2009 Volvo V70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2009 Volvo V70 has a complaint index of 64, ranking 5th-worst out of 12 model years, with 4 complaints and 3 recalls on file with NHTSA. It sits in the middle of the pack, well below the 2006 model's index of 100.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #5 of 12 V70 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 4
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 16 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Volvo V70 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body2 (50%)
- Airbags1 (25%)
- Electrical System1 (25%)
- Steering1 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (25%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel reportedly became extremely warm to hot during driving, even with the air conditioner running.
- Tire pressure monitoring system displayed a warning light and told the driver to fill tires immediately after air was already added.
- Windshield seal reportedly failed along its entire length, letting water leak in near the rear-view mirror on a car without a sunroof.
- SRS airbag warning light illuminated intermittently before staying on permanently, traced to a faulty occupant weight sensor.
2009 Volvo V70 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
Seat belts:front
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.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury 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.
- NHTSA 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Other416 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
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.
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.
- NHTSA 09V218000Jun 12, 2009Engine17,614 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
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.
Risk: This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2009 Volvo V70 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other V70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Volvo V70 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 4 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2009 V70, giving it a complaint index of 64. That ranks it 5th-worst among the 12 model years covered, putting it in the middle of the range rather than at either extreme.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volvo V70?
- Structure & Body complaints make up half of the reported issues, followed by single complaints each in Airbags, Electrical System, Steering, Suspension, and Visibility & Wipers.
- Does the 2009 Volvo V70 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three recalls: a seat belt anchor cable replacement, a Garmin GPS battery overheating issue, and an engine cooling fan software fix. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year Volvo V70 should I avoid?
- Based on complaint index, 2006 (100) and 2005 (91) are the worst V70 years, both rated Avoid. The 2009 model, with an index of 64, ranks better than those years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Volvo V70?
- The 2009 V70 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined (16 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.