Check a VIN

2004 Volvo V70 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Volvo V70 is engine and cooling, typically around 86,000 miles. It has 4.0 times the complaints of a typical V70 model year.

Year to avoid4.0x the typical complaints
Year score
20/100
Owner complaints
84
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
206
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-22mpg

The worst 2004 Volvo V70 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    27
  • Fuel system
    21
  • Electrical
    12
  • Steering
    9
  • Seats
    8
  • Transmission
    6
  • Airbags
    4
  • Brakes
    4
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Visibility
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Volvo V70

Stalling 21Check engine light 18Jerking 5

Recalls 5

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported October 14, 2021 · 194,546 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 21V800000 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)Reported November 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 10V566000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported December 18, 2009 · 158,733 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 09V483000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported June 5, 2007 · 32,189 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pressure sensor located on the left end of the fuel rail may, at times, transmit incorrect signal regarding the fuel pressure to the engine control module. If the signal is outside of the pre-programmed allowable limits, a diagnostic trouble code may be set and the check engine light will come on. The soldered joints on the circuit board of the fuel pressure sensor may crack due to temperature changes and excessive vibrations.
Risk
Misfire may occur during driving that, in turn, will reduce the engine torque and in the worst case scenario, the engine may stall without warning. In certain traffic situations this could cause an unsafe situation and possibly a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensor free of charge. The recall began on june 29, 2007. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 07V226000 · Recall details

Steering: linkagesReported January 16, 2004 · 29,986 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the front control arms may not have been manufactured correctly and, as a result, the stud and nut that secure the arm to the spindle may lose their initial axial tension. Under certain driving conditions, the steering may become less responsive and the driver may experience steering wheel play.
Risk
This driving condition could eventually lead to separation between the front control arm and the spindle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new type of nut. Owner notification began on february 16, 2004. Owners should contact volvo cars at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 04V029000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2004 Volvo V70

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volvo V70 206

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 206 bulletins for the 2004 Volvo V70

2004 Volvo V70 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 5‑cylFWD1927-2822
2.5L 5‑cylFWD182621
2.5L 5‑cyl4WD16-1823-2519-20
2.3L 5‑cylFWD16-1723-2419-20

What 2004 Volvo V70 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CT

This vehicle, a 2004 V70 wagon, is exhibiting the exact safety defect described in Campaign 09V483000 / R220 (fuel odor, leaking flange, residual pressure loss). But because my VIN is not specifically on the list (it has been registered in CT, not in a "warm climate"), Volvo is refusing to fix. It is clear that this vehicle has the issue described in the recall (the top of the tank has been visualized). The issue started in January 2026 and has steadily worsened. With the amount of gasoline leaking, this is not only a safety issue but also an EMISSIONS issue.

Filed Oct 16, 2022 · Seat belts · CA

The front passenger seat belt locks up. When pulled out it will not go back in causing the passenger not to be able to wear a seat belt. I think it might be the seat belt retractor I would like to have it fixed I believe it is a safety issue and I am looking for this to be covered for replacement and for file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/65/05/312F1483-F6ED-4A2B-8FEF-893294D0E482/IMG_4244.HEIC

Filed Dec 17, 2021 · Airbags, Steering · CA

I have recevievide from Volvo called the number and said they cannot say it was free.I called the number 1 800 458 1552 said could promise I had to talk to the manager at the dealer. I asked them if found other problems with steering that I would have to pay if they tear into steering comlun. You guys need to fix this now. I want to make sure Im cover here . EWhat am suppose to do if they break my steering down and ask me to pay for other problmems with the car it doesnot state that on the recall letter. What kind of airbag do they put in to the car I ant to its preminum airbags that are put in high in vehicles here. I want to know if I get protected documentation from this recall. Also do I get the old airbag back so i can seek legal consel as well. It just says free it should state that im protected from labor and parts costs as well.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Brakes, Fuel system · PA

All the recall problems is wrong with my car please help me

Filed Nov 30, 2018 · Seats · 5 miles · OR

I was at our automotive shop and had to give a customer a ride to work. I had the seat warmers on because it was cold outside. About a minute into the drive, I feel a burning sensation on my left outer thigh. I thought nothing of it. The burning sensation got worse, I stated, "something's burning me!" the customer states she smells something burning, like wires. I pull over, hop out of the car to notice a burn hole in my seat. Luckily, I did not get severely burnt, however, my thigh was sore for about 4 hours. After this happened, I went online to see if there was a recall on the seat. There was not. After googling this situation, I found that my 04 volvo v70 wasn't the only vehicle that has had this issue. Many, many people with the same year, make, and model have had this same issue.

Filed Nov 12, 2018 · Fuel system, Steering · 234,767 miles · FL

My control arm on the front right is coming loose and is giving less control in turning, also my car is having issues with the fuel pump. All of these problems are demonstrated while under motion on any terrain and the fuel problem is observed more during acceleration.

Filed Jan 16, 2018 · Seats · 192,000 miles · CA · fire

While driving with my 2 year old...I smelled what I thought was my engine overheating, pulled over to take a look and as opened my drivers side door smoke was billowing out of my seat, melting a hole through to the left side of seat bottom, near backrest and seat adjustment buttons. Luckily, after turning the seat heater off the electrical malfunction cooled off. I went to local volve dealership and they said "your car is too old to have a valid recall status", nor did they offer to assist in any way.

Filed Dec 15, 2017 · Airbags, Lights · 90,000 miles · DC

Vehicle warning light for airbag is alarming since my airbag didn't deploy in my 2017 car accident when my car was hit from rear, front and driver side. Car was total. Seat beat and airbag failure in vehicle during accident while moving. This vehicle had a small tap accident but airbag warning light continues to appear but airbag didn't deploy..

Filed May 26, 2017 · 85,000 miles · CA

The radiator fan ran consistently although I was driving in the winter coming back from lake tahoe. While driving on the highway a smell of burned rubber started to spread inside the car so I immediately slowed down and parked it on the emergency lane. After opening the hood, a fire came out. The entire fan melted as a result of overheated due to it running nonstop.

Filed Apr 20, 2017 · Electrical · IL

After investigation, I discovered that used vehicle just purchased (2004 volvo v70) had a bad rem module; rendering fuel gauge, rear door locks, fuel door latch, and hatchback lock inoperative. The rear hatchback has no manual method to lock it; making vehicle unsecurable. Investigation online indicates this is a known issue. Dealer wants around $200 to update software to fix problems. This is unacceptable, since at least two critical items (hatchback and fuel door latches) depend on functioning rem to secure them. I believe these items should be covered by the manufacturer regardless of age.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Volvo V70 before you buy

Compare the 2004 Volvo V70

Other model years

199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Questions about the 2004 Volvo V70

Is the 2004 Volvo V70 reliable?

Owners have filed 84 complaints about the 2004 Volvo V70, 4.0 times a typical V70 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2004 Volvo V70 year score?

The 2004 Volvo V70 scores 20 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo V70: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volvo V70?

Engine and cooling, with 27 complaints, typically around 86,000 miles. Next is fuel system (21).

How many recalls does the 2004 Volvo V70 have?

5 recalls, covering air bags, equipment and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Volvo V70 engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 07V226000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volvo V70 have bad engine?

The Volvo V70 model years with the most engine complaints are 2004 (27 complaints), 1998 (25 complaints) and 2001 (24 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Volvo V70 get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Volvo V70 range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 27-28 highway.

Share your experience with the 2004 Volvo V70

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2004 Volvo V70?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN