Volvo XC70 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Volvo XC70 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2007–2016) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Volvo XC70 has 146 owner complaints and 32 safety recalls across model years 2007–2016. The most reported issue area is VISIBILITY/WIPER. 2008 drew the most complaints; 2014 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- XC70
- Model years analyzed
- 2007–2016 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 146
- Safety recall campaigns
- 32
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Fire-related complaints
- 2
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2008 (39 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2014 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
Volvo XC70: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe VOLVO XC70 has 146 NHTSA complaints and 32 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 146 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 32 federal recall campaigns
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
32 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2007–2016. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 146 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
146 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Rain is coming in from the top of the windshield, making it difficult to see out of the windshield while driving.
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR LOT ON SATURDAY, TWO DAYS AGO. LAST NIGHT I WAS HAMMERED BY THE PRESENCE OF A NAUSEATINGLY INTENSE FUEL SMELL, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR HOURS OR IF I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT, THE SMELL IS EQUALLY INTENSE AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT, I AM FRIGHTENED FOR MY SAFETY. I HAVE NO RECOURSE WITH THE CAR LOT, "AS IS" SEEMS TO COVER SELLING ME A DEATH TRAP. NOW I FIND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE EXACT MAKE AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE BUT SOMEHOW VOLVO HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH NOT COVERING THE KNOWN ISSUE IN ALL BUT A FEW STATES. IS IT GOING TO REQUIRE A FIREY DEATH OF A FAMILY BEFORE THIS IS ADDRESSED?? THERE ARE POSTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET OF OTHER PEOPLE FACING THE SAME PROSPECT. I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE, NOW THAT I HAVE BOUGHT THIS ONE. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THE POSSIBLE MEANS OF MY DESTRUCTION. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!!! WHY HAVE THEY NOT BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE? WHY ARE ONLY CERTAIN STATES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL?? *TR
The seatbelts on the front driver and passenger side have failed to release when trying to unbuckle. This is a hazard. If there was a moment where it's imperative to leave the car (fire, water, etc) Driver and passenger could get locked in their seatbelts without the ability to exit the vehicle. Volvo would have covered it if the factor warranty was still active. My complaint wa ignored while the vehicle was under warranty. Now that it is out of warranty I am forced to replace the failed parts out of my pocket.
VOLVO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE.
We have experienced three major defects with this vehicle. First and most concerning is the intermittent blackout of the driver's instrument panel (aka driver's information module, DIM). Second most conerning is the defect in the trailer lighting control module that leaves stop, running and signal lighting on our trailer unreliable. Both of these defects appear to be design or manufacturing defects that can be corrected by upgrading the relevent parts. The third defect is in the design of the traction control system that has no physical switch readily accessible to the driver for temporary use in emergency situations, but rather is buried in the MyCar software selection, labeled "Sport Mode." This design requres a driver to override the traction control during the entire driving session, leaving the car without traction control when it might be needed during the same inclement road conditions that would warrant momentary deactivation of the system. Ie, in icy conditions one would want traction control on most times, but not when starting on ice or mounting snow berms at driveway exits, etc.
Car stalled at an intersection twice. We took it to a repair shop after the first instance and they told us the battery had died, though they were able to charge it and it restarted fine. They could not find any other issues. We continued to drive it and two days later the car died at another intersection just after my wife had picked up our kids from school. We had it towed to the dealer this time. I relayed the recall information for an earlier or different model of my car that sounded like the same issue: the starter motor fuse. I believe this to be the same issue even though my car did not show up on the recall.
Read 14 more owner reports
THE BACKUP CAMERA IS MALFUNCTIONING NOW BECAUSE THE VIEW FIELD IS PARTIALLY BLOCKED BY THE VEHICLE BODY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE'RE SOME OTHER CARS (INCLUDING SOME NEW CARS AT DEALER) HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I VISITED THE RETAILER AND THEN CONTACTED THE CUSTOM CARE CENTER OF VOLVO. HOWEVER, THE RESPONSE IS DISAPPOINTING (HONESTLY, UNACCEPTABLE) BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT VOLVO CANNOT FIX IT.
WHEN COLD SOMETIMES NOT ABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR OR NEUTRAL. AFTER DRIVING, ABLE TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE OR REVERSE BACK TO PARK BUT GET MESSAGE SAYING "CAR IS NOT IN PARK - SHIFT TO PARK". WHEN IN NEUTRAL SOMETIMES NOT ABLE MOVE SHIFTER FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR PARK. WHEN CONTACTED DEALER FOR SERVICE THEY SEEMED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. MY CONCERNS ARE NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE CAR ON DEMAND, AS WELL AS NOT KNOWING IF CAR IS TRULY IN PARK OR NOT.
OWNER ON INTERSTATE AT POSTED SPEED (65) HEARD EXPLOSIVE SOUND OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODING. NO OTHER CARS WERE AHEAD OR ALONGSIDE, AND NO EVIDENCE OF A THROWN OR DROPPED OBJECT WAS APPARENT AT THAT TIME OR AFTERWARD. FORTUNATELY THE SUNSHADE SHIELDED HER FROM MOST OF THE BROKEN GLASS. DEALER CALLED IT AN 'ACT OF GOD' AND WOULD NOT HONOR A WARRANTY CLAIM FOR THE DAMAGE ' ESTIMATED AT OVER $1,100. INSURANCE COMPANY IS COVERING ALL COSTS, INCLUDING RENTAL CAR, UNTIL REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED.
My engine oil light came on recently so I took my car to the auto service center to check. The auto repair staff performed and inspection and found excessive oil consumption stemming from a defect in the pistons, piston rings and piston heads. They gave me a copy of Quality Bulletin from Volvo regarding the extended warranty P10207: VEP4 Oil Consumption Test; Model Year 2015-2016. Volvo provided an extended warranty for this defect but never informed me of the defect. Initially, Volvo said they would provide coverage for 10 years which would have covered my vehicle but Volvo decreased the period of coverage to October 2024. Now Volvo won't pay for the repairs which are estimated at $10,000. It should have been a recall, according to the auto service center. Apparently, auto companies don't like recalls due to the negative publicity. Instead the auto manufacturers provide so-called warranties for defects of automobiles for a limited time period. Had I I would have taken my car to the dealer for repair if I received such a letter from Volvo. My car is only worth $12,000 at this point since it is 10 years old but I have only 66,000 miles on my car which is low (particularly for a Volvo). I have written Beyer Volvo in Falls Church, VA, asking them to pay for the repairs, as well as Volvo North America. Both declined to provide any payment for repair of my vehicle. There are class action lawsuits against Volvo for not informing their customers of this defect. NHTSA should have issued a recall. Can NHTSA help me with this problem now? My car is not safe to drive since the oil will leak from the pistons into the rest of the engine. I can't afford to buy a car right now. It is wrong that Volvo is getting away with this defect without paying for the repairs of my cars. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I replaced a catalytic converter and 2 O2 sensors a few months ago. Check engine light came on. Oil was pooling into the catalytic converter from the engine. Technician checked pistons. Said there was unusual wear and oil was coming in through the pistons.
My Volvo XC70 has had a sudden and significant increase in oil consumption. I believe this is due to the pistons which Volvo is now acknowledging. They refuse to issue a recall or to repair my very well maintained vehicle. Continue operation requires up to 2 quarts of oil every 500 miles! It also presents an ongoing risk of sudden engine malfunction and dangerous stoppage, I have all my records which shows my car has been maintained and the cause is faulty pistons. Volvo must be held accountable.
At age 6 years (53K mi.), the front passenger seatbelt clasp began to refuse to latch when the belt buckle was inserted. Using a jeweler's headset, I could not see any foreign object causing interference. To rule out a bent buckle, I tested the clasp (after its removal) with 5 other buckles, and all failed to latch into the clasp every time. The clasp failure-to-latch showed no signs of gradual failure. The first notice was when a passenger tried to buckle up, and noticed it didn't latch. The car was still parked. The Volvo part that failed is 31369706 Front Right Seatbelt Clasp. I successfully replaced the part with a genuine Volvo replacement part from a Volvo dealer. A clasp latch-failure on this vehicle carries the extra hazard of inhibiting air-bag deployment, as the latch assy. embeds a strain gauge which casts a necessary vote for air-bag activation. If interested, email me. Question: Would NHTSA care to have me ship the failed clasp to do a mechanical failure analysis? It would be surrendered to NHTSA with no conditions.
Fuel gauge doesn’t show actual fuel level. When full, it shows 50% left, and gauge doesn’t start to move till half the tank is empty.
FACTORY INSTALLED HITCH ALMOST FAILED. AFTER 16,000 MILES OF TOWING A 21 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER, THE HITCH APPEARED TO HAVE EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT. WHEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC IN BRANSON MISSOURI, IT WAS FOUND THAT 2 OF 4 NUTS HAD FALLEN OFF AND THE REMAINING 2 WERE SIGNIFICANTLY LOOSE. HAD THEY FALLEN OFF TOO, A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WOULD HAVE OCCURRED, WITH THE HITCH FALLING OFF, ALONG WITH THE REAR BUMPER AND A PORTION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE TRAILER COULD HAVE DROPPED OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL TO FORCE AN INSPECTION OF ALL FACTORY INSTALLED HITCHES ON VOLVO XC70, YEAR 2015.5.
When it rains, water continuously drips through the windshield. It is distracting and obstructs my vision.
Driver side door latch does not lock. It seems secure but one latch does not move. Warning light comes on. I’m concerned about driving it
VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AS IF IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL, STALLS AND SHUTS OFF. IT WILL RESTART AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE BUT WILL ONLY GO A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE DOING IT AGAIN. FIRST OCCURENCE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH IN FAIRLY FAST MOVING TRAFFIC CREATING A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND NOW WE DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
VEHICLE STALLS, IT WILL START UP AGAIN, CAN BE DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE BUT STALLS AGAIN THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY A RECALL IS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM VOLVO RECALL NO.R215 RECALL 09V3433000 COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE
I STARTED HEARING A LOUD NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MECHANIC TRIED CHANGING THE POWER STEERING FLUID. THIS REMEDIED THE PROBLEM FOR 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE NOISE RETURNED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY AN IMPORT CAR SERVICE, THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RACK AND PINION STEERING NEED REPLACING, COSTING $1700.
Showing 20 of 146 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Volvo XC70
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Volvo XC70, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Volvo XC70 has 146 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Volvo XC70 has 32 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the Volvo XC70's 146 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Volvo XC70 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Volvo XC70 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Volvo XC70 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Volvo XC70 stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Volvo XC70 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Volvo XC70.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Volvo XC70 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo XC70 reliable?
Below Average. The Volvo XC70 has 146 NHTSA owner complaints and 32 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is VISIBILITY/WIPER. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Volvo XC70 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2008 (39 complaints), 2007 (25 complaints), 2009 (15 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Volvo XC70 problems?
Top reported issues: VISIBILITY/WIPER (17 complaints); ENGINE (14 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14 complaints).
Does the Volvo XC70 have recalls?
Yes — 32 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Volvo XC70. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.