2004 Volvo XC90 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Volvo XC90, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical15824.5%
- Transmission10516.3%
- Fuel system7711.9%
- Engine528.0%
- Powertrain (other)426.5%
- Exterior lighting325.0%
- Airbags314.8%
- Driver assistance294.5%
- Suspension233.6%
- Steering203.1%
- Brakes192.9%
- Other / unspecified162.5%
- Body & structure142.2%
- Seat belts71.1%
- Interior & seats71.1%
- Tires & wheels71.1%
- Visibility60.9%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Instrument panel shuts down while driving on street. I believe it is the central electronic module that fails. It has happened numerous times and it is unsafe to drive without a speedometer, tachometer, odometer fuel gauge, and temperature gauge. It has now stopped altogether. Gauges just sit there and bounce
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 that’s been going on for a year now when I drive at 60 miles an hour I’ve had it looked at and no one seems to know what that issue is
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AND NOTICE A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH. IT STATED URGENT TRANSMISSION NEEDS SERVICE. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND NEEDED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR AMONG OTHER THINGS. *KB
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2004 VOLVO XC90 WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT IN THIS CAR YET VOLVO HAS REFUSED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REPAIR THEM. THEY HAVE QUOTED US $7700 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND OTHER PARTS DAMAGED BY THE FAILED TRANSMISSION. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE? THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND VOLVO NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUTTING IN DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS. A SIMPLE WEB SEARCH WILL REVEAL THOUSANDS OF POSTS FROM OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THESE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 that’s been going on for a year now when I drive at 60 miles an hour I’ve had it looked at and no one seems to know what that issue is
Few days ago I came home, parked the car inside the garage and went inside. An hour later I went to the garage for something and noticed a very strong gasoline odor coming from the car. It is not coming from the reservoir and I did not put any fuel recently, so it can't be explained with a fuel spill. I suspect it is coming from the fuel pump. I as hoping or it to goo away, but it did not. It has been a week already.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 that’s been going on for a year now when I drive at 60 miles an hour I’ve had it looked at and no one seems to know what that issue is
While driving on the highway "SRS urgent" text came on, also hear clicking sounds under dash on driver side, then dashboard indicator lights completely disappear (speed, fuel, temperature, etc) . Extremely hot under driver side dash. Fortunately, still able to steer and brake. This has happened twice now. Mechanic believes most likely CEM failure or DIM failure. My vehicle also has a wet A-pillar fabric (Volvo forums indicate possible cause of failure). I removed drivers A-pillar and found a clogged drain tube from the sunroof. However, did not notice any obvious signs of water inside the vehicle, though it hasnt rained for over a month when this happened.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM CONCERNED THESE 2 ISSUES MAY POSE A SAFETY RISK. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A FRIEND AND HAVE HAD IT ABOUT A MONTH. I NOTICE THE STEERING IS VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I WAS TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS BUT HAVING NO LUCK. ALSO, WHEN THE CAR IS IN GEAR "DRIVE", WHEN STOPPED ON AN INCLINE (EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HILL) I NOTICE THAT WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS! IT SHOULDN'T DO THAT. THE TRANSMISSION NOTICE ON THE DASH IS SAYING IT NEEDS SERVICE BUT MY FRIEND I BOUGHT IT FROM SAID SHE HAD IT CHECKED TWICE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO TRANSMISSION ISSUE. IS THERE A RECALL ON POWER-TRAIN/TRANS PARTS? THE CAR SHOULD NOT ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN IN GEAR "DRIVE", EVEN IF I AM STOPPED ON A HILL. EVEN A SLIGHT INCLINE AND THE CAR ROLLS BACK. NOT NORMAL. THANK YOU FOR ANY AND ALL HELP YOU CAN OFFER. THIS ISN'T AN "INCIDENT" BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHO ELSE TO CONTACT FOR HELP. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ALERTED TO A MESSAGE DISPLAY WHICH INDICATED A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. NIELLO VOLVO CARS SACRAMENTO LOCATED AT 4609 MADISON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95841, (916) 488-2400), WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V434000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the highway "SRS urgent" text came on, also hear clicking sounds under dash on driver side, then dashboard indicator lights completely disappear (speed, fuel, temperature, etc) . Extremely hot under driver side dash. Fortunately, still able to steer and brake. This has happened twice now. Mechanic believes most likely CEM failure or DIM failure. My vehicle also has a wet A-pillar fabric (Volvo forums indicate possible cause of failure). I removed drivers A-pillar and found a clogged drain tube from the sunroof. However, did not notice any obvious signs of water inside the vehicle, though it hasnt rained for over a month when this happened.
