2009 Volvo XC70: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2021
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2020
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2017
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2015
“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? *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2014
“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 *js”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2014
“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. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2012
“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. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2012
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2010
Recalls - 5 campaigns
VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2010 S80, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 XC60 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS 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 BUT THEN THE ENGINE MAY STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE TO THE VEHICLES' CEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. VEHICLES IN DEALER'S INVENTORY WILL BE REPAIRED PRIOR TO DELIVERY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 XC70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 5, 2006 THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2009 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE FMVSS LABEL, TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND A PAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CONTAIN INCORRECT MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INFLATION PRESSURE ACCORDING TO FMVSS 110.
Remedy: THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO UPDATE THE VEHICLES WITH A NEW FMVSS LABEL, TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND TPMS SOFTWARE. VOLVO RETAILERS WILL ALSO APPLY A LABEL WITH CORRECT MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact XC70 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Volvo XC70 reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Volvo XC70. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2009 Volvo XC70 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:software. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.