Fuel System complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Entering my vehicle I smelled a strong odor of gasoline. Upon investigation, I found this was due to a cracked fuel pump. Because of this very problem, this make and model of vehicle was officially recalled by Volvo in 2009 as part of NHTSA action number : pe09039 NHTSA recall campaign number : 09V483000 . However the recall only applies to vehicles sold in al, az, ar, ca, fl, ga, hi, ky, la, ms, nv, nm, nc, OK, sc, tn, tx, ut, va and the us territories. The problem can happen to any of these cars regardless of where they were sold. The temperature fluctuations that May be responsible for the safety hazard occur in new england as well as the south and west. The defective part and safety issue exists for all owners of these cars and every one of them should be recalled.
The fuel pump in my 2004 Volvo xc70 failed, causing gas to leak from the vehicle. I understand from a nyt article that there are several complaints into NHTSA regarding a similar condition in the 2004 xc90. The leaking pump was repaired by a Volvo dealer at considerable ($1300) cost.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Volvo V70XC. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel fumes emitting from the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the flank fractured and both the flank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09V483000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 104,000.
1) fuel smell, and harder to start engine. Engine crank w/o problem. Symptoms started around July 4th last year, getting sever and more often. Took my car to local Volvo, but they said "no recall for this car" even though multiple exact same symptoms are reported, then took my car to local auto repair garage finally, today mechanic calls and says "fuel pump failure". 2) transmission slip, "shock" when shift up, around 2nd to 3rd gear, also many user complain aisin-made transmission slips/shock when shift up, program/softwear update solves some users but no all, local dealer says "update costs about 200 dollars, because of no recall", also they say "but May not solve problem" why they don't see any recall for my car, or why I cannot get any support from Volvo, even many user complain same symptoms?
Car stalls while turning or going over speed bumps. The car completely loses power when making right or left turns. It has also occurred in parking lots while driving over speed bumps. This usually takes place during acceleration. This has occurred on state highways, local, and parking lots. I do not drive the automobile on a regular basis; it is only driven occasionally (once a week). I consider myself lucky so far that nobody has rear-ended me.
I was recently told my 2001 v79xc needed ball joints, then sway bars and someone else said struts! Also: I have had the car diagnosed, the system reported throttle module errors and electircal or circuit problems; throttle module cleaned, then replaced; headlights replaced 3 times (wiring causes shorts); gas filter replaced two junes in a row gas propelled out of the tank back at me upon pumping (something about air intake line was clogged), the brackets underneath the car are totally rusted not stainless steel! I had the cooling fan replaced, car overheated into the red! I too have had little time to enjoy my car. The e brake sticks in the winter, because the coating on the lines/cables is cracked, broken/burned due to improper suspension. My sun roof, interior lights and rear hatch door works intermittently in cold weather. …
Purchased car in dec 2006. Within few months, began to notice the car would lose speed on highway and drop to a speed anywhere between 60-80km/hr. Black smoke rolled out exhaust. Took car to dealership (where previous owners maintained car). Several filters, seals, replaced. Few months later the same problem continued. Returned to dealership and told car needed catalytic converter. After being told the cost, dealership called back to say under emissions warranty. $1200 part was covered but I paid labor/other parts. Dealer was asked on both occasions to complete service due. Failed to complete these as requested. Problems continued. This time the dealership told me that ets was gone causing the car to go into limp mode. Repairs done at a cost of all $2600.00. Less than a year, same problem occurred. The oil light came on (though there was oil in the car). …
1. Defective throttle body caused engine to shut-off on freeway. 2. Engine died. Had to "limp" back into dealer for replacement. 3. New part installed. Old part available. If manufacturer has a "dealer only" repair policy, then there should be notice given to prospective purchasers that vehicle can only be repaired at dealer. Notice should be in form of warning decal in engine compartment or some other conspicuous place. "dealer only" repair policy should be discourage because of lengthy towing when vehicles breakdown outside major cities, I.e. The west. Customer should not be required to learn after a breakdown that the vehicle must be towed hundreds of miles to a dealer for repairs. Currently such vehicles must be towed past large towns/small cities back to a major urban area to a dealer that can fix the vehicle. Mfr. Should be required to conspiciously disclose such a requirement. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo V70XC years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (22), 2001 (16), 1999 (13) and 2002 (7) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Volvo V70XC fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for any Volvo V70XC model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volvo V70XC fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the fuel injection system (13 mentions), followed by the delivery (10).
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.