2008 Volvo XC70: wrong fuel gauge reading

Filed Apr 8, 2019 · Fuel system · 141,000 miles · CA

Prior to a 165 mile road trip the fuel gauge read 1/4 tank - 120 miles to empty. I filled the tank to full before heading out. After refueling, I closed the gas cap but forgot to shut the fuel door. The fuel door open error light came on and the fuel gauge still read 1/4 tank - 120 miles to empty. I pulled to the side of road and with the vehicle running shut the fuel door. The fuel door open error light was still lit and the fuel gauge did not change. I drove towards home on winding mountain roads in high speed l.a. Traffic. The indicator read 50 miles to empty and the low fuel indicator came on even though there was still 3/4 of a tank of gas. At the approximately 120 mile mark while driving 65 MPH in 5 lanes of fast-moving l.a. Traffic the vehicle stopped. I was able to safely pull over through 3 lanes of traffic and stop safely on the freeway shoulder. The vehicle fuel gauge indicated the tank was empty and the fuel door open indicator remained on even though I had closed the door. The vehicle would not restart and I had it towed to the mechanic who routinely services it. I am waiting to hear the result of the diagnostic tests. I could have been killed if the vehicle had stopped on the winding mountain roads with no shoulders and no way for me to safely exit the freeway. At no time did any other vehicle warnings display other than fuel door open. I purchased a volvo for its impeccable safety record. This incident certainly does not live up to the stellar volvo reputation. I had no idea that driving with the fuel door open error displayed could result in the vehicle stopping on the highway even though the gas tank really was 3/4 full and not empty as the fuel gauge indicated. This should definitely be recalled and other drivers made aware of the safety issue associated with what appears to be a minor nuisance but is a major safety concern ultimately.

Filed Mar 2, 2016 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · FL

Despite fuel gauge reading over 1/4 tank car stopped in middle of a highway and nearly caused a collision; thankfully no one hurt. Despite service bulletins on this issue with 2008xc70 no recall ever issued. Several others have reported this issue to the federal safety agency, I believe a recall is appropriate due to the obvious safety problems and because this only happens to the 2008 model- obviously it was fixed on all the future models.

Filed Jan 18, 2012 · Fuel system · 59,000 miles · NY

Fuel gauge erratically moves downward inappropriately. Seems to reset when car restarted, but totally undependable in terms of accuracy. Auto is 3.5 years old but out of warranty at 60k mi. Dealer recommends new fuel tank (which includes sending unit) and fuel pump. Recommended against used part as "old part has been superceded" it sounds like this is a defect which has not resulted in a recall/campaign. Note: repair with parts and labor is $2100.00.

Filed May 15, 2010 · Fuel system · 30,010 miles · MA

A 2008 volvo xc70 with approximately 30,000 miles stalled while driving about 30 MPH. The fuel gauge indicated 1/4 tank and the low fuel indicator on the dash was not on. The vehicle had run out of gas.

Filed Apr 12, 2010 · Fuel system · 13,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 volvo xc70. The contact was driving approximately 70 MPH when the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The fuel gauge displayed a quarter of a tank full. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the vehicle shut off, as a result of an empty fuel tank; however, there was fuel added to the fuel tank prior to having it towed. The contact was aware of the safety complaints regarding the fuel system; and stated that the manufacturer should identify the problem. The failure mileage was 13,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 21,151 miles · OR

My volvo's engine started to sputter then died and lost all power. This occurred in seconds and left my two young children and I in a very dangerous, potentially deadly traffic situation. My gas gauge read 150 miles worth of gas left in gas tank. The volvo was towed to the dealership where it was found to have a faulty fuel pump and control module. Both were replaced.