Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2002 Volvo V70XC with NHTSA between 2002 and 2016.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 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 — 19
Against the median year of the Volvo V70XC. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
14.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
416.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
833.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
833.3%
150,000+ miles
28.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2002 Volvo V70XC 4-DR. Wagon w/SAB
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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.
Jul 2002peak 3Apr 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Volvo V70XC
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE05041Opened 26 Jul 2005Closed 7 Dec 2005VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
PE05-041 WAS OPENED ON JULY, 26, 2005, BASED ON 136 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGING THROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI HAS NOW RECEIVED 591 COMPLAINTS OF ETM FAILURES WHICH ALLEGE SYMPTOMS WITH POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED CONSEQUENCES.THESE INCLUDE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE STALL, VEHICLE SURGING FORWARD WITHOUT ACCELERATOR INPUT, VEHICLE HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AND SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED TRANSITION INTO REDUCED PERFORMANCE OPERATION (LIMP MODE).VOLVO SUBMITTED OVER 2,900 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE ETM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DURING PE05-041.ODI'S PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF...
Recalls on the 2002 Volvo V70XC
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.
United States — NHTSA
04V051000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004027618 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the relay controlling the left and right brake lights may fail. If this happens, the brake lights may be on constantly, even when the vehicle is parked; or may not light up at all when the brake pedal is depressed. In both cases, the high mount brake light and all other tail lights will work as intended. Correction: Dealer will replace the defective relay.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 63,321 milesPortland, ORCrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PULLING INTO RESTAURANT PARKING SPACE. PUSHED ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD. ENDED UP IN RESTAURANT. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED, BUT NEVER ACCIDENTALLY HIT THROTTLE BEFORE. CONCERNED, INSURANCE CHECKED RECALLS AND FOUND A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10370922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 104,000 milesBaldwinsville, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO V70XC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL FUMES EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLANK FRACTURED AND BOTH THE FLANK AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #10853346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palatine, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1) FUEL SMELL, AND HARDER TO START ENGINE. ENGINE CRANK W/O PROBLEM. SYMPTOMS STARTED AROUND JULY 4TH LAST YEAR, GETTING SEVER AND MORE OFTEN. TOOK MY CAR TO LOCAL VOLVO, BUT THEY SAID "NO RECALL FOR THIS CAR" EVEN THOUGH MULTIPLE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS ARE REPORTED, THEN TOOK MY CAR TO LOCAL AUTO REPAIR GARAGE FINALLY, TODAY MECHANIC CALLS AND SAYS "FUEL PUMP FAILURE". 2) TRANSMISSION SLIP, "SHOCK" WHEN SHIFT UP, AROUND 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, ALSO MANY USER COMPLAIN AISIN-MADE TRANSMISSION SLIPS/SHOCK WHEN SHIFT UP, PROGRAM/SOFTWEAR UPDATE SOLVES SOME USERS BUT NO ALL, LOCAL DEALER SAYS "UPDATE COSTS ABOUT 200 DOLLARS, BECAUSE OF NO RECALL", ALSO THEY SAY "BUT MAY NOT SOLVE PROBLEM" WHY THEY DON'T SEE ANY RECALL FOR MY CAR, OR WHY I CANNOT GET ANY SUPPORT FROM VOLVO, EVEN MANY USER COMPLAIN SAME SYMPTOMS?
NHTSA complaint #10725454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palatine, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1) FUEL SMELL, AND HARDER TO START ENGINE. ENGINE CRANK W/O PROBLEM. SYMPTOMS STARTED AROUND JULY 4TH LAST YEAR, GETTING SEVER AND MORE OFTEN. TOOK MY CAR TO LOCAL VOLVO, BUT THEY SAID "NO RECALL FOR THIS CAR" EVEN THOUGH MULTIPLE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS ARE REPORTED, THEN TOOK MY CAR TO LOCAL AUTO REPAIR GARAGE FINALLY, TODAY MECHANIC CALLS AND SAYS "FUEL PUMP FAILURE". 2) TRANSMISSION SLIP, "SHOCK" WHEN SHIFT UP, AROUND 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, ALSO MANY USER COMPLAIN AISIN-MADE TRANSMISSION SLIPS/SHOCK WHEN SHIFT UP, PROGRAM/SOFTWEAR UPDATE SOLVES SOME USERS BUT NO ALL, LOCAL DEALER SAYS "UPDATE COSTS ABOUT 200 DOLLARS, BECAUSE OF NO RECALL", ALSO THEY SAY "BUT MAY NOT SOLVE PROBLEM" WHY THEY DON'T SEE ANY RECALL FOR MY CAR, OR WHY I CANNOT GET ANY SUPPORT FROM VOLVO, EVEN MANY USER COMPLAIN SAME SYMPTOMS?
NHTSA complaint #10725454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPlymouth, MI
POWER TRAIN
MY TRANSMISSION IS JERKING BETWEEN REVERSE AND DRIVE. THE CAR HESITATES AND THEN SLAMS FORWARD. I HAVE READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET WHERE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10690309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP REPAIRED, SPENDING 700 DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET.
NHTSA complaint #10678401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKeezletown, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRST, I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SAYING "SRS AIRBAG URGENT." A FEW DAYS LATER, THE PANEL STARTED TO INTERMITTENTLY WORK. WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK, I HAVE NO WORKING SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, ODOMETER, BLINKERS (ALTHOUGH THEY STILL WORK OUTSIDE THE CAR), OR ANY OTHER LIGHT THAT WOULD NORMALLY BE SHOWN ON THE PANEL. OCCASIONALLY EVERYTHING COMES ON, THEN IT FREEZES, AND EVENTUALLY TURNS BACK OFF. TOOK IT TO SHOP AND THEY TRIED A DIFFERENT PANEL BUT IT HAS TO BE CODED IN AND THE SOFTWARE WAS NOT COMPATIBLE. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD TRY TO SEND IT TO SOMEONE IN CANADA WHO REBUILDS THEM AND RECODES THEM SO THEY CAN BE REINSTALLED, BUT THE MECHANIC SAID TO WAIT UNTIL HE HAS MORE INFORMATION. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO HAVE TO GUESS WHAT SPEED I'M GOING AND TO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT. BOTH MECHANICS HAVE NOT SEEN THIS IN THIS MODEL BEFORE AND SEEM TO THINK IT IS A FAULTY PANEL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *NOTE: MILEAGE IS ESTIMATED SINCE I CAN NOT ACTUALLY CHECK THE ODOMETER.
NHTSA complaint #10640852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,226 milesSpringfield, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SMELL AND LEAK FROM TOP OF FUEL TANK AREA OF FUEL PUMP. VOLVO SPECIALTY SHOP CONTRACTED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD REPAIR WAS COVERED BY THIS RECALL. I CALLED SAME DEALERSHIP TO MAKE APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A 10 YR EXTENDED WARRANTY ITEM AND NOT COVERED. MY CAR HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN VA SINCE AUG 2011. IS IT COVERED BY THIS RECALL NOTICE OR NOT
NHTSA complaint #10631034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,001 milesColorado Springs, CO
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION FAILS AFTER MULTIPLE REPAIRS (UPDATED SOFTWARE) IT IS STILL NOT RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10440410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesBloomington, IL
POWER TRAIN
BEGAN EXPERIENCING WHAT I NOW REALIZE MANY, MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS MODEL/YEAR HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH LURCHING, REVVING HIGH AND JERKING FORWARD, AND MISSING IN DRIVE (WITH TRANSMISSION). VOLVO HAS TOLD MANY THAT A SOFTWARE UPDATE WILL FIX THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM...AT ALL. I HOPE THIS WILL BE INVESTIGATED SO THAT A RECALL CAN BE ISSUED THAT WILL FIX THE PARTS/MECHANICS OF THIS RECURRENT PROBLEM, AND NOT WITH BOGUS SOFTWARE UPDATES.
NHTSA complaint #10438604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesHuntsville, AR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO V70XC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 15 MPH AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE, HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD REV, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER PULLING INTO A GARAGE AND THEN TRYING TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10419796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,500 milesAvon, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 2002 VOLVO XC 70 SEEMS TO SMELL LIKE GASOLINE INSIDE THE CAR. I HAVE READ ON NUMEROUS VOLVO FORUMS REGARDING VOLVO OWNERS THAT HAS THE SAME OR SIMILAR CONCERNS. THIS CANT BE GOOD FOR THE DRIVER(MYSELF) OR THE VEHICLE. ANY INSIGHT ON A RECALL WOULD BE WONDERFUL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10419378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION IS HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS AND OCCASIONALLY SLIPPING.
NHTSA complaint #10407393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dumont, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO LOWER GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN A CORNER AND THEN PUTTING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. VOLVO DEALER RECOMMENDS HAVING BODY REPLACED AT A COST OF @2200 AND IT MIGHT NOT BE THE CURE. ALSO, IN JUNE 2001 AT 86,488 I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT MOUNT, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ENGINE TORQUE ROD MOUNT REPLACED. UPDATED 03/10/11
NHTSA complaint #10390728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dumont, NJ
SUSPENSION
TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO LOWER GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN A CORNER AND THEN PUTTING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. VOLVO DEALER RECOMMENDS HAVING BODY REPLACED AT A COST OF @2200 AND IT MIGHT NOT BE THE CURE. ALSO, IN JUNE 2001 AT 86,488 I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT MOUNT, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ENGINE TORQUE ROD MOUNT REPLACED. UPDATED 03/10/11
NHTSA complaint #10390728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dumont, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO LOWER GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN A CORNER AND THEN PUTTING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. VOLVO DEALER RECOMMENDS HAVING BODY REPLACED AT A COST OF @2200 AND IT MIGHT NOT BE THE CURE. ALSO, IN JUNE 2001 AT 86,488 I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT MOUNT, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ENGINE TORQUE ROD MOUNT REPLACED. UPDATED 03/10/11
NHTSA complaint #10390728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,321 milesPortland, ORCrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PULLING INTO RESTAURANT PARKING SPACE. PUSHED ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD. ENDED UP IN RESTAURANT. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED, BUT NEVER ACCIDENTALLY HIT THROTTLE BEFORE. CONCERNED, INSURANCE CHECKED RECALLS AND FOUND A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10370922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesPortland, OR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MY VOLVO XC70 2002 HAS CHRONIC TRANSMISSION ISSUES WHICH STARTED AT 70K MILES. THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT COMES ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR LOSES POWER, OR SOMETIMES DOES THIS AT A STOP LIGHT AND LOSES THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. IT HESITATES AND JERKS. I AM READING THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10369568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesKalispell, MT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2002 VOLVO V70 XC TRANSMISSION. THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE AFTER ONLY 105,000 MILES MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO DEALER SHIP SAID THAT IT WAS A COMPUTER UPGRADE, BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM OF ERRATIC SHIFTING AND JUMPING SHIFTING.
NHTSA complaint #10359878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,203 milesWest Suffield, CT
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING FAILURE ON 2002 VOLVO V70XC.
NHTSA complaint #10326190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,203 milesWest Suffield, CT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING FAILURE ON 2002 VOLVO V70XC.
NHTSA complaint #10326190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,910 milesLaguna Niguel, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STRONG SMELL OF FUEL/GASOLINE, CHECKED FOR FUEL LEAK. FACTORY VOLVO FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY HOUSING CRACKED AND LEAKING. REPLACED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA complaint #10289755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesANN Arbor, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I RECENTLY HAD MY 2002 VOLVO XC70 LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC. AMONG OTHER THINGS, HE SAID THAT WITH NEARLY 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR, IT WAS DUE FOR FRESH TRANSMISSION FLUID. I DRAINED ABOUT A GALLON OF FLUID FROM THE TRANS, WENT TO THE DEALER AND BOUGHT FOUR LITERS OF VOLVO APPROVED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND PUT IT IN THE TRANSMISSION. NOW THE CAR WON'T SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR. I DID A COUPLE OF SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET AND APPARENTLY THIS HAPPENS FAIRLY FREQUENTLY AND THE ONLY FIX IS TO TEAR THE TRANSMISSION APART. IT'S JUST '!@#$% FRUSTRATING.
NHTSA complaint #10256940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,891 milesVancouver, OR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE AT TIMES, SLIPS AND BANGS INTO GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10222186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesColumbus, MS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2002 VOLVO V70XC STARTED LEAKING FUEL AFTER NORMAL DRIVING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY DISCOVERED A CRACKED FUEL PUMP HOUSING AT ONLY 108,000 MILES. THE PUMP DID NOT HAVE A MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH AN "IMPROVED" PART DUE TO FAULTY/INFERIOR DESIGN/MANUFACTURE. THE PART IS CURRENTLY ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER DUE TO A HIGH DEMAND AS OTHER CONSUMERS ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR FAILURES.
NHTSA complaint #10206445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,400 milesThetford Center, VT
EQUIPMENT
31 JULY 2007 - FAILED AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER, 2 AUGUST 2007 - FAILED AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSER. VEHICLE HAS 47,400 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10198605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.