2010 Volvo XC70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 Volvo XC70 has a complaint index of 91, the second-worst of 12 model years, with 15 complaints and 5 recalls. NHTSA data shows it earns an Avoid verdict, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires as the top problem area at 27% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 91/100
- #2 of 12 XC70 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 21.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2010 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%)
- Other3 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (20%)
- Engine2 (13%)
- Airbags1 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (7%)
- Structure & Body1 (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
- Rear passenger tire deflated suddenly at highway speed after valve stems were found cracked.
- Tire pressure valve stems corroded, causing sudden loss of tire pressure and a low-pressure warning light.
- Smoke and then flames came from the engine compartment while driving 50 mph, requiring fire department response.
- Transmission or driveline subtly jumped at idle, at a stop, or during slow turns, recurring even after a dealer software update.
- Airbag warning light illuminated shortly after purchase, at 1,065 miles.
- Owners reported excessive oil consumption starting around 60,000 miles, needing added oil every few thousand miles.
2010 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 10V489000Oct 13, 2010Airbags9,746 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 s80, xc70, model year 2011 xc60 and model year 2010 v70 vehicles. There may be an intermittent fault in the driver's airbag clockspring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all, and therefore will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Remedy: Dealers will install a metal shim in the driver's air bag clockspring wiring connector. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2010 Volvo XC70 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 21.5 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.
2010 compared with other XC70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Volvo XC70 reliable?
- Compared to other XC70 model years, the 2010 ranks poorly. NHTSA gives it a complaint index of 91, the second-highest (worst) among the 12 years tracked, earning it an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Volvo XC70?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues lead at 27% of complaints, mostly involving tire pressure valve stem failures, with a median failure mileage of 35,000. Transmission & Powertrain problems follow at 20%, with a median failure mileage of 49,250.
- Does the 2010 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2010 XC70, covering seat belt anchor cables, a driver airbag clockspring wiring fault, a GPS unit battery overheating risk, an FMVSS tire label error, and a fuel pump software issue in the central electronic module.
- How does the 2010 XC70 compare to other XC70 years?
- The 2010 XC70's complaint index of 91 is worse than most other years; only 2008 scores higher at 100. Years like 2015 and 2016 score far lower, at 9 and 18, and carry Best verdicts.
- Was there a fire reported in the 2010 Volvo XC70?
- Yes, NHTSA complaint data lists 1 fire report for the 2010 XC70, involving smoke and flames from the engine compartment while driving, with one injury reported.