2004 Volvo XC90: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2004 Volvo XC90
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Automatic
Geartronic gearbox failure
The Geartronic automatic can fail expensively, especially on cars that have towed heavily.
At the viewing: After 30 minutes' driving, feel for clunks or odd changes.
- AWD
Four-wheel-drive angle gear failure
The angle gear and sleeve can fail, leaving it in two-wheel drive.
At the viewing: Ask a specialist to check the four-wheel-drive system.
- All engines
Suspension, power steering and brakes
It's hard on suspension parts, the power steering pump can leak, and brakes wear quickly.
At the viewing: Listen for knocks, turn lock to lock, and test the handbrake.
- All engines
Electrical faults from water
A pollen filter cover fault can let water into the electrics.
At the viewing: Test every electrical item.
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Other years
Every year of the Volvo XC90 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 288 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 6,483 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 13,349 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 14,687 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 21,358 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 18,591 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 16,415 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 15,601 | Suspension 28% |
| 2015 | 8,092 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 6,830 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 7,198 | Brakes 30% |
| 2012 | 8,720 | Brakes 31% |
| 2011 | 12,594 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2010 | 17,542 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2009 | 9,753 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 4,711 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 7,367 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 7,127 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 8,931 | Suspension 57% |
| 2003 | 2,039 | Suspension 60% |