CarComplaints.com Notes: The XC90 took its “freshman 15” of transmission complaints and turned it into a “sophomore 45.” The 2004 XC90 saw 3X as many complaints about the transmission failing as it did in its inaugural North American model year! By the following year, transmission complaints fell back in line with the 2003. That sharp spike in complaints means we recommend avoiding the 2004.

On top of transmission complaints, the 2004 XC90 also has problems with a sudden loss of power. The lucky ones are met with a “reduced engine performance” message, while others are left stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
127,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2004 Volvo XC90 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2004 Volvo XC90 Owner Comments

problem #2

Apr 262018

XC90 T6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car was purchased from a used car dealer on 4/16/18 at which time a faulty ignition coil pack was replaced.

Several small issues were evidenced but, the car is 14 years old.

On 4/26/18 my wife and I decided to take a short trip to the local casino. After about 10 miles of driving the radio and gauges turned off. After a few seconds, they came back on. A few minutes later, it did it again and repeated this behavior once or twice more.

I had been researching problems with the 2004 and recognized that this appeared to be a common problem.

In the other complaints, they always mentioned that, eventually, the gauges would not come back and that the car would lose power and stall.

We got off the highway and returned home. As we approached our neighborhood, the car did exactly as described in other complaints. The gauges turned off, the check engine light came on and the car went into "limp" mode. I called the local Volvo dealer and the earliest they could get me in was 5/4/18

They kept the car all day Friday (5/4), all day Saturday (5/5), had someone take it home and drive it over the weekend and called me at noon on Monday (5/7) to advise me that they can't find any problem!!

I can't believe that Volvo hasn't been able to establish the cause of the problem. I see complaints about this flaw going back to 2004

- Stephen C., Stratford, US

problem #1

Jul 092012

XC90 FWD A SR 7 2.5L 5 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

While driving, the windshield wipers come on, followed immediately by a loud thump from the engine, followed by all gauges going to zero, radio turns off, A/C turns off, error msg comes up on the dash saying there is a failutre in the ABS, and SRS system, instrument panel goes completely dark, speedometer goes to zero, clock stops working and engine experiences a slight loss of power. After stoppping and restarting, the problem goes away for awhile. It has reoccurred 3 other times since July 2012 and most recently July 20, 2013. Dealer says car needs instrument panel module costing $1,500. My online research has revealed that this is by far the most prelevent issue with this year & model car. Some trace it back to the sunroof leakage problem that was subject to a recall. They say that water from that problem effected the electrical components in the engine under the front passenger seat. I think Volvo should issue a recall notice for this recurring problem. I believe it is definitely a safety issue.

- Don D., Marietta, GA, US

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