Volvo

V70 (Y20)

2008-2016 · Compact Sedan · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.1)
20 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
Includes data from: CROSS COUNTRYV70
View all 2 generations of the Volvo V70 → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

B6324S

3.2L 6-cyl / 235 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.1)
16 complaints 4.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
8
engine
4
wheels tires
2
other
1
exterior
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (8 complaints)
Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (2 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Volvo V70 regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (8 complaints)
electrical cosmetic

Recalls (5)

20V378000Jun 29, 2020serious
Seat Belts

Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.

10V489000Oct 12, 2010serious
Air Bags

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 S80, XC70, MODEL YEAR 2011 XC60 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 V70 VEHICLES. THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT FAULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.

10V566000Aug 10, 2010serious
Equipment

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

09V218000Dec 5, 2009serious
Engine & Cooling

VOLVO IS RECALLING 17,614 MY 2008-2009 S80, V70, AND XC70 VEHICLES. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE FAN CONTROL MODULE (FCM). DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED AIR CONDITIONING PERFORMANCE, AND/OR RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE.

08V032000Jan 27, 2008critical
Equipment

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR INTEGRATED BOOSTER SEATS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, "CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS." LABELS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE MISSING WARNING INFORMATION INDICATING THAT 'DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR' IF THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED WHEN USING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2016 Volvo V70 problems?

The 2008-2016 Volvo V70 has accumulated 20 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Wheels/Tires. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Volvo V70 engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2016 Volvo V70 was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.2L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2016 Volvo V70 a good used car?

The 2008-2016 Volvo V70 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 20 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2016 Volvo V70 have?

The 2008-2016 Volvo V70 has 20 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2016 Volvo V70?

There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2016 Volvo V70 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Volvo V70?

Before buying a used Volvo V70, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Wheels/Tires, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the V70?

The 2010 Volvo V70 received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: N/A stars. Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 20 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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