30.10.2016
is a unique car, its history began in 2002 and continues to this day. The car has a large number of fans who have already replaced several generations of the XC90 because they do not see an alternative to this car. So what is the secret of such popularity: design, comfort, or perhaps reliability? Let’s try to figure this out and much more now.
A little history:
The all-wheel drive Swedish car was first presented at the International Auto Show in Detroit in 2002. Serial production of the car was launched in 2003. The SUV was based on the platform on which the sedan was built. VolvoS80" The XC90 engine line in the first years of production consisted of a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine with a turbocharger (210 hp), as well as a 2.9-liter six-cylinder turbo engine (270 hp). The diesel engine was represented by a 2.4 power unit (163 hp). The first restyling of the Volvo XC90 was carried out in 2006. In the same year, the manufacturer increased the power of the turbodiesel engine to 185 hp. and stopped installing the 2.9 petrol engine. It was replaced by an aspirated engine with a volume of 3.2 liters (234 hp), and the flagship V8 4.4 liters (315 hp) also appeared. In 2012, it introduced an updated version of the XC90, carrying out another restyling dedicated to the anniversary of the model. At the end of 2014, Volvo began production of the second generation XC90.
Advantages and disadvantages of a used Volvo XC90
The paintwork of the body does not cause any complaints, and there are also no problems with corrosion resistance. But on cars that have been poorly restored after damage in an accident, you can find pockets of corrosion. On cars that spend the night in an unguarded parking lot, thieves often remove the rear-view mirrors (the cost of a new one is 150 USD) and headlights (the original is 900 USD, for a used one they ask for 100-200 USD).
Power units
All Volvo XC90 engines have a different timing drive, for example, the 2.5 and 2.9 turbo engines have a belt drive (replacement interval every 100,000 km, or once every 5 years), the 3.2 aspirated engine has a chain drive (the life of the chain is not limited). On the very first cars, the main problems are associated with electronic control units; for example, the fan control unit often fails, resulting in the engine overheating. The unit can only be replaced as an assembly with a fan and will cost 200 -350 USD, but when disassembled it can be found separately for 50 USD. Ignition coils in cars with the most popular 2.5 liter engines do not like high temperatures and burn out quite quickly when the car is used in hot climates. Also, in hot weather the thermostat breaks down very quickly.
The weak point of turbo engines in many cars is the turbine, but not in the case of the Volvo XC90, since here the turbocharger practically does not bother the owners; the need for its repair arises mainly on cars before restyling. Old turbo engines, with a mileage of more than 160,000 km, begin to eat up oil, from 300 grams per 1000 km. To eliminate the defect, you need to replace the valve stem seals (such repairs will cost from 100 to 400 USD, depending on the service chosen). According to the owners, the 3.2 engine is considered the most problem-free, but it still has a couple of minor drawbacks. The first is an oil leak due to an unfinished oil separator of the crankcase ventilation system, the second is that the connections between the pipes of the cooling system are weak; in case of a rupture, the generator is filled with antifreeze. Diesel engines have also proven themselves to be problem-free units, and most likely, it is because of this that many owners recommend buying a used Volvo XC90 with a diesel engine. The injectors last a long time - 150-200 thousand km, replacing one will cost 100-200 USD.
On cars manufactured before 2005, a common problem is the failure of the fuel pump, or more precisely its control unit. When choosing a car older than five years, you need to pay attention to the condition of the radiator, since by this time it wears out and requires replacement (the cost of the radiator is 100-150 USD).
Transmission
The Volvo XC90 can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission. Paired with the 2.5 engine is a five-speed automatic transmission manufactured by " Aisin", which after 2005 was replaced by a six-speed transmission from the same company. Also, a six-speed automatic transmission was installed in tandem with a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated engine. The Japanese-made transmission copes well with its tasks if the oil is changed regularly (every 60,000 km), but it gets along better with the 2.5 engine. The 2.9 power unit is paired with an automatic transmission from the company "". Any of the engines can be equipped with a manual transmission, but cars with mechanics are practically not found on the secondary market.
