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

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

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!’

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.

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

A very informative video. Great help as I am looking for a XC90 as a daily transport, your video is a great guidance to me. Many thanks! Love to see more videos from you.

Thanks for your insightful talk that is well detailled, have been longing to own one, and now is the time

Wow ! Amazing review! Good quality! Nice footage and quirks! Its really like im experiencing the car! And good info! Subbed!

This is an extremely well-done video. Very informative. It will help me make my buying decision.

perfect video, full of good informations, well edited and never felt boring. Thanks a lot

The safest tank in the world. Volvo for life

Unbelievably good understanding of this car. Very informative.

Thank you so much. This video was very educational, even for a guy with 4 Volvos, and years of experience with them!

Thanks man for this very simple and efficient review - take care.

Great video. I learned one or more things from the Volvo XC90. The XC90 is my 3rd Volvo cars in 6 years. I would like more of your videos on XC90 2004 model. Thank you and 👍.

I just bought my first XC90 (2011 R-Design) mostly in part to this video - thank you, thank you, thank you!

great clear review covering a lot of bases thanks for posting

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!!

Great review and fantastic information. I'm currently in the hunt for one. Thanks for all the things to look out for.

Superb great video and very useful! Love from the UK

Great video!

Absolutely amazing review!

Thank you for this fantastic video.

What a marvelous upload 👍💯 Clear, Concise and straight to the point,..

Thank you. Exactly what I was looking for.

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.

Love comparing the evolution of this model vs my 2017 XC90.

Saw a cheap T6 and was thinking of buying it. Glad i watched this vid first.

Great video! Very helpful and informative. I own a white ‘08 with a 3.2 with almost 200k. Still love it.

I'm a Subaru fan, therefore I'm thinking about start with Volvo XC90 as my first Volvo, great informative video

Outstanding video! Very informative! Thank you!

.I have a 2002 XC70 and am thinking of upgrading to an XC90, so thank you for this very helpful overview.

Hello man thank for the updates

I'm currently in the market - great content.

I have an 07, and Love it

Very informative, concise information. Well presented.

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.

Thanks for the info!!!!!

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!

Very helpful and detailed video. Thanks.

Very good and informative video

Very good brief thank you. Well done!

Very informative video, thanks!!

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.

very very thanks bro, video was a helpful for me

Great job! Love these cars

Very informative. Thank you.

Great video thank you, thinking about it seriously.

Thank you for this video! It was super helpful, going to go look at an xc90 v8 today.

Extremely good review! I will be buying a 2010 XC90 tomorrow. :)

absolutely amazing video stellar work cannot thank you enough for your time and effort.

Just like mine! I love my Volvo XC90

A well presented review, tempted to buy one….

Very nice breakdown! I know just about everything there is to know about 2.4/2.5l motors, but it was nice to learn something new about all the other options

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.

Great video,thanks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Just perches a Volvo XC90 D5 2006 with 120.000 on clock absolutely spot on and capable of road . Thank you for your time and consideration 🇬🇧👈🇺🇸👈♥️👍

Thinkink of buying a 2010 xc90 so this vid was a great help, thanx man👍🙏

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.

Extremely insightful video. You are very well-spoken and informed. Thanks for posting

Great video btw

Great video, i want a xc90 now

Great video! I am going to look at a 2006 today and its good to know about the counter balance issues =)

Excellent and informative. I'll hopefully be buying one of these in a few months when my lease expires. I saw how affordable they were on the used car market and was wondering about their reliability. Thanks again!

I love my XC90 and am at 200,000 + miles. 2nd XC90 but both as well as my V70 wagon all went through oil. Didn't appear to be burning and no signs of leakage but consistently checking the oil. All three also had ignition key issues, just wonky.

Great video

the way I’m watching this AFTER I’ve got the car😭😭😭 but I’ve been loving it so far

Thank you for pointing out the on dash defects display 😍😍😍

best review so for for the XC90

well done review thx

You did an awesome review of everything thank you Soo much for you're time I'm actually about to buy a 2005 2.5 turbo myself and this helped alot. Also I never would of know about the center console being removable 🤦‍♂️😂👍🏻❤️

Very nice video sir👌

Great advice.

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

Just bought my pop a 3.2awd today. What a tank.

nice video, thanks

Thanks man, this is a very informative overview of the xc90. I do have a question, can the refreshed front bumpers of 2007 model onwards be fit onto the older models say the 2005?

Hi! thanks for the in dept-review.. I am planning to buy a 2004 2.9 T6 engine XC90.. it has 146.000 km.. seems quite neat and clean.. I ll have LPG kit installed on it... thanks..

Most beautiful suv cars ever made

You can also fold the front passenger seat flat forward, which is brilliant for very long loads. Small catches at the bottom of the seat, accessed from the rear passenger footwell.

0100.. Excellent review. Getting a 2010 D5 12:20 soon.cheers😊

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!

WONDERFUL!!!

yo recomiendo este vehículo Volvo lo uso desde 1966 el p1800s fue el primer modelo que compre de volvo del 130 240 244 al s80 s60 s70 v70 y por último la xc90 la que uso empezando por el año 2004 hasta el 20015

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

Even now the first gen xc90 scores well in modern crash tests. It was one of, if not the first vehicle to pass the small overlap front end test

I have an 08' xc90 with a sunroof, 286000kms and the sun roof have never leaked a drop. I do use it almost everyday in the spring, summer and fall

Great vid! Thanks for that! I have been looking for answers regarding my 2012 Volvo xc90 about soft clunking or rather sudden shifting during about 30 to 40 mph. Do you know what would be causing this??

Excellent work, sir! I have an 2006 T5 and I've been pretty happy. Rear bearings burned up at 50 & 70K but other than that, no major repairs with 200K miles and going.

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!

Great info! Guess I'll get an 09 and later with a V8 if I want one

Well done sir! Originally I was hunting for a 2016-2018 XC90 Inscription. Sadly they are still way out of my price range! However back in September 2020 I did find and purchase a used 2013 XC90 R Design. It has approximately 114,000 miles on it. You video confirms a lot of my own findings. I am really enjoying this vehicle. It's a great value for the price! Thanks for the time and effort you put into making this video! Subscribed.

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.

Thank you for the info. Going today to look at an 08 xc90 with the 3.2 . Just wanted to know what I should be looking out for. Seller is kinda vague about particulars. I don't want to waste the money on something that won't last

Well done. You only missed the Yaw Sensor which rusts and creates anti-skid messages. This is common with blocked sunroof drains as the water gathers under the amp where the yaw sensor is.

2005 t5 best year! Best model!

Looking at buying one of these if they are anywhere close to the xc60 in terms of safety I don't think you could die in one. I once was hit by a dodge van that was doing 95 in a side impact in a xc60 both myself and my mother walked away from that accident without a scratch. Volvo for life 👍

Good review 👍🏿 well detailed. Do you still own. The xc90 ?

nice video

Volvo also offered a 2.4 litre 5 cylinder D5 diesel engine. I don't think it was available in the US. The Aisin transmissions are better than the GM ones. The most common causes of the anti-skid message are the steering wheel sensor (located in the clock spring), the yaw sensor and a poor connection to the ABS module. The parking brake shoes can be a nightmare to adjust properly especially with aftermarket rear brake parts. Volvo brought out an adjustable H piece to remedy this. The thermostat is a pain to replace on the D5 engine requiring the power steering pump, the alternator and aircon compressor to be removed (no need to disconnect the aircon pipes thankfully). Injectors on the D5 engine can be prone to failure.

Wow. Great vid man very knowledgeable