Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Volvo XC70 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My car kept getting a light for its coolant levels despite me filling it with proper coolant-I noticed a leak of coolant on the ground & upon getting it inspected from an independent service center, they told me the issue was my radiator so we got the part to fix it and a week later fixed the radiator and I didn't get the light for coolant again. Although the independent service center told me that i actually had a fuel leakage due to my pump and described the issues I've been having with my car for a few months as signs to what problems this is causing, this meaning a funky fuel smell, my car struggling to fully turn on-needing multiple tries to actually fully turn on etc. this puts my safety at risk because fuel leakage is extremely dangerous for multiple reasons. Not inspected by manufacturer police or insurance reps. …
I own a 2004 Volvo XC70 that is experiencing the same fuel pump defect described in Recall R220 / NHTSA Campaign 09V483000 (fuel pump leak). My vehicle exhibits fuel system problems consistent with the recall description. However, my VIN is not included in the current recall population. When I contacted Volvo, I was told my case (ID #250827-000998) was escalated to corporate, but I was later informed that no goodwill assistance would be provided because my VIN is not covered. I specifically requested written confirmation of this determination. This defect poses a safety risk that aligns with the existing recall, and I believe additional vehicles outside the current VIN range may be affected. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the recall should be expanded to include vehicles like mine.
Fuel pump seal leak/ flange broke. Smelled gas, saw a puddle under the car. Upon fuel pump inspection a failed repair combined with original broken seal flange. We live in a state where the recall was not listed so our next step is to contact volvo.
I smelled gasoline fumes in car when the car was in motion, on a city street, and immediately took car to my Volvo mechanic. They told me it was a cracked fuel pump. Cost me $723.55 out of pocket to repair. Bought the car on 02/14/2015 and this repair was on 09/24/2015; just over seven months of ownership! I researched, and saw there was a recall on this issue, and called Volvo about it. Volvo said they would not honor recall notice on my car because I was not located in one of the states specified in the recall notice. Totally unfair!! Obviously, this problem occurred in my Volvo in the state of colorado, which has temperature fluctuations from below 0deg f to over 95deg f throughout the seasons. I am very unhappy and feel I am not the only Volvo owner who has run across this geographical disparity contained in Volvo's recall notice. …
Although the 'cracked fuel pump flange' recall service (Volvo recall r220, NHTSA 09v-483) was previously performed on my vehicle, the Volvo XC70 has an additional 'fuel sending unit' on the driver's side of the car. This additional fuel component has a similarly formed flange which also develops a crack. Even though the units are similarly composed and both in the same environment, I have been told the auxiliary fuel sending unit is not covered under Volvo recall 220. Exactly as described in the fuel pump recall, the crack in the driver's side fuel sending unit allows gasoline to constantly ooze through the crack and slowly pour onto the ground and puddle. If a fuel pump flange crack allowing gasoline to pour onto the ground was cause for a recall, why is the exact same problem in the auxiliary fuel sending unit not also a cause for recall?
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC70. While driving various speeds, a fuel odor was detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to goodwin's Volvo (91 main st, topsham, me 04086) where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,459. Consumer stated smelled gas from, from the beginning, nobody could smell it but my daughter and I finally checked by used car dealer, they said it was a loose clamp, which they tightened, I could smell it so they recommended a second opinion took it to goodwins Volvo. Topsham copy of findinds enclosed when I took it back to reno meadows auto, they said it was the vent tube, they replaced the copy enclosed, seems to be okay now. Updated 10/15/18
The fuel pump began leaking fuel in hot weather. It leaks both if the car is being driven or if it's stationary. There is an existing recall that seems to cover this issue. It is referred to as "recall 220" in Volvo's documentation. The original recall limits the affected vehicles to ones which were originally purchased in specific U.S. States. This is oddly arbitrary considering cars can be moved around and warm weather isn't exclusive to any specific location. I've attempted to contact the manufacturer and the NHTSA but am immediately shut down due to my VIN not being listed in their database. Volvo issued documentation to their service locations on how to visually inspect a vehicle to determine if it's affected. I performed those steps and believe my vehicle fits the guidelines for the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle had a defective fuel pump and fuel pump seal. The mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 09V483000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact then took the vehicle to jim fisher Volvo (2108 w burnside st, portland, or 97210) where he was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was informed that he had to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a discount towards the repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC70. The contact noticed an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. In addition, when he attempted to start the vehicle, it hesitated. The ignition would turn over, but the vehicle would not start. The contact had to turn off the vehicle and depress the accelerator pedal a few times before the vehicle would start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V483000 (fuel system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure issued an extended warranty, but the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Found out today that my car has a crack in the fuel pump after smelling gas the last few days. There was a recall for 2001-2005 XC70's (jan. 2010) where the fuel pump can develop cracks in the flange when exposed to hot temps and (thermal cycling) combined with varying fuel grades. Checked with the dealer and was told connecticut was not one of the states covered by this recall. Why not and have there been other complaints from states not covered in the original recall. A car fire can be a definite result of this fuel leak and should be covered in all states.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 s80, model year 2001-2004 v70, s60, xc70 and model year 2003-2005 xc90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of alabama, arizona, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new Mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge.
Fuel System complaints in other XC70 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2004 Volvo XC70?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2004 Volvo XC70, 33% of the model year's 101 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Volvo XC70 fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-483 (fuel pump, Dec 18, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Volvo XC70 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 143,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 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.