NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 106 owner complaints for the 2002 Volvo V70. Most complaints involve power train (29) and vehicle speed control (16). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.
Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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. *JS”
“In April 2021 I drove my newly acquired Volvo V70 wagon from Mississippi to my home in RI. Once I reached in and around NYC, the car began to surge forward as I applied the brakes at stop lights/signs. This became most pronounced at the GW Bridge Toll area, in high slow-moving traffic. Several times the car almost got out of control as the brakes were barely enough to stop the car from ramming into other vehicles. Cars and huge trucks were honking their horns as I broke, swerved, smoke clouds from high idling in neutral, and peeling rubber as I moved forward from standing still. I was trapped as there is no place to pull over to the sides to a breakdown lane. It eventually stopped surging but has threatened to do it in RI. I asked the mechanic about it when I had to get the car inspected. He basically said he would have to see the vehicle when it was happening. I am just funding out about Recall information and filing a report. I really want to have any necessary repairs made because the car performs well otherwise...AND I am hoping to give the car for my daughter to use as she starts her new job, but want to make sure it is safe first. I feel I would know how…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO XC70. -THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES, THEN IT RUNS. -UNKNOWN CAUSE -THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ONE OF THE VISITS TO THE DEALER ( 3 YEARS AGO ) UNIVERSITY VOLVO, 7716 N TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE, NC 28262, WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 09V483000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE ). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED THIS LAST TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V70 FWD Auto 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| V70 FWD Auto 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| V70 FWD Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| V70 FWD Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| V70 AWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| V70 FWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (29), vehicle speed control (16), fuel/propulsion system (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Volvo V70 at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).