When it comes to safety, style, efficient performance and a knockout interior, few modern crossovers have earned as much praise as the Volvo XC90.
The latest-generation of this Swedish crossover flagship hit Canadian roads in 2014 for the following model year, intending to do battle with well-established competitors like the BMW X5 and Acura RDX.
In typical Volvo fashion, the XC90 boasted uniquely fresh looks, an elegantly simple cabin, virtually every safety feature on the market, and no shortage of selection, including on the powertrain front, where both conventional and plug-in-hybrid models were offered.
The latter are dubbed T8. Non-PHEV XC90 models are called T6 instead.
All models run a two-litre, four-cylinder engine with various combinations of turbocharging, supercharging, and electrification to effect various output levels. The T5 engine was turbocharged, for 254 horsepower. The T6 was turbocharged and supercharged, for 320. The T8 adds plug-in hybrid electrification, making it
Look for an automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive on all models. Up-level feature content included premium audio provisions, an adaptive air suspension, navigation, a full parking camera system, and more.
Check charging gear
If you’ll opt for the high-performance, high-efficiency XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, be sure to fully assess the charging gear as part of your test drive. Inspect the charging kit, charging cable, vehicle-mounted charge port, and the action of the charge-door release mechanism, as part of your test drive.
Any signs of damage to the wiring, electrical prongs, or the charging cable’s built-in power transformer are a good reason to replace it, to prevent possible electrocution and fire hazards. Using a damaged or sub-par charging cable is not advised.
Consider a certified pre-owned unit
Many used copies of the XC90 from this era are new enough to be offered as part of a certified pre-owned (CPO) program from a Volvo dealer.
Many owners of this vehicle (and repeat Volvo shoppers) advise that this may be the way to go for first-time shoppers: while a CPO-certified used model may have a higher asking price than one sold privately, used units sold under a manufacturer CPO program are required to meet a high quality standard.
As such, CPO-certified units tend to have more reconditioning and care applied before they’re offered for sale, and tend to be sold with all servicing, recall work, and software updates up to date.
That’s less work for the shopper in the long-run, and a reduced likelihood of possible headaches. If a CPO-certified XC90 is within your budget, don’t hesitate.
Sometimes, CPO-certified models include various perks too — like extended warranty coverage and extended roadside assistance.
Vibrations and drumming
The XC90 owner’s community has (thoroughly) documented a vibration-related issue that’s affected some owners of certain models.
Spend a few minutes or more of your test drive at sustained highway speeds, perhaps setting the cruise to 80, then 85, then 90 km/h, and so on.
Spend a moment at each speed, being on the lookout for an unwanted vibration or wobbling sensation from the vehicle beneath you, possibly accompanied by a slight ‘drumming’ sound.
Observe carefully, as this may only be apparent at a certain (specific) vehicle speed. If detected, some combination of wheel balancing, an alignment, or even axle-shaft replacement may be required.
As owners have reported mixed success rates at having dealers address this rare-but-noteworthy problem, I’d advise you move to another unit if you detect anything out of the ordinary.
Cabin water leaks
Numerous owners have reported problems with water leaks, especially on earlier versions of this machine.
If present, water leaks may have more than one source, including an improperly-installed windshield seal.
Check for water leaks by pressing your hand into every accessible portion of the vehicle’s interior carpeting (after removing the floor mats).
Pay extra attention to the area beneath the dashboard. Check the ceiling liner for signs of water staining, as well.
A safety recall was issued to address this problem, in some cases. Recall work of this nature is performed, free of charge, by dealers, to address a latent safety defect. If you notice any signs of water leakage, contact a dealer service advisor for next steps, or to see if the recall applies to the specific model you’re considering. Or, move to another unit.
Transmission testing
Most XC90 owners have not reported problems with their transmissions, though a few have had clumsy shifting or other forms of sub-optimal operation corrected by a simple software update, where a dealer technician wipes out and reprograms the transmission’s computer brain.
On your test drive, operate the XC90 (where appropriate) multiple times with light, moderate, and full throttle.
Take any signs of harsh or clumsy shifting, any banging or lurching sensations, or any failure of the vehicle to respond as expected, as sign to have a professional investigate further.
The information presented above is gathered from online owner discussion groups and collaboration with a network of automotive repair professionals. The above information is not a comprehensive list of all possible issues with the vehicle in question and is instead intended to draw shopper attention to possible trouble spots they may wish to investigate before they buy. In most cases, problems listed above are reported with relative rarity in comparison to total sales volume. Shoppers are advised to have a dealer-performed pre-purchase inspection on the vehicle they’re considering.
