Electrical System. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 145 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Power Train complaints

145 reports

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90,000 miles · Jan 8, 2010

Power Train

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CAR HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT HAPPENED AT RANDOM AROUND 72000 MILES. NOW AGAIN AT 90500 MILES. BOTH TIMES TRANSMISSION FAILED, OUR TWO CHILDREN (ISABELLA 2 MONTHS OLD AND SOPHIA 21 MONTHS) WERE IN THE CAR. THIS IS HIGHLY UNSAFE FOR A CAR THAT IS MARKETED TO FAMILIES AND ALSO FOR AN INDIVIDUAL. CAR IS A VOLVO XC 90 T6 2004 EDITION. NUMEROUS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ARE REGISTERED THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET. TOOK CAR TO A VOLVO DEALER THIS WEEK AND THEY SAID THEIR GOODWILL WARRANTY WHERE THEY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION 100 PERCENT FREE WAS DENIED BECAUSE OUR TRANSMISSION LOOKED REBUILT. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR NUMEROUS REASONS, THE TRANSMISSION BEING THE MAIN ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10298779

68,000 miles · Dec 14, 2009

Power Train

2004 XC 90 T6 TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 68K MILES, TRANSMISSION SHUTS TO "LIMP" MODE IN MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN (NYC) AND REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. VOLVO NA REFUSED ANY FINANCIAL HELP AND DENIED ANY OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR OCCURRENCES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295674

103,000 miles · Nov 30, 2009

Power Train

OUR 2004 VOLVO XC90 TRANSMISSION RECENTLY "GAVE OUT". AFTER LOOKING UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I DISCOVERED MANY INSTANCES OF THE SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO OCCUR IN 2003-2005 VEHICLES. VOLVO REALIZES THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM BUT HAS REFUSED OUR REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294031

70,000 miles · Nov 15, 2009

Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10292206

71,000 miles · Nov 11, 2009

Power Train

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2004 VOLVO XC90 T6 TRANSMISSION FAILURES. ALARMINGLY HIGH RATE OF PREMATURE FAILURES AT SUB-HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES. MY PERSONAL VEHICLE FAILED AT 72,XXX MILES WITH MY WIFE AND 4 DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR LEAVING THEM STRANDED AT AN INTERSECTION. DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF NEARLY $5000. RESEARCH SHOWS SURPRISINGLY HIGH NUMBERS OF FAILURES. VOLVO ADMITS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION BUT FAILS TO ISSUE RECALL AND PLACATES ONLY THE "SQUEAKY WHEELS" WITH FULL OR PARTIAL REFUNDS. REFUSED MY REPEATED REQUESTS FOR REFUND BUT PROMISED TO REPLACE "NEXT FAILURE" AT HALF OFF PARTS AND LABOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291861

116,000 miles · Oct 20, 2009

Power Train

VOLVO - 2004 XC90 T6 AWD. CAR EXPERIENCING HESITATION, GETS LOCKED IN EITHER 1ST OR 4TH GEAR. REPEAT TRIPS TO SERVICE, NONE OF WHICH CORRECTED THE ISSUE. COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR AND FRONT AXLE. APPEARS TO BE COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE, WITH NO RECOURSE FROM VOLVO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289142

105,000 miles · Oct 13, 2009

Power Train

VOLVO 2004XC90 T6AWD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10287221

65,000 miles · Sep 2, 2009

Electrical SystemPower Train

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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 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. REPEATS THUMP WITH ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GOING OUT REQUIRING A 3.5 HOUR TOW HOME FROM 1/2 TO OUR VACATION DESTINATION. DEALER REPLACED ALTERNATOR. HAD FOR 2 DAYS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND THE THUMP/ELECTRICAL ISSUES START AGAIN. BARELY GOT TO DEALER WHO HAS HAD FOR A WEEK. THEY REPLACED ALTERNATOR AS PUT IN THE WRONG ONE, BUT STILL HAVEN'T FIXED IT YET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10282656

75,500 miles · Aug 8, 2009

Power Train

SLIPPAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION LEADING TO FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION AT 70,000 MILES. CAR FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY. VOLVO STATES THAT DO TO SO MANY FAILURES THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279796

68,306 miles · Aug 4, 2009

EquipmentPower Train

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NOV. 23, 2004 - PURCHASED A VOLVO XC90 T6 FROM LEHMAN VOLVO IN YORK, PA - THE VEHICLE HAD 10.042 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE JUNE 26, 2007 - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED - VOLVO OF CARY IN NC PAID FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND WE PAID FOR THE LABOR - $1425 - MILEAGE 68,306 FEB. 2008 - THE TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHTS/MESSAGE CAME ON PERIODICALLY WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING IN THE NE- WE CALLED VOLVO OF CARY AND THEY SAID THAT IF WE CONTINUED TO SEE THE LIGHT TO BRING IT TO A DEALER WHERE WE WERE MARCH 2008-JULY 2009 - A VARIETY OF MESSAGES WOULD APPEAR PERIODICALLY SAYING THAT TRANSMISSION SERVICE WAS REQUIRED OR URGENT JULY 7, 2009 - I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VOLVO OF CARY WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ON STATING THAT TRANSMISSION SERVICE WAS NEEDED AS THEY INSTALLED AN UPDATED VERSION OF TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE - $123.38 MID-JULY 2009 - THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP NOTICEABLY JULY 22, 2009 - COTTMAN TRANSMISSION REBUILT THE EXISTING TRANSMISSION - $3643.04 - MILEAGE 116,030. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279376

Official recalls

10V566000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Nov 8, 2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

09V483000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2009

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V155000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

May 5, 2006

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS WITH IMPROVED OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V144000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 28, 2006

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 DRIVESHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPERS FROM THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER ARMS AND RETAINING NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V434000 · Wheels

Nov 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V391000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Oct 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT(S) FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT(S) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE SECOND AND/OR THIRD ROW SEAT BELT ATTACHMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE10025 · Central Electronic Module Failure

Opened Jul 20, 2010 · Closed Nov 22, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

Volvo acknowledged a problem affecting some subject vehicles involving water seepage into the plenum box area in the engine compartment.When this occurs water may enter into the interior / passenger compartment and track along the wiring harness for the Central Electronic Module (CEM), the device that controls many of the vehicle's electrical functions including wiper operation, lighting, and transmission operation.If the water reaches the CEM connector electrical faults may result.In response to such faults the CEM, a microprocessor controlled device, will attempt to reset by temporarily shutting down (for 100 milliseconds, or 0.1 seconds) and restarting; this effects various CEM functions including the instrument panel (IP) display, gauges, wipers and also the transmission gear (if it is in the overdrive range).During the reset owners may experience temporarily loss of the IP displays and an abnormal 'jerking' in the transmission/drivetrain.If the problem persist for 6 consecutive restart attempts, the CEM will enter a 'Limp Home' mode that disables non-essential electrical functions yet maintain safety critical functions such as low-beam headlights, low-speed wiper operation, brake lights, and non-overdrive transmission operation.Warning and error messages will also be illuminated in the IP display.Consumers reported experiencing conditions consistent with CEM resetting and the limp mode operation in their reports to both ODI and Volvo.No reports or allegations of crash or injury associated with possible CEM failures have been reported by Volvo or otherwise identified by ODI.Volvo revised the design of the wiring grommet (sealing device) and the plenum cover starting in May 2005 and October 2005 production dates respectively, the occurrence of the condition effectively ended after these changes.A technical service bulletin (TNN 37-35) has been published to diagnose and repair earlier production vehicles using the improved wiring grommet and/or new plenum cover.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE09039 · Fuel Pump Leak

Opened Aug 31, 2009 · Closed Dec 22, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

VOLVO HAS DETERMINED THAT DUE TO EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATES AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) AND VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE IN THE XC90 VEHICLES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS.OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL SEEPAGE.DUE TO SIMILAR MATERIAL USAGE, THIS ISSUE ALSO AFFECTS OTHER MY2001-2005 S60/S80/V70/XC70 AND MY2003/2005 XC90 VEHICLES.REVIEW OF THE VOLVO DATA INDICATE THE FREQUENCY OF COMPLAINTS/REPAIRS IS HIGHER IN THE HOT CLIMATE STATES. VOLVO WILL RECALL AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN/MATERIAL IN APPROXIMATELY 136,100 MY2001-2004 S60/V70/XC70, MY2001-2005 S80 AND MY2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES IN 19 STATES.THESE STATES INCLUDE AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, HI, KY, LA, MS, NV, NM, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA AND THE US TERRITORIES.IN ADDITION, VOLVO WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 10 YEARS/150,000 MILES ON APPROXIMATELY 190,000 VEHICLES FOR THE REMAINING STATES.THIS RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS 07V-152/TNN 23-198 PROGRAM ON MY2001-2002 VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V-483).

Additional source detail variants (4)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Fuel System, Gasoline

PE05064 · Windshield Wiper Arm Performance

Opened Dec 2, 2005 · Closed May 10, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED APRIL 21, 2006, THAT A SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 VOLVO XC90 VEHICLES. THE RECALL AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 122,400 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN AUGUST 2002 AND OCTOBER 2005.NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NO. 06V-144 TO THIS RECALL ACTION.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF REPLACING THE EXISTING WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS WITH A NEW REINFORCED DESIGN.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT PE HAS BEEN CLOSED.