[Walkabout]

Yeah, I also noticed that on this forum, the share of T8-owners among the XC60 forum-members seems to be far higher than the actual share on the road. This is something you see on other forums as well (The BMW-forums of the X7 and X5 make you believe that every second vehicle sold is a V8 - LOL!).

With that said, in regards to reliability, I would assume that with a higher number of T8 owners present, you would see far more complaints on this forum about the T8 if this vehicle would basically be an expensive POS...

Yes, but it is possible for the car to have a lots of problems and still not be "an expensive pos."

I find it hard to believe that it is a car with lots of problems though because the build quality on my T6 is superb.

 

[VolvoFanFl]

I find it hard to believe that it is a car with lots of problems though because the build quality on my T6 is superb.

True.

In fact, I have the impression that the vast majority of T8-owners is very happy with their vehicle.

 

[JRinOH]

We got my wife a 2018 XC60 T8 in April of last year. With almost 25,000 miles, there have been no issues. We also received the $5000 tax credit this year with no problem. I actually love the car more than she does - she likes it just fine, but still misses her 2010 Lexus 450h although it was showing its age. I presently drive a 2015 Lexus NX 300h, and while it's a decent car, I am definitely considering a Volvo of some kind in the next couple of years.

About insurance prices and paying more for a hybrid - for me, it's not an issue. Yes, you pay more out of pocket, but I have driven hybrids for years, mainly because I'm not using as much gas. Look, I'm certainly not a big environmentalist, but I like the idea of using less gas when I can.

 

[Husker4theSpurs]

I have been loving the car much more of late since problems have been resolved, but I fear for the winter months again.

It's my wife's commuting car but I have taken it on some road trips and been very pleased with even the hybrid only fuel economy. We have had quite a few problems. The CEL (check engine line) was on most of last winter. I was told it's a known problem and that Volvo is working on a fix. Most often it is triggered by using remote start and/or pre-conditioning. I was told not to use these two functions or else the light would surely illuminate. This angers me because these are two luxury features that are very handy in the winter (and part of the reason we purchased the T8). They told me we could continue to use the functions but to just not worry about the CEL. I came in for another issue while the CEL was on and they informed me the thermostat was out as well. If I'd have continued to drive it, it could've caused problems (the thermostat would've triggered the CEL as well if it wasn't illuminated). The techs basically made it sound like all T8s will have a problem with the thermostat eventually. With the warmer months we have had no problems but I am dreading the winter. I certainly am glad we leased (first time ever) this vehicle versus purchasing at this point. We really like this vehicle when it's not acting up but I'm not sure I'd ever purchase one (or maybe lease one again).

 

[Gary-16-Xc90]

I understand that the CEL issue relates to remote start - not preconditioning - at least on XC90 T8s. I would be surprised other model T8s are unique based on the TJ.

I have only had CEL come on once with Remote Start which means the car like I normally would.

My assumption is that if CEL comes on, it is for some other reason and thus, I would not ignore the CEL initially unless it came on during the same driven after having used remote start.

Do you always lock your car even at home (in the garage)? If not, you should from my experience. I locked my car every time - way and at home. I have received CEL exactly three times over 3.5 years - living in MN.

I understand the concern about the risk of masking and ignoring CELs. That is not good advice, but lock your car for an extended period to see if CEL resets. If no, then I would not assume it is remote start.

With regards to buying or leasing another Volvo, I am all in on Volvo. My only regret for having bought is because of the MY20 enhancements to the hybrid system and the larger fuel tank.

Will I buy again? Yes. Volvo? Yes. YMMV. I am not worried about winter. Bring it on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[RootDKJ]

With regards to buying or leasing another Volvo, I am all in on Volvo. My only regret for having bought is because of the MY20 enhancements to the hybrid system and the larger fuel tank.

Will I buy again? Yes. Volvo? Yes. YMMV. I am not worried about winter. Bring it on.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Well said Gary. Volvo for life.

I love winter, so bring it on indeed.

 

[VolvoFanFl]

I'd get the T8 over the T6 in a heartbeat if the lease-deals would be better. It seems to me Volvo doesn't want to sell many of them.

When I found out that Volvo is actually handing out the tax-credit of $5,419 as a lease-incentive, I thought the T8 would be a no-brainer. But what did Volvo do? They inflated the MF on the T8 and set the RV artificially low so that in the end, they get this entire incentive back - and then some.

I ran some numbers and the way the residuals were set, at the end of the lease, a T6 will have a $3K HIGHER residual than an equally equipped T8 which makes absolutely no sense.

I really would have loved to get a T8 for the sake of technology and performance - but the value is just not there unless you're buying and can take advantage of the tax-credit. In my case, the higher insurance premiums and bad lease-deal is clearly telling me to get the T6. THAT vehicle is the one to lease!

 

[genesmasher]

I'd get the T8 over the T6 in a heartbeat if the lease-deals would be better. It seems to me Volvo doesn't want to sell many of them.

When I found out that Volvo is actually handing out the tax-credit of $5,419 as a lease-incentive, I thought the T8 would be a no-brainer. But what did Volvo do? They inflated the MF on the T8 and set the RV artificially low so that in the end, they get this entire incentive back - and then some.

I ran some numbers and the way the residuals were set, at the end of the lease, a T6 will have a $3K HIGHER residual than an equally equipped T8 which makes absolutely no sense.

I really would have loved to get a T8 for the sake of technology and performance - but the value is just not there unless you're buying and can take advantage of the tax-credit. In my case, the higher insurance premiums and bad lease-deal is clearly telling me to get the T6. THAT vehicle is the one to lease!

Over the last couple of years, I have been becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of common sense at Volvo USA. Practically every vehicle Volvo now makes is very competitive, yet far from reaching full potential in this market for one reason or another - vexing lease terms, inability to address reproducible defects promptly, senseless restriction of option sets that end up making a car unappealing, etc. It seems that whomever is in charge is either ignorant of US market feedback, not taking it seriously, or plain trying to sabotage it...

 

[skibum50]

About 24,000 miles on my 2018 T8 and I still love it. Had two little glitches but both were resolved with an overnight software update (the car was perfectly drivable all the time).

Without a doubt the best car I've ever owned.

 

[gneissnz]

About 24,000 miles on my 2018 T8 and I still love it. Had two little glitches but both were resolved with an overnight software update (the car was perfectly drivable all the time).

Without a doubt the best car I've ever owned.

Want to swap vehicles?

Just got a call from Volvo to say that during testing after replacing the cam shaft and sensor, it's thrown a crank shaft sensor. Been without the car for two weeks now.

I'm pushing for a free extension to the three year warranty we get here in NZ. I've had it less than 18 months, probably less than 2000 miles on the petrol engine, and I've had the biggest engine problems of any car I had in 30 years of car ownership.

 

[Dilinger]

Sadly, the car was noted on MSN recently to be one of the cars to avoid in 2019 and consumer reports notes reliability issues (for what CR is worth), and so do other car eval sites.

Are these reports referring to XC60 or XC60 T8 specifically?

 

[tcoates]

I was lucky on the thermostat as they have the last parts in stock. But it is not a big issue and you can still drive while waiting for the parts.
The charging module is critical and luckily it doesn't fail so often.
Dealer experience all varies. No loaner is offered by my local dealer. I had to pay Lyft from pocket once, round trip.
But the car is very good. lol. I'd not hesitate to get a CPO one if need another car in future.

I am headed to the dealership again next week. On a 60 mile drive in decent weather, i again got an engine over heating warning and had to drive at 50 MPH for half the trip (the first overheat was on the way back from the dealer in Feb after the thermostat was replaced). On the way back no problem. A week later while on the way to the airport to pick up my wife, got the same ERROR. slowed down to 50 and made it to the airport. Bought several bottles of Evian there to fill the coolant, but the coolent level was OK. Drove back on surface streets (in Los Angeles) back home for 1.5 hours with no trouble at 40 MPH. Have been driving 8 miles to an from work for a week with no issues but never get over 50 MPH. The thermostat and heating modules were replaced in Feb 2019. The charging module was replaced just a month ago (and i am already getting charge faults on my ClipperCreek charger when i unplug the car).