SIMILAR TO MANY OTHERS, WHILE DRIVING OUR 2004 VOLVO XC90, WE HEAR A CLICK, THEN THE CLIMATE, RADIO AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS (IF ON) SHUT OFF AND THEIR DISPLAY LIGHTS BLACK OUT, THEN ANOTHER CLICK IN A FRACTION OF A SECOND AND THEY COME BACK ON. THIS WAS HAPPENING RANDOMLY, AND NOTHING ELSE WAS AFFECTED, UNTIL THIS WEEKEND, WHILE ON A TRIP. WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, OUTSIDE TEMP IN THE 80'S, NO RAIN, AVERAGE SPEED ABOUT 70MPH. IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES OVER ABOUT 45 MINUTES, THEN BEGAN HAPPENING EVERY 5 MILES OR SO. WHEN I TURNED UP THE AC FAN, WITHIN ABOUT A MINUTE IT CLICKED AND WE LOST THE USUAL THINGS, BUT THEY DID NOT COME BACK ON. THEN WE HEARD ANOTHER CLICK AND LOST ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTING AND CONTROLS; WE COULD NOT SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE CLIMATE CONTROL WAS BLOWING HOT AIR AND COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF OR TURNED DOWN, AND WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT SPEED WE WERE GOING AS IT WAS NIGHTTIME. EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS. WE MADE IT TO THE FIRST EXIT THAT HAD A GAS STATION AND STOPPED. THE CAR WAS VERY HARD TO ACCELERATE WHEN WE GOT OFF AT THE EXIT AS WELL. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS BUT WHEN I OPENED THE MOON ROOF, IT STOPPED HALF WAY AND THEN WOULD NOT CLOSE OR OPEN. WE WERE STRANDED FOR HOURS AWAITING A FAMILY MEMBER TO COME GET US AND THEN HOURS LONGER WAITING FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED. OUR MECHANIC RESEARCHED THIS AND ENCOURAGED ME TO REPORT, AS HE SAID THERE SEEM TO BE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF SIMILAR THINGS HAPPENING WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
is been stolen
WHILE I'M MOTION THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON TRANSMISSION URGENT LIGHT CAME ON AND ABS LIGHT THE BATTERY KEEPS BUBBLING LIKE ITS GONE BLOW UP IN MY TRUNK I HAVE TO JUMP IT OFF EVERY MORNING I PAID ALOT FOR THIS SUV CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME KEEP MY ONLY CAR IN WORKING ORDER I HAVE HAD ALL MAINTAINS DONE IN PAST NOW THE COOLANT SYSTEM IS LEAKING WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS VOLVO XC90 T6 AWD [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
is been stolen form my home and trying to fine it
WHILE DRIVING, RANDOM MASSIVE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHICH SHUTS OFF ALL LIGHTS, GAUGES AND ACCESSORIES. PERFORMANCE RETURNS AND THEN GOES OUT AGAIN. INEVITABLY, CAR LOSES ACCELERATION, BRAKES AND STEERING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR GOES INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE. VOLVO DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE WERE UNCOVERED AS FAR BACK AS 2004 AND HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY REPORT TO VOLVO. HOWEVER, NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN PUBLICIZED.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I KEEP GETTING THAT THE ANTI-SKID NEEDS TO BE SERVICED BUT WHEN I GOT IT CHECKED THEY REPORTED THAT THEY COULDNT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ANTI-SKID AND THE ERROR IS CONSTANTLY LIT IN THE SERVICE WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE. I CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS. IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC THEY SHOULD LOOK FOR OTHER THAN ADVISING ME THAT ITS PROBABLY A SENSOR. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN RAIN.
