XC90 D5, literally the worst car ever owned. Broken Again

[jmot]

As some of you know, we have had non stop serious mechanical problems with our 17 reg D5 XC90

What with Xmas and new years since the last fault we didn't get around to complaining to Lex to try start the process of getting the car swapped or allow us out the lease. Started that today.

Enough is blooming enough. Zero confidence in Volvo now. Most unreliable car we have ever owned.

3 breakdowns in 3 months, roughly 1000 miles apart.

Faults include: total 4wd failure with broken and replaced rear diff, Power pulse hose cracked and replaced, power pulse hose again, cracked valve head leaking oil and burning off, cracked cam shaft seal leaking oil and burning off, many sensus problems, jerky auto box, wonky lane keep assist, and the STINK of the car.. the fumes it gives off, I've complained several times. In and out the dealer more times than I can mention now.

Car has just under 18k miles now.

Last night noticed a tappet sound from engine on idle.

This am, car did it again and the STINK. Noticed in traffic the strong smell of emissions in the car. Not convinced it was a car in front. Got on a47 and it went into limp mode, just managed pull off to back roads before having to join the busy a1m and made it to nippers school to have the car recovered by roadside assist....

AGAIN. Currently awaiting a Thrifty loaner, again.

I have zero clue WTF might be wrong with it now other than suspecting the DPF but not sure about the tappet sound on idle..

[Deman77]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you can get to your new car soon.
These are awful problems to have but I would limit the focus of your displeasure to this particular vehicle and not volvo as a brand as they appear to be fairly solid as far as mechanical problems go and dealers on average are very good.
Can’t blame you if you want to draw the line and try something else - chances are every little thing going not as expected would drive you nuts if you get another xc90 - I know it took me a long time to get used to the gearbox - it’s truly inadequate. With different brand you would probably sweep small issues under the carpet since you will almost certainly not have such massive mechanical problems with whatever car you choose so it would be a positive ownership experience.

[jmot]

oh i'll bitch and moan about any car from any brand within 5k miles

There is always "something" to annoy..

[Deman77]

Originally Posted by jmot

oh i'll bitch and moan about any car from any brand within 5k miles

There is always "something" to annoy..

In which case get another xc90 - better the devil you know and no way these cars are unreliable so you next one will be good. Unless you fancy a change. The new merc will be nice with s class suspension but it will come with merc reliability and dealers. Whatever you say about volvo the dealers listen and volvo uk finally gets things done. For merc you are so unspecial.

[Deman77]

Oh and no one wants to steal a volvo - that counts for a lot. The only case of stolen volvo ever ever is a massive thread on this forum.

[jmot]

slightly depressing shopping lease deals thisavo...

New A6 Avant Quattro and new VW Touareg are like for like prices.

I guess will have to see what Lex/VCL say. The complaint is in. 5 days to investigate and reply.

[jmot]

Update: Broken fuel injector no1. Leaking fuel, hence absolute stink entering cabin.

They quite reasonably stated they cannot look into other issues until this is fixed.

So, the last 3 issues, exactly(ish) 1 month and 1,000ish miles apart are:

Cracked valve head
Cracked camshaft seal
Broken injector

Will get a response from VCL/Lex next week.

[ThorV70]

Originally Posted by jmot

Update: Broken fuel injector no1. Leaking fuel, hence absolute stink entering cabin.

They quite reasonably stated they cannot look into other issues until this is fixed.

So, the last 3 issues, exactly(ish) 1 month and 1,000ish miles apart are:

Cracked valve head
Cracked camshaft seal
Broken injector

Will get a response from VCL/Lex next week.

Not great for a relatively new low mileage car........I can understand you wanting to switch to Audi. I'm lucky I run a V70 D5 (10 year old, faultless), an A4 Avant (10 year old) faultless and a 2 year old c class AMG line, lots of niggles.....

[JC888]

Sorry to hear that. For the price Volvo are charging for the XC90 you'd expect a better quality product.

I suppose that's why Volvo not doing too good in reliability rankings.

[mr rusty]

As a new Volvo owner I spent a fair bit of time trawling various forums to try and get an overall picture of problems and issues, and from where I am sitting mostly it's small niggles. You seem to be one of the very few with actual mechanical problems that stop you using the vehicle. No comfort, I know.

If Volvo's had loads of major problems I would expect to see many more reports on here - there are enough out there.