hi there im planning to buy a used XC90 with 35,000 miles its a 2.5T AWD and it looks clear. Hope everyone can post the normal problems with that suv and also, what to look before the purchase
volvos60t5x
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (njb8199)
2.5 has all of the standard issues, but none more. The engine/trans are very well matched, no pervasive
issues.
Standard issues are rear wheel bearing if you are in a snowy area. Dallas has very few bearing issues. Some
have fast brake wear, some do not. XC90's will eat through tires if you think it is a sports car, drive like
a family car and it isnt too bad. All xc90's have the above items.
Only XC90 that has a standout issue is the T6, the engine and trans are not matched well and there
are far more reports of T6 transmission issues. V8 needs another year of so to be proven, 3.2 needs
another 2 or 3.
2.5 has all of the standard issues, but none more. The engine/trans are very well matched, no pervasive
issues.
Standard issues are rear wheel bearing if you are in a snowy area. Dallas has very few bearing issues. Some
have fast brake wear, some do not. XC90's will eat through tires if you think it is a sports car, drive like
a family car and it isnt too bad. All xc90's have the above items.
Only XC90 that has a standout issue is the T6, the engine and trans are not matched well and there
are far more reports of T6 transmission issues. V8 needs another year of so to be proven, 3.2 needs
another 2 or 3.
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (calridng)
6 months 14,500 miles on XC90 3.2 and not a problem at all. Tires wearing evenly (and not much wear); braking components are in great shape...... 90% city driving with lots of acceleration and braking---high stress environment so I would say that the 3.2 has acquitted itself quite well.
My only beef is its lack of power, especially with A/C on.
| Quote, originally posted by calridng » |
are far more reports of T6 transmission issues. V8 needs another year of so to be proven, 3.2 needs another 2 or 3. |
6 months 14,500 miles on XC90 3.2 and not a problem at all. Tires wearing evenly (and not much wear); braking components are in great shape...... 90% city driving with lots of acceleration and braking---high stress environment so I would say that the 3.2 has acquitted itself quite well.
My only beef is its lack of power, especially with A/C on.
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (volvos60t5x)
A sound car overall but there have been a number of minor problems. Typical complaints have been with the suspension, steering, shifting, bearings, brakes and tires. There have been several recalls including the outer tie rod ball joint, wiper arm and starter motor solenoid. Some of the many TSBs may apply. Even if it drives well and the tires show even wear, take a close look at the service records for unusual problems and have a Volvo mechanic check it.
| Quote, originally posted by volvos60t5x » |
| hi there im planning to buy a used XC90 with 35,000 miles its a 2.5T AWD and it looks clear. Hope everyone can post the normal problems with that suv and also, what to look before the purchase |
2004 XC90
We have 45k on our 2004 XC90 and have had no major issues with it. We just replaced the Michelin tires, and are still on the original break pads/rotors. We had the tie-rod recall work completed, buth other than that, nothing.
I would highly recommend purchasing a warranty with this car, however, as they can be expensive to repair.
We have 45k on our 2004 XC90 and have had no major issues with it. We just replaced the Michelin tires, and are still on the original break pads/rotors. We had the tie-rod recall work completed, buth other than that, nothing.
I would highly recommend purchasing a warranty with this car, however, as they can be expensive to repair.
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (myxc90)
All problems seen before, steering rack is not very common. Brake noise is usually from hard pads, Volvo's
are usually soft so was probably from road sand and salt (Car is in IL so they have this stuff). Wheel
bearings can go bad in snow areas also, seems funny because it really snows in Sweden.
Havent watched to see where the molding seem to go bad the most. We live in TX and I havent seen a
car with molding issues, may be snow/salt related too...
![Image]()
| Quote, originally posted by myxc90 » |
| major problems winter brake noise replaced 18k steering rack 16k rear wheel bearings 45k Faded exterior chrome molding all replaced warranty other less serious stuff |
All problems seen before, steering rack is not very common. Brake noise is usually from hard pads, Volvo's
are usually soft so was probably from road sand and salt (Car is in IL so they have this stuff). Wheel
bearings can go bad in snow areas also, seems funny because it really snows in Sweden.
Havent watched to see where the molding seem to go bad the most. We live in TX and I havent seen a
car with molding issues, may be snow/salt related too...