CAR MOVED TO RIGHT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. CAR CLUNKS WHEN MAKING TURNS. CAR VERY NOISY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS/ POTHOLES.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING-LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY 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 OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT HTE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. WHEELS: ON CERTAIN SUV'S THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE. CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS WHILL SPEED SIGNAL. CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFECT: THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION. VISIBILTY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER 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 DRIVERSHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPER FROM THE PARK POSIIOT FROM THE PARK POSITION. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY. SEATS BELTS: REAR ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEATS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE DEFECTS FREE OF CHARGED. IN MY CASE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS DECLINED TO REPAIR THE DEFECTS EVEN WHEN THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED MY SUV WITH THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM, PLUS THE DEFECTS ALREADY MENTIONED. THEREFORE,THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 122431 DATES MANUFACTURED: FEB 2003 TO JUN 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF CLAMPING AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FRACTURE OF THE OUTER ROD BALL JOINT. THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THE VEHICLE IS DIFFCULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. WHEELS: ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS SPEED SIGNAL THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION. SEAT BELTS: REAR ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. IN MY CASE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE, THEREFORE, THE VOLVO DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR DEFECTS ON MY SUV.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED (ON THE HIGHWAY) THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. THE DASHBOARD AND ALL ELECTRICAL SHUTS OFF, THE HAZARDS DO NOT SEEM TO WORK OR THE TURN INDICATORS, ABS DOES NOT WORK SO IT IS A VERY SLOW HEAVY STOP. THIS HAPPENED TO ME IN THIS CAR ONE OTHER TIME IN 2010, AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE COMPUTER MODULE UPGRADE ISSUED.
WHILE DRIVING ANY DISTANCE OVER 60 MINUTES THE CAR WARNING COMES ON SAYING SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKES, STOP SAFELY. AIRBAG CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS ALL THE ELECTRONICS SHUTS DOWN; ALL DASH, STEREO, LIGHTS, WIPERS, WINDOWS AND LACK OF POWER TO ENGINE BUT CAR STAYS RUNNING. THIS WAS ALMOST A DEADLY CRASH WHILE DRIVING IN POURING RAIN AND THERE WERE CARS EVERYWHERE. NO WAY TO SIGNAL OR FLASHERS, I HONESTLY THOUGHT ME AND MY FAMILY WERE GONNA GET IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ OTHER STORIES ONLINE SO MY QUESTION IS, WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS? HOW DO I FIX IT BEFORE SOME GETS HURT OR EVEN WORSE KILLED! *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING-LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY 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 OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT HTE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. WHEELS: ON CERTAIN SUV'S THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE. CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS WHILL SPEED SIGNAL. CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFECT: THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION. VISIBILTY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER 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 DRIVERSHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPER FROM THE PARK POSIIOT FROM THE PARK POSITION. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY. SEATS BELTS: REAR ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEATS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE DEFECTS FREE OF CHARGED. IN MY CASE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS DECLINED TO REPAIR THE DEFECTS EVEN WHEN THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED MY SUV WITH THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM, PLUS THE DEFECTS ALREADY MENTIONED. THEREFORE,THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 122431 DATES MANUFACTURED: FEB 2003 TO JUN 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF CLAMPING AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FRACTURE OF THE OUTER ROD BALL JOINT. THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THE VEHICLE IS DIFFCULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. WHEELS: ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS SPEED SIGNAL THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION. SEAT BELTS: REAR ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. IN MY CASE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE, THEREFORE, THE VOLVO DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR DEFECTS ON MY SUV.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear right door cannot be open from inside the car. It opens fine from outside. I am aware there is a child safety lock, but in this case the problem is somewhere else. Regardless of the child safety lock position, the door cannot be open. This is a hazard, because in case oof an accident the passenger will e trapped inside the car.
SUNROOF "EXPLODED" WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NOTHING HIT IT.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING-LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY 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 OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT HTE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. WHEELS: ON CERTAIN SUV'S THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE. CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS WHILL SPEED SIGNAL. CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFECT: THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION. VISIBILTY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER 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 DRIVERSHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPER FROM THE PARK POSIIOT FROM THE PARK POSITION. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY. SEATS BELTS: REAR ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEATS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE DEFECTS FREE OF CHARGED. IN MY CASE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS DECLINED TO REPAIR THE DEFECTS EVEN WHEN THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED MY SUV WITH THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM, PLUS THE DEFECTS ALREADY MENTIONED. THEREFORE,THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED: 122431 DATES MANUFACTURED: FEB 2003 TO JUN 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF CLAMPING AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FRACTURE OF THE OUTER ROD BALL JOINT. THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THE VEHICLE IS DIFFCULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. WHEELS: ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS SPEED SIGNAL THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION. SEAT BELTS: REAR ON CERTAIN SUV'S, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. IN MY CASE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE, THEREFORE, THE VOLVO DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR DEFECTS ON MY SUV.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTION CAUSING SEAT TO MELT AND BURN UPPER LEG BUTTOCKS AREA. *KB
FUEL FILLER DOOR LATCH FAILURE. ALLOWS FUEL FILLER DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN AFTER CLOSED BY OPERATOR LEAVING DIRECT ACCESS TO GAS CAP. SPRING LATCH BROKEN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CATASTROPHIC BLOWOUT FAILURE OF PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING TIRE PURCHASED FROM FIRESTONE IN JACKSON, MS, ON 06/14/2016. BLOWOUT OCCURRED ON 07/03/2017 WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-55. WE HAVE PUT LESS THAN 12K MILES ON THESE TIRES AND, NOW, DO NOT FEEL SAFE. POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO CAR (VOLVO XC90). WIFE STRANDED OVER JULY 4TH HOLIDAY IN LOUISIANA BECAUSE FIRESTONE IS CLOSED. AFTER INITIALLY TELLING US THAT THE TIRES WOULD BE REPLACED FREE BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL, FIRESTONE NOW SAYS WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR NEW TIRES BECAUSE OUR TIRES ARE NOT BEING RECALLED. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING.
TRANSMISSION REPLACED JUNE 08 FRONT CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS AND COOLANT RESERVOIR REPLACED SEPT. 08 THERMOSTAT & HOUSING & TEMP SENSOR REPLACED JAN. 08 BRAKE VACUUM PUMP REPLACED FOR 2ND TIME JAN. 08 BRAKE VACUUM PUMP REPLACED SEPT. 07 GASKET, O-RING, HOSE CLAMP RECALL SEPT. 07 POWER STEERING PUMP AND BRAKE VACUUM PUMP INSTALLED JULY 07 STEERING RACK SOLENOID REPLACED JULY 07 - (RECALL MAY 3, 08?) NEW BRIDGESTONE TIRES MAY 07 UPPER ENGINE TORQUES MOUNT REPLACED MARCH 07 RECALL WIPER ARM 156, BALL JOINT 157 OCT. 06 BRAKE PAD & ROTORS REPLACED OCT 06 UPGRADE SOFTWARE A & C JULY 05 ABS BRAKES WARRANTY FIX MAY 06 FRONT PADS & REAR PADS & ROTORS REPLACED DEC. 05 EXHAUST RUBBING ON DRIVELINE, INSTALL KIT TO HOLD EXHAUST OFF DRIVELINE DEC. 05 LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING & HUB, REAR PADS & ROTORS REPLACED JUNE 05 4 NEW TIRES JUNE 05 TURBO CONTROL VALVE REPLACED MARCH 05 FRONT PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED OCT. 04. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS OBSERVED AND THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (THE VOLVO STORE, 1051 W. WEBSTER AVENUE, WINTER PARK, FL, 32789) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE SYSTEMS FAILURE OF ENGINE, LIGHTING, WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTING (DASH), BRAKE FAILURE MESSAGE AND SRS AIRBAG SERVICE WARNINGS. THIS HAS BEGUN TO HAPPEN REPEATEDLY. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE SAME THAT MANY OTHER XC90 OWNERS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTION CAUSING SEAT TO MELT AND BURN UPPER LEG BUTTOCKS AREA. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .