Transmission Fluid Leaking problems of the 2004 Volvo XC90

Three problems related to transmission fluid leaking have been reported for the 2004 Volvo XC90. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Volvo XC90 based on all problems reported for the 2004 XC90.

1 Transmission Fluid Leaking problem

Failure Date: 04/10/2017

When I brought my car to ramsey Volvo for service, Volvo recommended the angle gear reseal service because the angle gear box is leaking as shown in the attached picture. Upon further research, I found that this is a very common issue with all Volvo Xc90s, so much so that it can be classified as a manufacturer defect, and qualifies as a recall in my opinion. The angle gear box is an undisturbed part and is supposed to be sealed for the lifetime of the car. When the fluid in the angle gear box is completely leaked out, which is something with no indication whatsoever, the car would lose all wheel drive according to Volvo. When that happens in a slippery situation with ice or snow, the car is most likely to lose control and would lead to a serious accident with potential loss of lives. I would like Volvo to voluntarily recall all Volvo Xc90s to fix all leaking angle gear boxes so no lives would be lost.

2 Transmission Fluid Leaking problem

Failure Date: 02/24/2011

In the winter of 2011 while driving my car in heavy rush hour traffic in the chicago area the transmission failed suddenly and lost all power which was very dangerous and concerning. I was barley able to get to the side of the road without power and without endangering the other vehicles around me. The repairs required that my transmission be rebuilt, drive train gears replaced, and my radiator replaced which took four weeks and cost $7,000. The transmission failed because coolant from the radiator leaked into the transmission fluid. My vehicle was maintained per the manufactures requirement including a transmission fluid change less than a year earlier. It is obvious from a simple google search that this is a common problem due to defective parts and manufacturing. Even more obvious because Volvo will only warranty a replacement transmission if the radiator and other transmission parts are replaced. I also had to replace both rear wheel bearings earlier (about $400 each) only to find out that this also is a common problem suspected to be due to over tightening of straps during shipment. Contacted Volvo on 10/31/11 and they refused any responsibility for the repairs even though it is well document that there are manufacturing defects with several vehicles and this is not an isolated incident. I was told since it is not a recall they will not address it.

3 Transmission Fluid Leaking problem

Failure Date: 04/25/2008

I was driving back from the store and the transmission started to slip. I turned around to move the car from my parking garage to the street and the transmission warning light came on as my car stopped accelerating as I parked. The car had been serviced by the dealer 2 days prior including a service and transmission fluid flush. The vehicle had 45,000 miles on it. The dealer replaced the transmission (under our extended warranty) and said the coolant had leaked into the transmission.




Safety Ratings of XC90 Cars
Fuel Economy of XC90 Vehicles
XC90 Service Bulletins
XC90 Safety Recalls
XC90 Defect Investigations