MotorDeets

Volvo XC70 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every XC70 from 2001 to 2016: 417 owner complaints and 52 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (101), 2001 (66), 2008 (39). Best fuel economy: 27 mpg combined (2015).

Volvo XC70
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain71
Fuel & propulsion44
Electrical43
Suspension43
Fuel system35
Speed control / throttle34
Airbags24
Seat belts23

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2001566–
2002435–
200342419
2004310119
200522719
200621819
200722519
200883917
200951518
201051518
201131521
201221421
20132821
20142221
20151627
20162726

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Volvo XC70.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Volvo XC70?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (101), 2001 (66), 2008 (39).

How many recalls has the Volvo XC70 had?

Across 2001–2016, NHTSA lists 52 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).