Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) Review
Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) At A Glance
If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Volvo XC90 review.
There are a few excellent four-wheel drive cars, like the Subaru Legacy, that ride at normal car height and handle like a normal car. There are lots of jacked-up, Jeep-like 4x4s that carry their passengers half a metre higher, and cannot quite manage to defy gravitational forces on corners. And now there is the Volvo XC90, which is essentially a jacked-up estate car.
Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from D5 Geartronic to V8
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–38 mpg
It's a handsome car. Big, tough looking, but not in the least aggressive. The deformable front is actually very friendly to any pedestrians who happen to walk out in front of it as there is plenty of space underneath to cushion them. There is a massively strong front box section crossmember. But there's also a special skid plate designed to meet the impact zone of a conventional car so anything the XC90 hits deforms progressively instead of being smashed to bits. After all, this is a Volvo.
The World gets a choice of three all-aluminium engines: Volvo's new 2,401cc 163bhp (120kW) 5-cylinder diesel; the 2,922cc 272bhp (200kW) 6-cylinder twin-turbo petrol from the S80 T6; and a revised 2,521cc 210bhp (154kW) 5-cylinder light pressure petrol. The UK will get the first two engines, but other markets may get all three.
Transmissions are still in transition. At launch, the diesel and 210bhp petrol came with a 5-speed Geartronic automatic which allows you to select the ratios yourself. The 272bhp T6 came with a 4-speed autobox and an ECU chipped to limit power in 1st and 2nd to avoid transmission damage. Soon this box will be replaced by a new, tougher 6-speed auto, and by mid 2003 the diesel will have the option of a 6-speed manual.
Climb behind the wheel of the diesel, adjust the steering wheel and seat to suit yourself, then get going and it's all very civilised. You can waft along fairly serenely with no hint of diesel clatter, then call upon a lower gear and the engine's strong 320Nm torque to pull you rapidly up the steepest of inclines. It really is very pleasant, and has that Mercedes SL quality of actually making you feel like cruising rather than pedal to the metal. Yet it's no slouch and 180kph on the motorway felt like no more than 120kph in a normal car. Close cross-examination of Volvo's engine man, Sivert Hiljemark, led to the info that though this is a belt-cam diesel and the belt drives the water pump, the old Audi pump bearing problem was sorted years ago and the belt really should last 120,000km. There's also no need to simmer the turbo after a long upward incline. Though only oil cooled, the oil is itself cooled by engine coolant via a special heat transfer case.
Probably because of the way it is chipped, the T6 didn't feel anything like 272bhp. It's still a lot quicker than the diesel, but because you don't feel the need to drive XC90s fast, most drivers won't regret plumping for the more eco friendly oil burner.
The mountainous roads above Lake Geneva gave us plenty of opportunity to check out the power and handling and, by virtue of gyro stabilisers and the low centre of gravity of the engines and axles, both XC90s took corners surprisingly well.
That wasn't enough for Volvo, though. Despite immense strength in the front of the car and especially the A pillars, we were still required to test the Roll Stability Control by driving the car through an Elk avoidance test. This means jinking sharp left, then sharp right without braking through cones at up to 75kph. Of course at the slightest hint of the car getting out of line, wheels are individually automatically braked and the car never even felt like a wheel had left the ground, it's that stable.
At around £30k in the UK the XC90 is up against luxurious SUVs such as the Lexus RX300 Harrier, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Mercedes ML, the more expensive BMW X5 and more car-like equivalents, such as the Subaru Legacy Outback 3.0 and the Audi Allroad. It's not really fighting the LandRover Discovery because it's much smaller, much more car-like and much better to drive. But it will steal sales from 7 seater 4x4s like the Landcruiser Colorado and Mitsubishi Shogun.
Just as much as the practicality, the honest good looks are going to sell this car. It's quietly tough; strong, yet gentle; not in the least garish or ‘look at me'. And that's just perfect for the sort of people who are going to buy it.
