did you figure this out? My 16 xc90 just started doing this.

 

did you have your windshield replaced? Is it aftermarket or Volvo?

 

I did have it replaced after being hit with a rock on the highway, but it is a volvo windshield. Is that a known source of the problem? I just had my software update two months ago.

 

I'm having a very similar issue and so far nobody can replicate/diagnose the problem.

2017 XC90 T6 Inscription w/ 90k miles

Very intermittent vibration/shuddering that usually starts when above 70mph, and usually only lasts for a minute or two tops. Sometimes I do have to pull off the road and wait for a minute, then it is back to normal. It sometimes will go 2 to 3 weeks without having the issue, then just randomly it shakes so hard like the wheels are going to fall off. You can feel it really bad in the wheel/pedals and the whole front of the car. I find it hard to believe it's wheels/rotors/brakes/tires since it's fairly smooth 99% of the time, and when this happens it is very violent and then just goes away. Does it while coasting, under acceleration, and is more violent when braking.

I did have a new aftermarket windshield installed by Safelite several months ago, and they did the reprogramming, but I want to say this problem existed before that, but I'm not 100% positive. I find it hard to believe so many people are having this issue, especially with 2017's, and nobody has figured out the cause of this? Any help is appreciated!

 

I may be mistaken, but I don't recall the symptoms you mentioned being the same as others I've seen. The "70 mph" comment is similar, but from what I've read in the past from others, the vibration issue isn't intermittent. It either happens at speed or it doesn't.

Is your car something that you've owned since new or purchased new? Also, how long have you owned it, in terms of miles driven? Has anyone done work on the front suspension and/or inspected it recently. Lastly, have you checked the motor mounts? With the car on a lift, can the front wheels be moved from side-to-side? I'm not a mechanic, and only a moderate DIY guy, but my guess is that there's something going on with either your front suspension or the wheel bearings.

 

Thanks for the reply! Yeah the original post definitely didn't mention being intermittent but a few of the replies in here do say their issues are. I was most interested in the comment about having a windshield replaced since they have to recalibrate it, and I really don't think this problem existed before that. Definitely could be coincidence though.

There are several posts on Sweed Speed to with what sounds like the same issue, but so far none of them have an update with a fix for the problem.

Just had the suspension, brakes, wheels, tires inspected with no issues found, they are checking the prop shaft and CV joints next. If it were motor mounts, I would think it would happen more often, but those haven't been inspected yet.

I bought used with around 25k miles on it, no work done in the suspension.

 

? Re your post #44, it literally stated "Very intermittent vibration/shuddering" ??? LOL I have seen "vibration at speed" issues appear in Swedespeed. However, as my prior post mentioned, I have not noticed one that was "intermittent".

Would you mind answering the following I posted? is your car something that you've owned since new or purchased new? Also, how long have you owned it, in terms of miles driven? Has anyone done work on the front suspension and/or inspected it recently. Lastly, have you checked the motor mounts? With the car on a lift, can the front wheels be moved from side-to-side? I'm not a mechanic, and only a moderate DIY guy, but my guess is that there's something going on with either your front suspension or the wheel bearings.

 

Not trying to argue here, again I appreciate your reply and will take any help I can get on this. Posts #29 and #39 on here both imply it's intermittent and similar to the same issue I'm experiencing, that combined with the windshield comment is why I replied to this thread. That's what makes this so hard to diagnose because when you take it to a dealer or shop, they can't replicate it because it doesn't happen all the time.

I think I answered most of this in my last post, but I did buy used with around 25k on it I believe, it now has around 90k. The suspension has been checked, a long with wheels, tires, brakes. The motor mounts haven't been checked but I would think that would be more constant right?

 

Thanks for the reply. Having a long history with the car indicates that this problem just materialized after a long time of not being there. This indicates something has worn or is broken (or particually cracked). Being an intermittent problem is a bit baffling. One would think that the problem would be constant, when identical conditions are met. Some areas where I'd place particular attention are where the drive train joins with the rear axle. I believe there's a bracket there (two half rings bolted together) which positions a bearing ring. Perhaps the bolts may have loosened slightly and/or the bearing is defective. On the lift, a quick inspection, including a tug on the assembly could tell if this is some play at this joint. Another check, if it were my car, is to carefully inspect the front suspension, looking for blown gaskets and a crack in a suspension part. Again, what's baffling to me is that you describe this as an intermittent problem, which definetly makes it harder to diagnose.

If you know of an "old-school" car shop in your area, IMO this may be the best place to have your car checked out. Unfortunately, much of what goes on in most repair shops today revolves around plugging the car in a diagnostic computer, after which the remedy is relayed to the technician. IMO, your issue can best be resolved by a tech who has "wisdom", rather than computer diagnostic skills. If you located anywhere near NJ, perhaps it might be worthwhile to contact Shade Tree Gargage in Morristown, NJ (https://www.shadetreegarage.com). In another Volvo forum, I directed a person to this place, to fix his more vintage Volvo, and they did a great job. He had brought it to another Volvo specialist in Pa, but they didn't possess the skills of Shade Tree. Good luck with this, and keep us posted.

 

I had been having similar intermittent vibration. We had scanned the engine, checked transmission, changed tyres, did alignments and wheel balancing, but didn't solve the problem.

Yesterday the vibration got so intense and when we parked we noticed the right side rear suspension tracking stay arm (toe rod) was broken. We took it to a garage and got it replaces and vibrations stopped.

Do check you rear stay arm, if its bent or cracked, it can cause those intermittent vibration.