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (calridng)
I think that webpj (myxc90) is referring to the chromed trim around the windows. At some point, the trim in my car hazed up and lost all its bright. The dealer replaced the trim and it has been great ever since. In my case, I highly suspect a brushless car wash I went to while on a trip: before that trip, the chrome was fine and shortly after the trip, the trim was all hazed up and dull. Other people have reported similar chrome issues.
| Quote, originally posted by calridng » |
| Havent watched to see where the molding seem to go bad the most. We live in TX and I havent seen a car with molding issues, may be snow/salt related too...
|
I think that webpj (myxc90) is referring to the chromed trim around the windows. At some point, the trim in my car hazed up and lost all its bright. The dealer replaced the trim and it has been great ever since. In my case, I highly suspect a brushless car wash I went to while on a trip: before that trip, the chrome was fine and shortly after the trip, the trim was all hazed up and dull. Other people have reported similar chrome issues.
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (calridng)
My understanding is that there were bad seals which caused a problem in rainy or snowy areas.
There have been many posts from all over, at least through 2005, about the silver trim turning whitish and about the lug bolts rusting. One post said that Volvo was aware of the problem and had changed the finish. Both the trim and lug bolts were replaced under warranty on my XC90; the trim has been Ok although the bolts are starting to rust again (not as bad as the originals). I have looked at many other XC90s and XC70s and these problems seem common; some car's trim is very milky and the bolts are brown with rust. We get snow but don't salt the roads.
| Quote, originally posted by calridng » |
| Wheel bearings can go bad in snow areas also, seems funny because it really snows in Sweden. |
| Quote, originally posted by calridng » |
| Havent watched to see where the molding seem to go bad the most. We live in TX and I havent seen a car with molding issues, may be snow/salt related too...
|
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (njb8199)
Flashed ECU or not, if you abuse any car you'll have problems. Flashed ECU requires better understanding of and respect for the limits.
Our 2.5T has been great.
All my P2 volvos have eventually had front end noises usually caused by failed tie rods ends (replaced under warranty). Mine also has an annoying wind noise issues which I thought was the known roof rail problem (sovled by the dealer with a piece of tape!) but in my case the noise come from the passenger side mirror, also solve by me with a piece of tape
![Image]()
Very minor interrior issues: The door panels seem to pop out often, only noticed when pushed on and the 'snap' back into place. The little bezel around the inside door locks has started to come up but not a major thing.
Ours eat brakes and kills the engine oil really fast but that's because ours gets 95% stop and go short trips for most of the year. Stock 18" tires are getting noisey now that we've hit ~65,000Km.
All in all, it's a GREAT vehicle and no reliability reasons why we couldn't keep another 5-6 years.
Go for it!
LTA
| Quote, originally posted by njb8199 » |
| wheel hubs/bearings. don't flash the ECU or you'll have transmission woes a'la the T6. |
Flashed ECU or not, if you abuse any car you'll have problems. Flashed ECU requires better understanding of and respect for the limits.
Our 2.5T has been great.
All my P2 volvos have eventually had front end noises usually caused by failed tie rods ends (replaced under warranty). Mine also has an annoying wind noise issues which I thought was the known roof rail problem (sovled by the dealer with a piece of tape!) but in my case the noise come from the passenger side mirror, also solve by me with a piece of tape
Very minor interrior issues: The door panels seem to pop out often, only noticed when pushed on and the 'snap' back into place. The little bezel around the inside door locks has started to come up but not a major thing.
Ours eat brakes and kills the engine oil really fast but that's because ours gets 95% stop and go short trips for most of the year. Stock 18" tires are getting noisey now that we've hit ~65,000Km.
All in all, it's a GREAT vehicle and no reliability reasons why we couldn't keep another 5-6 years.
Go for it!
LTA
I have 34,000 miles on my 2006 2.5T AWD. I think the 2.5T does a great job moving such a large vehicle around. The engine and tranny are perfectly matched, which results in great drivability. There are times I long for more power, but not very often.
I have had one wheel bearing replace so far (prev car, 05 S60 R, had both rear bearing replaced). Otherwise, the car has been trouble free.
My tires are wearing well, but I plan to swap out the Syncrhones for either Nokians or Continentals this November as the Synchrones do not do well in extreme cold, or snow.