The automatic transmission is very afraid of slipping and overheating, especially for copies of the first years of production, since after restyling the manufacturer began installing an additional radiator to cool the oil in the box. Often, owners complain about oil leakage from under the drive seals, the reason being wear of the differential bearing seat. Most often, owners of cars manufactured from 2003 to 2005 encounter automatic transmission breakdowns, the reason is wear of the clutch, overheating of the valve body. Fortunately, these boxes are repairable, but repairs are expensive: 1000-1500 USD.
All-wheel drive is connected using a coupling " Haldex" When operating a car, you need to remember that the clutch, like an automatic transmission, does not like slipping. There is a pump in the mechanical part of the clutch, and if the oil in the clutch housing and gearbox is not changed regularly (every 50,000 km), it will not last even 80,000 km, and the cost of replacing it will be 250-350 USD. The electronic differential unit controls the connection of the clutch; unfortunately, its resource is not much longer than the life of the pump. The main reason for failure is that it is located directly under the bottom. Also, due to the unfortunate location and the high cost of the block, it is often stolen from cars that spend the night on the street. And if the unit breaks or is stolen, you will have to fork out $400. 
Driving performance of a used Volvo XC90
Operating experience has shown that the Volvo XC90 suspension is comfortable and very strong, and if you operate the car without extreme loads, then suspension repairs will have to be done no more than once every 100,000 km. Only the stabilizer struts can fail, but they, on average, last 60-70 km. External CV joints run 120-150 thousand km. The original CV joint is sold only assembled with a shaft and will cost 300 USD, not the original - 100-150 USD. Front shock absorbers have a service life of 100-150 thousand km, replacing one costs 70-150 USD. The original rear shock absorbers of the Volvo XC90 are not simple, but “golden”, since you will have to pay 800-900 USD for a pair. But this price has its own explanation - such shock absorbers maintain a constant ground clearance, regardless of how loaded the car is.
The rear wheel bearings last 100-120 thousand km, are replaced as an assembly with the hub, and they charge 100-200 USD for replacement. The front ones last 130-150 thousand km, a new one costs 80-150 USD. Stabilizer bushings can last up to 120,000 km; they are replaced together with the stabilizer. The steering rack on pre-restyling cars is quite weak and can start knocking after 50,000 km. After restyling, the manufacturer modified this unit and increased the resource to 150-200 thousand km. The price for a new rail ranges from 350-650 USD, for repairs they ask for 50-100 USD.
Result:
the first years of production has a fairly large number of shortcomings. In addition, today they have high mileage, so when choosing such a car you need to understand that it may require serious financial investments at any time. A large number of restyled cars were imported from Europe and America; we cannot say that these are very bad options, you just won’t have the opportunity to track their history, and given the integrity of most sellers, the consequences can be very sad. Therefore, the best option for purchasing would be a car purchased at an official dealership. And if the service technicians do not identify serious deficiencies during diagnostics, then such a car will give you a lot of positive emotions from operation. The Volvo XC90 of recent years is considered one of the most reliable cars on the secondary market.
Advantages:
- High quality paintwork.
- Durable and reliable power units.
- Good driving characteristics.
- Build quality.
Flaws:
- Electronic failures often occur.
- Increased interest of thieves in body parts.
- If the oil is changed irregularly, the all-wheel drive pump flies in the Haldex.
- High fuel consumption up to 18 liters per 100 km.
- There are very few cars with a manual transmission.
- High cost of maintenance and repairs.
➖ Unreliability (numerous problems with electronics)
➖ Suspension
pros
➕ Controllability
➕ Light
➕ Ergonomics
➕ Design
The advantages and disadvantages of the Volvo XC90 2018-2019 in the new body were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Volvo XC90 petrol and diesel with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive can be found in the stories below:
Owner reviews
What is new in favor: A) the presence of a number of electronic systems or the possibility of installing them B) a good engine in terms of agility / fuel consumption ratio C) Air suspension is an amateur thing, I personally don’t believe in air suspension based on experience with other brands D) Ergonomics of the driver’s seat in my opinion better than the previous model.
Then there was one disappointment... A) The first thing that caught my eye was that there was no geometric cross-country ability B) The length of the interior has become smaller, according to my subjective impressions C) The trunk is also significantly smaller, and the width has especially suffered D) There is simply a huge amount of oak plastic in the car.
