AWD Transmission: XC90 2009 Gearbox Replacement

[StevePortugal]

Hi,

I'm just gutted. I have a XC90 2009 LHD model with just 40,000 km on the clock. I've driven it over from the Brussels for Christmas and New Year to the UK. For a while I had been getting slight vibrations when going from what felt like 3rd to 4th or up to 5th from the geartronic box. The car has always been serviced by Volvo, and when I got it last checked before my trip they did a electronics check on the gearbox which resulted in a reset.

The vibrations have been getting more frequent and I have had the car checked by a Volvo dealer in the UK. They have told me that the fault is in the gearbox and it needs replacing. The car is drivable and there are no red lights (or amber).

I was told by the garage that Volvo may help towards the costs and every country has their own budget - so try Belgium first for the repair. After speaking to my garage in Brussels they have told me that because my car is older than 3 years it is almost certain Volvo will not participate. Even though it only has 40,000km on the clock.

Suggestions? Sympathy?

Thanks

[GJB]

I would try again Volvo will I am sure give you a contribution and threaten to sue under the sale of goods act as not being fit for purpose must have the same in Belgium as long as car has full Volvo service history.

[Arianne]

Steve, first of all....you have our sympathy. 2009 with just 40k on the clock. That's just unacceptable unless you've done some frequent, hard driving.

Very politely, you tell your dealer in Brussels that you want them to try their very best with Volvo in Belgium. The dealer has an opinion but, frankly, it'll be for the Belgium Volvo franchise holder to decide what they'll do as a good will gesture.

We had a Ford Galaxy, imported from Belgium as it happens, with UK specification supplied through Motorpoint 2000 in The West Midlands. We didn't realise that the import only came with a 2yr warranty when the UK was 3yrs. The local Ford dealer told us when we had a failed water pump. Anyway, the local dealer contacted Ford UK (yes, Ford UK even though it was sourced from a Belgium Ford dealer by Motorpoint 2000) and they agreed to cover 50% of the cost.

I think a contribution from Volvo is the best you can realistically achieve. It's unlikely you'll get the whole 100% cost covered. But I think you have a chance of getting something and you / your dealer should try.

In the UK we have a magazine, AutoExpress. I know they have a German sister magazine but I don't know about Belgium. You could google to find out. Anyway, the reason I mention AE magazine is because they take a story each week of an owner who is having difficulty with their dealer / manufacturer and run a story. First though, they try to 'persuade' the dealer / manufacturer to do the right thing and help the car owner. Most times it works and, surprise, surprise, the supplier comes up with a better offer.

Listen, you have a Volvo (Volvo for Life, as they say) and it's the flagship model in the range. If it were a Chevvy then maybe this wouldn't work but......a Volvo box shouldn't fail on a 2009, 40k km car.

We wish you the best and try and keep calm - it's business not personal. Hold the moral high ground - it's about all you've got as leverage!

Arianne

[StevePortugal]

Thanks for the support. I am going to start the ball rolling by first phoning Volvo UK tomorrow (not sure if anyone in on NYE) and telling them the situation. I feel that, as I bought the vehicle in the UK from them (Luton), that they are the first port of call.

I will update this thread and tell you how I do, and then if all else fails I will go down the Auto Express route!

Don't get me wrong as I do truly love my Volvo and was intending to buy another one, in fact I had a buyer for this one, but decided to hold on to it a bit longer until the new model came out.

Thanks