I looked in the manual and couldn't believe that is actually says "YOU MAY GET THESES OVERHEAT ERRORS when driving up hill in the mountains and to stop the car and let it cool down then drive again. Go to dealer if problem persists". (not exact quote) Unbelievable, actually. Apparently, engine overheating is an expected issue.

I am REALLY FED UP. I love the ride, and the car in general. However, i am afraid to take this $65,000 UNRELIABLE mobile computer on any trip or important ride (like to the airport) because i cannot trust that it will make it there. Certainly would not go on a road trip unless i planned the route to only include places where there is a certified Volvo repair site.

I am glad i leased this thing (first time in my life). I have been a Volvo driver since 1983 but i am seriously reconsidering.

 

[lamarguy]

I looked in the manual and couldn't believe that is actually says "YOU MAY GET THESES OVERHEAT ERRORS when driving up hill in the mountains and to stop the car and let it cool down then drive again. Go to dealer if problem persists". (not exact quote) Unbelievable, actually. Apparently, engine overheating is an expected issue.

No, it's not normal or expected. I've towed a 3,500lb boat at 70+ mph in hilly terrain on numerous occasions. No overheating.

What's overheating - ICE, transmission, or the electric powertrain?

 

[FusionRedXC60]

No, it's not normal or expected. I've towed a 3,500lb boat at 70+ mph in hilly terrain on numerous occasions. No overheating.

What's overheating - ICE, transmission, or the electric powertrain?

No overheating for me whatsoever. OP you need to go back to dealer service to get it addressed.

 

[tcoates]

Engine over heat

No overheating for me whatsoever. OP you need to go back to dealer service to get it addressed.

I agree it is not normal. However, look it up in the online VX60 manual!!
I dont remember the exact error .."Engine temp high, slow down" then repeated a few times .. and said to stop .. after i was going 50 mph, they stopped coming.

Am headed to the dealer. I suspect these are not real issues. However, this is not the kind of thing i would ignore, nor the kind of problem that i would accept before heading out on a 65 mile trip ..

Appreciate the comments

 

[gneissnz]

Finally got my T8 back yesterday. It was in the workshop for five weeks! Camshaft sensor replacement didn’t work, crank sensor replacement didn’t work, engine timing kept being wrong. Finally got plugged in to Sweden where the boffins over there suggested a tensioner pulley. There’s no sensor on them but it is possible that it was throwing everything else out. Its also possible that it is responsible for not letting my car go back to electric mode. Fingers crossed I finally have a solution.

Volvo are looking at the possibility of a global alert based on my poor T8.

 

[tcoates]

Wow, OK, i apologize for my whimpy complaints ... I will see what my next verdict is next week ... The problem is, the T8 has the best electric range of nice cars that are not total electric Teslas at a zillion $$ each.

 

[Joeyboy]

....the T8 has the best electric range of nice cars that are not total electric Teslas at a zillion $$ each.

Volvo's T8 line isn't exactly cheap. You'd have to drive it for a gazillion years before you get payback on the extra premium paid up front.

 

[Ottobaby]

Overall it really depends on your driving habits/requirements. If you commute is under 20 miles and have access to recharge at work, you'll make that premium back in 4 years

 

[skibum50]

I looked in the manual and couldn't believe that is actually says "YOU MAY GET THESES OVERHEAT ERRORS when driving up hill in the mountains and to stop the car and let it cool down then drive again. Go to dealer if problem persists". (not exact quote) Unbelievable, actually. Apparently, engine overheating is an expected issue.

This has to be a pretty rare problem IMHO. I've driven all over the Rocky Mountains, up very long and steep slopes at speed (in mid-Summer), and never had this issue.