Andrey Bragin, review of the new Volvo XC90 2.0 (320 hp) AT 2015
Video review
1. It’s a little noisy on the slate, but there’s not much shaking! On the highway, the average speed of 100-120 km/h holds the road fantastically, you practically don’t feel the speed.
2. On good asphalt but a winding road - a mixture of a wild mustang that needs to be held on turns and an airliner taking off! It takes turns like a glove! Straight acceleration is effortless and almost instantaneous! The gearbox is not felt (well, maybe a little on the first jerk after the turn).
3. Autobahn is a fairy tale! The “dynamic” mode, what surprised me was that at a speed of 170 km/h the revolutions were only 2,500! at a speed of 225 km/h - 3,100!
Optics! damn... this is a song! It’s impossible to describe what the machine is doing—some kind of “RoboCop”! Well, okay, when he just switches from far to near, but when he started snatching out all the road signs for me and separately illuminating them for a moment, I thought that I would just get out of the car and kiss her - this is such a class! And from far to near is also not quite to near - it remains far, only somehow sharply down and to the right... So to speak, modestly down to the eyes... and instantly into the distance! Visibility is like daytime! Wide and far-reaching illumination and the beam also fumbles, like a powerful flashlight behind the wheel!
What I am dissatisfied with: there is a problem with connecting to the phone as a modem for using the Internet. It connects, but Internet traffic does not pass through. It passed once, but not the second time. The dealer will “reflash” or take something converted from the software supplier and install it for me.
Victor, review of the new Volvo XC90 2.0 diesel (225 hp) AT 2015.
Exterior. In my opinion, Volvo has surpassed all crossover manufacturers in the design of the front end, and the rear as well. It looks aggressive, and at the same time calm and peaceful. LED headlights look perfect on this car. The car is proportional and harmonious, unlike many of its classmates; it does not look bulky, despite being almost 5 meters long and 2 meters wide.
The organization of space, ergonomics and even some revolutionary nature of the interior decoration of the car are also amazing. Only 8 buttons on the front panel! The rest is on the 9.3-inch tablet on the front. You can figure it out in about 2 hours, and anyone who has used an iPad or other tablet will be able to figure it out on the fly.
This is my first car with air suspension. Before that I only rode spring ones. On the Internet there are many complaints from owners specifically about the Volvo XC90 pneumatics. They are partly true, while the car has almost no roll or sway, the car holds the road very clearly. There are no nods when braking, no rolliness at all when driving. The car accurately maintains its trajectory when cornering.
Volvo has a smooth and powerful pickup from the bottom, and you are always sure that overtaking will be safe. There is always enough power reserve. Acceleration (especially in Dynamic mode) is simply amazing.
Review of Volvo XC90 2.0 (320 hp) AT 2015
The overall impression is good. Everything is beautiful and everything is functional. Comfort is excellent. Handling is excellent. Outwardly everything is fine. A bunch of electronic driver assistance systems.
Volvo's declared reliability did not quite live up to expectations. Less than six months of using the car (16,000 km had been driven) when one fine day the car began to refuse to drive (a drop in engine speed, driving in low gear, the front camera turning off and the dashboard not working).
At the service, everything seemed to be corrected, but the aftertaste remained. I did not expect this from such “reliability”.
Maxim Novikov, review of Volvo XC90 2.0D (225 hp) automatic transmission 2016
Ergonomics and everything else is super! It’s impossible to compare with the old one - everything was completed to perfection in the best possible way (I drove the “old” one for 7 years).
There are many advantages, namely in comparison with the standard model - this is the interior and the ergonomics of the driver (everything moves smoothly and confidently, especially the switches for all turns, there is a pleasant feeling of good quality).
Double supercharged engine. Razor! Again, compared to the old one, it could only take off from the bottom, from the start, and at 120 km/h the dynamics are less sharp, but this one is a bullet! The steering wheel turns differently - softly and smoothly, but with a degree of noticeable elasticity, and this elasticity commands respect.
I started the car once, but the instrument display did not light up, and the car only wanted to drive at a low speed. Well, I got to the garage, I called the officials in Krasnoyarsk, where they took it, the manager Yuri (a smart guy) advised me to remove the negative terminal from the main battery (by the way, the new one has two of them) - well, like reboot the car (his computer). That’s what I did, there’s nothing wrong with that - the computer is just like a computer! Since then there have been no problems.
Alexey Kovalenko, review of Volvo XC 90 2.0D (225 hp) with automatic transmission 2016
Absolutely new, complete set. Over such a short period of operation, serious disadvantages have emerged that are incompatible with the cost of this car. The first thing I would like to start with is the suspension. Despite the various modes that are convenient to use, after 8,000 km the suspension knocks on release.
Secondly, there are failures in the electronics. For example, “no access key” despite the fact that it is located to the right of the driver’s seat; “window washer operation error”, although when using it everything works properly; “parking brake error”, and the car itself applies the parking brake without my command.
The most unpleasant mistake was the random opening of all the car windows (except for the roof). On one of three such occasions, it was raining outside. As a result, the car interior was flooded with water.
Thirdly, when the trunk lid is automatically closed, the noise is similar to that of a trash can lid slamming shut.Review of Volvo XC90 2.0d (225 hp) AT 2016
We offer to buy a contract or used engine for Volvo / Volvo XC90. All engines are available in our warehouse. A 14 day guarantee is provided from the date of sale. The exception is delivery to other regions. The time during which the engine is in transit is not included in the warranty period. The warranty in this case begins from the moment the buyer receives the engine. If a warranty case occurs on the last day, you just need to call us and notify us about it.
Engine installation and repair
We offer replacement and installation of the engine purchased from us for the xc90 model in our car service center. This will eliminate the possibility of purchasing a low-quality motor (such cases are extremely rare). We will completely bring your car to absolutely working condition. If you need to install another motor, we will do it free of charge. This operation will save you a lot of money and you will not have to transport the motor to the repair site. We can also offer engine repairs using contract spare parts. Such repairs will be more economical and no less high quality.
Engines in stock
Only from us you can buy a high-quality engine with installation in an optimal ratio of price and quality of the product provided. We have a huge selection of contract engines from auctions in Japan and used engines from scrapyards in the UAE, Europe and from our scrapyard in Moscow. Today we are the best among suppliers of contract and used spare parts specifically for Volvo. Below are photos to help you determine the exact fit for your vehicle's engine. If you decide to purchase a motor from us, please request a photo. We will send a photo of the exact motor we offer for purchase.
Engine prices have been reduced since December 1st. Now you can purchase an engine in a wider price range depending on condition and configuration. For questions regarding purchasing a motor, please contact the company.
We will help you find out the main problems of used first-generation Volvo XC90s.
The first generation of the Volvo XC90 crossover lived on the assembly line of the Swedish automobile manufacturer for 12 years. Of course, it had several restylings, but still, at the end of its life cycle, the crossover was very popular among buyers. The Volvo XC90 full-size crossover is named North America's Car of the Year. The Volvo XC90 model is also popular in the Russian secondary automobile market. In this article we will tell you how to choose the right used Volvo XC90 crossover and what problems it may have.
General characteristics of the first generation Volvo XC90
The first generation of the full-size Volvo XC90 crossover was created on the same platform as the first generation Volvo S80 sedan. This means that they also had common “sores”. However, thanks to the common platform, the Volvo XC90 crossover received high-quality trim and interior equipment. The body of the Volvo XC90 is mostly made of steel. The Swedish manufacturer did not use aluminum, but Swedish steel still has a very high quality of processing. That is why the first generation Volvo XC90 still does not rust. There is no need to doubt the strength of the body steel of the Volvo XC90 crossover. Based on the history of accidents with the Volvo XC90 crossover, it is worth recognizing that this model suffered the most complex accidents, after which representatives of the German troika would immediately be sent to the landfill. However, the Volvo XC90 crossover was restored and drove on.
The Volvo XC90 crossover is reliable and durable.
