Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2009 Volvo XC70 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the wheels.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 12 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 — 25
Against the median year of the Volvo XC70. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% 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 2009 Volvo XC70
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Wheels
420.0%
Median failure at 60,111 miles
Tires
315.0%
Median failure at 63,223 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
210.0%
Median failure at 122,497 miles
Steering
210.0%
Median failure at 45,180 miles
Electrical System
210.0%
Median failure at 15,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
210.0%
Median failure at 32,700 miles
Other & Unspecified
15.0%
Equipment & Accessories
15.0%
Median failure at 63,223 miles
Seat Belts
15.0%
Median failure at 66,500 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.0%
Brakes
15.0%
Median failure at 32,114 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
16.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
16.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
318.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
850.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
212.5%
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.
Aug 2009peak 4Dec 2025
Recalls on the 2009 Volvo XC70
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 202029824,089 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that attaches the seat belt to the outside of the front seats may weaken over time. As a result, the seat belt could detach. Safety Risk: A seat belt that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the front-outboard seat belt anchors.
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 20092551,272 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, 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. However, the engine will eventually stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will upgrade the CEM software.
Recall 2009179309 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the Fan Control Module (FCM). Depending on conditions, the driver may experience reduced air conditioning performance and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature. This could result in a loss of cooling system function and engine break down. 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 causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the Fan Control Module.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Baltimore, MD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
When it rains, water continuously drips through the windshield. It is distracting and obstructs my vision.
NHTSA complaint #11702504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Hampton, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11425134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,995 milesAuburn, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11316997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesAuburn, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11302645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesMount Pleasant, SC
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10958672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,500 milesEagle, ID
SEAT BELTS
REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED TO WORK OR SECURE PERSON. IT WILL NOT CLICK. LOCAL VOLVO DEALER IS CHARGING TO REPAIR THE SAFETY ITEM.
NHTSA complaint #10817709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,223 milesPerryville, MD
WHEELS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS (4/14/14 AND 8/25/14) LOW PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE, THE STEMS DISINTEGRATED. TIRES WENT FLAT. REPLACED FLAT TIRE WITH SPARE AND DROVE TO LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THE TIRE SERVICE MECHANIC TOLD US THE REPLACEMENT PART IS THE EXACT SAME PART THAT CORRODED INITIALLY. CALLED VOLVO WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. SAID IT WAS NOT ON ANY RECALL LIST. INFORMED THEM OF MY CONCERNS FOR A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC SITUATION. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, FOUND THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TPMS SENOR. WHY NO RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10632524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,223 milesPerryville, MD
TIRES
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS (4/14/14 AND 8/25/14) LOW PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE, THE STEMS DISINTEGRATED. TIRES WENT FLAT. REPLACED FLAT TIRE WITH SPARE AND DROVE TO LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THE TIRE SERVICE MECHANIC TOLD US THE REPLACEMENT PART IS THE EXACT SAME PART THAT CORRODED INITIALLY. CALLED VOLVO WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. SAID IT WAS NOT ON ANY RECALL LIST. INFORMED THEM OF MY CONCERNS FOR A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC SITUATION. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, FOUND THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TPMS SENOR. WHY NO RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10632524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,223 milesPerryville, MD
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS (4/14/14 AND 8/25/14) LOW PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE, THE STEMS DISINTEGRATED. TIRES WENT FLAT. REPLACED FLAT TIRE WITH SPARE AND DROVE TO LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THE TIRE SERVICE MECHANIC TOLD US THE REPLACEMENT PART IS THE EXACT SAME PART THAT CORRODED INITIALLY. CALLED VOLVO WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. SAID IT WAS NOT ON ANY RECALL LIST. INFORMED THEM OF MY CONCERNS FOR A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC SITUATION. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, FOUND THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TPMS SENOR. WHY NO RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10632524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesNorwich, CT
WHEELS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. WHILE CHECKING THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE ROUTINELY, TWO SEPARATE TIRE VALVES BROKE OFF AND THE TIRES WENT FLAT IMMEDIATELY. VOLVO REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR ($100 PER VALVE AND PRESSURE MONITORING SENSOR). I REPLACED ALL 4 AT LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLY LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. WHAT IF THE VALVES BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY? TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, THE REPLACEMENT PARTS (VOLVO # 31302096 MADE IN FRANCE) ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AND HAVE NO CORROSION RESISTANCE OR RUBBER COVERING TO PROTECT THEM. VOLVO SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THESE WHEELS AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING VALVE STEMS AND SENSORS AND REPLACE THEM WITH CORROSION RESISTANT UNITS.
