Volvo XC90 Engine Problems

Turbocharger in 2006 Volvo XC-90 smoking despite being replaced

Answered by CarsGuide 1 May 2024

The first thing to figure out is what type of smoke it is; oil smoke or fuel smoke. If the smoke is black, then it’s probably excess fuel that is being injected into the engine. If the smoke is a bluish-grey, then it’s likely to be oil smoke. The major causes of oil smoke are worn piston rings or valve guides and their seals. If it’s either of those thing, it will be a fairly major repair bill.

But it would also be worth checking the crankcase ventilation system as this can cause an engine to smoke, too, and is a much simpler fix.

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Are the any issues with the transmission or engine in the 2009 Volvo XC90 diesel?

Answered by CarsGuide 10 Sep 2020

There are many variables that can determine how reliable or or otherwise a vehicle can be, especially one that's 11-years-old. A full Volvo dealer-stamped service history, careful owners and pure luck all play a role here, and should be a prerequisite. 

Research shows that the XC90's D5 diesel engine's injectors have been known to fail, and this can be an expensive fix. This may or not be associated with power-loss issues.

Blown turbos, electrical faults and overheating problems have also been reported multiple times.

Some earlier XC90s have been known to suffer from complete transmission failure, reportedly preceded by "strange" noises before bringing the car to a total stop. It seems regular full transmission servicing really reduces the instances of this happening, so again, insist on a fully-stamped service book from authorised Volvo dealers or specialists. 

While not strictly speaking mechanical, the Volvo's sunroof can leak, and this can become very costly to rectify. Neglecting this problem can then lead to electrical failures and water ingress damage inside the cabin.

Our research shows the XC90 D5 of your vintage is no more likely to break down than most European rival luxury SUVs of the same period, which is reasonably good news, though Japanese alternatives do perform better generally.

We hope this helps.

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XC90 overheated

Answered by CarsGuide 3 Jul 2015

The engine cannot have been running without coolant for a month. I think you're going to have some difficulty in proving your claim that there was a problem with the car when you bought it.

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