NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 30 owner complaints for the 2002 Volvo V70XC. Most complaints involve power train (12) and fuel/propulsion system (4). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT RELAYS MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. THE HIGH POSITIONED BRAKE LIGHT AND ALL OTHER TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
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”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO V70XC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL FUMES EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLANK FRACTURED AND BOTH THE FLANK AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.”
“1) FUEL SMELL, AND HARDER TO START ENGINE. ENGINE CRANK W/O PROBLEM. SYMPTOMS STARTED AROUND JULY 4TH LAST YEAR, GETTING SEVER AND MORE OFTEN. TOOK MY CAR TO LOCAL VOLVO, BUT THEY SAID "NO RECALL FOR THIS CAR" EVEN THOUGH MULTIPLE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS ARE REPORTED, THEN TOOK MY CAR TO LOCAL AUTO REPAIR GARAGE FINALLY, TODAY MECHANIC CALLS AND SAYS "FUEL PUMP FAILURE". 2) TRANSMISSION SLIP, "SHOCK" WHEN SHIFT UP, AROUND 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, ALSO MANY USER COMPLAIN AISIN-MADE TRANSMISSION SLIPS/SHOCK WHEN SHIFT UP, PROGRAM/SOFTWEAR UPDATE SOLVES SOME USERS BUT NO ALL, LOCAL DEALER SAYS "UPDATE COSTS ABOUT 200 DOLLARS, BECAUSE OF NO RECALL", ALSO THEY SAY "BUT MAY NOT SOLVE PROBLEM" WHY THEY DON'T SEE ANY RECALL FOR MY CAR, OR WHY I CANNOT GET ANY SUPPORT FROM VOLVO, EVEN MANY USER COMPLAIN SAME SYMPTOMS?”
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 XC AWD Auto (S5), 5 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,850 | 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 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 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (12), fuel/propulsion system (4), vehicle speed control (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Volvo V70XC at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).