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
Despite fuel gauge reading over 1/4 tank car stopped in middle of a highway and nearly caused a collision; thankfully no one hurt. Despite service bulletins on this issue with 2008xc70 no recall ever issued. Several others have reported this issue to NHTSA, I believe a recall is appropriate due to the obvious safety problems and because this only happens to the 2008 model- obviously it was fixed on all the future models.
Traveling on a busy expway during rush hour in left lane when car started bucking. I was able to switch 2 lanes and almost made it to the shoulder when the car stopped and wouldn't start again. Car information system reported that the battery power was critically low. I put my hazard lights on and called the police. I could not get out of my car because the traffic was going by too quickly (I was at the bottom of a exit ramp.) police called their tow truck to get me off the road quickly. Volvo on line service said it would tale an hour to get a truck to me even though I told them I was in a very hazardous place) car was towed to Volvo dealership where within 5 minutes the person who went out to look at my car called me back and told me the car was out of gas; the gas meter read approx 1/3 full. …
Dt: the contact complained about intermittent power failure while accelerating. He was able to restart the vehicle in the past, however, after the third occurrence , the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. The dealer determined the in tank the fuel pump part # 30741993 needed to be replaced. The contact felt this part was faulty by design. The manufacturer stated there were no parts available due to high demand. Updated 02/07/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC70. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted after the failure and taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the fuel pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 109,900 and the current mileage was 110,150. Updated 03/07/12
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that a strong fuel odor emitted inside and outside of the vehicle continuously however, there was no fuel visible on the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic, who both confirmed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V483000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
I purchased this 2003 Volvo XC70 recently and a few weeks after driving it I noticed a bad smell of gas. I looked around and did not see anything leaking. I kept driving daily and smelled gas every single time the car was on. I became very concerned because I drive with my 6 year old daughter in the car. After some time I noticed that there was a gas leak coming from the passenger side rear and this became a very scary and dangerous situation. I automatically drove to the nearest mechanic shop and got the car looked at. The mechanic told me this is very dangerous and can not be driven because the car can catch fire or even explode. After some research and after hearing back from the mechanic I learned that there is a recall on the fuel pump on this model car and this is exactly the problem. …
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo XC70 years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (33), 2008 (13), 2001 (9), 2002 (7) and 2003 (6) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volvo XC70 fuel system problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-483 (fuel pump, Dec 18, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volvo XC70 fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 miles; 19% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (7 mentions), followed by the delivery (2).
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.