VehicleVerdict

2002 Volvo V70xc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 Volvo V70xc sits mid-pack among V70xc years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 26, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (38% of the total).

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other V70xc years?

V70xc NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted189 complaints1998: 35 complaints1999: 94 complaints2000: 132 complaints2001: 189 complaints2002: 32 complaints2003: 21 complaints2004: 5 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 4 complaints
V70xc NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V70xc years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Volvo V70xc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1238%
Fuel System722%
Suspension39%
Speed Control39%
Lighting26%
Engine26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Other13%
Electrical System13%

Does the 2002 Volvo V70xc have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V051000LightingFebruary 2, 2004 · 3,242 units

Defect

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 ALL OTHER TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

Consequence

IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL TO COME ON, THERE WILL BE NO LOWER BRAKE LIGHTS TO INDICATE TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES THAT THE VEHICLE IS DECELERATING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO LOWER GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN A CORNER AND THEN PUTTING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. VOLVO DEALER RECOMMENDS HAVING BODY REPLACED AT A COST OF @2200 AND IT MIGHT NOT BE THE CURE. ALSO, IN JUNE 2001 AT 86,488 I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT MOUNT, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 10, 2010

“ MY 2002 VOLVO XC 70 SEEMS TO SMELL LIKE GASOLINE INSIDE THE CAR. I HAVE READ ON NUMEROUS VOLVO FORUMS REGARDING VOLVO OWNERS THAT HAS THE SAME OR SIMILAR CONCERNS. THIS CANT BE GOOD FOR THE DRIVER(MYSELF) OR THE VEHICLE. ANY INSIGHT ON A RECALL WOULD BE WONDERFUL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 2011

“PULLING INTO RESTAURANT PARKING SPACE. PUSHED ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD. ENDED UP IN RESTAURANT. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED, BUT NEVER ACCIDENTALLY HIT THROTTLE BEFORE. CONCERNED, INSURANCE CHECKED RECALLS AND FOUND A PROBLEM. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 15, 2010 · crash

“TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO LOWER GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN A CORNER AND THEN PUTTING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. VOLVO DEALER RECOMMENDS HAVING BODY REPLACED AT A COST OF @2200 AND IT MIGHT NOT BE THE CURE. ALSO, IN JUNE 2001 AT 86,488 I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT MOUNT, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 10, 2010

“TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO LOWER GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN A CORNER AND THEN PUTTING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. VOLVO DEALER RECOMMENDS HAVING BODY REPLACED AT A COST OF @2200 AND IT MIGHT NOT BE THE CURE. ALSO, IN JUNE 2001 AT 86,488 I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT FRONT STRUT MOUNT, SWAY BAR LINKS AND ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 10, 2010

2002 Volvo V70xc — common questions

Is the 2002 Volvo V70xc reliable?

It is close to typical for the V70xc: 32 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 V70xc problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), speed control (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Volvo V70xc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Volvo V70xc. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Volvo V70xc under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo V70xc years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V70xc years to avoid are 2001, 2000, 1999. The cleanest record among V70xc years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.