Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Volvo XC70 Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns across the Volvo XC70, 2001–2016. Owners have filed 417 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2004 drew the most (101) and the 2014 the fewest (2).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls19campaignsCovering 2001–2016 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints417filedOwner reports across 16 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy26mpg combined2016 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Volvo XC70 complaints by model year

417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

566 435 424 3101 227 218 225 839 515 515 315 214 28 22 16 27
2001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016
200166 200235 200324 2004101 200527 200618 200725 200839 200915 201015 201115 201214 20138 20142 20156 20167
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2014 · 2 complaints
  • 2015 · 6 complaints
  • 2016 · 7 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2004 · 101 complaints
  • 2008 · 39 complaints
  • 2002 · 35 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2007–2016. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Volvo XC70 owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2007200820092010201120122013201420152016
Visibility/wiper 0311253101
Electrical system 7420000001
Engine 2412000032
Seat belts 5111210011
Unknown or other 0311222011
Wheels 0244210000
Fuel/propulsion system 2420000120
Power train 2103200021

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Volvo XC70 recalls (19)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one XC70 model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Volvo XC70
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
21V800000Oct 14, 2021Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode2001–200726.3%
20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupant2008–201675.5%
15V555000Sep 2, 2015Starter Motor Fuse May Blow2016100%
13V377000Aug 21, 2013CEM/Electrical Components may Work Improperly2014—
12V415000Aug 28, 2012Tire Pressure Monitoring System/FMVSS 1382013—
12V075000Feb 28, 2012SEAT WIRING HARNESS2012—
10V579000Nov 17, 2010TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE2011—
10V566000Nov 8, 2010760 PORTABLE AUTOMOTIVE GPS UNITS/GARMIN2001–2010—
10V489000Oct 13, 2010SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM2010, 2011—
10V190000May 7, 2010TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL2008, 2009, 2010—
09V483000Dec 18, 2009FUEL PUMP LEAK2001–2004—
09V343000Sep 1, 2009CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE SOFTWARE2009, 2010—
09V218000Jun 12, 2009ENGINE COOLING FAN MODULE/JOHNSON ELECTRIC2008, 2009—
09V139000Apr 29, 2009CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE SOFTWARE2008—
08V032000Jan 28, 2008INTEGRATED CHILD BOOSTER SEAT LABELING/FMVSS 2132008—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Fuel economy by model year

200319 mpg
200419 mpg
200519 mpg
200619 mpg
200719 mpg
200817 mpg
200918 mpg
201018 mpg
201119–21 mpg
201220–21 mpg
201320–21 mpg
201420–21 mpg
201520–27 mpg
201621–26 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2016 Volvo XC70 report7 complaints · 2 campaigns →2015 Volvo XC70 report6 complaints · 1 campaigns →2014 Volvo XC70 report2 complaints · 2 campaigns →Every Volvo modelVolvo models →

Volvo XC70 FAQ

How many recalls has the Volvo XC70 had?

NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns that cover at least one Volvo XC70 model year from 2001 to 2016. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Volvo XC70 year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2004 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (101) and the 2014 the fewest (2). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Volvo XC70 problems?

Across the 2007–2016 model years, owners most often name the visibility/wiper, electrical system, engine in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Volvo XC70 get?

EPA rates the 2016 Volvo XC70 at 21 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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