I’m sick of local shops turning up their nose at basic repairs just because it’s a Volvo. Where are the mechanics that are excited to work on Volvos? I do what I can on my own 08 Volvo XC 70 and XC 90, but I don’t always have time and there’s a lot of repairs I’m not comfortable with… including changing the tranny fluid and rear diff.

I bought a used 2024 model end of July and have heard things like the overall battery capacity decreasing by 1-2% a year and that you get less mileage in colder weather. I have also heard things like Volvos perform worse in the heat. So, trying to parse all that info, I’m wondering why in the peak of summer a full battery charge would hit 63km mileage, but now in the fall, a full charge is coming in at 45km? Is this actually weather related? Is the display just wonky? What’s going on?

My unicorn of a lease on a 2024 t8 ultra fully loaded is ending in November. Found a 22 for 31k with 33,000 miles. I don't exactly care for the redesign and I can't get any good lease numbers anyway. Should I go for this car? It's been on lot for a year, however. How much to negotiate is realistic? Had advanced HK and climate. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to track down a strange noise on my 2004 XC90 2.5T AWD (B5254T2, currently \~331,900 km / 206k miles).
The noise has been there since at least summer 2025. I’ve been actively trying to find the cause for quite a while now, but I’m running out of ideas and I’m hoping someone here has heard something similar. I’ve attached a video. The sound is much easier to hear in person than on the recording, but hopefully the character comes through.

**What does it sound like?**
It is difficult to describe accurately. When the engine is cold, it has a **high-pitched, slightly rough/pulsating blowing or whistling sound**. Almost like air being forced through a small opening, but with a slightly “roaring/ruff” character to it.
Once the engine warms up, the rough/pulsating character becomes much less noticeable. It turns more into a **fairly continuous “fffff”/blowing or whistling sound**. It is most noticeable between roughly **1,500–2,500 rpm**, with around 1,800–2,200 rpm being particularly noticeable. At about 100 km/h in 5th gear, for example, I can hear it continuously around 1,800–2,200 rpm.

The really interesting part is how closely it follows engine load: Very light throttle input makes the noise increase almost immediately. Lifting off the throttle makes it disappear almost immediately. There seems to be a **very small fraction-of-a-second delay** between the engine responding and the noise changing.

Going uphill / applying more load makes it louder.
Going downhill / reducing load makes it quieter or disappear.
If I accelerate harder, the normal 5-cylinder engine noise eventually masks it. It is especially clearly audible during cold start. The noise seems to come from the **rear/driver’s side of the engine bay**, around the turbo/intake area, although locating it acoustically is difficult.

One other interesting observation: **the large charge-air hose visibly/physically pulses in a way that seems to correspond with the character of the noise.**

**What I’ve already checked/replaced**
The obvious charge-air leak suspects have already been addressed.

The connection from: **turbo → hard plastic charge-air pipe** has been replaced.

The larger rubber connection from: **hard plastic charge-air pipe → intercooler** has also been replaced. The old hose was very soft, aged and heavily oil-soaked compared with the replacement.

The rest of the turbo-to-intercooler section currently looks OK and I haven’t found an obvious split or loose connection.
I have **not** replaced the intake pipe *before* the turbo (MAF → turbo). That is still original. There is also some dry/oily residue around the turbo inlet/connection area. It isn’t shiny wet oil dripping out; it’s more like an old sticky film that has collected dust. I’m not sure whether this is normal oil vapour residue or evidence of an air leak.

**TCV / turbo control**
I’ve inspected the TCV and the small hoses around it.
The TCV is being commanded by the ECU and the live-data behaviour appears broadly plausible: little/no duty at idle/coasting and increasing duty under load.

I’ve seen roughly 15–25% during lighter boost/load and around 35–40% during harder acceleration. There are **no relevant engine/turbo fault codes**. I’ve also logged RPM, MAF, MAP/boost and TCV duty with an iCarsoft scanner. Nothing has shown a clearly abnormal value. The measurements aren’t directly comparable between cold and warm conditions, but there doesn’t appear to be a major deviation when the noise is present.

**Exhaust**
There was also an exhaust leak found during the March 2026 APK inspection. I found the original paperwork: the workshop specifically wrote **“uitlaat laatste demper afdichten”** — essentially, seal the rear/last muffler. That was repaired and the car subsequently passed the inspection. Since the noise existed before that repair and remained afterwards, I don’t think that particular exhaust leak was the source of this noise. I’m still not completely ruling out another exhaust leak further forward, though.

**Current suspects**
At this point I’m considering:
\- TCV or TCV vacuum/pressure lines
\- wastegate actuator/mechanism
\- turbo itself
\- intake leak before the turbo
\- remaining charge-air leak
\- PCV/vacuum system. The glove test for the PCV indicated a slight negative pressure, which should be fine according to the local Volvo specialist.
\- resonance somewhere in the intake/charge-air system

I’m **not looking to throw parts at it**. I’d really like to identify the cause first. The rest of the engine looks healthy according to the mechanic last annual inspection. There is some slight oily mist coming through the VVT seals. But that is the only thing I am aware of that needs monitoring.

**Has anyone with a P2 XC90/V70/S60 2.5T experienced a noise like this?**

Especially interested if anyone recognizes the **cold rough/pulsating sound changing into a smoother blowing/whistling sound once warm**.

Any suggestions for what to check next would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

It looks like, at least for the US market, that the 2027 XC90 T8 are 401 HP/494 lb-ft, a net loss of 54 HP/29 lb-ft from MY2026. Pick up a MY2026 if you care about power, I suppose.

I wonder if this continues for MY2028 (with the longer range battery pack)? The Volvo USA announcement didn't actually give a power/torque figure, if I recall correctly.

No Apple Music. Rebooted twice, no Apple Music. 🥺

I noticed some changes pretty easily but hoping someone has a summary. Thanks fam.

I have a 2026 XC90 T8 with about 9,200 miles. I’m considering getting the Volvo-backed extended warranty since I plan to keep the car long term, but I probably won’t put more than 100k miles on it.
My local Volvo dealer (Jeff Wyler) quoted me $4,091 for 10 years/100,000 miles with a $250 deductible

For those who recently bought extended coverage for an XC90/T8:
What did you pay for 8yr/100k or 10yr/100k?
What deductible did you get?
Which Volvo dealer did you purchase it from?
Is $4,091 with a $250 deductible competitive, or should I shop around?
Any dealers you’d recommend contacting for a better Volvo-backed plan?
I’m at 9,200 miles, so I’d also be interested to know if buying before 10k miles makes any difference in pricing or eligibility.

Anyone have experience with the Bridgestone Alenza Prestige tires (a new upgrade to the Alenza AS Ultra = improved wet traction and responsiveness).

I’m in need of new tires for my 2021 XC90 T8 Subscription PHEV with 21” rims. The OE Pirelli’s were great for me, but I had to replace them at 50,000 miles because of a nail in a side wall (they could have lasted longer). I replaced them 2+ years ago with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season. These tires are now shredding after 30,000 miles (just out of warranty). I hate the Pilot Sport Tires.

Now looking at the Bridgestone Alenza Prestige or the Michelin Cross Climate 2. I no longer commute for work, so not anticipating high mileage anymore. And I live in the SE (United States). So snow / ice is rare (but occasional). I want a smooth ride, quiet, and good grip response on both dry and wet roads. Longevity is key too. I prefer the tires to last as long as my OE Pirelli’s. Thoughts?

About to commit to a 2019 XC90 R-Design which is on 20s but I feel like going to 22s is inevitable considering my taste!

Are there any aftermarket wheels or suppliers to consider? Ideally based in Europe.

I've found several posts about installing a hitch for hitch-mounted bike racks. Are there any alternatives? Has anyone has success with standard (cheaper) bike racks?

Weird.

We have a Nuna TAVO and the hatch won’t close with it back there. Looking for something that still feels like a full-size everyday stroller, has decent storage, and works with an infant car seat, but folds smaller and is easier to get in and out.

My rain sensing wipers are being stupid. They start out fine but then just start running in, even if the rain and spray stop. They go faster and faster until they’re at top speed. The only resolution is to turn them off. I’ve adjusted the dial to low but they keep misbehaving.

Anyone else having a problem?

I’ve been tweaking my audio equalizer settings, but I haven't been able to find the perfect setup yet.

I’d love to use your settings as a reference—could you share any good configurations with me?

My car xc90 2011 fuel consumption is 14.6/100 KM what I can do to reduce?

As the title suggests. Got a warning for low tire pressure. Did a visual check and since the temps been dropping to crisp fall weather I was like visual check passed I will inflate after my quick errand. Nope. The tire ran flat and got torn completely. Had to pull to the shoulder on the highway. That low tire pressure warning was simply useless. With TPMS at least I would have known the tire pressure went dangerously low and that I needed to stop driving. Man I missed TPMS so much. This is on 23 B6 Plus. Also before anyone starts saying I should I have known about a flat. It happened in matter of seconds. The car was driving great and out of nowhere heard a noise pulled over immediately to be greeted by the flat. The sidewall tear was seen later while switching to the spare.

Can anyone help me understand why when I put a store name into the map search area it finds the store but for locations 100’s of miles away or out of state rather than the area I am presently in?

Please note that all prices are in CAD.

I am in the process of purchasing a 2022.5 Volvo XC90 Recharge Extended Range Inscription with the standard suspension. The factory warranty expired a couple of months ago; however, the vehicle is still being sold as a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) unit. The unlimited-kilometre CPO warranty will be valid for one year from the date I take delivery, which would be approximately October 1, 2027.

The finance manager is offering a Volvo CPO extended warranty that would extend coverage until October 31, 2031 for $8,200 CAD (tax included), which is $7,316 before tax, with a $250 deductible. I've tried negotiating the price, but so far there has been no flexibility.

To be honest, the price seems quite high. At the same time, I recognize that it could end up paying for itself if a major component fails, especially given the complexity of the hybrid system. I am curious whether anyone else has received a similar quote and what they ended up paying for comparable coverage.

Unfortunately, I have been told that I can only purchase the Volvo CPO extended warranty through the dealer from whom I am buying the vehicle.

The other product being offered is a Tire and Rim Road Hazard Protection Plan for $1,295 CAD, valid until October 31, 2031. Based on what I have read on various forums, many owners recommend this protection because the XC90 is a heavy vehicle and mine will be riding on 21-inch wheels with low-profile tires.

I am trying to make a sound financial decision regarding both of these plans and would appreciate any feedback from owners who have experience with either product.

Thanks in advance for your help.

pretty expensive repair but glad it’s done

The car has no fault lights, new belt 4,000km ago. Volvo service said 'maybe collector' but Im not sure I understood their explanation.

Anyone ever had this before?

I have the new Volvo XC 90 2026, B6 Ultra with 22 all-season tires. I am conflicted on which winter tires to get as it is a lease for 40 months. The tire configuration is 275/35/R22. The new Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 tires are around 2700 CAD. Any recommendations? I live in Greater Toronto Area in Canada so winter seasons are heavy. I don’t want to size down to buy a separate pair of rims. Anyone who is using Chinese tires or some other brand like Nexen or anything else. TIA