VehicleVerdict

2004 Volvo XC70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 118 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.6 times the median XC70 year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 16 XC70 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (30% of the total).

118

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other XC70 years?

XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted118 complaints2001: 77 complaints2002: 46 complaints2003: 28 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 31 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 37 complaints2008: 54 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 7 complaints
XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Volvo XC70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3530%
Suspension1815%
Electrical System1614%
Transmission119%
Seats65%
Airbags65%
Brakes54%
Seat Belts33%
Engine33%
Speed Control33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Lighting22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Other22%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2004 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V800000AirbagsOctober 14, 2021 · 194,546 units

Defect

Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

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.

09V483000Fuel SystemDecember 18, 2009 · 158,733 units

Defect

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, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE.

Consequence

IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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 BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

07E023000BrakesMarch 29, 2007 · 13,128 units

Defect

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 2, 2016

“I HAD A COIL SPRING BREAK ON THE FRONT OF MY 2004 VOLVO XC70. I HAD IT REPLACED 3 WEEKS AGO. TONIGHT, ANOTHER COIL SPRING IN THE REAR PASSENGER SNAPPED (REALLY LOUD!!! I CAN'T IMAGINE FLYING METAL IS SAFE). I'M JUST GLAD NEITHER INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. THAT MAKES 2 COIL SPRINGS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 5, 2009

“THIS REPORT IS FOR MY 2004 VOLVO FOR WHICH I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY HAS 35500 MILES. MY SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING YESTERDAY. I GOT THE FIRE OUT AND AM TOLD THAT THE SEAT WARMER DRIVER SIDE IS WHAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS OR DOES IT COME UNDER WARRANTY PERHAPS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 16, 2016 · fire

“NOTICED A SEVERE CHANGE FOR THE WORSE IN THE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF MY VOLVO XC 70 AWD VEHICLE. LOST AWD CAPABILITY, CONFIRMED BY FRONT WHEELS SLIPPING IN LIGHT SNOW. DEALER INSPECTION IDENTIFIED FAILED ANGLE GEAR AND COUPLER, REPAIR PRICE $2500.00 NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. OWNER REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 12, 2011

“THIS REPORT IS FOR MY 2004 VOLVO FOR WHICH I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY HAS 35500 MILES. MY SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING YESTERDAY. I GOT THE FIRE OUT AND AM TOLD THAT THE SEAT WARMER DRIVER SIDE IS WHAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS OR DOES IT COME UNDER WARRANTY PERHAPS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · January 16, 2016 · fire

2004 Volvo XC70 — common questions

Is the 2004 Volvo XC70 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 118 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 16 XC70 years. It is one of the XC70 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 XC70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (35 complaints), suspension (18 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints).

Does the 2004 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Volvo XC70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC70 years to avoid are 2004, 2001, 2008, 2002, 2007. The cleanest record among XC70 years belongs to 2014.

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.