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.

10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,470
Average Mileage:
106,650 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. reworked transmission purchased from volvo and installed (3 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
2004 Volvo XC90 transmission problems

transmission problem

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2004 Volvo XC90 Owner Comments

problem #4

Jul 252020

XC90 T6 AWD 2.9L L6 Sohc 24v Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

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

Volvo should reach to every 2004 xc90 owner and pay them back for all the pain in the ass it caused. Issues started a month after it was purchased on may 2015. All kind of electrical failures from airbag, climate, radio and CD. Then 2020 started with total electrical failure followed by alternator and battery replacement and finally transmission failure. The car needs a new tranny now but it is not worth it according to my mechanic. Volvo - DO THE RIGHT THING!

- Kabir E., Toledo, OH, US

problem #3

Nov 122012

XC90 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

Very frustrating and expensive to fix. I ended up fixing with a rebuilt one.

- smallvone, FRANKLIN, TN, US

problem #2

Jul 122012

XC90 T6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,419 miles

Bought this car used from a dealer,put around 10,000km on my car and now I'm forking out almost 5000.00 for a rebuilt transmission. This vehicle has been to the shop more than we've driven it. Never buy the xc90 t6 model. I can't wait to pay it off and sell. I certainly will not be looking at another Volvo.

- hefferman, St. Thomas, Ontario, canada

problem #1

Apr 032008

XC90

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

Can't believe that the transmission failed at only 86,000 miles!!!! My installer informed me that the problem is sooo prevalent that Volvo is maintaining an inventory of re-worked transmissions in stock even though there is an obvious carrying cost to them!!!! This is unacceptable performance for a reasonably high end SUV.

- angryfox, Danville, CA, US

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