The high strength of the body of the first-generation Volvo XC90 crossover, of course, affected its weight. The basic version of the Volvo XC90 crossover with the smallest engine with a displacement of 2.5 liters weighs 2,100 kg. The top version of this crossover has a curb weight of 2,250 kilograms. Due to its higher weight than the sedan, the Volvo XC90 crossover experienced problems with the transmission, which was carried over from the lighter Volvo S80 sedan. The transmission was subjected to higher overloads due to the large mass of the crossover.
The Volvo XC90 crossover suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride. This crossover rides on the asphalt quite impressively. The long life of the first-generation Volvo XC90 crossover on the assembly line is associated only with Volvo’s lack of funds to produce the new generation. That is why the first generation of the Volvo XC90 went through three restylings.
Why Volvo XC90 is popular in Russia
The basic configuration of the Volvo XC90 crossover was equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline turbo engine and was very popular in the Russian secondary automobile market. The fact is that above a working volume of 2.5 liters, according to Russian legislation, the price of customs clearance sharply increases. Used Volvo XC90 crossovers from the United States of America and Europe were massively imported to Russia. The corrosion-resistant Volvo XC90 crossover has taken root on dirty and wet Russian roads.
The Volvo XC90, like any other car model, has its problems and disadvantages.
Problems with used Volvo XC90
The table below shows the main problems of the Volvo XC90 crossover model.
| Car part | Problems |
| Body | The lower part of the body is covered with many plastic elements, which also protect it from corrosion. Rust can only occur in places where various fasteners and clips are attached. It is also necessary to check the junction of the front side members with the front subframe. |
| Electrics | The internal wiring of the Volvo XC90 crossover is devoid of any major problems. However, if the drainage at the motor shield becomes clogged, then the control units may fail. The Volvo CAN bus works without problems, it does not drain the battery and does not lead to failure of various units. The all-wheel drive clutch control unit may fail ahead of schedule. This occurs due to wear and tear on the incoming wiring seals. |
| Chassis | Due to the high curb weight, brake discs quickly fail. The weakest points of the Volvo suspension are the front and rear hubs. They are greatly affected by small side impacts. In Russian car markets you can find affordable non-original Volvo suspension hubs. The ball joint of the front suspension also has a short service life due to the high load on it. The support can be changed separately, its cost is low. The hub resource is no more than 80,000 km. Most rear suspension elements last up to 100,000 km. Owners of used Volvo XC90 often replace Nivomat shock absorbers in the rear suspension with conventional springs and shock absorbers due to their high cost. |
| Transmission | Almost all offers of used Volvo XC90 in Russia have an automatic transmission. The service life of the machine is only 200,000 km with regular oil changes every 60,000 km. The weak point in the automatic transmission is the angular gearbox. The Haldex clutch in the rear axle drive will also last up to 200,000 km. Overhauling the Volvo XC90 automatic transmission is not too expensive. |
| Engine | The most unreliable engine in the Volvo XC90 is the 3.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine. The service interval of such a motor is 20,000 km. The main problems of turbocharged 2.5- and 2.9-liter engines are turbochargers. Another problem with all engines is contamination of radiators from the cooling system. Volvo XC90 diesel engines have fewer problems, but they also suffer from common diesel problems: problems with the power supply system and crankcase ventilation. |
The most popular version of the first-generation used Volvo XC90 crossover on Russian territory is the modification with a turbodiesel and automatic transmission.
Volvo is a car that has been produced for the thirteenth year in a row. And now, finally, its successor appears, but in this article I would like to dwell in detail on the operational capabilities of the previous car, and throughout the world. A used Volvo XC90 will be the test car of our review.
Darling of fate
The Volvo XC90 has a fairly rich and successful market history. Immediately after the debut, resting on the laurels of the winner almost until his decline. What are the reasons for such popularity and how did a seemingly not too expensive crossover manage to stay on the assembly line for so many years?
Let's start with the fact that the answer to the question suggests itself. If a car hasn’t left the assembly line for so many years, it means there was a demand for it. This is the reason why a successor was not released. The Volvo XC90 performed its functions perfectly despite the constant updates and upgrades of its competitors. Today, when a replacement has been prepared for the old champion, a massive release of these very darlings of fate onto the market is expected. The Volvo XC90 is a crossover that brings back only the best memories.
