fix? I am not satisfied with this car.

Filed Feb 22, 2009 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · CA

Received a transmission urgent service warning light. Took the car to dealer and they stated I need a new transmission. Car has 62,000 miles and has always been serviced at volvo. I did a search online and found over 200 complaints of the same failures I stated. Volvo would not cover the repairs under warranty.