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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2001–2016

Volvo XC70 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns and 417 owner complaints for the Volvo XC70, covering model years 2001 to 2016. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (101), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

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

Decode your Volvo XC70 VIN

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

  • 19 recall campaigns on file
  • 417 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 16 model years with data (2001–2016)
  • most complaints: 2004 (101 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (71 complaints)
  • latest recall 21V800000 (reported Oct 14, 2021)
  • 10 complaints reporting a crash (2.4%)
  • 7 complaints reporting a fire (1.7%)
  • 8 complaints reporting an injury (1.9%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Volvo XC70 complaints by model year

16 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 101 of 417, or 24.2%. Next come 2001 (66) and 2008 (39). The fewest are for 2014, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volvo XC70 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2001–2016Column chart of 417 complaints across 16 model years. The highest is 2004 with 101. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2001: 66 complaints6620012002: 35 complaints3520022003: 24 complaints2420032004: 101 complaints10120042005: 27 complaints2720052006: 18 complaints1820062007: 25 complaints2520072008: 39 complaints3920082009: 15 complaints1520092010: 15 complaints1520102011: 15 complaints1520112012: 14 complaints1420122013: 8 complaints820132014: 2 complaints220142015: 6 complaints620152016: 7 complaints72016
Show the figures for all 16 model years
Volvo XC70 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volvo XC70 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2001661110
2002350100
2003241010
20041012320
2005272010
2006180000
2007250000
2008392100
2009150000
2010150110
2011151010
2012140000
201381010
201420000
201560000
201670000
All model years41710780

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

Most-reported Volvo XC70 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 71 complaints (17.0% of all 417), followed by Fuel/Propulsion System (44) and Electrical System (43).

Components named most often in Volvo XC70 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volvo XC70 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train7117.0%
Fuel/Propulsion System4410.6%
Electrical System4310.3%
Suspension4310.3%
Fuel System, Gasoline358.4%
Vehicle Speed Control348.2%
Air Bags245.8%
Seat Belts235.5%
Engine215.0%
Engine and Engine Cooling194.6%
Unknown or Other194.6%
Visibility/Wiper184.3%
Wheels153.6%
Structure143.4%
Visibility133.1%

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 XC70 recalls

19 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name XC70, newest first. The 19 campaigns cover model years 2001 to 2016. The 2008 model year appears in the most campaigns (8).

  • 19 recall campaigns
Volvo XC70 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
2001: 5 campaigns2002: 4 campaigns2003: 4 campaigns2004: 3 campaigns2005: 2 campaigns2006: 2 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 8 campaigns2009: 5 campaigns
2010: 5 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 2 campaigns2013: 2 campaigns2014: 2 campaigns2015: 1 campaign2016: 2 campaigns
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 15V555000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers

    Model year 2016

    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 when necessary.

    Consequence:
    If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
    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. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visiting http://volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R39574.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 13V377000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model year 2014

    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. Also, the turn signals, high beams, and headlight switch might not work.

    Consequence:
    Malfunctioning head lamps and/or turn signals increase the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 12V415000

    Reported

    Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems

    Model year 2013

    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. The error will prevent the Tire Pressure Monitoring System from warning the driver that a tire needs air. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

    Consequence:
    A malfunctioning TPMS cannot warn a driver that a tire is underinflated. Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash.
    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.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 12V075000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring

    Model year 2012

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2012 S60, XC60, S80 and XC70 vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2011, through October 6, 2011. In these vehicles, the wire harness under the front seats may have not been attached properly to the seat frame. As a result, when the seats are moved to adjust the seating position, the wire harness may get pulled, causing it to disconnect.

    Consequence:
    In the event of crash, the front and/or side impact air bags may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of injury. Also, the lap belt pretensioner may not deploy.
    Remedy:
    Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, secure the seat wire harness. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on April 12, 2012. Owners may contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 10V579000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model year 2011

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011, S80, S60, XC70 and XC60 vehicles. The software calibration for the fuel cut-off functionality in the engine control module (ecm) is too sensitive.

    Consequence:
    Sudden engine stall could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the ecm and TCM with new software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before December 10, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  8. 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

  9. NHTSA campaign 10V489000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2010–2011

    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

  10. NHTSA campaign 10V190000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 2008–2010

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 XC70 vehicles manufactured from December 5, 2006 through October 1, 2009 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "tire selection and rims." The FMVSS label, tire and loading information label and a page in the owner's manual contain incorrect maximum permissible inflation pressure according to FMVSS 110.

    Consequence:
    This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
    Remedy:
    The corrective action is to update the vehicles with a new FMVSS label, tire and loading information label and TPMS software. Volvo retailers will also apply a label with correct maximum tire pressure information to the owner's manual. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

Show 9 more recalls
  1. 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

  2. NHTSA campaign 09V343000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software

    Model years 2009–2010

    Volvo is recalling MY 2008-2010 S80, model year 2009-2010 XC70 and model year 2010 XC60 vehicles. Under certain conditions the software within the central electronic module (cem) may not send a signal to the fuel pump electronic module (pem). This missing signal to the pem inhibits the start of the fuel pump. The driver may be able to start the engine in spite of the fuel pump not being activated due to residual pressure in the fuel system. In some cases, the driver may be able to drive the vehicle a short distance at idle but then the engine may stall.

    Consequence:
    If the vehicle stalls in certain conditions, a crash could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will download software to the vehicles' cem free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2009. Vehicles in dealer's inventory will be repaired prior to delivery. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  3. 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

  4. NHTSA campaign 09V139000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software

    Model year 2008

    Volvo is recalling 12,303 MY 2007-2008 S80 and V70 vehicles. The diagnostic software in the central electronic module (cem) may cause a malfunction of the windshield wiper functionality. If this condition occurs, the windshield wipers may not operate when activated; or in certain cases the windshield wipers may activate when not switched on.

    Consequence:
    Operating a motor vehicle during inclement weather conditions without functioning windshield wipers can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the cem and upgrade the software free of charge. The recall began on May 15, 2009. Owners may contact Volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552, or customercare@volvoforlife.com.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  5. 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

  6. NHTSA campaign 07V566000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2008

    Certain sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." The wheel information label located on the rear driver's side door pillar was printed missing the wheel size (rim) information.

    Consequence:
    The purpose of this standard is to provide safe operational performance by ensuring that vehicles to which it applies are equipped with tires of adequate size and load rating and with rims of appropriate size and type designation.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with a correct certification label and installation instructions. If the owner prefers, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on January 31, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 07V500000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2008

    In certain vehicles, two software errors have been found in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) control unit software. This may result in a late deployment of the inflatable curtain (ic) and side impact protection system (sips) air bags in certain side impact crash situations. In addition, this software error may also cause the 'SRS airbag - service urgent' message and SRS warning light to illuminate.

    Consequence:
    Late deploymentof the ic and sips air bags in certain side impact crash situations could increase the risk of injury to the vehicle occupant.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will perform a software upgrade of the SRS control unit. The recall began on October 31, 2007. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

    Filed by Volvo Car USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 06V441000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model year 2001

    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

  9. 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

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 XC70 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volvo XC70 have?

NHTSA lists 19 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volvo XC70, covering model years 2001 to 2016. The most recent, 21V800000, was reported on October 14, 2021 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2008 model year is covered by the most campaigns (8).

Which Volvo XC70 model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 101 of the 417 complaints in NHTSA’s file (24.2%). The next are 2001 (66) and 2008 (39). 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 XC70 complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 71 complaints, or 17.0% of all 417. Fuel/Propulsion System (44) and Electrical System (43) 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 XC70?

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 XC70 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 417 complaints, 10 report a crash, 7 a fire, 8 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

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 V70 1996–2016 · 22 recalls · 933 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 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.