Color me happy!
I have had one wheel bearing replace so far (prev car, 05 S60 R, had both rear bearing replaced). Otherwise, the car has been trouble free.
My tires are wearing well, but I plan to swap out the Syncrhones for either Nokians or Continentals this November as the Synchrones do not do well in extreme cold, or snow.
Color me happy!
Greetings. Just today my wife and I enjoyed out first test ride in a 07 XC90. I am truly impressed and thinking of a well maintained 04-05 2.5T. After considerable research on this wonderful site and others, seems that 2.5T is the best mix of efficiency and reliability.
Seems like common major issues are tie-rod (recall) and bearings. This would be our first SUV, I have driven a BMW 318i, great car but it also had bearing, etc. issues under 100k.
Question for the group:
1. Is there a good site with list of items to check in a used XC90?
2. For 2.5T, what problems other than tie-rod, bearings, alignment are widely seen?
Thanks in advance.
Seems like common major issues are tie-rod (recall) and bearings. This would be our first SUV, I have driven a BMW 318i, great car but it also had bearing, etc. issues under 100k.
Question for the group:
1. Is there a good site with list of items to check in a used XC90?
2. For 2.5T, what problems other than tie-rod, bearings, alignment are widely seen?
Thanks in advance.
Re: (emory)
To put your mind even more in peace with 2.5T -
none of the above mentioned problems is really widely spread, and tie-rod, I think is not a problem at all, but rather safety related preventive measure. I frequent many Volvo related forums and do not remember anyone actually having problems with the tie-rod prior to the replacement. And Internet often makes a few problems uncharacteristically visible
I also cannot think about any XC90 specific issues that I would check beyond and above of the usual - maintenance record, clean title, accidents
| Quote, originally posted by emory » |
| Greetings. Just today my wife and I enjoyed out first test ride in a 07 XC90. I am truly impressed and thinking of a well maintained 04-05 2.5T. After considerable research on this wonderful site and others, seems that 2.5T is the best mix of efficiency and reliability. Seems like common major issues are tie-rod (recall) and bearings. This would be our first SUV, I have driven a BMW 318i, great car but it also had bearing, etc. issues under 100k. Question for the group: 1. Is there a good site with list of items to check in a used XC90? 2. For 2.5T, what problems other than tie-rod, bearings, alignment are widely seen? Thanks in advance. |
To put your mind even more in peace with 2.5T -
none of the above mentioned problems is really widely spread, and tie-rod, I think is not a problem at all, but rather safety related preventive measure. I frequent many Volvo related forums and do not remember anyone actually having problems with the tie-rod prior to the replacement. And Internet often makes a few problems uncharacteristically visible
I also cannot think about any XC90 specific issues that I would check beyond and above of the usual - maintenance record, clean title, accidents
Re: (emory)
I think it's safe to say that on average the Volvo XC90 has above average problems. Thats not to say its not fun to drive, overall a good design and innovation worth owning. Just bear in mind it's not a problem free vehicle. I base this on my own experience over the last 4 years, the types of problems we've had, other comments on problems and reviews by many sources. Would I buy again, probably, time will tell, usually own a vehicle for 8-10 years or more.
Current vehicles
1992 Toyota Camry LE 165,000 original owner miles - far fewer prblems than I've had in 4 years with our XC90
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 108,000 original owner miles - on par with # of problems (Albeit more minor) as with or XC90
2004 Volvo XC90 2.5T 48,000 original owner miles. Broke down and bought an after market extended warranty which covers all the big ticket items through 100,000 miles.
I think it's safe to say that on average the Volvo XC90 has above average problems. Thats not to say its not fun to drive, overall a good design and innovation worth owning. Just bear in mind it's not a problem free vehicle. I base this on my own experience over the last 4 years, the types of problems we've had, other comments on problems and reviews by many sources. Would I buy again, probably, time will tell, usually own a vehicle for 8-10 years or more.
Current vehicles
1992 Toyota Camry LE 165,000 original owner miles - far fewer prblems than I've had in 4 years with our XC90
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 108,000 original owner miles - on par with # of problems (Albeit more minor) as with or XC90
2004 Volvo XC90 2.5T 48,000 original owner miles. Broke down and bought an after market extended warranty which covers all the big ticket items through 100,000 miles.
