2004 Volvo XC90 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 145about this part
- Share
- 31%of 462 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 145 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Volvo XC90, 31% of the 462 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am concerned these 2 issues may pose a safety risk. I recently purchased this car from a friend and have had it about a month. I notice the steering is very stiff and difficult to maneuver. I was trying to find out if there were any recalls on this but having no luck. Also, when the car is in gear drive , when stopped on an incline (even the slightest hill) I notice that when I take my foot off the brake pedal the car rolls backwards! It shouldn't do that. …”
NHTSA complaint #11321055, filed 2020-04, 195,000 miles“As I was taking my kids home the truck went into limp mode even though it was still in drive leaving me and my two kids stranded in the middle of the highway my daughter and I had to actually push the vehicle off the road to safety. Now I find out that it needs a new transmission which we aren't able to locate.”
NHTSA complaint #10622391, filed 2014-08, 97,878 miles“While driving, car stopped accelerating and urgent transmission required light came on. Took it to dealership today and was told a new transmission is needed; total cost $6800. I know this year and model vehicle has had several issues with transmission. When I called Volvo, they said nothing could be done.”
NHTSA complaint #10568536, filed 2014-03, 152,000 miles“Add to the very long list one more XC90 t6 owner with an automatic transmission failure. Transmission began slipping while driving. Repair estimate was $5800. This is the GM-sourced transmission issue that Volvo appears to be ignoring. Rest assured I will be participating in any class action suits that I can find until Volvo issues a recall or monetary compensation.”
NHTSA complaint #10451796, filed 2012-03, 100,000 miles“My 2004 Volvo XC90 t6 with 75000 miles on it that I bought brand new, out of the blue with no warning had total transmission failure on the tri-state tollway. Had regular servicing and maintenance performed never had loss of fluids or any signs or warning lights. Estimated over $6000 to repair. I can't believe this.”
NHTSA complaint #10302446, filed 2010-01, 75,580 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10052500Jun 18, 2013Volvo: on some vehicles, the software for transmission control module (tcm) fails to contain optimal calibration settings, and would need to install upgraded tcm software. Models…
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10043574Mar 16, 2012Front left frost plug displacement can cause axle grease to mix with the automatic transmission fluid (atf).
- 10037896Jan 5, 2011Volvo: abs light on, four-wheel drive is not working. There is a software problem.
- 10032425Jul 10, 2009Volvo: the 5 speed automatic transmission, aw55-50/51, has a bolt on top that anchors the b4 band, which applies 3rd gear. If that bolt is removed, the band will be disengaged…
- 10016434Jul 7, 2006Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10019961Apr 6, 2006Aw55 transmission control module diagnostic trouble code 010a, 010b, 010c shift solenoid s5 signal low, high or missing.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 14% |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 8% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 5 | 10% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 4 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 62 | 28% |
| 2004 | 145 | 31% |
| 2003 | 49 | 53% |
Other parts of the 2004 Volvo XC90
158 complaintsFuel system
77 complaintsExterior lighting
32 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsEngine
28 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Volvo XC90
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology