Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 | −36% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2015 | 6 | −57% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2014 | 2 | −79% | 2 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2013 | 8 | −50% | 2 | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2012 | 14 | typical | 2 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2011 | 15 | −14% | 3 | Door Lock & Latch | Average |
| 2010 | 15 | typical | 5 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2009 | 15 | typical | 5 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2008 | 39 | 1.8× | 8 | Fuel System | Caution |
| 2007 | 25 | 1.2× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2006 | 18 | typical | 2 | Suspension | Average |
| 2005 | 27 | 1.4× | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2004 | 101 | 4.1× | 3 | Fuel System | Avoid |
| 2003 | 24 | 1.4× | 4 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2002 | 35 | 1.9× | 4 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2001 | 66 | 3.5× | 5 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median XC70 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo XC70 problems
Latest Volvo XC70 recalls
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.
Seat belts › Front
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting…
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015.
Electrical system
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the CEM software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S80 and XC70 vehicles. A software error within the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will result in the "TPMS Service Required" message appearing after approximately 15 minutes of accumulated driving over 25 mph.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicle's TPMS. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 12, 2012. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo XC70 should you avoid?
2004, 2001, 2002 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other XC70 years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2004.
What is the best year for the Volvo XC70?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other XC70 years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2013. 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 XC70 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (79), transmission & drivetrain (71) and electrical system (43). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo XC70 had?
19 recalls across 2001–2016. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Volvo XC70 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.