Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 3.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
462Complaints
6Recalls
9Crashes
3Fires
8Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (32.9% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Electrical System complaints here are 3.0× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Electrical System
152 · 32.9%
not available
—
Power Train:automatic Transmission
102 · 22.1%
not available
—
Power Train
37 · 8%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
34 · 7.4%
Recalled
Recall 09V483000
Fuel System, Gasoline
32 · 6.9%
Recalled
Recall 09V483000
Exterior Lighting
30 · 6.5%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 462 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I WAS WONDERING IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR 2004 XC-90'S BECAUSE OF THERE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THIS PAST WEEKEND AFTER ABOUT 3…”NHTSA complaint 10285471 — filed 09/28/2009 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“2004 VOLVO XC90 2.5L TRANSMISSION. COMPLETE FAILURE AT 65,000 MILES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. FOUR DAYS AFTER REPAIR, VEHICLE HAS LOUD ENGINE THUMP AND…”NHTSA complaint 10282656 — filed 09/02/2009 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“WHEN WORKING ON THE AUDIO/CD/RADIO OF THE CAR, THIS GENERATES AN SRS SERVICE URGENT MESSAGE TO BE DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. THIS APPEARS TO BE…”NHTSA complaint 10270135 — filed 05/27/2009 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volvo XC90?
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 152 of 462 NHTSA complaints (32.9%), followed by power train:automatic transmission (102), power train (37), fuel/propulsion system (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2004 Volvo XC90 have?
462 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2004 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 06V155000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Volvo XC90's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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