The Swedes showed that they know how to make cars, initially focusing on quality. Although this was their first attempt at creating a crossover, the Volvo XC90 turned out to be an extremely balanced vehicle. It is interesting that, unlike most modern SUVs, including famous SUVs, the Swede has a unique and different image. The crossover was positioned in the luxury car segment. To achieve this, great strength was needed. If we add to all this excellent design, excellent interior finishing and obvious reliability, we have a real bestseller in front of us.
Modifications and engine range
The Volvo XC90 was always produced in a five-door version with 5/7 seats. Initially, the crossover was aimed at a country where only cars that can seat seven (a kind of family option) and are equipped with a large eight-cylinder engine are respected. But this model found a place not only on the other side of the ocean. And here in Russia many people liked it.
At first, five-cylinder units were installed on the Volvo XC90. In particular, such a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a power of 210 hp enjoyed good success. With. The 153-power diesel version with 2.4 liters was also quite good. It had a turbocharger that interacted perfectly with the 5th manual transmission and automatic transmission. As for the 6-speed automatic transmission, it appeared only in 2004.
Fans of the 2.9 liter inline six-cylinder engine with twin turbocharging received only 4 automatic transmissions made by GM.
Already at the end of 2004, a 4.4 liter eight-cylinder unit appeared - quite powerful and coupled with 6 automatic transmissions.
Wide selection of used Volvo XC90 on the Russian market
, full power accessories, climate control and much more.We sort used versions into pieces
Now about the engine range. Under the hood of the XC90, you can most often see five- and six-cylinder engines. Although 5V engines are the most common, they do not tolerate heat well and this causes ignition coils costing 2,500 rubles or more to fail. In such versions, the thermostat also gets stuck over time (6 thousand rubles). Over time, the intercooler pipes may also dry out, and in winter, due to deposits in the oil separator, the camshaft seals may fail. Such engines do not have a hydraulic compensator in the valve drive, but they will still require periodic adjustments every 150 thousand km, which costs approximately 4,500 rubles. On old Volvo XC90s, the grid of the fuel pump, which is located in the fuel tank, will certainly become clogged. It is not necessary to change it, but you can clean it yourself. But it also happens that there was a driver who did not understand technology, who did not follow anything himself. In this case, the build-up of deposits on the fuel pump grid will turn into real cement over time and you will have to buy not just a grid, but a new pump costing 8,500 rubles and more.
| Year of issue | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body type | station wagon | station wagon |
| Length/width/height, mm | 4800/1900/1740 | 4800/1900/1740 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2860 | 2860 |
| type of drive | full | full |
| Trunk volume, l | 480-1560 | 480-1560 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 72 | 72 |
| Weight, kg | 1900/2256 | 1980/2330 |
| checkpoint | 6 speed manual/5 automatic transmission | 5 manual transmission |
| engine's type | petrol, R5, turbo | turbodiesel |
| Working volume, cm 3 | 2521 | 2401 |
| Maximum power, l. With. | 210 | 163 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 210 | 185 |
| Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s | 9,5 | 12,3 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 8,9/14,6 | 7,5/11,9 |
The six-cylinder version looks better and more reliable. Here the generator may fail (the price of a new one is 14.5 thousand rubles).
As for the Volvo XC90 with an eight-cylinder unit, by the 100,000th mileage the balancer shaft bearings wear out. At the same time, the guide roller of the attachment drive belt also fails.
The 5-cylinder diesel engine also looks more reliable. But he is too demanding. In addition, it places strict demands on the driver regarding cleanliness. The owner of this version will have to wash the dampers and crankcase ventilation system every 40 thousand kilometers. And that is not all. Every 100 thousand mileage you will also need to clean the EGR gas recirculation system. In such versions, the electric motor also fails over time, as a result of which the turbocharger may also fail.
As for the suspension, we will devote a separate paragraph to it. It is made completely independent in this Swedish crossover and is durable. Stabilizer struts rarely require replacement up to 80 thousand km. Even in the first modifications of the Volvo XC90, the bushings of the silent blocks of the front levers were broken, but after modernization, more powerful bolts for fastening these elements began to be used, thereby successfully solving the problem. As for the silent block rubber bands, they also last a long time.
