Volvo XC70 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 15 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Volvo XC70? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- tires — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 62,408 mi · ~$150 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is tires (~$150) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2009 Volvo XC70
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
When it rains, water continuously drips through the windshield. It is distracting and obstructs my vision.
Low coolant warning light comes on every 2 - 3 months. Vehicle continues to need coolant added at regular intervals. Dealership has not been able to find leak or fault with warning light to date. I am convinced there's a malfunction yet to be determined. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Volvo xc70. The contact discovered that NHTSA campaign id number 09v343000, electrical system, software recall is related to his year, make and model vehicle. He was displeased to know that his VIN was excluded from the recall. The contact had…
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Volvo xc70. The contact stated while driving she noticed a very loud noise in the front end of the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle and determined that the hose that provided steering fluid to the steering system caused the steering rack to…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Volvo XC70 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Volvo XC70 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Volvo XC70?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Volvo XC70 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Volvo XC70?
Inspect the tires first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 3 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 62,408 miles. Average repair cost runs about $150 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Volvo XC70 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 15 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is tires. Typical failure occurs around 62,408 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Volvo XC70?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is tires, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 62,408 miles. Average repair cost runs about $150 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The tires is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $150 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 62,408 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Volvo XC70 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Volvo XC70?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 15 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $150, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.