The vehicle dossier US · 2004

2004 Volvo
XC90Problems & recalls

462 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 158 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 462 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Electrical system158 reports
Transmission & drivetrain145 reports
Other components101 reports
Fuel system77 reports
Engine52 reports
Air bags31 reports
Suspension23 reports
Steering20 reports
Brakes18 reports
Body & structure14 reports
Visibility6 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM152
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION102
POWER TRAIN37
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE32
EXTERIOR LIGHTING30
ENGINE28
AIR BAGS26
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL16
STEERING15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)11
WHEELS10
SERVICE BRAKES10
SUSPENSION9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP8
SUSPENSION:REAR7
STRUCTURE7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE6
TIRES5
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING5
EQUIPMENT5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM4
SEAT BELTS4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY3
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE3
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
SUSPENSION:FRONT3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE1
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE1
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR1
STEERING:COLUMN1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
PARKING BRAKE1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER1
SEATS1
CHILD SEAT1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Mar 9, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

86,000 miles is the median among 410 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 64,500–116,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

6 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Nov 8, 2010 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)Campaign 10V566000

Reported concern

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

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: R231

Read campaign 10V566000 at NHTSA
Dec 18, 2009 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 09V483000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: R220

Read campaign 09V483000 at NHTSA
May 5, 2006 Safety recallSTEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLYCampaign 06V155000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: R157

Read campaign 06V155000 at NHTSA
Apr 28, 2006 Safety recallVISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHERCampaign 06V144000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: R156

Read campaign 06V144000 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2003 Safety recallWHEELSCampaign 03V434000

Reported concern

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

Manufacturer’s stated response

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

Manufacturer campaign: 127A

Read campaign 03V434000 at NHTSA
Oct 10, 2003 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERCampaign 03V391000

Reported concern

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

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 127

Read campaign 03V391000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

222 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 23, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions35526.1.8This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
NHTSA ID 11032678

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032678 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions37809.1.1This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval…NHTSA ID 11032671

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032671 at NHTSA
Dec 6, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions19245This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.NHTSA ID 11027173

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027173 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions8501This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and…NHTSA ID 11020437

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020437 at NHTSA
Feb 21, 2025 Service CampaignS10303Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there i…NHTSA ID 11016002

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

Campaign / software reference: S10303

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11016002 at NHTSA
Feb 13, 2025 Service CampaignS10303Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there i…NHTSA ID 11015994

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

Campaign / software reference: S10303

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11015994 at NHTSA
Jan 16, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions37175This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factoryNHTSA ID 11014113

This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014113 at NHTSA
Jan 16, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions8501This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and…NHTSA ID 11014112

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014112 at NHTSA
Aug 14, 2024 OtherTJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery ServiceNHTSA ID 11007925

Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007925 at NHTSA
Jan 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions26745.13.14This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing MethodNHTSA ID 10249191

This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10249191 at NHTSA
Jul 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsC00009COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.NHTSA ID 10241661

COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.

Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10241661 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTJ3656330Rubber cushionNHTSA ID 10241651

Rubber cushion

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10241651 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jul 20, 2010 ClosedCentral Electronic Module FailurePE10025

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.

Recorded closure: Nov 22, 2010

Find investigation PE10025
Opened Aug 31, 2009 ClosedFUEL PUMP LEAKPE09039

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).

Recorded closure: Dec 22, 2009

Campaign reference in the source: 09V483000

Find investigation PE09039
Opened Dec 2, 2005 ClosedWINDSHIELD WIPER ARM PERFORMANCEPE05064

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.

Recorded closure: May 10, 2006

Campaign reference in the source: 06V144000

Find investigation PE05064

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