2003 Volvo XC90 SUV

Bad reliabitlity had to get

by klosterfrau1 on May 29, 2013
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

I was lucky to get this car to 125k almost every month I had it in the shop for all kinds of problems from shocks to spark plug and coils replaced. brakes squeaking and replaced that didn’t fix the problem and the rotors were replaced and still didn’t fix the problem. The transmission gave out and had to be replaced, a piston gave out it was replaced, dashboard lights out , brake lights were out and the mechanic could not find the short so the wiring was replaced but the dash warning came on every time you step on the brakes. It leaks! The gas tank was leaking, then coolant started leaking and then wiper washer fluid started to leak as well. Tsc gave out, electric system warning came on.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

What volvo is not telling

by marigold1 on Mar 9, 2012
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

I would stay far away from buying another Volvo after everything my family has been through with our 2003 XC90. The engines are not built to work with the transmissions. We have replaced the transmission every 30,000 miles. It has now become a safety issue. It has broken down on me too many times to count. I have dumped almost $12,000 into it. Go look at the service center at your local Volvo dealership. The lot is full of cars needing repairs. We have replaced the transmission 3 times, radiator, shocks, struts, axles, arm bushings...even down to the door handles. Do not make the same mistake we did. It is not a reliable car and I consider it a safety risk to drive.

Very happy @ 200,000

by in_a_hurry on Nov 9, 2011
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5T Fwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 5A)

I've read the recent reviews and it appears most folks are pretty miffed with their XC-90's. I couldn't be happier with mine. A couple car pool trips shy of 200,000 miles (I bought it new) and no major issues - never a tranny, motor, A/C or electrical problem. I get about 45,000 miles on tires - not great but a willing compromise knowing I'm driving a stout porker that's as safe as anything on the road. I have an honest, reliable mechanic who has taken care of a couple cars for me - a bonus. Other than scheduled maintenance items, there hasn't been much to repair on the car that would not be expected, given the mileage. Ball joints and motor mounts are the only things that come to mind

Volvo is swedish for unreliable

by rogerb41 on Oct 29, 2011
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

Be careful of what you wish for. We liked the design of the Volvo XC90, but after we bought it..... Let's see: 30k miles, the ENTIRE front end had to be replaced (after about 4 shots by the dealer to fix it). At 80k miles, Transmission failed. Wow! $5,000 for a transmission!! Around 110k miles, the CD changer and radio stopped working. Would come on and go off randomly; sometimes staying on after the car was turned off. The roof liner on both sides of the windhshield came off. The At 113k miles, Transmission failed AGAIN! Said Good-bye this morning to the Money-pit. Will never own another Volvo (my wife's 2002 S40 was the same story)

1 of 4 people found this review helpful

Never again

by phred3717 on Jul 14, 2011
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

I will never buy another Volvo. This car cost me countless hours and huge sums of money to keep running. I had an extended waranty to begin with but then the real problems began. Brake pads annually, main engine seals, tierod ends, transmission. Broke down on family trips even after being serviced faithfully by dealer! Last straw - the turbos blew on a road trip 1,000 Km from home with family and friends onboard. Got $100 for it and was happy to see the end of it. Fool me once shame on you Volvo - wont happen again.

Good car but expensive to

by Anonymous on Dec 7, 2010
Vehicle: 2003 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD 4dr SUV (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

i bought this car this past summer with 144xxx miles on it but when i bought it the motor was gone so i got a good deal on it, i bought a motor for $3000 with 70xxx miles and first it ran great but then one of the turbos quit. the transmission has ever been an issue for me but this car is very expensive to keep it only gets about 8 mpg but it rides nice so i guess its not too bad