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (volvos60t5x)
volvos60t5x,
My 2005 2.5T XC90 I picked up in Goteborg in Sep, 2004 is doing well, free from major problems. I have 36K miles, new tires at 34K miles, new front padds at 29-30K miles. It has served my family well so far, safe and reliable. I have read of some extreme case of problems but it seems that they are out of norm situations. As I look at other choices of SUVs, there are really very few to choose from based on the needs/style/economy, etc. Basically, XC90 fits the need perfectly for my wife. So we are going to pick up the new XC90 next year in Sweden again. We have great memories of the trip and often talk about it. I am pretty sure that you will enjoy XC90.
Good luck,
francis
volvos60t5x,
My 2005 2.5T XC90 I picked up in Goteborg in Sep, 2004 is doing well, free from major problems. I have 36K miles, new tires at 34K miles, new front padds at 29-30K miles. It has served my family well so far, safe and reliable. I have read of some extreme case of problems but it seems that they are out of norm situations. As I look at other choices of SUVs, there are really very few to choose from based on the needs/style/economy, etc. Basically, XC90 fits the need perfectly for my wife. So we are going to pick up the new XC90 next year in Sweden again. We have great memories of the trip and often talk about it. I am pretty sure that you will enjoy XC90.
Good luck,
francis
Dec '06 2.5T 25,000 miles. Had the wheel bearing replaced under warranty early this year and the tie rod and the wiper arm recall, but neither had given me problems prior to the action. All is fine, no issues with the XC90 except for the bearing and love it so far.
From what I've seen the T6 is the one with the most problems and not the 2.5T
From what I've seen the T6 is the one with the most problems and not the 2.5T
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (volvos60t5x)
Just went through the 30000 mile service. Changed front brake pads. Also bought four new tires to get ready for the winter. Went with the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenzas. Far better ratings than any tire I've seen and much cheaper than the Michelin Synchrones, and I'm a die hard Michelin man.
No major issues so far!
Just went through the 30000 mile service. Changed front brake pads. Also bought four new tires to get ready for the winter. Went with the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenzas. Far better ratings than any tire I've seen and much cheaper than the Michelin Synchrones, and I'm a die hard Michelin man.
No major issues so far!
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (volvos60t5x)
We are just now crossing 88k miles without any problems at all. Brakes wear out every 40k or so and we got 70k miles out of the stock Michelins Syncros. Other than a divers seat that within the last year has been forgetting the memory setting for position #3, it has been completely reliable. It is not babied, has see its fair share of off-road and snow work.
Compared to a co-worker's Yukon the Volvo has been outstanding. The Yukon (last gen) has no where near the build quality of the XC either. I would without a doubt if we needed to replace our current XC90, buy another. I have always felt the 2.5T was a great motor/gearbox combination and wasn't matched until the V8. Decent power (come on it's an SUV), good mpg for a 7 seat SUV, demands less parking space than most equivalent SUV's (i.e. Yukon, GL, etc.). If your driving entails a lot of highway, consider the V8. The 6sp really allows it to be quite frugal on the highway. Although with stop and go, or city the 2.5T is great.
Like any car it has it's own design flaws. Primarily the iPod integration and it could be a bit quieter on the highway.
We are getting ready to move to Japan for my work and we love the truck so much that my father is going to care take it for us for the next two years.
Steve
We are just now crossing 88k miles without any problems at all. Brakes wear out every 40k or so and we got 70k miles out of the stock Michelins Syncros. Other than a divers seat that within the last year has been forgetting the memory setting for position #3, it has been completely reliable. It is not babied, has see its fair share of off-road and snow work.
Compared to a co-worker's Yukon the Volvo has been outstanding. The Yukon (last gen) has no where near the build quality of the XC either. I would without a doubt if we needed to replace our current XC90, buy another. I have always felt the 2.5T was a great motor/gearbox combination and wasn't matched until the V8. Decent power (come on it's an SUV), good mpg for a 7 seat SUV, demands less parking space than most equivalent SUV's (i.e. Yukon, GL, etc.). If your driving entails a lot of highway, consider the V8. The 6sp really allows it to be quite frugal on the highway. Although with stop and go, or city the 2.5T is great.
Like any car it has it's own design flaws. Primarily the iPod integration and it could be a bit quieter on the highway.
