Arkana belt handover issue

I had a similar problem with my 2018 Volvo XC60. Belt squeal was the first sign, then a noticeable drop in engine performance. I suspect the tensioner is indeed the culprit, but have you checked the serpentine belt for wear and tear? Is the timing belt in good condition? A worn belt can put extra strain on the tensioner, causing it to fail prematurely. How does the belt look overall?

Thanks for the quick reply. The belt itself looks okay to my untrained eye. No visible cracks or fraying. The squealing comes and goes. How did you finally diagnose the issue with your Volvo?

In my case, after checking the belt's condition and the pulley alignment, a mechanic used a special tool to measure the belt tension. The reading was way off, confirming the tensioner failure. Given the mileage on your Arkana and the symptoms you describe, I strongly recommend taking it to a reputable workshop for a proper diagnosis. Ignoring it could lead to more serious engine damage.

Thanks for the advice! It's booked in for next week. The workshop confirmed it's a defective belt tensioner, and they'll replace it. The eventual repair cost is 455€. Hopefully, that sorts it.