ERAD Questions

[NB99]

Hi

New to the forum. Wasn't sure whether to start a new thread or add this to the sticky on the subject? Given sticky seems fairly old I thought I'd start a new one - apologies if not correct.

I'm looking to buy a "new" (second hand) hybrid estate and had lined up the V90. I then read the sticky about the ERAD issues so now am clearly having second thoughts. I've tried to find the info in the forum but can't find 2 questions (plus have a 3rd one):
1. Is it only the V90 that's affected or is the V60 as well?
2. Is it all V90s or was the problem solved after a certain year?
3. Am I crazy considering buying a secondhand one 4-5 years old when it could suddenly come down with the problem costing me £5k+? If so, how is there any second hand market in it?

Thanks

NB

[Cull06]

Originally Posted by NB99

Hi

New to the forum. Wasn't sure whether to start a new thread or add this to the sticky on the subject? Given sticky seems fairly old I thought I'd start a new one - apologies if not correct.

I'm looking to buy a "new" (second hand) hybrid estate and had lined up the V90. I then read the sticky about the ERAD issues so now am clearly having second thoughts. I've tried to find the info in the forum but can't find 2 questions (plus have a 3rd one):
1. Is it only the V90 that's affected or is the V60 as well?
2. Is it all V90s or was the problem solved after a certain year?
3. Am I crazy considering buying a secondhand one 4-5 years old when it could suddenly come down with the problem costing me £5k+? If so, how is there any second hand market in it?

Thanks

NB

1. All T8 engines are affected. Anecdotally it seems to normally be the larger vehicles. Particularly the xc90 as the largest. Again anecdotally I do wonder whether that is because the erad is having to work harder with the heavier weight involved. Though I have no evidence to support that theory.

2. Allegedly was solved from, well I’ve heard a number of years suggested but 2019 models onwards I think it was. Except that there has already been at least one case on here of an erad failiure on a newer vehicle than that.

3. That’s up to you. Personally I would make sure Ive got a warranty that will cover it. Which I will be doing soon enough myself.

I think it’s a scandal frankly. Volvo should be ashamed.

[NB99]

Originally Posted by Cull06

1. All T8 engines are affected. Anecdotally it seems to normally be the larger vehicles. Particularly the xc90 as the largest. Again anecdotally I do wonder whether that is because the erad is having to work harder with the heavier weight involved. Though I have no evidence to support that theory.

2. Allegedly was solved from, well I’ve heard a number of years suggested but 2019 models onwards I think it was. Except that there has already been at least one case on here of an erad failiure on a newer vehicle than that.

3. That’s up to you. Personally I would make sure Ive got a warranty that will cover it. Which I will be doing soon enough myself.

I think it’s a scandal frankly. Volvo should be ashamed.

Thanks for your reply. Sadly doesn't fill me with confidence (though I'd much rather know all this now than after a purchase!). My tactic with my last car was buy (Audi A6 estate) 4 year old car and use for 10 years - worked really well. But I'm not going to get a warranty to cover that long here so I'd have the fear of ERAD failure hanging over me at all times. Shame. In every other way seemed a great car for my needs. Thanks again.

[Kingmunky]

Originally Posted by NB99

Thanks for your reply. Sadly doesn't fill me with confidence (though I'd much rather know all this now than after a purchase!). My tactic with my last car was buy (Audi A6 estate) 4 year old car and use for 10 years - worked really well. But I'm not going to get a warranty to cover that long here so I'd have the fear of ERAD failure hanging over me at all times. Shame. In every other way seemed a great car for my needs. Thanks again.

I've got a 2017 XC90 which had the ERAD failure, repaired under warranty which I just renewed today by chance. I understand that as I've had the Volvo warranty from the day I got the car (2nd hand) that I will be able to get it in future providing I keep it serviced etc at a main dealers.

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by NB99

Thanks for your reply. Sadly doesn't fill me with confidence (though I'd much rather know all this now than after a purchase!). My tactic with my last car was buy (Audi A6 estate) 4 year old car and use for 10 years - worked really well. But I'm not going to get a warranty to cover that long here so I'd have the fear of ERAD failure hanging over me at all times. Shame. In every other way seemed a great car for my needs. Thanks again.

Why not get a V90 but not the T8 variant then?

[Ulrikas PA]

Originally Posted by Kingmunky

I've got a 2017 XC90 which had the ERAD failure, repaired under warranty which I just renewed today by chance. I understand that as I've had the Volvo warranty from the day I got the car (2nd hand) that I will be able to get it in future providing I keep it serviced etc at a main dealers.

Yes, I think it's up to 10 years old that it can be re-warranted, although presumably it will be expensive when we get to 8 and 9 years old.

[NB99]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

Why not get a V90 but not the T8 variant then?

My driving is perfect for a hybrid - about 85% driving in city, relatively short distances, 10-15% long driving on motorway. Can plug in easily at home. Hybrid makes a lot of sense I think.

[sandys]

Originally Posted by NB99

My driving is perfect for a hybrid - about 85% driving in city, relatively short distances, 10-15% long driving on motorway. Can plug in easily at home. Hybrid makes a lot of sense I think.

Certainly working out for us but this is compared to an inefficient diesel 4x4

Whilst failures are concerning, there's been a lot of these powertrains sold over the years and people without problems won't often visit the internet.

GKN has made millions of the things provided for a number of manufacturers, problems don't seem that widespread, of course it would be better if there were no problems ever.

Not sure any car is going to do no problems ever for 15yrs mind you.

[NB99]

Originally Posted by sandys

Certainly working out for us but this is compared to an inefficient diesel 4x4

Whilst failures are concerning, there's been a lot of these powertrains sold over the years and people without problems won't often visit the internet.

GKN has made millions of the things provided for a number of manufacturers, problems don't seem that widespread, of course it would be better if there were no problems ever.

Not sure any car is going to do no problems ever for 15yrs mind you.

No I'm not hoping for miracles, just trying to steer clear of "known issues" which cost a lot. Had to replace all 6 injectors in my Audi which was a "known problem" I didn't know about when I bought it. Cost €2500 to replace. Thankfully that was the only "surprise" I got from it. So am just determined to avoid known issues this time, even though I take your point about the number that don't have issues that we never hear about.

[Kingmunky]

Originally Posted by Ulrikas PA

Yes, I think it's up to 10 years old that it can be re-warranted, although presumably it will be expensive when we get to 8 and 9 years old.

Well the price has been pretty consistent for me at ~£660 each year, but this year it jumped to £757; whether that's linked to inflation at the moment or I'll see increases from here onwards remains to be seen.