Most common 2005 Volvo V70 problems
Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo V70 complaints by model year
Best V70 years: 2008, 2009, 2010. Years to avoid: 1998, 2001, 1999, 2000, 2004. Compare all years →
2005 Volvo V70 recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the label denoting the tire and loading pressure information is incorrect.
Remedy: Dealers will mail the correct labels free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
What 2005 Volvo V70 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo V70. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body modulator failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the fuel sensor gauge failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Since mid July, 05 car has had an intermittent stalling problem. When you stop, after the car is at operating temp. It will seek idle, run up to about 1,000 RPM & either drop to below 500 RPM or stall out. It does this on several makes of premium gas, mobil, shell, texico/amaco, and or marathon. It will restart easily and then does not lose idle again for some time. I had it checked by dealership, and they find the mass air sensor and throttle module are bad. Cost to cure is $1,500. I do not think a car with 64K miles should need this type of expense. I think a car that stalls in traffic without any warning is a hazard. I have contacted Volvo, and they are sorry but can do nothing about it at this time. They are replacing or making adjustment to cost in sweden at this time per "brickboard" the Volvo web site on throttle modules. I have asked for original parts, and will save them.
Fuel & propulsion system
Tl contact owns a 2005 Volvo V70. While approaching a stop sign at 55 MPH, the vehicle began smoking under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle right before it burst into flames. The fire department arrived at the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a repair shop. The fire inspectors stated that the fire was caused by a leak in the fuel injection pipe. The current and failure mileages were 9,000. Updated 10/23/07
Tl contact owns a 2005 Volvo V70. The contact stated that the vehicle constantly stalls. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled while driving 60 MPH and the check engine light illuminated. The contact noticed that when she kept the fuel amount at half a tank, the vehicle would not stall. The dealer stated that the fuel sensor pressure was causing the failure. The manufacturer stated that they were aware of the failure; however, her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07V226000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $392. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage was 69,734 and failure mileage was 67,000.
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo V70. The contact stated that while traveling 35 MPH, the emergency brake engaged, causing the rear driver side wheel to seize. The vehicle was later towed to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the parking brake failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 91,000.
Brake failure during slow-to-stop while moving vehicle into garage. Brakes went stiff with little braking action. Lifted and replanted on pedal regained braking ability.
2005 Volvo V70 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Volvo V70 a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 V70 rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the V70 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Volvo V70?
The speed control & acceleration — 4 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (4) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo V70 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Volvo V70, the most recent from October 14, 2021 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo V70?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2009 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 2001, 1999, 2000 and 2004. See the full Volvo V70 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Volvo V70 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.