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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1996–2016

Volvo V70 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns and 933 owner complaints for the Volvo V70, covering model years 1996 to 2016. The 2001 model year drew the most complaints (221), and Vehicle Speed Control is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Volvo V70 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 22 recall campaigns on file
  • 933 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 21 model years with data (1996–2016)
  • most complaints: 2001 (221 for that model year)
  • top component: Vehicle Speed Control (160 complaints)
  • latest recall 21V800000 (reported Oct 14, 2021)
  • 41 complaints reporting a crash (4.4%)
  • 26 complaints reporting a fire (2.8%)
  • 36 complaints reporting an injury (3.9%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a death (0.1%)

Volvo V70 complaints by model year

15 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2001 model year has the most complaints: 221 of 933, or 23.7%. Next come 1998 (187) and 1999 (169). The fewest are for 1996, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volvo V70 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1996–2010Column chart of 933 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2001 with 221. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1996: 1 complaint119961997: 3 complaints319971998: 187 complaints18719981999: 169 complaints16919992000: 93 complaints9320002001: 221 complaints22120012002: 76 complaints7620022003: 32 complaints3220032004: 83 complaints8320042005: 21 complaints2120052006: 21 complaints2120062007: 7 complaints720072008: 11 complaints1120082009: 4 complaints420092010: 4 complaints42010
Show the figures for all 15 model years
Volvo V70 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volvo V70 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199610000
199730100
1998187107141
19991694120
20009311250
20012218270
2002765330
2003321010
2004832640
2005210100
2006210100
200770100
2008110100
200940000
201040000
All model years9334126361

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Volvo V70 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Vehicle Speed Control is the component named most often, in 160 complaints (17.1% of all 933), followed by Electrical System (142) and Engine and Engine Cooling (111).

Components named most often in Volvo V70 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volvo V70 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Vehicle Speed Control16017.1%
Electrical System14215.2%
Engine and Engine Cooling11111.9%
Power Train10711.5%
Fuel System, Gasoline889.4%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic758.0%
Exterior Lighting636.8%
Air Bags515.5%
Seat Belts374.0%
Tires363.9%
Structure313.3%
Engine252.7%
Fuel/Propulsion System252.7%
Suspension252.7%
Unknown or Other252.7%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Volvo V70 recalls

22 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name V70, newest first. The 22 campaigns cover model years 1998 to 2016. The 2001 model year appears in the most campaigns (8).

  • 22 recall campaigns
Volvo V70 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1998: 5 campaigns1999: 4 campaigns
2000: 5 campaigns2001: 8 campaigns2002: 6 campaigns2003: 5 campaigns2004: 5 campaigns2005: 3 campaigns2006: 3 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 4 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 1 campaign2012: 1 campaign2013: 1 campaign2014: 1 campaign2015: 1 campaign2016: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V800000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module; Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2001–2007

    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.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
    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. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10136.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V378000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front

    Model years 2008–2016

    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. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.

    Consequence:
    An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    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. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 10V566000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)

    Model years 2001–2010

    Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

    Consequence:
    An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
    Remedy:
    Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the PCB. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 10V489000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2010

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 S80, XC70, model year 2011 XC60 and model year 2010 V70 vehicles. There may be an intermittent fault in the driver's airbag clockspring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all, and therefore will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a metal shim in the driver's air bag clockspring wiring connector. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on October 20, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 09V483000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2001–2004

    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, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and the U.S. territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange.

    Consequence:
    If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
    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. The safety recall began on January 15, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 09V218000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan

    Model years 2008–2009

    Volvo is recalling 17,614 MY 2008-2009 S80, V70, and XC70 vehicles. The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (FCM). Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance, and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.

    Consequence:
    This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2009. Owners may contact Volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 08V032000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2008

    Certain vehicles equipped with rear integrated booster seats fail to comply with the labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "child restraint systems." Labels on the affected vehicles are missing warning information indicating that 'death or serious injury can occur' if the manufacturer's instructions are not followed when using child restraint systems.

    Consequence:
    This standard specifies requirements for child restraint systems used in motor vehicles and aircraft for the purpose of reducing the number of children killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes and in aircraft.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new label with the correct warning information. The recall began on February 20, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 07V226000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model years 2003–2004

    On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pressure sensor located on the left end of the fuel rail may, at times, transmit incorrect signal regarding the fuel pressure to the engine control module. If the signal is outside of the pre-programmed allowable limits, a diagnostic trouble code may be set and the check engine light will come on. The soldered joints on the circuit board of the fuel pressure sensor may crack due to temperature changes and excessive vibrations.

    Consequence:
    Misfire may occur during driving that, in turn, will reduce the engine torque and in the worst case scenario, the engine may stall without warning. In certain traffic situations this could cause an unsafe situation and possibly a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensor free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2007. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 06V441000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1999–2002

    On certain passenger vehicles, a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing, and/or inefficient software calibration may cause a warning lamp to light and the subsequent onset of limp home modes.

    Consequence:
    This resulted in a high number of vehicles going into the limp home mode without need.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles. The recall began on December 29, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 06V375000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 2005–2006

    Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "tire selection and rims." The label denoting the tire and loading pressure information is incorrect.

    Consequence:
    A misprinted label would lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will mail the correct labels free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

Show 12 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V504000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch

    Model years 1998–2000

    On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.

    Consequence:
    The head lights may not operate properly which could result in intermittent or no headlight function. This could impair a driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    On vehicles with an original OEM switch, dealers will replace the headlight switch. All other vehicles will be inspected to determine if the switch has een damaged and replace only if necessary. The recall began on January 24, 2005. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 04V451000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan

    Model years 2000–2001

    On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, some electric cooling fans may overheat potentially causing heat damage and, in rare instances, a fire in the engine compartment.

    Consequence:
    A fire in the engine compartment could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the cooling fan. The recall began on November 29, 2004. Customers should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 04V051000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights

    Model year 2002

    On certain sport utility vehicles, the rear left and right brake light relays may not function when the brake pedal is depressed or may stay on continuously. The high positioned brake light and all other tail lights will not be affected.

    Consequence:
    If the brake lights fail to come on, there will be no lower brake lights to indicate to following vehicles that the vehicle is decelerating, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the brake light relay with two relays of a modified design. Owner notification began on February 23, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V029000

    Reported

    Steering › Linkages

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles, the front control arms may not have been manufactured correctly and, as a result, the stud and nut that secure the arm to the spindle may lose their initial axial tension. Under certain driving conditions, the steering may become less responsive and the driver may experience steering wheel play.

    Consequence:
    This driving condition could eventually lead to separation between the front control arm and the spindle, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new type of nut. Owner notification began on February 16, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 03V284000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 2001–2003

    Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." The second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.

    Consequence:
    This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
    Remedy:
    Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second isofix guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected owner's manual may be provided. If the owner wants to take their vehicle to a Volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge to the owner. Owner notification began on December 19, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 01V101000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: wagons. The bolted joint, used for attaching the bracket that is part of the installation hardware for the isofix-type child restraint, may have been incorrectly tightened.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the anchorage bolts and tighten to the correct torque level. Owner notification began May 7, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 01V100000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: sedans and wagons. The rear outboard seat belt anchorage bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the anchorage bolts and tighten to the correct torque level. Owner notification began May 7, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 00V405000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal

    Model years 1998–2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. There could be inadequate contact between the bulb and socket which could cause the front turn signal not to function as designed.

    Consequence:
    This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle is turning and could lead to a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 00V239000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch

    Model year 2000

    On certain station wagons, the tailgate locking mechanism may have been incorrectly manufactured which, in combination with cold temperatures, could cause improper locking of the tailgate.

    Consequence:
    The tailgate may not lock properly.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the locking mechanism for the tailgate. Owner notification began September 25, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 99V236000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The frontal passenger air bag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharge.

    Consequence:
    This could possibly cause an inadvertent deployment.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  11. NHTSA campaign 99V235000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.

    Consequence:
    Driver's could experience a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the headlight switch.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  12. NHTSA campaign 98V254000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe

    Model years 1998–1999

    Vehicle description: station wagons equipped with third seats. Users of the third seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe.

    Consequence:
    Contact with the tailpipe can result in personal injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Volvo V70 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volvo V70 have?

NHTSA lists 22 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volvo V70, covering model years 1996 to 2016. The most recent, 21V800000, was reported on October 14, 2021 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2001 model year is covered by the most campaigns (8).

Which Volvo V70 model year has the most complaints?

The 2001 model year, with 221 of the 933 complaints in NHTSA’s file (23.7%). The next are 1998 (187) and 1999 (169). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Volvo V70 complaint?

Vehicle Speed Control is the component named most often: 160 complaints, or 17.1% of all 933. Electrical System (142) and Engine and Engine Cooling (111) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Volvo V70?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Volvo dealer.

How many Volvo V70 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 933 complaints, 41 report a crash, 26 a fire, 36 at least one injury and 1 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Volvo models

8 models · most complaints first

The Volvo models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Volvo VIN decoder with every Volvo model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Volvo XC90 2003–2025 · 35 recalls · 1,521 complaints
  • Volvo S60 2000–2025 · 40 recalls · 1,264 complaints
  • Volvo S80 1999–2016 · 27 recalls · 954 complaints
  • Volvo XC60 2009–2025 · 36 recalls · 647 complaints
  • Volvo S70 1995–2002 · 6 recalls · 593 complaints
  • Volvo S40 2000–2011 · 12 recalls · 491 complaints
  • Volvo XC70 2001–2016 · 19 recalls · 417 complaints
  • Volvo 850 1995–2000 · 4 recalls · 413 complaints

All Volvo models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.