Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so it's possible to provide reliability information on new models quickly. Also, any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

With the XC90, I'm currently just three or four owners short of the number needed to get started with the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. We could start with all four cars next week if just a few more owners sign up to participate.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Auto reliability research

Have now reached the minimum for the 2004, so it will be included in the main survey later this week. 2005, 2006, and 2007 are all just two to three short of the minimum. For all model years more participants would be very helpful.

Volvo XC90 reliability research

I ordered my 2004 Volvo XC90 from Sweden in 2003. It was delivered during the summer of 2003. I’ve had several major problems with the truck starting with water damage as a result of a faulty duct system back in 2005. My truck had a terrible mildew odor. The entire bottom of the truck was flooded and took two weeks to dry out and fix. Luckily it was still under warranty. Since that time, whenever it rains, I get that same awful mildew smell.

About two months ago, my transmission light came on and about a month ago, it started to fail. Now I’m in need of a new transmission. My car is no longer under warranty and Volvo gave me a quote of $6,000 to fix.

I’ve been the owner of two Hondas and two Toyotas all purchased certified pre-owned and never had as many problems as I’ve had with my brand new XC90. Has anyone else experienced this problem or heard of it?

Transmissions remain a weak link in many cars.

The mildew issue--that's a tough one. It's probably been too long for you to pursue that with the manufacturer. What was their initial response to the leak and its impact?

With regard to the research, we've started with the 2004 and the 2005, 2006, and 2007 are each just one or two owners short of the minimum needed to get started. Very close.

For the details and to sign up and put your model year over the top:

Auto reliability research

your mildew smell and the wetness from the rain is your sunroof, have the dealership install new drip hoses, you should have received a recall about it. how many miles on the tranny when it went? on those it sometimes is a service update for the computer. try another dealership if possible.

I hear about so many cases of drip hoses being blocked or crimped, with many types of vehicles.

I've added the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 to the survey. Need more participants for all four years, and for the 2008 as well. If enough owners participate, we'll have results for the XC90 in May.

For the details, and to help make it happen:

Vehicle reliability research

I too have a 2004 Volvo with 77000 miles and a failing transmission. It shifts irregularly and hangs in 3rd gear. What a garbage vehicle.

Can't say this is the first case I've come across of a failing transmission in an XC90. Once more owners are involved it will be possible to report how common such failures actually are.

My guess: less common than they seem from reading the boards, but more common than they ought to be.

To help make this information possible:

Vehicle reliability research

i just realized that you don't drive a volvo. please don't post if you are just advertising a service, even if it is for a good cause. the forum is for volvo owners and the people who admire them. now if you have a volvo with a problem, go to a dealer but don't give us you attempts at a survey. we all own them and fix them, we know what we need. so please refrain from posting. thank you.

Will do. Just posting to acknowledge the request.

I do appreciate that you recognize it is a good cause.

One correction: I do admire Volvos for their amazing seats and the (now discontinued) Rs.

Hello, TheGreekMason. I'm hoping you'll have some insight for me, based one of this thread's topics: mildew smell. I have a 2007 XC90 V8, extremely well cared for but not garaged. All winter I drove the car with no smell - on the first nice day a few weeks back I opened the sunroof and noticed a mildew smell which seemed to come from the vents - but it isn't there with the sunroof closed and fan at full blast! It has been to the dealer in the last 2 weeks or so, they replaced the filter and enabled the afterblow - but now the smell is getting worse. It's at the point at times that I cannot handle the smell, it's like having an old wet carpet wrapped around my head. I've sniffed around the car and can't find any carpet-related smells. I've never spilled anything in it, and have not noticed any leaks. The correlation between an open sunroof and stink is pretty hard to ignore - opening windows can make it better, but only a bit (if the sunroof is open at the same time). Does this sound like drip hoses to you? I would never have thought of such a thing before reading this thread. Thanks very much!