Volvo XC70 Best and Worst Years (2010–2016)
Avoid the 2010 and 2011 Volvo XC70; 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) with structure/body issues, and 2010 follows at 83 with suspension and transmission problems. The 2015 model year is the best choice, with a complaint index of just 17.
- Model years
- 7
- 2010–2016
- NHTSA complaints
- 67
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Top problem area
- Visibility & Wipers
XC70 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Volvo XC70 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 83 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 18 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 100 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Structure & Body | 20 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 50 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Visibility & Wipers | 20 | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 67 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Visibility & Wipers | 20 | — |
| 2014 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 21 | — |
| 2015 | Best | 17 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2016 | Good | 33 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 23.5 | — |
XC70 years to avoid: what went wrong
2011 Volvo XC70 Index 100 · 15 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2011 XC70 has the highest complaint index of the model at 100, ranked worst overall. Structure and body problems lead at 27% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 6,900. Suspension, wheels and tires follow at 20%, including reports of tire sidewall rot, with a median mileage of 54,200. Brakes and seat belts each account for 13% of complaints; owners described loud roaring sounds near 45-50 mph and seat belt latches that failed to release properly. NHTSA lists 3 recalls, covering airbag clockspring wiring, an overly sensitive fuel cut-off calibration, and seat belt anchor cables.
2010 Volvo XC70 Index 83 · 15 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2010 XC70 carries a complaint index of 83, the second worst of the model. Suspension, wheels and tires make up 27% of complaints, including cracked valve stems causing sudden tire deflation at a median mileage of 35,000. Transmission and powertrain issues account for 20%, with a median failure mileage of 49,250, including reports of the transmission jumping at idle even after dealer software updates. Owners also reported an engine fire while driving. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, covering airbag clockspring wiring, a GPS unit battery issue, and seat belt anchor cables.
Most common Volvo XC70 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Visibility & Wipers14 (21%)
- Other11 (16%)
- Structure & Body10 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (12%)
- Engine7 (10%)
- Seat Belts6 (9%)
- Steering4 (6%)
- Brakes3 (4%)
- Fuel System3 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Volvo XC70 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2011 model years rank worst, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100 respectively.
- What is the best year for the Volvo XC70?
- The 2015 XC70 is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of only 17 and just 6 total complaints.
- What problems were most common on the 2011 XC70?
- Structure and body issues were the top complaint area for the 2011 XC70, making up 27% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 6,900.
- Does the Volvo XC70 have recalls?
- Across the 2010-2016 model years, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the XC70, including seat belt anchor cables, airbag clockspring wiring, and fuel cut-off software calibration.
- Are 2012 and 2013 XC70 models safe to buy?
- NHTSA data places 2012 and 2013 in a Caution category, with complaint indexes of 50 and 67, better than the Avoid years but worse than the top-ranked 2015 model.