What weaknesses does the Volvo XC90 1 have?

The Volvo 2.4L D5 (Diesel, 163–200 PS) comes with 3 different engines: D5244T (2002–2006, Be Careful) und D5244T4 (2005–2014, Stay Away!) und D5244T10 (2009–2014, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.4L D5!

The Volvo 2.4L (Benziner, 170 PS) has the B5244S2 (2.4L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.5L Turbo (Benziner, 209 PS) has the B5254T2 (2.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.9L T6 (Benziner, 272 PS) has the B6294T (2.9L T6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 3.2L (Benziner, 238–243 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B6324S (2006–2014, Be Careful) und B6324S5 (2006–2014, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.2L!

The Volvo 4.4L V8 (Benziner, 315 PS) has the B8444S (4.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

	Weakness	Cost
✖	Aisin Warner automatic: harsh, abrupt gear changes The Aisin Warner AW55-50/51SN gearbox in the XC90 I is regarded as its biggest weakness: from 100,000 km it shifts harshly and with unusually long gear-change intervals. Valve body faults often require a complete transmission overhaul. Symptoms: Harsh shifting without warning, elevated revs during gear changes, gearbox goes into limp mode from 100,000 km Ad AW55-50SN Ventilblock Volvo Automatikgearbox XC90 I Überholung Geartronic XC90 Ventilkörper	High
✖	Haldex AWD coupling and transfer case failure The Haldex all-wheel drive system on early XC90 models (pre-2007) shows wear at the coupling and differential. If the damage is not corrected, the entire drivetrain can fail. Symptoms: Car behaves like FWD on ice, grinding noise when cornering, AWD warning from 100,000 km Ad Haldex XC90 I transfer case XC90 2003 Allradclutch Volvo XC90	High

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Below Average

957 complaints · 2002–2014

Electrical

276 ⚠ 4

Powertrain

275 ⚠ 2

Engine

Engine & Cooling

Fuel System

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (276 complaints)

⚠ Powertrain (275 complaints)

⚠ Engine (85 complaints)

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the Volvo XC90 1 (2002–2014) — 42 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: D5244T4 (2.4L D5). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Steering, Electronics. Considered reliable: B6324S5 (3.2L).

XC90 (D5244T, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Injector seal leaking (Black Death), Timing belt + water pump, EGR valve sooted. Power: 163 PS.

XC90 (D5244T4, 2005–2014) — Stay Away!: Injector seal leaking (Black Death), Swirl flap linkage breaks, Timing belt + water pump. Power: 185 PS.

XC90 (D5244T10, 2009–2014) — Be Careful: Injector seal leaking, Swirl flap linkage breaks, Timing belt + water pump. Power: 200 PS.

XC90 (B5244S2, 2002–2014) — Be Careful: Timing belt replacement mandatory, PCV oil separator clogged, Water pump and radiator susceptible at higher mileage. Power: 170 PS.

XC90 (B5254T2, 2002–2014) — Be Careful: Timing belt + water pump mandatory, PCV oil separator clogged, Turbo drain pipe seal leaking. Power: 209 PS.

XC90 (B6294T, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Gearbox overloaded by torque, Timing belt + camshaft adjusters, Water pump bearing fails prematurely. Power: 272 PS.

XC90 (B8444S, 2005–2014) — Be Careful: Balance shaft bearing fails (critical), Timing chain wears due to balance shaft failure, Water pump and cooling system. Power: 315 PS.

XC90 (B6324S, 2006–2014) — Be Careful: READ unit (thrust bearing) fails, READ unit bearing failure (up to 2010), Camshaft end plugs leaking. Power: 238–243 PS.

What to watch out for with the Volvo XC90? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Volvo XC90 1 have? +

The Volvo XC90 1 has 42 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Volvo XC90 1? +

faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: B6324S5 (3.2L). The most reliable engine is the B6324S5 (3.2L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the B8444S (4.4L V8). Problem engine: D5244T4 (2.4L D5) — stay away!

Which Volvo XC90 1 engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Volvo XC90 1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Volvo XC90 1 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Volvo XC90 1 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 315 hp Yamaha V8 in the XC90: commanding power, pleasant V8 sound. Impressively quick for an SUV of this class.

Is the Volvo XC90 1 worth buying used? +

The Volvo XC90 1 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Volvo XC90 1? +

The Volvo XC90 1 is available with engine variants from 163 to 315 hp. Petrol: B5244S2 (2.4L), B5254T2 (2.5L Turbo), B6294T (2.9L T6), B6324S (3.2L), B6324S5 (3.2L), B8444S (4.4L V8). Diesel: D5244T (2.4L D5), D5244T4 (2.4L D5), D5244T10 (2.4L D5).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee