The Volvo company is famous for many things including the invention of the three-point safety belt system, the patent of which they opened to all vehicle manufacturers to use in their design without cost. Volvo is also the first to introduce a rearward-facing child seat and more recently, collision avoidance functions and run-off-road protection systems.
Related: New vs old Volvo XC90: what are top 4 differences?
These safety systems and more are just a few of the reasons why customers opt for the XC90 SUV. The model is the flagship in the Swedish automaker's product portfolio and was recently updated. The latest iteration of the XC90 offers new wheels, new exterior colours and a new grille. Most notably the updated model also offers a new six-seat configuration.
The XC90 range comes in nine derivatives which come fitted with a variety of powertrain options ranging from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, a simultaneously supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine, and even a petrol-electric hybrid. But the question we are asking is what happens when something goes wrong? Well, let us find out.
Warranty
If you purchased a new Volvo XC90 you will be happy to know that your vehicle is covered under a manufacturer warranty for 5-years or 100 000 km, whichever comes first. As part of the cover, you as an owner also gain access to a 5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. This means that if you find yourself stranded next to the road, you can call on this service to come and assist you with your vehicle.
Even if you purchased a used Volvo XC90 that meets both the time and distance parameters of the warranty, the vehicle should still be under warranty provided that the previous owner adhered to all items in the warranty agreement.
Maintenance plan
Also included into the price of your Volvo XC90 is a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan. Maintenance plans generally offer more value as opposed to service plans as they tend to include wear-and-tear components too. Like with the warranty, if the vehicle is younger than five years and has less than 100 000 km on the odometer, you can transfer the plan into your name.
If your used XC90 is out of the plan period or has exceeded the distance, Volvo offers extended maintenance plans for your vehicle, provided that the vehicle meets the minimum criteria for eligibility.
Cover
Owners can expect that the warranty covers both key mechanical and electrical components. Thus if you hear a funny sound or experience a difference in the performance of your vehicle, or see a warning light appear in the instrument cluster, book an inspection with your closest dealership and avoid using the vehicle where possible. If a mechanical or electrical component has failed, Volvo will fix or replace the component at no cost to you.
Exclusions
Like with most typical manufacturer warranties, there are exclusions. These tend to include wear-and-tear items such as brake pads, brake discs and clutches. Most if not all fluids will also be omitted from the coverage like engine oil, brake fluid and transmission fluid. As an owner, it is important that you keep an eye on these fluids to ensure your vehicle is performing at its best.
Tyres are generally not included in the vehicle warranty but XC90 owners should note that the manufacturer of the tyre could potentially have their own warranties in place. Now you might ask why these items might not be included and the answer is that these components wear differently on each vehicle as each is piloted by a different driver under unique conditions. If a driver is more aggressive on acceleration the clutch might wear out sooner, just like the brakes on someone that constantly stop and go in traffic.
Recommended next:
