How good or bad are late 1st gen (13-14) XC90s?

[Dino01]

Hi bitog-

Basically as the title says. From what I’ve been reading on Volvo forums they seem to have a pretty good reputation by 2011+, mainly due to having 4th Haldex AWD, the 3.2 oil consumption figured out, and a reliable Aisin automatic that’s shared with many Toyotas.

Volvo and enthusiasts forums tend to be a little biased, so hoping for some unbiased opinions from this group.

I’m a long time older Mercedes owner so I’m definitely familiar with Euro car issues. Are these things nightmares to own from a mechanical and/or electronics standpoint? I know the following gen had plenty of problems.

Thanks

 

[Oillover]

Wonderfully reliable, similar to older Mercedes vehicles.
Buy with confidence

 

[daves87rs]

Hold up pretty good from what i have seen

 

[Passport1]

My knowledgeable, Volvo enthusiast friend has had three XC90s. Replaced one heater core and another needed a fuel pump. All fairly high mileage. Seem reliable with proper maintenance. His 240 wagon has 200K+. I think they handle like tanks but they are a comfortable vehicle.

 

[ET16]

Don't some of this vintage have piston ring issues?

 

[Astro14]

Don't some of this vintage have piston ring issues?

That’s prior to the piston ring issues.

The 2004 XC90 in our fleet soldiers on, and is doing well.

The newer ones of that generation seem well sorted.

Of greater importance, because the XC-90 was a big seller, and unchanged for many years - parts availability remains good.

 

[Dino01]

Good feedback thanks

I know it won’t be an Accord, however I’m pretty DIY and really want something that (without breaking the bank) will provide the best safety possible in the era of phones and fentanyl drivers here on the west coast while hauling a toddler. Awd is important too, sounds like they had early issues with the “bevel gear” due to soft coupling metals or something, however by 2011 it seems to have bee sorted out

 

[Astro14]

Good feedback thanks

I know it won’t be an Accord, however I’m pretty DIY and really want something that (without breaking the bank) will provide the best safety possible in the era of phones and fentanyl drivers here on the west coast while hauling a toddler. Awd is important too, sounds like they had early issues with the “bevel gear” due to soft coupling metals or something, however by 2011 it seems to have bee sorted out

Yeah - a 12 year model run gives them time to iron out the bugs.

I just did the rear wheel hubs on the XC90 - and Volvo “added” a part - a small plastic water shield on the back side of the hub bearings. That part didn’t exist when the hubs were last done, about 10 years ago.

The angle gear (front differential) was a weak spot initially. There were both sealing issues that led to fluid loss and early failure, and the softness of the angle gear coupling, which was intended as a sacrificial part, much like a prop shear pin on a boat, but that wore out too quickly, causing a loss of AWD.

They fixed that, too.

So, by the model year you’re considering, things were pretty well sorted.

I would recommend joining, and reading, SwedeSpeed. Get a good idea of what you’re getting into - common problems and common fixes.

And safe? Oh yeah. You bet. That’s why all three of my kids were given Volvos as their first cars.

 

[Dino01]

Yeah - a 12 year model run gives them time to iron out the bugs.

I just did the rear wheel hubs on the XC90 - and Volvo “added” a part - a small plastic water shield on the back side of the hub bearings. That part didn’t exist when the hubs were last done, about 10 years ago.

The angle gear (front differential) was a weak spot initially. There were both sealing issues that led to fluid loss and early failure, and the softness of the angle gear coupling, which was intended as a sacrificial part, much like a prop shear pin on a boat, but that wore out too quickly, causing a loss of AWD.

They fixed that, too.

So, by the model year you’re considering, things were pretty well sorted.

I would recommend joining, and reading, SwedeSpeed. Get a good idea of what you’re getting into - common problems and common fixes.

And safe? Oh yeah. You bet. That’s why all three of my kids were given Volvos as their first cars.

Thanks for that, yeah safety is my number one concern and I’m willing to put up with some quirks and issues for superior safety.