Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2005 Volvo V70 with NHTSA between 2005 and 2022.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 10
Against the median year of the Volvo V70. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2005 Volvo V70
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
418.2%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 74,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
418.2%
Median failure at 33,382 miles
Brakes
313.6%
Median failure at 62,950 miles
Airbags
313.6%
Median failure at 8,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
313.6%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
29.1%
Median failure at 19,482 miles
Other & Unspecified
14.5%
Equipment & Accessories
14.5%
Median failure at 2,045 miles
Body & Structure
14.5%
Median failure at 32,300 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
15.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
527.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
316.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
211.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
316.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
422.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2005peak 3Jan 2022
Recalls on the 2005 Volvo V70
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201039687 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.
Recall 200606614,000 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. The label indicates that the booster cushion can be used for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33 and 80 lb). CMVSS 213 states that the minimum weight for use must be 18 kg (40 lb). Should an underweight child be placed in the booster cushion and the vehicle is involved in a crash, the child may have a greater risk of injury. Correction: Volvo Canada will send a letter to owners explaining this problem and will supply updated weight limit decal to be applied to each side window.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 9,000 milesSAN Rafael, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE RIGHT BEFORE IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE FIRE INSPECTORS STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A LEAK IN THE FUEL INJECTION PIPE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9,000. UPDATED 10/23/07
NHTSA complaint #10204271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Encinitas, CA
AIR BAGS
Volvo do not want to replace the recall airbag with the same original logo on the airbag. This logo is the “R” on the airbag. The airbag without the “R” is for a regular Volvo.
NHTSA complaint #11449620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesPort Townsend, WA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY MODULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR GAUGE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10764613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesBloomfield Hills, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE HANGING AND THE PLASTIC COVER HAD DETACHED. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE FUEL LINE COVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR MODEL YEARS WERE RECALLED. UPDATED 3/24/2015
NHTSA complaint #10629022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesMedfield, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CAR STALLS DIES IN TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10610500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesChestnut Hill, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, CAUSING THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #10474249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGilbert, AZ
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WOULD LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND PERFORM SLUGGISH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10430917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCamp Hill, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD BANGING WHEN CHANGING GEARS WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ABOVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WOULD NEED REPLACING AND THE COMPUTER WOULD NEED A SOFTWARE UPGRADE. THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIRS BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10386882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesLong Valley, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP SHE ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE RESPONDED WITHIN A FEW MINUTES ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVEN ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85000.
NHTSA complaint #10361192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,900 milesBettendorf, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE FAILURE DURING SLOW-TO-STOP WHILE MOVING VEHICLE INTO GARAGE. BRAKES WENT STIFF WITH LITTLE BRAKING ACTION. LIFTED AND REPLANTED ON PEDAL REGAINED BRAKING ABILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10283047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHighlands Ranch, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. THE ACCELERATION WOULD "DROP OUT" AND PICK BACK UP FOR A SECOND OR TWO. IT APPEARED AS IF THE BRAKES HAD BEEN APPLIED, BUT NO BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. AS A RESULT, OTHER DRIVERS COULD NOT BE FOREWARNED ABOUT THE DECELERATION, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE RISK FOR A CRASH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR WHILE ACCELERATING TO SOME EXTENT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) FOR MODEL YEARS 2003-2004, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE NO CODES APPEARED DURING THE DIAGNOSTIC. IN ADDITION, HIS MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE 2005 MODEL YEAR WAS THE SAME AS THE 2003 AND 2004 YEARS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10239600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,300 milesBrentwood, CA
STRUCTURE
CLEAR PLASTIC BUBBLED UP IN FRONT OF SPEEDOMETER CAUSING BLURRY VIEW OF SPEED AND OTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10234577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY STALLS. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN SHE KEPT THE FUEL AMOUNT AT HALF A TANK, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR PRESSURE WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $392. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,734 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #10221779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,964 milesPasadena, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
CONSUMER COMPLAINT FOR MICHELIN ENERGY TIRES. SHE STATES IN THE PAST 2.5 YEARS SHE HAS HAD 6 SIDEWALL BLOWOUTS WITH THESE TIRES. SHE IS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF HER SELF AND CHILDREN AND WANTS THEM RECALLED. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HAS 2.5 YEARS LEFT ON THE WARRANTY OF THIS TIRE AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DIFFERENT TIRE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO AN EVAPORATOR LEAK
NHTSA complaint #10207156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesSAN Rafael, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE RIGHT BEFORE IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE FIRE INSPECTORS STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A LEAK IN THE FUEL INJECTION PIPE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9,000. UPDATED 10/23/07
NHTSA complaint #10204271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesArlington Heights, IL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
AFTER SEVERAL REPAIR EFFORTS, THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. WHEN PERSONS ARE RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS LIT.
NHTSA complaint #10183390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,719 milesCincinnati, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SINCE MID JULY, 05 CAR HAS HAD AN INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM. WHEN YOU STOP, AFTER THE CAR IS AT OPERATING TEMP. IT WILL SEEK IDLE, RUN UP TO ABOUT 1,000 RPM & EITHER DROP TO BELOW 500 RPM OR STALL OUT. IT DOES THIS ON SEVERAL MAKES OF PREMIUM GAS, MOBIL, SHELL, TEXICO/AMACO, AND OR MARATHON. IT WILL RESTART EASILY AND THEN DOES NOT LOSE IDLE AGAIN FOR SOME TIME. I HAD IT CHECKED BY DEALERSHIP, AND THEY FIND THE MASS AIR SENSOR AND THROTTLE MODULE ARE BAD. COST TO CURE IS $1,500. I DO NOT THINK A CAR WITH 64K MILES SHOULD NEED THIS TYPE OF EXPENSE. I THINK A CAR THAT STALLS IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT ANY WARNING IS A HAZARD. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLVO, AND THEY ARE SORRY BUT CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AT THIS TIME. THEY ARE REPLACING OR MAKING ADJUSTMENT TO COST IN SWEDEN AT THIS TIME PER "BRICKBOARD" THE VOLVO WEB SITE ON THROTTLE MODULES. I HAVE ASKED FOR ORIGINAL PARTS, AND WILL SAVE THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10138098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,045 milesCheshire, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY CAR IS A 2005 VOLVO V70R PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2005. THREE WEEKS AGO, WITH NO WARNING, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, BUT KEPT RUNNING WITH GREAT HESITATION (I WAS DRIVING AT ONLY 30 MPH AT THE TIME). TOWED TO DEALER AND THROTTLE SENSOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. YESTERDAY (9/15), THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN, AFTER ONLY ABOUT 250 MILES OF DRIVING. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AGAIN AM I AWAITING WORD. IN BOTH CASES AN ERROR MESSAGE "DECREASED ENGINE PERFORMANCE" WAS DISPLAYED. THERE WAS NO ADVANCE WARNING. IN BOTH CASES, I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON A SECONDARY ROAD. THESE 2 INSTANCES HAVE CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR, ESPECIALLY TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10136758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,045 milesCheshire, CT
EQUIPMENT
MY CAR IS A 2005 VOLVO V70R PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2005. THREE WEEKS AGO, WITH NO WARNING, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER, BUT KEPT RUNNING WITH GREAT HESITATION (I WAS DRIVING AT ONLY 30 MPH AT THE TIME). TOWED TO DEALER AND THROTTLE SENSOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. YESTERDAY (9/15), THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN, AFTER ONLY ABOUT 250 MILES OF DRIVING. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AGAIN AM I AWAITING WORD. IN BOTH CASES AN ERROR MESSAGE "DECREASED ENGINE PERFORMANCE" WAS DISPLAYED. THERE WAS NO ADVANCE WARNING. IN BOTH CASES, I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON A SECONDARY ROAD. THESE 2 INSTANCES HAVE CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR, ESPECIALLY TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10136758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. Bellmore, NY
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
WE PURCHASED A 2005 VOLVO V70 NEW. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES BECAUSE THE PASSANGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATES WHEN AN ADULT IN THE SEAT SEEMS TO MOVE AROUND . THE FIRST TIME THE DEALEAR RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER. THE SECOND TIME THEY CHANGED THE SEAT. THE THIRD TIME THEY HAD A FIELD REP DRIVE THE CAR WITH AN ADULT IN THE SEAT, WHILE THE LIGHT DID COME ON THE REP SAID THAT IT WAS OPERATING NORMAL. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS NORMAL AND IF IT IS TO RAISE A CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PASANGER.
NHTSA complaint #10134152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65 milesGolden, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE IS A 2000 VOLVO AWD CROSS COUNTRY. THE CAR WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED DECELERATED ABRUPTLY AND NEARLY CAUSED A REAR END IMPACT ON THE BACK OF MY CAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED EARLIER ON A VACATION TRIP IN MAY 2005. I WAS TOLD BY A FRIEND AND THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD US THE CAR TO US (NEW) THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THE REASONS CAUSING OUR PROBLEM REGARDING THE ATC COMPUTER /THROTTLE CONTROL. HAVING SPENT OVER 1500 DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIR IT APPEARS THAT THE DEALER WILL NOT REIMBURSE US FOR THE RECALL COSTS AND ALSO DID NOT INDICATE OR ASSURE US THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE REPAIR. THE CAR PROBLEMS WE EXPERIENCED WHERE DESCRIBED IN AN ISSUE OF VOLVO CLUB MAGAZINE.
NHTSA complaint #10133001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shaker Heights, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
UNEXPECTED AND INTERMITENT BRAKE FAILURE. DISCUSSED AT LENGTH ON VOLVO FORUM. HERE IS THE LINK: HTTP://FORUMS.SWEDESPEED.COM/ZEROTHREAD?ID=32551
NHTSA complaint #10120994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE JUST DIED, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND IT DID NOT ACCELERATE. WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON, NOTHING SIGNALED TO ME THAT ANYTHING HAPPENED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE MAIN ROAD AND ONTO A SIDE ROAD, WITH MUCH DIFFICULTY TURNING MY WHEEL. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED AND DROVE BACK HOME TO SWITCH OUT WITH ANOTHER CAR. MY 3 YEAR OLD WAS IN THE BACK SEAT AND I WAS ABOUT TO GET ON A HIGHWAY. LUCKILY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE DOING 65MPH DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10120637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.