2003 to 2014 Volvo XC90 Buyers guide - How to buy the right one

This is my consolidated guide on everything you should know about the Volvo XC90. They are amazing SUV's and I would highly recommend that you purchase one if you're in the market for a similar vehicle!

Volvo XC90 Saftey Features:
SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

WHIPS (WHiplash Impact Protection System)

ROPS (RollOver Protection System)

[gordonbrown]

I designed the XC90 first prototype in Paris for the Detroit Show.

[phishphood]

Additional info/corrections for prospective buyers:

1. The tail lights with the LED bar did not show up till WAY after '07 -- 2011 I believe. '07 was when they switched to square indicator lights from the round ones on '06 and prior. That was also when the upper edge of the rear bumper first became painted, along with the painted mirror caps that have indicator lights.
2. The "alarm module" you mention is not actually the alarm -- just the siren. The battery in the module fails, leaks, and destroys the circuit board. You'll probably know about this BEFORE the message shows up, as it makes the alarm siren prone to randomly triggering itself. A software flash can remove the alarm function (and thus the message) entirely for cheaper than replacing the siren if that is your style.
3. Clogged sunroof drains (the prime cause of the sunroof issue) is much worse than just failed a-pillar fabric. If left unaddressed it leads to water accumulating in the footwells, often taking expensive modules like the yaw rate sensor or floor-mounted amplifier with it, not to mention causing mildew in the carpet foam.
4. Some XC90s were prone to a leaking plenum as well -- the bit right under the wipers. This led to water intrusion on the CEM (central electronic module) -- a big big expensive deal. Keep an eye out for damp front footwells at all times.
5. Control arm bushings (and those on the rear trailing arms though this is less dangerous) are not solid rubber -- they have air gaps on two sides. Once they crack, the car stops tracking straight. This is a legitimate safety issue and a ~$800 bill to fix.
6. The official Volvo timing belt interval is 120K mi or six years, not 80-90K. The whiteblock 5/6 cyl engines are interference motors though, so best to change it early (along with idlers/water pump/tensioner since those are actually what causes belt failure) unless you want valve on piston contact. Same goes for the 2.9L T6 -- early is better than late. The 2.9L T6 is NOT the same engine as the 3.0L T6 (B6304T2 and B6304T4) offered in the P3 platform cars like the later XC70. Very, very different. That motor has more in common with the 3.2L (B6324S) and has a timing chain, but was never offered in the XC90 sadly.
7. PCV SYSTEM -- YOU FORGOT THE PCV SYSTEM. On the 2.5T and T6 cars, the crankcase breather system is incredibly prone to clogging with oil sludge. This causes excessive pressure and can lead to burning oil, blown cam seals, etc. Replacing it involves removing the intake manifold. It is easily a day of DIY if you are not experienced, and a solid $1K at a shop. Every single "whiteblock" Volvo motor suffers from this issue. You can test by putting a glove over the oil filler cap with the engine running. If it fills with air, PCV is clogged. Using synthetic oil and changing regularly helps prevent this. Some cars go well over 150K without needing a PCV service, others are totally clogged at 80K. Change. Your. Oil.
8. The evap system vacuum hoses on the 2.5T and T6 motors are made of a non-reinforced rubber which likes to disintegrate. Cheap fix with silicone hose but hard to get to some of them under the intake manifold.
9. I have only seen one door actuator fail out of the three P2 Volvos I have owned. The interior piece of the door comes off quite easily on the XC90 -- no need to remove the door. Very simple fix, used parts widely available.
10. FRONT SPRING SEATS AND STRUT TOP BUSHINGS -- this is a MAJOR failure point on XC90s. Ironically, the struts usually last longer than these components do, but replacing them essentially means removing the struts, making it sensible to replace both at the same time. Complete failure of a strut top mount can send the top of the strut through the hood. Looking at them visually can reveal cracks before this happens. Failing spring seats usually results in a creaky front end.
11. Power steering racks in the early models are prone to developing play in the pinion gearset. There are two types, speed adaptive assist and regular fixed assist. Speed adaptive is wonderful but was a premium option.
12. Ignition coils on the 2.5T and T6 like to go bad around 150K usually and are somewhat expensive. If you don't change spark plugs every 30-40K (OE Volvo plugs use copper electrodes I believe), they fail even sooner, causing a severe misfire. Whiteblocks are picky about plugs -- mine ran terribly after I switched to NGK Iridium.
13. The 4T65EV transmission used in the T6 can be helped along significantly by performing regular fluid changes (about 30-40K miles, but hell, ALL auto gearboxes should get this treatment) and switching to synthetic fluid. An additional transmission cooler will help extend fluid life. $45-100 on a "shift kit" from Transgo or Intense Racing will also help the 4T65 live a much longer life by shortening shift times substantially, thus reducing clutch and band wear. Otherwise the T6 is a superb motor, potentially my favorite of all (though the 2.5L has a soft spot in my heart but is slow at SH** without some mods and a tune).
14. Early V8 models also suffered from occasional valve body issues with the TF80-SC gearbox.

