NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2009 Volvo V70. Most complaints involve electrical system (1) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
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.
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 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES, 4.5 YEARS AFTER PURCHASING VOLVO DIRECTLY FROM THE FACTORY IN SWEDEN. THE LIGHT REMAINED ON FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN TURNED OFF. THIS OCCURRED REGULARLY FOR 4 MONTHS UNTIL THE LIGHT REMAINED ON INDEFINITELY. WHEN I FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING, THE ERROR CODE INDICATED A FAULTY OCCUPANT WEIGHT SENSOR (OWS) EMBEDDED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NO LONGER DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE SENSOR WILL NO LONGER IDENTIFY A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THIS ALSO DISABLES THE DRIVER (PRIMARY) AIR BAG, AS WELL AS THE SIDE AIR BAGS. I CONTACTED VOLVO USA SHORTLY AFTER THE 5 YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY EMPHATICALLY CLAIMED THAT THIS EGREGIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WAS NO LONGER THEIR CONCERN. RESPECTFULLY, PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THIS FAULTY OWS THE CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO OPERATE AND THAT VOLVO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THIS ERROR. *JS”
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 (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1), air bags (1), seats (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Volvo V70 at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).