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2004 Volvo XC90 engine problems

52 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 91,000.

owner complaints
52
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
91,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    6
  • Cooling system
    4
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volvo XC90 engine problems in other years

20032005201020202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Volvo XC90 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Loss of power 33Stalling 30Check engine light 20Engine failure 12Won't start 11

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2004 Volvo XC90 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NV

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

Filed Nov 12, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · NH

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.

Filed Jun 22, 2021 · Driver assistance, Engine · CO

is been stolen form my home and trying to fine it

Filed Jun 22, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · CO

is been stolen

Filed Nov 9, 2019 · Engine · FL

Transmision is struggling on 3rd or 4th shift, I read on internet many colvos this trim failing and been rebuilted and still failing

Filed Dec 21, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 78,000 miles · NY

Tl-contact owns a 2004 volvo xc90 ---- contact called volvo dealer in white plains ny... Contact stated airbag light came on while driving and was on for a month.... Vehicle stalled going 50mph ... Power steering went out on main highway vehicle lost power and shut off.... Vehicle restarts and then shuts off again after going a couple miles...spoke with mechanic at dealership who stated that airbags are recalled....mechanic by the name of anthony.... Told contact that airbag light being on was not a big deal....that airbag was faulty so it would not deploy in accident........ 0 recalls associated with this VIN.. Cb

Filed Dec 28, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 166,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Oct 14, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 135,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc90. While driving 65 MPH, the engine rpms decreased as if the brake pedal were depressed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not provided. The failure mileage was 135,000....updated 01/27/16 *bf

Filed Sep 18, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 117,000 miles · MN

Exiting driveway in reverse, upon switching to drive the dashboard lights started flickering and a jerk was felt in the transmission. Soon the dashboard gauges and the indicators went dead. Several error messages quickly "scrolled" (brake failure, airbag failure, ABS failure, engine failure) then the check engine light came on and remained on. No power to dashboard controls (gauges dead, no lights/turn signals, no radio). Front windows work, but not rear. Vehicle drives as if in low gear. Unsafe to drive so had towed to dealer. They are running diagnostics so tbd on specific issue and cost to repair. Concerned as no recall and situation is so dangerous (what if I'd been on freeway!) volvo should recall all the 2004 xc90 as others report same defect

Filed Apr 28, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 143,000 miles · NC

My 2004 volvo xc90 with a 2.5t engine, 7 pass, intermittently and inadvertently stalls while driving it. It is scary because all electrical goes off, instrument panel, radio, lights, etc, several warning messages appears, such ABS, air bags failure, brake failure, engine failure, etc. It won't respond to acceleration and brakes are very hard to push, the engine does not stop. I have to stop, turn it off, wait few minutes, then start it, everything comes to normal again but with the check engine and the air bags message, then after some minutes of driving the same stalling and electrical issues happen again. This is serious because you are on freeway and you loose brakes and engine control, no information in instrument panel, etc. I found that the relays in the cem (control electronics module) are super hot possibly due to loose connections, in the video below you will see the problems and infrared pictures of the cem. Please help!!!!!! Please help!!!!!! Please help!!!!!! Please help!!!!!! Please see my youtube video and other videos with the same issue search for xc90 issues, xc90 stalling, xc90 electrical problems, etc. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwulb1sksie&feature=youtu.be thank you

Questions about the 2004 Volvo XC90 engine

Does the 2004 Volvo XC90 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 52 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Volvo XC90, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Volvo XC90 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 91,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Volvo XC90 engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Volvo XC90 have bad engine?

The Volvo XC90 model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (88 complaints), 2005 (69 complaints) and 2004 (52 complaints).

Is there a class action lawsuit over the Volvo XC90?

Yes. New class action says Volvo's Google-based infotainment screens freeze and take climate and rearview camera with them (November 9, 2026).

Other 2004 Volvo XC90 problems

Electrical 158Transmission 145Fuel system 77Lights 33Airbags 31Suspension 23Steering 20Brakes 19Acceleration 17Body 14Driver assistance 12Wheels 10Seat belts 6Tires 6Visibility 6Locks 4Seats 2

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