Overall the XC90 has been a peach to own in my experience. This isn’t meant to scare you off, just inform you/correct some issues with the video. The XC90 needs regular maintenance -- do NOT BUY one thinking that they are "cheap luxury sounding cars." Better than a similarly aged BMW, Mercedes, or Audi? Probably. Cheaper if you have some mechanical acumen as well. Likely cheaper parts than other luxury euro brands too, but regrettably many XC90s lived pretty neglected lives as family haulers and got beat to hell, denied the maintenance that they needed. If you get a good one, prepare to be blessed by a pretty trouble-free car. It is unlikely that many or all of these issues will manifest at the same time, and as long as the previous owners took care of the car, many of these service items (suspension stuff, timing belt, etc.) have likely already been replaced. Just buy a well looked after XC90 with service history, you’ll be fine. I’ve averaged less than $750 a year in maintenance, which is so much cheaper than a new car.

[jsmyth]

Protect this man at all cost. You are invaluable, sir.

[Bumblebee]

The safest tank in the world. Volvo for life

[davidwalsh]

In 2018 I bought a 2006 Volvo XC90. It need very little work and owning it for 2yrs now it has needed very little maintenance. I WILL buy another Volvo. Mine has been a good family 👪 vehicle.

[legambaz]

Unbelievably good understanding of this car. Very informative.

[jerilynnwilson]

I bought a 2011 and I love it. I am 68 years old and never had a love affair with any vehicle, until now. Best car on the road (or off) if you ask me.

[j.b.]

Hi, I viewed this video five months ago . . came back to revisit it today. And this is a comprehensive review!! Well Done!!

[michaelpina]

The XC90 LED tail lights were from 2013 and 14, Volvo changed the design in 2007, led lights came in 2013, the 3.2 is an in-line 6, not a V6 The fender flares varied with the options, starting with the V8 when it was introduced, but yes, they are great vehicles, I have a 2009 3.2 AWD, since new, I also have a 2007 V8 Sport, love it, used to have a 2008 3.2, good luck with yours, they are safe too!!

[universalassociates]

Dr asks her patient, ‘do you exercise?’ Patient responds ‘Yes, I climb in and out of the third row seat of my Volvo XC90 several times a day - a vigorous exercise routine!’

[martyjackson]

I have a 2005 with the 2.5T. Just did the oil change at 395000km last week! Later this week I plan to tow my 26' sailboat about 800km. Great car! Looking for another to replace my 06 V50 (Garbage! It's a FORD with Volvo badges.)
Tip: When the sunroof leaks sown the A pillar. Clear the blockage and lengthen the drain hoses by about 1.25". They shrink over time!

[terminal-velocity]

Brother, such a detailed and well researched review. Very grateful for this post as I am looking for an XC90. Best wishes from Edinburgh, Scotland.

[giorgivaramishvili]

One comment Mate: T6 had 2.8 liter Twin Turbo engine, with timing belt. As for the 3.2, it has inline 6 cylinder engine, not V6. The only V type engine was Yamaha V8, 4.4 liter. Overall, great video, thanks!

[konstyantyngarkusha]

Thanks for this video man! Definitely saving it for future use.
I’m driving 5 hours this morning to pick up my first xc90, wish me luck!

[trakteren]

The 3.2-liter engine (B6324S) is an inline-6, not a V6. Other than that, great video! 👍🏻

[sergioromero]

I have over 325, 000 miles on my white 05 xc90 T6 AWD. I love the vehicle.
Some minor issues but it's a great looking SUV and safe and comfortable. I want to customize mine.

[macky]

2 things to note
For alarm service required message, there a software which deletes the siren from the car and will get rid of the message. So if you dont need a alarm, you can do that rather than replacing the SCM.
You are able to just get the sticker of the lettering for the steering wheel emblem rather than replacing the airbag unit.

[tour_saar]

just bought one with 270k miles from a us veteran here in germany, so many questions were answered by this video, e.x the leaking sunroof thing, i never wouldve guessed its just a little thing to fix that, thank you for the video and great channel !

[RichieRouge]

Such a shame you guys in America didn’t get the wonder D5 models, really make these tanks make sense. Such a smooth and powerful unit. I keep getting the anti-skid message from time to time. We have VIDA but no faults are showing

That wooden steering wheel is rare, especially with the cream airbag, I have the same wheel in my V70

[ceeclaire]

I have a 3.2; had it for 11yrs. I have a mechanic who specializes in volvos. I've been extremely fortunate. I take her in for regularly scheduled maintenance and she's been good to me as I am good to her.