Is the 2004 VOLVO XC90 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of VOLVO XC90s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 4,432 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 VOLVO XC90 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 VOLVO XC90?

The 2004 VOLVO XC90 has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 4,432 tests in 2026. This ranks 269 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year VOLVO XC90 is most reliable?

The 2020 VOLVO XC90 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%. The least reliable year is 2003 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 VOLVO XC90?

The average mileage for a 2004 VOLVO XC90 is 161,221 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO XC90 (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,432 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2435cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel2435cc22 years old4,432 tests161k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2435cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2435cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 22 years old, 72% of VOLVO XC90s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,432 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 161,221 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars269th of 491(top 55%)

Rank among VOLVO models581th of 635(top 91%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+0%(72% avg)

vs VOLVO average-15%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

161,221

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 VOLVO XC90 has 161,221 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2004 sits between the two at 72%.

VOLVO XC90 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	90%	49	40,659 mi
2020	91%	1,309	41,321 mi
2019	90%	9,154	50,386 mi
2018	89%	11,631	61,269 mi
2017	88%	10,316	72,733 mi
2016	86%	10,879	84,251 mi
2015	85%	5,492	89,253 mi
2014	81%	4,171	99,216 mi
2013	81%	4,585	108,019 mi
2012	82%	5,327	114,883 mi
2011	78%	8,160	124,635 mi
2010	77%	11,184	130,904 mi
2009	78%	6,349	136,576 mi
2008	76%	3,096	141,628 mi
2007	73%	5,149	147,081 mi
2006	73%	5,088	150,799 mi
2005	73%	6,336	159,047 mi
2004	72%	4,432	161,221 mi
2003	72%	1,520	152,528 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

HONDA CIVIC

2006 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,050/year

71%

-1%

BMW 3 SERIES

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

+6%

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

2006 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,050/year

73%

+1%

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

+6%

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About the 2004 VOLVO XC90

The 2004 VOLVO XC90 is a premium with a 2435cc diesel engine. 4,432 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 161,221 miles at 22 years old, VOLVO XC90 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 VOLVO XC90 Fuel Costs

The 2435cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2004 VOLVO XC90?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLVO XC90 Reliability Trend

Newer VOLVO XC90s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 VOLVO XC90

At 22 years old, the VOLVO XC90 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 VOLVO XC90's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 161k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2004 VOLVO XC90 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO XC90(2004)	72%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
HONDA CIVIC(2006)	71%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
BMW 3 SERIES(2005)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006)	73%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.