In 2017, drawn to its Scandinavian design and eco-conscious appeal, I purchased a Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid. Ignoring cautionary voices regarding hybrid car maintenance costs and battery longevity, I was confident in Volvo’s reputation and the 8-year warranty covering the hybrid battery. However, my experience quickly revealed the significant Cost Of Volvo Xc90 ownership, particularly when hybrid components fail.
My initial concerns materialized in the fall of 2021 with an Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) failure. While warranty covered this repair, it foreshadowed future expenses. The real financial blow came in November 2024, a mere ten days after the factory warranty expired. The hybrid battery gave out completely, triggering dashboard warnings like “Reduced performance,” “Hybrid system failure,” and “12V battery charging fault, service urgent.” The timing was devastating, and the Volvo XC90 repair cost estimate was even worse.
I was quoted a shocking 10,000 CAD to replace the battery – approximately $7,000 USD, encompassing both the battery itself and the labor costs. To truly understand the magnitude of this expense, consider that a used Volvo XC90 of comparable age and mileage is valued around 28,000 CAD. This means the Volvo XC90 battery replacement cost amounted to over one-third of the vehicle’s entire market value. This single repair drastically increased the overall cost of Volvo XC90 ownership.
Despite my complaints, and Volvo’s eventual partial coverage of the repair, the ordeal continued. As of now, two months later, my car remains at the dealership, awaiting a replacement battery with no firm delivery timeline. I’m trapped in a frustrating cycle of communication between Volvo corporate and the local dealership, each deferring to the other for updates and solutions. This situation forced the cancellation of my Christmas holiday travel plans and highlights the hidden costs of Volvo XC90 ownership beyond the initial purchase price.