UPDATE: 2006 CHANGES
What happened since that launch surprised even Volvo. It introduced the company to an entirely new niche and one that has demanded increasingly upmarket versions.
So naturally Volvo has responded. First with ‘SE Lux' and ‘Executive' trim, then with a more powerful 185bhp D5 engine, and now with a heavily refreshed range, including two important new engines.
Most important is the all-new I-6, a chain-cam 3.2 litre all-alloy short block straight six, also destined to find itself under the bonnets of the Jaguar XJ, the Jaguar S-Type and the new Land Rover Freelander. It's being built for Volvo by Ford at Bridgend in Wales.
Complementing that, and moving the car further upmarket to compete against top X5, Range Rovers, Mercedes MLs and GLs and Porsche Cayennes is a 315PS Yamaha-developed narrow-angle all-alloy chain cam 4.4 litre V8. Price range is £44,225 to £53,965, which doesn't seem to be a problem for the 10% of XC90 buyers expected to go for the guzzler.
The 3.2 is an exceptionally smooth, sweet, free-revving engine, but despite a flat torque curve, with only 320Nm of the precious stuff it has its work cut out to haul along the two tonne XC90. You need to use the Geartonic shifter constantly to get the best out of it and fast motorway cruising often requires 5th and even 4th on the inclines.
But I have to admit, we so enjoyed the engine's sweet nature and the car's good handling, informative steering and comfort we forgot to treat it like a big 4x4. 180kph was a frequent sight on two lane blacktops. On motorways we cruised comfortably and quietly at 160 - 200kph and managed to top out at 210kph, its maximum speed. The fact I'm even mentioning a slight lack of puff at 120mph tells you the true nature of the beast. I simply wouldn't dream of driving a Range Rover or a LandCruiser at those sort of speeds. Yet the XC90 was so stable and so quiet, 120 felt more like 80. All that came at a slight price, of course. 18.1 mpg. We actually had to stop to refill with petrol. However, normal driving should easily achieve the 23.9mpg combined figure of the EU comparative tests.
With 440Nm at 3,900rpm the 4.4V8 doesn't lack torque and gathers speed much more rapidly. It also sounds wonderful. However a gear-speed of 37.5mph per 1,000rpm in 6th means you still need to change down to 5th on motorway inclines. We wondered if its lazier nature would actually work out more economical than the 3.2 I-6. It didn't. We got 15.2 mpg. But if you have to ask the fuel consumption of a vehicle like this you can't afford one anyway.
The XC90 is not much longer than a Lexus RX300 or BMW X5. Just 4.8 metres exactly (15' 9"). Yet amazingly, it manages to contain three rows of seats with more than half a metre of luggage space behind them, and reasonable legroom for everyone.
They've been very clever with those seats. All have their own three point lap/diagonal safety belt. The middle row slide backwards and forwards individually, so the child seat in the centre can be pulled forward and the child in it gets a much better view of what lies ahead. Just as smart, the cushions of the rearmost seats slide away under the luggage platform, then the backs fold flat, individually increasing luggage capacity at the expense of seat space. And, with the centre row also folded down you get a flat but high loadspace 1.89 metres long. You can even fold the front passenger seat flat to gain a loadspace 2.91 metres long, alongside a driver plus two passengers sitting tandem-style.
It's a handsome car. Big, tough looking, but not in the least aggressive. The deformable front is actually very friendly to any pedestrians who happen to walk out in front of it, as there is plenty of space underneath to cushion them. There is a massively strong front box section crossmember. And there's also a special skid plate designed to meet the impact zone of a conventional car so anything the XC90 hits deforms progressively instead of being smashed to bits. After all, this is a Volvo.
Under their bonnets, the D5 185 replaces the D5 163, the 238bhp 3.2 I-6 stands in for the 210bhp 2.4T, and the 315bhp 4.4 V8 blasts the old 272bhp T6 into the weeds.
Transmissions are now 6-speed manual or 6-speed Geartronic auto on the D5, and 6-speed Geartronic only on the 3.2 and the 4.4. And, of course, it's a proper part-time four-wheel-drive with Haldex coupling.
There are now four levels of trim altogether: S, SE, SE Lux and Executive (details below). And some interesting options which include a satnav screen that doubles up as a rear parking screen, with lines that show you your projected trajectory. And active bi-xenon headlights with the useful bonus of allowing you to set left or right dip.
So Volvo found a new market. And the XC90 has happily settled into it as one of the strongest players, now with engines and levels of kit to rival the best of the rest.
Buyers love it. So do their kids. Mothers who want to protect their children naturally gravitate towards big 4x4s. So what better than a big Volvo 4x4?
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
3.2 Geartronic | 25 mpg | 9.5 s | 269 g/km |
D5 | 33–34 mpg | 10.9–11.5 s | 219–224 g/km |
D5 Geartronic | 34–34 mpg | 10.3 s | 215–219 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
19–38 mpg
MPGs submitted
502
Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 249–1837 litres
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4798–4807 mm |
Width | 1898 mm |
Height | 1743–1784 mm |
Wheelbase | 2857 mm |
It's not much longer than a Lexus RX300 or BMW X5. Just 4.8 metres exactly (15' 9") But, amazingly, manages to contain three rows of seats with more than half a metre of luggage space behind them and reasonable legroom for everyone. "How did they do that?" you wonder. Then the designer, Peter Horbury, explains that using transverse straight 5 and straight 6 rather then ‘V' engines allowed the cab to "move forward" giving a lot more space inside.
They've been very clever with those seats. All have their own three point lap/diagonal safety belt. The middle row slide backwards and forwards individually, so the child seat in the centre can be pulled forward and the child in it gets a much better view of what lies ahead. Just as smart, the cushions of the rearmost seats slide away under the luggage platform, then the backs fold flat, individually increasing luggage capacity at the expense of seatspace. And, with the centre row also folded down you get a flat but high loadspace 1.89 metres long. You can even fold the front passenger seat flat to gain a loadspace 2.91 metres long, alongside a driver plus two passengers sitting tandem-style.
Volvo XC90 (2002 – 2015) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4798–4807 mm |
Width | 1898 mm |
Height | 1743–1784 mm |
Wheelbase | 2857 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 2105–2199 kg |
Boot Space | 249–1837 L |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | 18000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £32,095–£49,995 |
Insurance Groups | 40–42 |
Road Tax Bands | K–M |
Official MPG | 20.3–34.4 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | 5 |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | 2 |
Overall | - |
On sale until December 2014
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
D5 AWD ES Geartronic 5dr Auto | £37,115 | 34.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD Executive Geartronic 5dr Auto | £45,715 | 34.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD R-Design Geartronic 5dr Auto | £42,115 | 34.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD SE Geartronic 5dr Auto | £40,190 | 34.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD SE Lux Geartronic 5dr Auto | £43,515 | 34.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
On sale until September 2012
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
D5 AWD R-DESIGN Premium Geartronic 5dr Auto | £42,795 | 34.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
On sale until April 2012
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
D5 AWD ES Premium Geartronic 5dr Auto | £36,710 | 34.0 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD SE Premium Geartronic 5dr Auto | £40,410 | 34.0 mpg | 10.3 s |
On sale until February 2012
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
D5 AWD Active Geartronic 5dr Auto | £35,175 | 34.0 mpg | 10.3 s |
On sale until October 2011
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
D5 AWD Active Premium Geartronic 5dr Auto | £36,560 | 34.0 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD R-DESIGN Premium Geartronic 5dr Auto | £41,560 | 34.0 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD SE Lux Premium Geartronic 5dr Auto | £41,910 | 34.0 mpg | 10.3 s |
D5 AWD SE Premium Geartronic 5dr Auto | £39,660 | 34.0 mpg | 10.3 s |
On sale until July 2010
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
3.2 Executive Geartronic Auto | £42,790 | 24.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
3.2 R-DESIGN SE Geartronic Auto | £38,540 | 24.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
3.2 R-DESIGN SE Geartronic Premium Auto | £40,040 | 24.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
3.2 SE Lux Geartronic Auto | £38,990 | 24.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
3.2 SE Lux Geartronic Premium Auto | £40,490 | 24.6 mpg | 9.5 s |
D5 Active | £32,095 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 Active Auto | £32,095 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
D5 Active Premium | £33,595 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 Active Premium Auto | £33,595 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
D5 R-DESIGN SE | £37,080 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 R-DESIGN SE Auto | £37,080 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
D5 R-DESIGN SE Premium | £38,580 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 R-DESIGN SE Premium Auto | £38,580 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
D5 SE | £35,330 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 SE Auto | £35,330 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
D5 SE Lux | £37,530 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 SE Lux Auto | £37,530 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
D5 SE Lux Premium | £39,030 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 SE Lux Premium Auto | £39,030 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
D5 SE Premium | £36,830 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 SE Premium Auto | £36,830 | 33.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
On sale until January 2010
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
V8 Executive Geartronic Auto | £49,995 | - | - |
V8 R-DESIGN SE Geartronic Auto | £45,995 | - | - |
V8 R-DESIGN SE Geartronic Premium Auto | £47,995 | - | - |
On sale until January 2009
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
3.2 R-DESIGN Auto | £37,935 | - | - |
3.2 R-DESIGN Premium Auto | £39,935 | - | - |
3.2 SE Geartronic Auto | £36,185 | - | - |
3.2 SE Geartronic Premium Auto | £38,185 | - | - |
D5 R-DESIGN | £36,745 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 R-DESIGN Auto | £36,745 | - | - |
D5 R-DESIGN Premium | £38,745 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 R-DESIGN Premium Auto | £38,745 | - | - |
V8 R-DESIGN Auto | £45,935 | - | - |
V8 R-DESIGN Premium Auto | £47,935 | - | - |
On sale until December 2008
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
3.2 SE R-DESIGN Auto | £38,033 | - | - |
D5 S | £32,299 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 S Auto | £32,299 | - | - |
D5 SE R-DESIGN | £36,850 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 SE R-DESIGN Auto | £36,850 | - | - |
V8 SE Lux Geartronic Auto | £46,108 | - | - |
V8 SE R-DESIGN Auto | £45,765 | - | - |
On sale until May 2007
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
3.2 SE Sport Auto | £38,385 | - | - |
D5 SE Sport | £37,295 | 34.0 mpg | 10.9 s |
D5 SE Sport Auto | £37,295 | - | - |
V8 SE Geartronic Auto | £44,330 | - | - |
V8 SE Sport Auto | £46,055 | - | - |
Model History
- January 0001
- January 2004
- September 2004
- November 2004
- May 2005
- April 2006
- May 2008
- May 2009: 2010 Model Year announced
- November 2010: New D5 engine for Volvo XC90
- September 2011
January 0001
Four wheel drive Volvo based on wide-body S80 that's a cross between an estate car and a big 4x4 SUV. High ground clearance. Seven forward facing seats.
15' 9" (4,798mm) long x 6' 3" (1,898mm) wide. Very heavy, from 2,050kg to 2,102kg.
Originally 163bhp, 340Nm torque D5 diesel or 272bhp, 380Nm torque twin-turbo straight six petrol engines. Unveiled January 2002 at Detroit Show; UK launch: Autumn 2002.
UK Prices: D5S £28,400; D5S Geartroninc: £29,650; T6S Geartronic: £31,640; D5SE: £30,400; D5SE Geartronic: £31,650; T6SE Geartronic: £33,640. Prices undercut Audi Allroad, which only has five seats.
D5 Geartronic offers 31.0mpg combined, 242g/km CO2 (BIK 33%) and IG 15; T6 Geartronic does 21.9mpg combined, puts out 309g/km CO2 (BIK 35%) and is in IG 16. Five star NCAP crash safety rating
Wheel and tyre sizes:
17" with 235/65 R17 tyres
18" with 235/60 R18 tyres
19" with 255/50 R19 tyres
January 2004
Upgrades for 2004 included 17" alloys for S models, water repellent door mirror glass, electric folding door mirrors for SE and optional water repellent side glass. Premium Pack now includes Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated seats, premium sound system with minidisc player, 12 speaker Dolby Pro Logic surround sound with subwoofer, price up from £1,100 to £2,400.
Comms Pack of Integrated GSM telephone and satnav reduced from £3,200 to £2,600. New colours include Cedar Green Pearl, Magic Blue Pearl and Titanium. Executive model has DVD with two 6" widescreens for rear passengers. Prices up to: D5 S manual £30,120; D5 S Geartronic £31,370; T6 S Geartronic £33,835; D5 SE manual £32,470; D5 SE Geartronic £33,720; R6 SE Geartronic £36,185; D5 Executive Geartronic £44,375; T6 Executive Geartronic £46,840. 6 speed manual for D5 XC90 from April 2004 giving better economy.
September 2004
4.4 litre 315bhp Yamaha V8 with 440 Nm of torque at 3,900rpm launched at Paris Motor Show September 2004. New six-speed automatic transmission.
November 2004
210bhp 2.5T petrol engine added November 2004. 320Nm torque. 6-speed manual or 5-speed Geartronic transmission. 0-60 9.2 seconds in manual. On the road prices: XC90 2.5T S £31,230; XC90 2.5T SE £33,580. Deliveries from January 2005.
May 2005
New diesel with EU4 D5 engine power output increased from 163bhp to 185bhp and from 340Nm to 400Nm of torque.
April 2006
Facelifted April 2006 for 2007 model year. New front and rear bumpers, new grille, rear parking camera and distinctive circular rear reversiong lamps replaces with rectanguar lamps. 235bhp 3.2 I6 petrol introduced, and 311bhp 4.4 V8 finally reached UK market, both with 6-speed autoboxes.
May 2008
The Volvo XC90 premium SUV has received several updates for the 2009 Model Year, including a new lower CO2 figure for the D5 Geartronic1, the introduction of the sports-inspired R-DESIGN and new exterior colours, alloy wheels and options giving buyers more choice. The new 2009 Volvo XC90 is available to order now, with first cars arriving in June. Prices for the 2009 XC90 start at £32,845 for the D5 S. The manual 185 PS D5 emits 219g/km CO2.
As recently announced there have been many changes and additions to the Volvo V70 and XC90 range, including the new R-DESIGN sport chassis and styling package and a new lower CO2 figure for the Volvo XC90.
Volvo emblem on the tailgate larger and more wide-spread; enhancing its visibility. Power mirrors with an autofold function now standard1 across the Volvo model range. Mirrors can be set to fold in automatically when the car is locked, and fold out again when the car is unlocked. Communications Pack have also revised and now includes RTI Navigation System, Keyless Drive and Bluetooth Handsfree System.
A new Homelink option is available across the Volvo range for a RRP of £501 . With buttons integrated in the sun visor, Homelink allows the occupants to operate remote controlled home appliances, such as a garage door, home alarm and exterior lighting, without leaving the car.
May 2009
2010 Model Year announced
Volvo's seven-seat XC90 receives a new, lighter chassis and new dampers designed to improve drivability. In spite of this new chassis there are no price rises for the XC90. The range starting price remains static at £29,995 OTR for the D5 Active model, while prices for the flagship
Executive variant have been reduced for the 2010 Model Year. The Executive now starts at £42,985 OTR for the 3.2-litre petrol model, a decrease of over £4,000 with minimal specification changes.
November 2010
New D5 engine for Volvo XC90
The XC90 gains a new Euro V compliant five-cylinder diesel engine, featuring both improved performance and fuel consumption. The four-wheel drive Volvo XC90 D5 now produces 200hp (from 185hp) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (from what Nm), while fuel economy has been enhanced from 33.2mpg (EU Combined) to 34mpg. Now in its ninth year, the XC90 continues to go from strength to strength and, in the UK, is often the number one best selling large SUV in the market.
September 2011
In its ninth year of production, Volvo announced further refinements to the both the exterior and interior of the Volvo XC90. The new refinements include more sophisticated lines and materials to give a more rewarding driving experience. In 2010, sales figures for the XC90 grew close to 7,000 units - its best year ever in the UK, and over 37,000 globally. The XC90 with the latest refinements will be available to order from late October 2011.
Exterior Enhancements The XC90 is designed to give an elegant, muscular and robust impression, which has been reinforced through a number of refined details. A new day running light configuration using LEDs in the lower bumper gives the front more character. The redesigned silver metallic bumper bar as well as silver roof rails are now standard on all variants. There is also a new lower door moulding and all XC90 specifications are now fully colour-coordinated. The new tail lamps have dual light guides, LED brake lights and a silver turn indicator bulb (still with orange light). The latest new features also include a new six-spoke 18-inch wheel in a silver matt finish.
A number of refinements have been made to give the XC90 interior an even more luxurious feel, including the three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium décor as standard and the watch dial-inspired instrument design with white lighting. The tailgate, which is divided into an upper and a lower section, now comes with a new, colour-coordinated leather grab handle. The load cover has also been redesigned.
The XC90 is also available in an Executive specification which features a number of exclusive options such as soft leather seats with ventilation and massage, as well as a number of details with a more exclusive finish. The R-Design version boosts the XC90's sports appeal and gives the car a more driver-focused character. On top of the special chassis, the new R-design version also features redesigned upholstery, inlays, door panels and new Ixion 19-inch wheels.
The Volvo On Call system can now be combined with Bluetooth mobile phone connection. The system has been upgraded with music streaming from a preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. New too is a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call.
Owners of all new Volvos from Model Year 2012 with Volvo On Call can download the mobile application that opens up a range of possibilities, such as: Car locator. The location of the car is shown on a map. There is also a digital compass that points the driver in the right direction. * Vehicle dashboard. This feature gives the driver access to a wide range of information: fuel level, remaining range to empty tank, average fuel consumption, average speed, odometer reading and trip meter reading.
What to watch out for
D5 timing belts, tensioners, pulleys and waterpumps all best changed at 60,000 miles or 4 years whichever comes first. Tensioners prone to failure and may not last the scheduled 96,000 miles or 8 years. Pulleys also likely to fail and throw the belt off rather than belts themselves are to fail. Numerous cases of failure at 65k, so be warned. 2.4D and D5 Inlet manifold swirl flaps prone to breaking off at any time from 3 years old.
On D5s, poor starting can signify an injector problem. Injector failure on D5s more than 3 years old is becoming quite common. Cost £1,500 to replace.
Reports of alternator failures.
Vague reports of an issue over wrongly re-attached batteries, sited in the rear of the vehicle, catching fire and burning out the cars. May be due to the venting for the battery not being re-installed, so a garage rather than Volvo issue. Could be connected to the alternator issue (obviously battery and alternator are connected).
Faulty or badly fitted pollen filter cover in plenum chamber can lead to water ingress into the electronics (leading to spurious component failure messages). A modified plenum cover, correctly fitted, solves this.
Geartronic autobox failures increasingly common, particularly on cars that have been towing. The transmission oil cooler on these cars is modular and can be increased in capacity by adding modules. This is ESSENTIAL for towing (though often overlooked) and may also be necessary for other types of use. The other common Geartronic problem is sticking servo valves in the valve box that controls the shifts. Blame has been laid on insufficient grease during manufacture.
01-01-0001:'Interpretor' reported: "XC90 models had an inherent fault in their power train described by Volvo as " a problem with their all-wheel drive system in the winter months stemming from a failure of either the angle gear or sleeve" They have introduced a refund of repairs table ranging from 80% at 20,000 miles to 20 over 70,000 miles but refuse to carry out a recall."
28-10-2010:"I have a (54 plate) Volvo XC90 D5 which has never towed or been off road, is serviced on the dot every year with the main dealer and has 77,000 miles on the clock. The latest service has concluded that only 2 wheel drive is operating (I have no idea since when). I am told it needs a new angle gear and connecting sleeve which will cost me £1,518. To top this, the engineers at Volvo service have noted on their report that if the connecting sleeve is seized up on the gearbox side, then it may require a new transmission."
01-01-0001:related to rising sump oil levels in D5 Diesel engines with a DPF that is caused by excess fuel entering the engine sump via cylinders during DPF regeneration cycles. The solution is to reprogram the engine management software to reduce the volume of fuel used during the regeneration cycle and drain the excess oil back to midway between the min/max levels on the dip stick, then keep an eye on it. Really, any engine that has had its lube oil contaminated by diesel needs a lube oil change.
25-10-2011:Timing belt tensioner of 2.5 litre Volvo engine can fail in as little as 50,000 miles, flinging off the belt and wrecking the engine, then landing the owner with a £6,000 bill.
02-02-2012:Steering lock failures becoming increasingly common.
01-01-0001:"On 31 December 2011 I took possesion of my brand new Volvo XC90. Two months later the car's control system decided that it would stop sending fuel to the engine whilst I was driving. Fortunately for me I was on a quiet local road driving at low speeds (30mph) and I had chance to pull the car onto the side of the road within the few seconds before the car was completely immobilised." This seems to echo the issue for which XC90s and other Volvos were recalled by the NHTSA in the USA in later 2010 (see recalls).
16-05-2012:Failure of the GPS Satnav can sometimes be cured simply by cleaning the CD Rom / DVD disk.
28-11-2012:Transmission noise eventually cured by replacing the transfer box chain housing that connects the gearbox with the centre differential of the four wheel drive system. These transfer boxes actually rarely fail and can be obtained used for half the price of a new one.
12-11-2013:Transfer box of 46k mile 4 year old XC90 destroyed at speed on the motorway, contradicting previous entry that they "rarely fail". Rebuilt at a cost of £2,800.
02-01-2014:Another Geartronic automatic transmission failure reported, this on a 65k mile 2004 XC90 T6.
03-03-2016:GB Autos has encountered a fault in a control module under the left front passenger floor of some V70, XC70. V60, XC60. XC90, causing multiple faults if the headlamp flash is actuated. Replacement electronic control modules are in stock in advance of customer problems.
21-04-2016:Reported faults with a 2007 Volvo XC90 (mileage not mentioned): In July 2014 had a Volvo service and drove to France. Within 100 miles lost power and went into limp mode, max speed +/- 25mph. Fault diagnosed as a butterfly valve. Cost €1,018.58. In March 2016 same car had "Free Volvo Health Check". Within 300 miles, again in France, lost power. Fault this time was "air conditioning /intercooler systems." Cost €1,447.32.
13-05-2017:Report of inlet manifold swirl flaps of 2010 Volvo XC90 starting to fail.
31-07-2017:Report of autobox of 2010 Volvo XC90 starting to behave erratically and the dealer recommended a flush and refill. This seemed to work on the flatlands of East London but on the way to a holiday destination in the Black Forest the erratic behaviour returned when they hit the mountains.
25-08-2017:Report that inlet manifold swirl flaps of 2010 Volvo XC90 were replaced in 2015, then failed again in August 2017. Estimate to replace: £1,200.
22-01-2020:Report that springs for blades of both remote keys for a 2014 Volvo XC90 have failed. This means that if the key is inserted the wrong way up (as in the photo) it can fall out of the ignition lock slightly and the engine will cut out.