Just over a month ago, I purchased my 5th or 6th Volvo, my 3rd XC90. Unfortunately, I spend more time driving loaner cars than the truck I bought. Within a week of purchasing the "certified pre-owned" 2013 XC90 it was brought back to Volvo dealership because the air conditioner wasn't cooling at all. Damper motors replaced, problem "corrected"... I'm still deciding if this is true. Doesn't feel as cool as it should.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, I've noticed the idle jumping up and down irregularly, seems consistent with 2 and 3 gear shifting - up or down. At times seems to struggle for power, can't get up and go as it should. Whining sound at low rates of speed, and exhaust in park on regular basis (no correlation to weather - I live in tropical climate) It's the amount of exhaust you would expect from a big rig in Canada in dead winter.

I started doing some more extensive research using VIN and have found no reported accidents, however, the drive shaft was replaced at 35k miles (just before I bought it - although it wasn't reported at that time) and other small items have been worked on. Problems all seems very inconsistent with what a 2013 XC90 with 35K miles should come along with - unless, it happens to be one of the "special" Volvo's with fatal transmission problems.

I am headed back to dealership tomorrow to drive with the engineer who has had truck for over a week and can't seem to replicate problems, and the truck isn't indicating any faults. Seeing as I'm about ready to leave the truck right where it is and tell them I'll be back with a lawyer, I'm open to any guidance someone might provide. I know the particular issues that I'm experiencing are widely reported by other owners.

First, does anyone know WHY AN XC90 WITH 35K MILES WOULD HAVE THE DRIVE SHAFT REPLACED? Is this normal? It was just prior to the previous owner giving up the truck. Any guidance as to the combo of sounds and other issues might be?

Thank you!!

 

You left out a word from your sentence about exhaust. You just sort of said the car "has exhaust" and so that is not clear.


Replacement of the driveshaft is a normal wear item, but I have no idea whether it needed it or not. You would think not.

 

Normal? No. But that's what warranty is for.