Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | −92% | — | Fuel System | Good |
| 2003 | 12 | −82% | — | Transmission | Good |
| 2002 | 27 | −61% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2001 | 144 | 5.1× | 1 | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 2000 | 103 | 4.1× | 2 | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 1999 | 79 | 3.0× | 2 | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 1998 | 31 | −37% | 1 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median V70XC year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo V70XC problems
Latest Volvo V70XC recalls
Vehicle speed control
On certain passenger vehicles, a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing, and/or inefficient software calibration May cause a warning lamp to light and the subsequent onset of limp home modes.
Remedy: Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles. The recall began on December 29, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch May cease to function.
Remedy: On vehicles with an original OEM switch, dealers will replace the headlight switch. All other vehicles will be inspected to determine if the switch has een damaged and replace only if necessary.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, some electric cooling fans May overheat potentially causing heat damage and, in rare instances, a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cooling fan. The recall began on November 29, 2004. Customers should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
On certain sport utility vehicles, the rear left and right brake light relays May not function when the brake pedal is depressed or May stay on continuously. The high positioned brake light and all other tail lights will not be affected.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light relay with two relays of a modified design. Owner notification began on February 23, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo V70XC should you avoid?
2001, 2000 and 1999 — these years have the most complaints relative to other V70XC years at the same age, led by speed control & acceleration problems in the 2001.
What is the best year for the Volvo V70XC?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other V70XC years at the same age, followed by 2003 and 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo V70XC problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the speed control & acceleration (118), electrical system (75) and transmission & drivetrain (66). Acceleration complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo V70XC had?
4 recalls across 1998–2004. The model year with the most is 1999. See all Volvo V70XC recalls by year.
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.