2009 Volvo XC70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 Volvo XC70 has a complaint index of 64, ranking 5th worst out of 12 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. It has 15 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no reported crashes, fires, or deaths.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #5 of 12 XC70 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 15 city / 22.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Volvo XC70 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (27%)
- Electrical System2 (13%)
- Engine2 (13%)
- Fuel System2 (13%)
- Other2 (13%)
- Steering2 (13%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering rack failure linked to a leaking power steering fluid hose, sometimes accompanied by a loud noise when turning.
- Electrical system malfunctions where the speedometer and fuel gauge stopped working, tied to battery issues.
- Recurring low coolant warning lights with no leak found by the dealer, requiring repeated coolant top-offs.
- Tire pressure monitoring system valve failures causing sudden flat tires.
- Uneven brake pad wear on one rear wheel, suspected to involve sticking calipers or an electronic braking issue.
- Rear middle seat belt latch that would not click or secure properly.
2009 Volvo XC70 recalls
5 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 10V190000May 7, 2010Other679 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 xc70 vehicles manufactured from december 5, 2006 through october 1, 2009 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the fmvss label, tire and loading information label and a page in the owner's manual contain incorrect maximum permissible inflation pressure according to fmvss 110.
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy: The corrective action is to update the vehicles with a new fmvss label, tire and loading information label and tpms software. Volvo retailers will also apply a label with correct maximum tire pressure information to the owner's manual. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 14, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2009 Volvo XC70 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 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 XC70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Volvo XC70 reliable?
- It carries a Caution verdict based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 64 that ranks 5th worst among the 12 XC70 model years covered.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volvo XC70?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints make up 27% of reports, followed by Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System, and Steering issues at 13% each.
- Does the 2009 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2009 XC70, covering seat belt anchor cables, a GPS unit battery issue, tire label compliance, a central electronic module software fix affecting the fuel pump, and an engine cooling fan control module fix.
- At what mileage do 2009 XC70 problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across complaints is 63,223 miles, though suspension issues reported a median of 60,111 miles.
- Which XC70 model years are safer choices than 2009?
- The 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016 model years all earn Good or Best verdicts, with the 2015 and 2016 XC70 posting the lowest complaint indexes at 9 and 18.