2004 Volvo V70 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 16, 2022 · 83 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other V70 years
Far more complaints than other years 5th of 21 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Volvo V70. That ranks 5th out of 21 V70 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (22 complaints, 27%), typically at around 81,677 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 6 fires, 4 injuries. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year.

Volvo V70
2008 Volvo V70 photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2004 Volvo V70 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine and Engine Cooling22 · ~81,677 mi
Electrical System12 · ~91,700 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline11 · ~74,081 mi
Steering9 · ~134,300 mi
Fuel/propulsion System8 · ~150,000 mi
Seats8 · ~92,700 mi
Power Train6 · ~88,000 mi
Engine5 · ~114,000 mi
Air Bags4 · ~111,500 mi
Seat Belts4 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine and Engine Cooling2227%81,677——
Electrical System1214%91,700——
Fuel System, Gasoline1113%74,081——
Steering911%134,300——
Fuel/propulsion System810%150,000——
Seats810%92,700——
Power Train67%88,000——
Engine56%114,000——
Air Bags45%111,500——
Seat Belts45%50,000——
Suspension45%63,000——
Exterior Lighting34%90,000——
Tires34%20,317——
Unknown or Other34%90,000——
Vehicle Speed Control34%35,844——
Fuel System, Other22%26,300——
Service Brakes22%85,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic22%15,000——
Visibility22%75,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)11%133,000——
Structure11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2011, with 11 complaints
2004: 6200462005: 662006: 3200632007: 442008: 4200842009: 882010: 102010102011: 11112012: 7201272013: 332014: 3201432015: 662016: 1201612017: 552018: 3201832019: 112021: 1202112022: 11

n = 83 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Volvo V70 recalls (5)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleOct 14, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V800000 · 194,546 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10136.

Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)Nov 8, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V566000 · 416 vehicles

Problem: Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpDec 18, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V483000 · 158,733 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on january 15, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Engine and engine coolingJun 5, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V226000 · 32,189 vehicles

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pressure sensor located on the left end of the fuel rail may, at times, transmit incorrect signal regarding the fuel pressure to the engine control module. If the signal is outside of the pre-programmed allowable limits, a diagnostic trouble code may be set and the check engine light will come on. The soldered joints on the circuit board of the fuel pressure sensor may crack due to temperature changes and excessive vibrations.

Risk: Misfire may occur during driving that, in turn, will reduce the engine torque and in the worst case scenario, the engine may stall without warning. In certain traffic situations this could cause an unsafe situation and possibly a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensor free of charge. The recall began on june 29, 2007. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Steering:linkagesJan 16, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V029000 · 29,986 vehicles

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the front control arms may not have been manufactured correctly and, as a result, the stud and nut that secure the arm to the spindle may lose their initial axial tension. Under certain driving conditions, the steering may become less responsive and the driver may experience steering wheel play.

Risk: This driving condition could eventually lead to separation between the front control arm and the spindle, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a new type of nut. Owner notification began on february 16, 2004. Owners should contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The front passenger seat belt locks up. When pulled out it will not go back in causing the passenger not to be able to wear a seat belt. I think it might be the seat belt retractor I would like to have it fixed I believe it is a safety issue and I am looking for this to be covered for replacement…

Seat Belts · received Oct 16, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11489477

I have recevievide from Volvo called the number and said they cannot say it was free.I called the number 1 [redacted] said could promise I had to talk to the manager at the dealer. I asked them if found other problems with steering that I would have to pay if they tear into steering comlun. You…

Air Bags · received Dec 17, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11444087

All the recall problems is wrong with my car please help me

Service Brakes · received Jul 17, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11232645

I was at our automotive shop and had to give a customer a ride to work. I had the seat warmers on because it was cold outside. About a minute into the drive, i feel a burning sensation on my left outer thigh. I thought nothing of it. The burning sensation got worse, i stated, "something's burning…

Seats · received Nov 30, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11155247

My control arm on the front right is coming loose and is giving less control in turning, also my car is having issues with the fuel pump. All of these problems are demonstrated while under motion on any terrain and the fuel problem is observed more during acceleration.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Nov 12, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11150973

Other Volvo V70 years

← 2003 V70 · 2005 V70 →

See all Volvo V70 problems by year, every Volvo model, or the Volvo VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volvo V70?

Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, electrical system, fuel system, gasoline problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 22 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Volvo V70?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 Volvo V70 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other V70 model years, the 2004 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.