I am in the market for a crossover/suv with 3rd row seating. Have been looking for over a month now and test drove around 12 of them. Almost settled on Lexus GX or Toyota HL in the end. While the 2016 XC90 was one of the first picks and still the favorite in terms of looks, features, finish, fuel economy, handling, and 3rd row capacity, the reliability concerns are holding me back. This is the main reason for the lean towards Lexus / Toyota. However, stopped by again at Volvo today after a negotiation broke down at the Toyota for a HL platinum. I was smitten again by how good the XC90 is. The sales person informed me the concerns with software glitches have been fixed and they are able to put it on all the vehicles they have in stocks plus they are fixing all incoming ones as well, so the check engine light won't go off like it was doing in some cars.

Anyhow, my concern is more of long term ownership, I'd like to keep my cars for long periods, at least 10 years, and am worried about how reliable these are going to be. Also, a minor concern is Volvo USA as a unit may not exist for that long.

Confused as heck about what to do ..

 

There have been a lot of issues, but as you were told, almost everything has been software issues.

Volvo will be just fine. They are building a new plant in the US and within 3 years, the current XC90 will be the oldest car they offer.

 

I'm personally disappointed in Volvo in that they've taken the easy road going with Daytime Running Lights and red rear signal indicators (blinkers). All EU manufacturers are going this route it seems but I thought Volvo, with its safety first mindset would hold out but nooooo.

 

What?

 

New to this forum and I am interested in following this thread closely. My wife is ready to spring on her first luxury SUV and the XC90 is at the top of the list so far. This is still in the planning stage but it is by far the most expensive vehicle we have ever purchased and we want to be comfortable with our decision. She has narrowed it down to Volvo, Lexis, BMW and the Toyota Highlander. I look forward to any help in this decision. Thanks in advance....

 

We have had ours for three weeks - love it! No issues or problems to report. With all the technology there is a learning curve to get all the features and functions set up and adjusted. Considered Merc, Audi, BMW, Lexus but kept coming back to the XC90. This is our second Volvo but haven't had one for 10 years. Kept the last one 10 years and it was a very good vehicle - bought it for my wife the day we found out she was expecting our first. New XC90 really shows how far Volvo has come and IMO distinguishes itself from the competition quite well.

 

I posted this to the SwedeSpeed forum and I figured I'd post it here as well. Mine has had various issues that have been annoying such as the B&W speakers vibrating in the door panels, the seat adjustment screen popping up randomly all the time and random software errors happen occasionally.

That being said, I have pretty much forgotten about these issues because my car has now been into the dealer twice for water leaking into the rear cabin and soaking the rear 1/3rd of the headliner, which also left streaks and moisture around the B&W speakers, which I'm sure are damaged. This has occurred to others on the forum, and one was actually diagnosed as a faulty sunroof drain, however Volvo corporate has neglected to communicate with dealerships regarding this issue, and so my dealership is in the dark and doesn't have a clue.

 

Yes, I am also narrowing down choices. I had a '99 Isuzu Trooper, which I loved but got rid of it for an '05 Toyota XLE when kids came into the picture. I have 243,000 miles on the minivan, and have not had problems with it until I replaced the starter two weeks ago. The Honda Pilot offers lots of drink holders and charging ports, but I can't get over how it feels cheap on the interior. I am really liking the roominess of the XC90, but am concerned about reliability & cost to own. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience.