FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 Volvo XC90 problems

Owners have filed 669 complaints about the 2004 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2025. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 20 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volvo XC90.

How this is worked out

The numbers

669

Complaints

13

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

88,196 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

9%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 19 vs 50 Early failure 16 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Volvo XC90. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 19
3.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 16
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Volvo XC90

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Volvo XC90

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Electrical System 159 23.8%

3 crashes, 2 fires · median 94,250 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 77,500 mi

Median failure at 98,633 miles

Median failure at 91,000 miles

Lights 33 4.9%

Median failure at 104,432 miles

Airbags 31 4.6%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 90,000 mi

Suspension 26 3.9%

Median failure at 58,439 miles

Steering 21 3.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,000 mi

Brakes 19 2.8%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 104,789 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 113,026 mi

Median failure at 101,000 miles

Median failure at 99,608 miles

Median failure at 110,156 miles

Wheels 10 1.5%

Median failure at 65,098 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 7 1.0%

Median failure at 130,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 6 0.9%

Median failure at 43,200 miles

Seat Belts 6 0.9%

Median failure at 88,380 miles

Tires 6 0.9%

Median failure at 49,500 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 4 0.6%

Median failure at 46,200 miles

Seats 3 0.4%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 103,000 mi

Child Seats 1 0.1%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 0.1%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Transmission 102 73.4%
Fuel Pump 8 5.8%
Rear 7 5.0%
Engine 6 4.3%
Wheel Bearing 5 3.6%
Cooling System 4 2.9%
Ignition 4 2.9%
Driveline 3 2.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 8 1.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 13 2.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 18 3.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 46 7.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 126 21.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 138 23.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 182 30.8%
150,000+ miles 59 10.0%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 2003 peak 23 Mar 2025

NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Volvo XC90

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE10025 Opened 20 Jul 2010 Closed 22 Nov 2010 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Central Electronic Module Failure

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 shut...

PE09039 Opened 31 Aug 2009 Closed 22 Dec 2009 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP LEAK

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 MY2001-20...

PE05064 Opened 2 Dec 2005 Closed 10 May 2006 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM PERFORMANCE

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.

Recalls on the 2004 Volvo XC90

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

10V566000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

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

Risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

09V483000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Risk: 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.

06V155000

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.

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

06V144000

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

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

03V434000

WHEELS

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

Risk: 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.

03V391000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

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

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

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2010396 87 units in Canada

Accessories

On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.

Recall 2006108 8,022 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, deformation at high loads may cause loss of clamping force of the outer tie rod and allow the nut to loosen. This may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod assembly. Tie rod separation could lead to a loss of steering control which could result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace outer tie rods with updated versions.

Recall 2006093 7,908 units in Canada

Visual System

On certain vehicles the windshield wiper pivot splines may be damaged due to failure to remove snow from the windshield. This would result in a loss of wiper operation and resultant detriment to vision. Correction: Dealers will replace wiper arms and retaining nuts.

Recall 2006066 14,000 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. The label indicates that the booster cushion can be used for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33 and 80 lb). CMVSS 213 states that the minimum weight for use must be 18 kg (40 lb). Should an underweight child be placed in the booster cushion and the vehicle is involved in a crash, the child may have a greater risk of injury. Correction: Volvo Canada will send a letter to owners explaining this problem and will supply updated weight limit decal to be applied to each side window.

Recall 2003268 206 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, erroneous front wheel speed sensor signal could cause the ABS and speed control systems to behave erratically. Inadvertent activation of the cruise control from a stand still or low speed may occur causing the vehicle to accelerate suddenly. Other symptoms such as uncomfortable ride, faulty gear changes, loss of engine torque and unwanted activation of spin control could also occur. Once the system has detected the fault, the yellow ABS warning lamp and a text message will be displayed. Correction: Dealer will replace the front wheel speed sensors.

Recall 2003235 1,494 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the seat belt attachment(s) in the second and/or third row seat(s) 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 or death. Correction: Dealer will inspect and repair the second and/or third row seat belt attachments.

Recall 2003226 10,712 units in Canada

Other

Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 210.2. The symbol indicating the presence of a lower universal anchorage system, and a reproduction of this symbol were omitted from the owner's manual. Correction: The corrected owner's manual page will be mailed to owners.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 220,000 miles EL Dorado Springs, MO Crash

AIR BAGS

TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, HIT A LARGE DEER, NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE DEER SMASHED IN THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10652521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Everett, WA Crash

STEERING

3 HOURS INTO A 3-1/2 HOUR WEEKEND ROAD TRIP THERE WAS A CLUNK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THINKING I HIT A POTHOLE, I CONTINUED ON CAUTIOUSLY. WHILE CONTINUING ON THESE UNFAMILIAR 2 LANE WINDY ROADS GOING 43MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 55) ABOUT 2 MILES FROM WHERE THE CLUNK HAPPENED MY ENTIRE DASH CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING. ALL MY DOME LIGHTS AND LEG LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR CLUNKED HARDER THIS TIME. I LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE, STEERING WAS LIKE TRYING TO TURN A TANK, AND THE BRAKES WERE VERY SPONGY. STILL TRAVELING ON WINDY ROADS WITH LARGE SEMI TRUCKS BEHIND ME AND CARS PASSING BY IN THE OPPOSITE LANE I VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY A SEMI. NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER OR STOP AS EFFICIENTLY AS BEFORE I COASTED INTO A RESIDENTS 2-3 MAN ROCK LANDSCAPE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 5MPH. I DENTED MY FRONT LICENSE PLATE AND SCRATCHED THE BUMPER. WITH MY HEART POUNDING, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT TO SEE THE DAMAGE. I WENT TO THE RESIDENTS HOME AND TOLD THEM MY STORY. THEY WERE THANKFUL MY FIANC AND I WERE OKAY. SINCE I HIT ROCK THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO THEIR LANDSCAPE. AFTER 20 MINUTES I STARTED THE CAR. IT WAS HESITANT TO START. THE BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT WAS ON FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN THE SRS SERVICE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEKEND TRIP THE CAR WOULD LURCH LIKE THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING. ESPECIALLY AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT. IT STILL CLUNKS ONCE IN AWHILE BUT WE ONLY DRIVE IT AROUND TOWN. IT'S CURRENTLY AT A CERTIFIED VOLVO SPECIALIST BEING SERVICED. THIS MORNING ALL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND I COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IN CONCLUSION, THIS MISHAP COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY. IF EVERY CAR OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS DOING THIS, THEY NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED!

NHTSA complaint #10618859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Everett, WA Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 HOURS INTO A 3-1/2 HOUR WEEKEND ROAD TRIP THERE WAS A CLUNK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THINKING I HIT A POTHOLE, I CONTINUED ON CAUTIOUSLY. WHILE CONTINUING ON THESE UNFAMILIAR 2 LANE WINDY ROADS GOING 43MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 55) ABOUT 2 MILES FROM WHERE THE CLUNK HAPPENED MY ENTIRE DASH CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING. ALL MY DOME LIGHTS AND LEG LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR CLUNKED HARDER THIS TIME. I LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE, STEERING WAS LIKE TRYING TO TURN A TANK, AND THE BRAKES WERE VERY SPONGY. STILL TRAVELING ON WINDY ROADS WITH LARGE SEMI TRUCKS BEHIND ME AND CARS PASSING BY IN THE OPPOSITE LANE I VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY A SEMI. NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER OR STOP AS EFFICIENTLY AS BEFORE I COASTED INTO A RESIDENTS 2-3 MAN ROCK LANDSCAPE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 5MPH. I DENTED MY FRONT LICENSE PLATE AND SCRATCHED THE BUMPER. WITH MY HEART POUNDING, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT TO SEE THE DAMAGE. I WENT TO THE RESIDENTS HOME AND TOLD THEM MY STORY. THEY WERE THANKFUL MY FIANC AND I WERE OKAY. SINCE I HIT ROCK THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO THEIR LANDSCAPE. AFTER 20 MINUTES I STARTED THE CAR. IT WAS HESITANT TO START. THE BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT WAS ON FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN THE SRS SERVICE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEKEND TRIP THE CAR WOULD LURCH LIKE THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING. ESPECIALLY AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT. IT STILL CLUNKS ONCE IN AWHILE BUT WE ONLY DRIVE IT AROUND TOWN. IT'S CURRENTLY AT A CERTIFIED VOLVO SPECIALIST BEING SERVICED. THIS MORNING ALL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND I COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IN CONCLUSION, THIS MISHAP COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY. IF EVERY CAR OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS DOING THIS, THEY NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED!

NHTSA complaint #10618859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Everett, WA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

3 HOURS INTO A 3-1/2 HOUR WEEKEND ROAD TRIP THERE WAS A CLUNK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THINKING I HIT A POTHOLE, I CONTINUED ON CAUTIOUSLY. WHILE CONTINUING ON THESE UNFAMILIAR 2 LANE WINDY ROADS GOING 43MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 55) ABOUT 2 MILES FROM WHERE THE CLUNK HAPPENED MY ENTIRE DASH CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING. ALL MY DOME LIGHTS AND LEG LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR CLUNKED HARDER THIS TIME. I LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE, STEERING WAS LIKE TRYING TO TURN A TANK, AND THE BRAKES WERE VERY SPONGY. STILL TRAVELING ON WINDY ROADS WITH LARGE SEMI TRUCKS BEHIND ME AND CARS PASSING BY IN THE OPPOSITE LANE I VEERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY A SEMI. NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER OR STOP AS EFFICIENTLY AS BEFORE I COASTED INTO A RESIDENTS 2-3 MAN ROCK LANDSCAPE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 5MPH. I DENTED MY FRONT LICENSE PLATE AND SCRATCHED THE BUMPER. WITH MY HEART POUNDING, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT TO SEE THE DAMAGE. I WENT TO THE RESIDENTS HOME AND TOLD THEM MY STORY. THEY WERE THANKFUL MY FIANC AND I WERE OKAY. SINCE I HIT ROCK THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO THEIR LANDSCAPE. AFTER 20 MINUTES I STARTED THE CAR. IT WAS HESITANT TO START. THE BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT WAS ON FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN THE SRS SERVICE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEKEND TRIP THE CAR WOULD LURCH LIKE THE TRANNY WAS SLIPPING. ESPECIALLY AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT. IT STILL CLUNKS ONCE IN AWHILE BUT WE ONLY DRIVE IT AROUND TOWN. IT'S CURRENTLY AT A CERTIFIED VOLVO SPECIALIST BEING SERVICED. THIS MORNING ALL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND I COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE KEY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. IN CONCLUSION, THIS MISHAP COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY. IF EVERY CAR OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL IS DOING THIS, THEY NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED!

NHTSA complaint #10618859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Montclair, NJ Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

HIT ANOTHER CAR FROM BEHIND BEFORE A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. TRIED THE BEST TO STOP MY 2004 XC90, BUT SEEMED I LOST THE BRAKE (FULLY OR PARTIALLY) AND WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT TO AVOID THE COLLISION. ALTHOUGH I DID ALL MY BEST TO BRAKE IT, DID NOT FEEL ABS AT ALL. I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST, 10 - 30 MPH, MAYBE. THE WEATHER WAS PRETTY NICE, SUNNY AND DRY. NORTHERN NJ.

NHTSA complaint #10550048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Newark, DE Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT, FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THE WHEEL WELL. OTHER DRIVERS FLAGGED TO PULL OVER, TURNED OFF IGNITION KEY AND REMOVED TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE. ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF, CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE FOR FEAR OF EXPLOSION. FIRE DEPARTMENT USED AN AX TO STOP THE ENGINE. CAR WAS TOTALED. NO ONE WAS INJURED.

NHTSA complaint #10526300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

San Mateo, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11647245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11626848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11626848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11626848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Erie, CO

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11522373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Erie, CO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11522371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Modesto, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Unknown..but water accumulated under the passenger seat under the amp and electrical components after a storm or rainy day.and its a lot of water when I brake i can hear a water fall..and water rushing and moving along the bottom. Of the car as I am steering im worried that the wiring and electrical will be damaged by water exposure the battery always dies wires soaked and sitting in water underneath passenger and never can completely get the moisture smell out of front seat area..mildew..why is this water leaking or not draining correctly ??

NHTSA complaint #11512307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles San Marino, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, his wife noticed an abnormally strong gasoline odor. The contact's wife was able to continue driving the vehicle; however, the failure would return after refueling or on rainy days. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V483000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11492882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 212,000 miles Minneapolis, MN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, she smelled the odor of gasoline. The contact had been advised by his wife that the vehicle was taking longer to start up and sometimes required two or three attempts to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V483000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.

NHTSA complaint #11487737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Upper Saddle River, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On May 26, 2022, I was stuck in traffic for four hours, and the car's CEM (central electronic module) overheated causing the dashboard to shut down three times, meaning I lost all instrument readings. After each time the dashboard shut down, I had to pull over and reset fuse #27 to have the dashboard come back online temporarily. Because the CEM was already overheated due to its design flaw with improper ventilation, the dashboard would shut down again and again. A Google search would show this is a very common issue for 2004 Volvo models and before. Driving without any instrument readings is totally unsafe. I strongly urge you to force Volvo to issue a recall for 2004 and before models and fix the CEM overheating problem.

NHTSA complaint #11466954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bedford, NH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11440237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bedford, NH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11440237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bedford, NH

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11440237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

AIR BAGS

is been stolen

NHTSA complaint #11421930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

is been stolen form my home and trying to fine it

NHTSA complaint #11421934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

is been stolen

NHTSA complaint #11421930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

ENGINE

is been stolen

NHTSA complaint #11421930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

ENGINE

is been stolen form my home and trying to fine it

NHTSA complaint #11421934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

is been stolen form my home and trying to fine it

NHTSA complaint #11421934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

SEAT BELTS

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

NHTSA complaint #11417843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

WHEELS

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

NHTSA complaint #11417843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #11417843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

SEAT BELTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11415705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

WHEELS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11415705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11415705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.