NHTSA complaint #10606555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesNorwich, CT
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. WHILE CHECKING THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE ROUTINELY, TWO SEPARATE TIRE VALVES BROKE OFF AND THE TIRES WENT FLAT IMMEDIATELY. VOLVO REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR ($100 PER VALVE AND PRESSURE MONITORING SENSOR). I REPLACED ALL 4 AT LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLY LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. WHAT IF THE VALVES BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY? TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, THE REPLACEMENT PARTS (VOLVO # 31302096 MADE IN FRANCE) ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AND HAVE NO CORROSION RESISTANCE OR RUBBER COVERING TO PROTECT THEM. VOLVO SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THESE WHEELS AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING VALVE STEMS AND SENSORS AND REPLACE THEM WITH CORROSION RESISTANT UNITS.
NHTSA complaint #10606555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesLincoln Park, NJ
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BECAME DEFLATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR IN THE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ALL 4 VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED UNDER GOODWILL. UPDATED 9/16/2014
NHTSA complaint #10597442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesLincoln Park, NJ
TIRES:VALVE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BECAME DEFLATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR IN THE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ALL 4 VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED UNDER GOODWILL. UPDATED 9/16/2014
NHTSA complaint #10597442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,114 milesEagle, ID
WHEELS
BRAKE PADS ON PASSENGER SIDE/RIGHT REAR WEARING PREMATURELY OR FASTER THAN PADS ON OTHER WHEELS, OR IN RELATION TO OTHER 3 WHEELS. EITHER BRAKE CALIPERS ARE STICKING OR THERE IS A SOFTWARE OR ELECTRONIC BRAKING PROBLEM ON THE CAR. LOCAL VOLVO DEALER (ONLY ONE IN IDAHO) INDICATED THAT THE VOLVO REGIONAL REP INSTRUCTED SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO NOTIFY THEM OF EACH CASE THIS IS REPORTED BY AN OWNER - UNOFFICIAL TSB.
NHTSA complaint #10503197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,114 milesEagle, ID
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE PADS ON PASSENGER SIDE/RIGHT REAR WEARING PREMATURELY OR FASTER THAN PADS ON OTHER WHEELS, OR IN RELATION TO OTHER 3 WHEELS. EITHER BRAKE CALIPERS ARE STICKING OR THERE IS A SOFTWARE OR ELECTRONIC BRAKING PROBLEM ON THE CAR. LOCAL VOLVO DEALER (ONLY ONE IN IDAHO) INDICATED THAT THE VOLVO REGIONAL REP INSTRUCTED SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO NOTIFY THEM OF EACH CASE THIS IS REPORTED BY AN OWNER - UNOFFICIAL TSB.
NHTSA complaint #10503197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,700 milesEagle, ID
ENGINE
LOW COOLANT WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY 2 - 3 MONTHS. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO NEED COOLANT ADDED AT REGULAR INTERVALS. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND LEAK OR FAULT WITH WARNING LIGHT TO DATE. I AM CONVINCED THERE'S A MALFUNCTION YET TO BE DETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10477949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING; LEAVING THE CONTACT UNAWARE OF SPEED AND THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE BATTERY CAUSED THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE AUDIO CONTROL PANEL AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #10374757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Brook, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V343000, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SOFTWARE RECALL IS RELATED TO HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. HE WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 999.
NHTSA complaint #10283901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 360 milesBerkly, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING SHE NOTICED A VERY LOUD NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE HOSE THAT PROVIDED STEERING FLUID TO THE STEERING SYSTEM CAUSED THE STEERING RACK TO FAIL. THE STEERING RACK IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 360 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 400.
NHTSA complaint #10283440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
CONSUMER HAS ISSUES WITH THE POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE HE RECEIVED RECENTLY AT HIS LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO GET A RECALL ISSUE RESOLVED REGARDING THE FAN CONTROL MODULE. HOWEVER, HE WAS TOLD PREFERENTIAL WAS GIVEN TO CLIENTS THAT PURCHASED VEHICLES FROM THEM AND THE PART WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE PART WOULD BE REPLACED WITHIN 3 DAYS, EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMER PURCHASED HIS VEHICLE ELSE WHERE.
NHTSA complaint #10281092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.