We are getting ready to move to Japan for my work and we love the truck so much that my father is going to care take it for us for the next two years.
Steve
Re: opinions about 2.5T awd Xc90, problems, etc (volvos60t5x)
We owned one of the first XC90s that arrived in '02 as dealer demos. Ours had 200mi on it when we purchased. 4yrs and 45k miles or so, no real major problems. Minor items (trim replaced twice) - the roof rack seal noise might have been the most frustrating.
I had the IPD ECU reflash and it transformed the 2.5T on the highway to something usable. Passing power boost was weak but with the reflash, highway driving was enjoyable.
What I didn't like was that the improvements of the engine ECU did not match well to the stock programming of the transmission. The trans seemed uncertain about which gear to be in at a times. We drove for 20k or more on the reflash without issue. On a service visit my service advisor knew that I reflashed my ECU and warned me that the service would erase it - I was fine with that. Afterward, I enjoyed driving around town again without the reflash. The trans was back to "normal" and was shifting better with the stock ECU mapping.
We owned one of the first XC90s that arrived in '02 as dealer demos. Ours had 200mi on it when we purchased. 4yrs and 45k miles or so, no real major problems. Minor items (trim replaced twice) - the roof rack seal noise might have been the most frustrating.
I had the IPD ECU reflash and it transformed the 2.5T on the highway to something usable. Passing power boost was weak but with the reflash, highway driving was enjoyable.
What I didn't like was that the improvements of the engine ECU did not match well to the stock programming of the transmission. The trans seemed uncertain about which gear to be in at a times. We drove for 20k or more on the reflash without issue. On a service visit my service advisor knew that I reflashed my ECU and warned me that the service would erase it - I was fine with that. Afterward, I enjoyed driving around town again without the reflash. The trans was back to "normal" and was shifting better with the stock ECU mapping.
Personally, I still love driving it every single day, every day I drive it, it's like you are going on a vacation!
When I bought my car I knew it had some issues needed to be fixed and they were discounted from the initial price of the car but after that the only major issue I had with the car was a defective Throttle Body which can happen on any used car.
the car is about 6000lbs so you can't accelerate fast with it but driving it in a freezing rain or snow storm brings the beauty and safety of it.
When I bought my car I knew it had some issues needed to be fixed and they were discounted from the initial price of the car but after that the only major issue I had with the car was a defective Throttle Body which can happen on any used car.
the car is about 6000lbs so you can't accelerate fast with it but driving it in a freezing rain or snow storm brings the beauty and safety of it.
Very glad to read all this old posts and reliability of 2.5t
Everything depend of how you drive a car.
I had too many problems with bad quality parts common errors with this model but with engine and aisin transmission never just we change Air mass sensor.
Now is almost 200.000 km and i change a lot of parts what factoryy recall many times but obviously different markets and countries different approach and volvo service no one called to come back to change this parts.
I saw and my service guy change many bevel gears from 86-140k km mine on last number this was highly costly even if volvo dont care and know about bad sleeve bevel you need to.change after a while...in usa bevel cost 1300 dolars plus work...bearings are made from what? Melted recicled trash metal? Pls.
Its funny that we need to change front bearings on wheels on 33.000 km and rear on 68.000 km ect...
check with cover lid design if leaking on this year to Cem as this is also common problem in heavy raining countries...
For driving i like it all this years.
Take a good Volvo service guy with you pay him and get a good checked car. Good luck.
Everything depend of how you drive a car.
I had too many problems with bad quality parts common errors with this model but with engine and aisin transmission never just we change Air mass sensor.
Now is almost 200.000 km and i change a lot of parts what factoryy recall many times but obviously different markets and countries different approach and volvo service no one called to come back to change this parts.
I saw and my service guy change many bevel gears from 86-140k km mine on last number this was highly costly even if volvo dont care and know about bad sleeve bevel you need to.change after a while...in usa bevel cost 1300 dolars plus work...bearings are made from what? Melted recicled trash metal? Pls.
Its funny that we need to change front bearings on wheels on 33.000 km and rear on 68.000 km ect...
check with cover lid design if leaking on this year to Cem as this is also common problem in heavy raining countries...
For driving i like it all this years.
Take a good Volvo service guy with you pay him and get a good checked car. Good luck.
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