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Model reliability

Volvo Xc70 reliability

The Volvo Xc70 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 35.8% of 12,194 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old
22.1% failed their MOT
About average
From 5,969 MOT tests of Volvo Xc70s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 2× as oftenSprings5.4% vs 2.4%Fix about £150
Fails 3× as oftenSteering linkage components3.1% vs 1.1%
Fails 43% more oftenDirection indicators1% vs 0.7%
Over 10 years old
35.8% failed their MOT
About average
From 12,194 MOT tests of Volvo Xc70s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 38% more oftenSteering linkage components3.3% vs 2.4%
Fails 90% more oftenABS / EBS / ESC1.9% vs 1%
Fails 2× as oftenFlexible brake hoses1% vs 0.5%Fix about £120
Advised 40% more oftenAnti-roll bars8.4% vs 6%
Advised 32% more oftenShock absorbers6.6% vs 5%Fix about £200
Advised 32% more oftenHeadlamps4.9% vs 3.7%Fix about £30
Safety recalls

38 DVSA recalls for the Volvo Xc70

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2020/21016 Jul 2020Built 2013–2016There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air

Recalled models: XC70 · 76,945 vehicles

R/2020/2058 Jul 2020Built 2012–2016There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.

Recalled models: XC70 · 15,167 vehicles

R/2020/1921 Jul 2020Built 2007–2016Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point

Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.

Fix: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.

Recalled models: XC70 · 170,160 vehicles

R/2019/1807 Oct 2019Built 2012–2016The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.

Recalled models: XC70

R/2018/3774 Jan 2019Built 2015–2016Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose

Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.

Fix: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.

Recalled models: XC70 · 30,777 vehicles

R/2016/1171 Jun 2016Built 2016Driver's airbag module may not deploy as intended

Due to a potential manufacturing defect the gas generator in the driver�s airbag module may not deploy as intended. This may reduce the affectivities of the airbag.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the driver's air bag module.

Recalled models: XC70 · 123 vehicles

R/2016/02719 Feb 2016Built 2014–2016Stalling and loss of steering power assistance

Involved vehicles may have a software issue which could cause the engine to momentarily cut-out and restart while driving. This could also cause disturbances in some electrical systems such as shut down of the instrument cluster infotainment system and loss of power steering assistance.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and upgrade the software of the control units.

Recalled models: XC70 · 7,237 vehicles

R/2015/25318 Jan 2016Built 2014–2015Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Fix: The remedy is not yet available for all models. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

Recalled models: XC70 · 1,109 vehicles

R/2015/25421 Dec 2015Built 2014–2015Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Fix: The remedy is not yet available for all models.. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

Recalled models: XC70 · 2,743 vehicles

R/2015/24916 Dec 2015Built 2014–2015Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Fix: Dependent on affected Model update software. Until updated the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

Recalled models: XC70 · 5,354 vehicles

R/2015/04019 Feb 2015Built 2012–2015Parking brake may unintentionally release

Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.

Recalled models: XC70 · 2,146 vehicles

R/2013/14028 Nov 2013Loss of power steering assistance

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

Recalled models: XC70 · 3,134 vehicles

R/2012/10414 Sept 2012Reduced braking performance

Investigations have identified the wiper arm mechanism may chafe against the brake booster vacuum line. If this chafing occurs it could lead to a gradual reduction of the power assisted braking and more effort would need to be applied to the brake pedal than usual to slow the vehicle down. In a worst case the reduction of braking assistance could occur suddenly without any prior warning

Fix: Inspect the brake booster vacuum line. If it is chafed then it should be replaced and routed correctly. If the line is not chafed it should re-routed to ensure no issues going forward.

Recalled models: XC70 · 3,394 vehicles

R/2012/05624 Apr 2012Engine may fail

There could be a sudden and unexpected failure of the bottom end of the engine because of a non-conformity during production of the connecting rods.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine.

Recalled models: XC70 · 6 vehicles

R/2012/0287 Mar 2012Airbags may not deploy in a collision

It has been identified that the wiring harness for the SRS system may not have been correctly attached to the front seat frames. It is possible that continued adjustment of the seat position may cause the harness to become detached. If this should occur a warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel warning the driver of a fault with the SRS system. However in this condition the front and side airbags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for an inspection of the wiring harnesses and ensure that it is correctly routed and secured. If not then reroute and securing of the wiring harness.

Recalled models: XC70 · 9,330 vehicles

R/2011/17523 Dec 2011Built 2007–2009Engine may loose drive and power steering assistance.

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

Recalled models: XC70 · 7,302 vehicles

R/2011/1353 Oct 2011Built 2009–2010Possibility of loss of drive

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. If the tensioner fails it would cause a loss of power steering assistance and possible loss of drive.

Fix: Replace the auxiliary drive belt tensioner.

Recalled models: XC70 · 9,936 vehicles

R/2011/00214 Jan 2011Engine may run on

It is possible in certain circumstances for the engine oil level to rise above the maximum level. This situation could lead to engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In extreme cases the engine could continue to run after it has been switched off.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to adjust the engine oil level and carry out a software upgrade.

Recalled models: XC70 · 4,787 vehicles

R/2010/2243 Dec 2010Fire may occur

On certain five cylinder engines it is possible that the high pressure fuel pipes may not have been correctly installed and may leak. This should be identified by a smell of fuel from the engine bay. However it is possible that in extreme cases an engine bay fire could occur.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the high pressure pipes.

Recalled models: XC70 · 845 vehicles

R/2010/21526 Nov 2010Engine may cut out

When driving at low speeds a fault within the software calibration of the engine and transmission control modules may lead to a drop in the engine idle speed when braking or releasing the accelerator. In extreme cases this may result in the engine cutting out without warning.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to upgrade the engine/transmission software.

Recalled models: XC70 · 64 vehicles

R/2010/2015 Nov 2010Engine speed may increase without warning.

It is possible that the engine oil level may rise above its maximum level due to overfilling and/or dilution by fuel. This may result in the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal has been released. In extreme cases it is possible that the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and carry out an Engine Control Module software upgrade and adjust the engine oil. The new ECM upgrade will improve adaption of different blends of fuel and include a dashboard text warning message if the oil level reaches too high a level.

Recalled models: XC70 · 4,430 vehicles

R/2010/16618 Oct 2010Wheel may become loose

It has been identified that the standard wheel securing bolts may not have undergone the correct hardening process. This will result in corrosion a noise and/or vibration. If this condition is not rectified there is a possibility that the wheel may become loose and detach.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the standard wheel bolts.

Recalled models: XC70 · 186 vehicles

R/2010/16518 Oct 2010Airbag may not deploy as intended.

It is possible that an electrical short circuit within a connector could result in the illumination of the Airbag System Service Required message and Supplemental Restraint System warning lamp on the dashboard. Should this occur the driver's airbag would not deploy as intended if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check and rework the connector.

Recalled models: XC70 · 6,844 vehicles

R/2010/09916 Jul 2010Engine may seize

On effected petrol and diesel engines a spring clamp on the radiator hose connecting it to the water inlet pipe may be insecure. If not rectified the engine may lose coolant overheat seize and suddenly slow the vehicle rapidly to a halt.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to have the radiator hose adequately secured.

Recalled models: XC70 · 326 vehicles

R/2010/07111 Jun 2010Gearbox may jam

A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.

Recalled models: XC70 · 6,961 vehicles

R/2010/05826 May 2010Engine may loose drive and power steering assistance.

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

Recalled models: XC70 · 4,673 vehicles

R/2010/05112 May 2010Engine speed may not decrease

The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.

Recalled models: XC70 · 20,204 vehicles

R/2010/0331 Apr 2010Auxiliary drive belt may detach

The Auxiliary Belt Tensioner may fail resulting in loss of Power Assisted Steeering and loss of Drive

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to replace the Tensioner and Drive Belt.

Recalled models: XC70 · 2,297 vehicles

R/2009/0882 Sept 2009Engine may stall

It has been identified thatthe fuel pump electronic module may not operate as intended. This can result in failure of the fuel pump to start. Should this occur the vehicle may suffer a non start rough running or in the worst case the engine may stall without prior warning. Investigation has shown that it may be possible to drive the vehicle for up to 100 m before the fault manifests itself.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the software within the central electronic module upgraded.

Recalled models: XC70 · 254 vehicles

R/2009/06317 Jun 2009Engine cooling fan may fail

It has been identified that due to a software issue with the engine cooling fan control module the air conditioning performance may be reduced and the engine coolant temperature may increase. This will result in warning messages being displayed. In extreme cases if the driver does not heed the warnings the engine may fail.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the cooling fan control module replaced.

Recalled models: XC70 · 4,006 vehicles

R/2009/04622 Apr 2009Wipers may not operate correctly

The wipers could function without being turned on or not at all because of a software error in the central electronic module.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to upgrade the software in the central electronic module.

Recalled models: XC70 · 2,216 vehicles

R/2009/01713 Feb 2009Short circuit - fire may occur

It has been identified that on vehicles fitted with a supplementary cabin heater the unit may contain a faulty valve which links the heater to the climate control. The valve in question may become clogged which could lead to poor water drainage and in extreme cases a short circuit. Should sufficient heat be generated by the short circuit a fire behind the instrument panel below the radio may occur.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject valve replaced.

Recalled models: XC70 · 8,255 vehicles

R/2008/0757 May 2008Side airbag may not work as intended

It has been identified that the subject vehicles may have a software error within the side impact protection system (SIPS) As a result the inflatable side curtains may not operate as intended.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the SIPS system ECU software upgraded.

Recalled models: XC70 · 4,875 vehicles

R/2008/05419 Mar 2008Seat belt may not been torqued correctly

One or more screws holding the outer rear seat belts may not have been torqued correctly. This could lead to the seat belt not being as affective as it could be in an accident.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to re torque the mounting bolts.

Recalled models: XC70 · 7 vehicles

R/2007/16229 Oct 2007Airbags may not deploy as intended

It has been identified that due to a software deviation within the supplementary restraint system (SRS) the inflatable curtain and side impact protection system may not deploy as intended.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the SRS software updated.

Recalled models: XC70 · 2,386 vehicles

R/2007/05813 Mar 2007Fire may occur

The electric cooling fan control unit's metal cover may not have the correct corrosion protection. Should corrosion occur water may enter the control unit causing an electrical malfunction and in extreme cases cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit an improved fan assembly.

Recalled models: XC70 · 388 vehicles

R/2004/21623 Dec 2004Electric cooling fan may overheat

Volvo have identified that due to certain climatic conditions the electric cooling fan may overheat and in extreme cases cause a fire within the engine bay.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the cooling fan assembly replaced.

Recalled models: XC70 · 35,024 vehicles

R/2004/0077 Jan 2004Possible fuel leak from injector pipes.

The fuel injector pipes may not have been fitted correctly and as a consequence could leak.

Fix: Examine all potentially affected vehicles and replace any incorrectly fitted injector pipes.

Recalled models: XC70 · 287 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Volvo Xc70 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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