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 PER YEAR
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 | 75 |
| 2018 | 50 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: electrical system — 159 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20140804
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, 20130723
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, 20241122
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and ENGINE
32% of complaints: power train — 148 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
CRASHShow 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, 20060225
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
INJURY7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 34 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 03V391000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 03V434000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM PERFORMANCE
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 THE
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.
Campaign 06V155000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ITS
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.
Campaign 06V144000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP LEAK
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, CALIF
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 RECALL
Campaign 09V483000 — check if this car was fixed
Central Electronic Module Failure
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 N
Campaign 10V566000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (159 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (148 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V391000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V434000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V155000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V144000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V483000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V566000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.