2004 Volvo XC90
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 462
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 462 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 197 |
| 2017 | 80 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
34% · 159 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
3 hours into a 3-1/2 hour weekend road trip there was a clunk in the engine compartment. Thinking I hit a pothole, I continued on cautiously.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-04
Engine passenger side caught fire in the an electrical component, flames shooting out the wheel well. Other drivers flagged to pull over, turned off ignition key and removed to get out of vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-23
Unsure of what the issue is with the vehicle but smells like gas in my garage and I found a recall I was never notified about I moved from Washington to Las Vegas and never received any info regarding the fuel pump recall as well as a noise thatâs...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-22
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and engine
Power train
32% · 148 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
Show complaint excerpts
I am experiencing continuing safety problems with my Volvo XC90. This vehicles all wheel drive (Awd) system is malfunctioning without warning and at random times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-25
Fuel system, gasoline
9% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing fuel pump and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Fuel/propulsion system
7% · 34 reportsExterior lighting
7% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2003-12-08Seat belts03V391000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the seat belt attachment(S) for the second and third row seat(S) may not have been fitted properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the second and/or third row seat belt attachments. Owner notification began on December 8, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo AT 1-800-458-1552.
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R
2003-12-08Wheels03V434000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the front wheel speed sensors may be defective, causing an erroneous wheel speed signal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front wheel sensors. Owner notification began on December 8, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
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▮
2004Complaint volume 462 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2005-12-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-05-10 Windshield wiper arm performance
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R
2006-06-23Steering06V155000 On certain passenger vehicles,the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the outer ball joint tie rods with improved outer ball joint tie rods free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo AT 1-800-458-1552.
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R
2006-09-05Visibility06V144000 On certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper arms and retaining nuts. The recall began on September 5, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
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I
2009-08-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-22 Fuel pump leak
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R
2010-01-15Fuel system, gasoline09V483000 Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 S80, model year 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 and model year 2003-2005 XC90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety…
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I
2010-07-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-11-22 Central Electronic Module Failure
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R
2010-11-18Equipment10V566000 Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Remedy: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable gps device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 159 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 148 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 41 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V391000 · Seat belts
- Recall 03V434000 · Wheels
- Recall 06V155000 · Steering
- Recall 06V144000 · Visibility
- Recall 09V483000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 10V566000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Volvo XC90 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volvo XC90?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Volvo XC90 have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.