2002 Volvo V70
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 187 |
| 1999 | 169 |
| 2000 | 93 |
| 2001 | 221 |
| 2002 | 76 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 83 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH12% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120619
8% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE
Remedy: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TA
Campaign 03V284000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT RELAYS MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. THE HIGH POSITIONED BRAKE LIGHT AND AL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT RELAY WITH TWO RELAYS OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 04V051000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
THROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CURRENT SOFTWARE UPGRADE ONTO THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 06V441000 — check if this car was fixed
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, CALIF
Remedy: 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
Campaign 09V483000 — check if this car was fixed
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
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 N
Campaign 10V566000 — check if this car was fixed
Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 21V800000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Volvo V70 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V284000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V051000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V441000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V483000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V566000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V800000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Volvo V70 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Volvo V70 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volvo V70?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Volvo V70 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.