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Volvo XC70 fuel smell problems

25 of the 418 owner complaints about the Volvo XC70 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2004 model year.

owner complaints
25
worst model year
2004
typical mileage
140,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jun 8, 2025 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · TN

My car kept getting a light for its coolant levels despite me filling it with proper coolant-I noticed a leak of coolant on the ground & upon getting it inspected from an independent service center, they told me the issue was my radiator so we got the part to fix it and a week later fixed the radiator and I didn’t get the light for coolant again. Although the independent service center told me that i actually had a fuel leakage due to my pump and described the issues I’ve been having with my car for a few months as signs to what problems this is causing, this meaning a funky fuel smell, my car struggling to fully turn on-needing multiple tries to actually fully turn on etc. this puts my safety at risk because fuel leakage is extremely dangerous for multiple reasons. Not inspected by manufacturer police or insurance reps. Other than the coolant light issue and the noticed continued leak after the coolant leakage was fixed. After looking into this issue online I found a recall notice from VOLVO and called them and they claimed my car wasn’t on this recall notice but my year and model is indeed listed and since im having the same problem as the recall listed its concerning me.

Filed Dec 2, 2020 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle had a defective fuel pump and fuel pump seal. The mechanic linked the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v483000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact then took the vehicle to jim fisher volvo (2108 w burnside st, portland, or 97210) where he was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was informed that he had to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered a discount towards the repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2018 · Fuel system · 163,459 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. While driving various speeds, a fuel odor was detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to goodwin's volvo (91 main st, topsham, me 04086) where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,459. *tt consumer stated smelled gas from, from the beginning, nobody could smell it but my daughter and I finally checked by used car dealer, they said it was a loose clamp, which they tightened, I could smell it so they recommended a second opinion took it to goodwins volvo. Topsham copy of findinds enclosed when I took it back to reno meadows auto, they said it was the vent tube, they replaced the copy enclosed, seems to be okay now. Updated 10/15/18

Filed Jun 14, 2018 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and a strong fuel odor was present. The contact stated that the failure occurred for approximately six months. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v483000 (fuel system, gasoline) because it was registered in the participating states per the recall information. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2018 · Fuel system · 138,000 miles · CT

Volvo xc v70 2002 ocean race edition has developed a strong gasoline smell after driving. There is no 1) leakage under vehicle, 2) check engine light, or 3) apparent reduction in mileage or performance. I also replaced the gas cap, but nothing changed. We keep our volvo in the garage under our house and the gasoline smell has become so bad that we are nervous about leaving it there at night since the upstairs begins to smell like gasoline. We do not know if we are creating a real safety hazard because of this car? In researching 2002 volvo v70 xc wagons I found there was a significant volvo fuel pump recall in 2009 for this model and year...but apparently only if the vehicle was driven in warmer climates?? We were never included in the recall and do not know why since we drove this car back and forth to fl for years after this. Not sure why we did not qualify? None of our other volvos have ever had this problem. Any way, we are now being advised the fuel pump must be replaced and do not know how big a safety concern this issue is underneath our house. Any additional information and/or response to our concern are appreciated.

Filed Jul 31, 2017 · Fuel system · VA

I have a copy of recall 220agency #09v483 for a 2004 volvo xc70. The reason being fuel smell and/or fuel seep page. We have been smelling fuel for several months and on 7/29/17 I noticed a couple of drops of fuel hit the pavement while looking at the car. I have called volvo twice concerning this matter and I have also called the federal safety agency (reference number 1122416) and have been advised that my VIN number does not match the recall, even though it's the same year make and model and is exhibiting the very same symptoms included in the recall. I'm extremely concerned about the safety of my vehicle I.e. Fuel ignition and I don't understand why I am responsible to pay for the necessary repair when my vehicle is clearly included in the recall. I would really appreciate your help in rectifying this safety issue. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Jan 30, 2017 · Fuel system · 176,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor present in the vehicle. A warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2016 · Fuel system · MI

The problem is this happened to my volvo too see recall below..it is not right that only certain VIN had the recall when my fuel pump is cracked too! This seems to be a defect on all 2004 xc70s and not just vehicles in the south. When I found out about the problem, I googled it and 100s of complaints are on blog sites. The government needs to demand volvo recall all 2004s with this problem. In michigan we have extreme temps in weather too! Gas fumes were leaking in my backseat where the kids sit. Someone could have died! I want a recall on all volvo's having this problem. Volvo needs to take care of all the cars not just some of them. Doing the ones only in the south is a joke! Even my mechanic couldn't believe it. The federal safety agency is suppose to protect all consumers! Here is the recall that my vehicle was not part of but its the same issue and problem: 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.

Filed Dec 5, 2016 · Fuel system · 157,752 miles · PA

I purchased this vehicle from a used car lot on saturday, two days ago. Last night I was hammered by the presence of a nauseatingly intense fuel smell, both inside and out of the vehicle. It doesn't matter if the car has been sitting for hours or if I've been driving it, the smell is equally intense and I have to say that, I am frightened for my safety. I have no recourse with the car lot, "as is" seems to cover selling me a death trap. Now I find out that there is a recall on the exact make and model of my vehicle but somehow volvo has gotten away with not covering the known issue in all but a few states. Is it going to require a firey death of a family before this is addressed?? There are posts all over the internet of other people facing the same prospect. I cannot afford a new vehicle, now that I have bought this one. I have no choice but to drive the possible means of my destruction. This needs to be addressed!!! Why have they not been held accountable? Why are only certain states included in the recall??

Filed Nov 29, 2016 · Fuel system · 56,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. The contact stated that a fuel odor emitted inside and outside the vehicle. The odor was noticed after the vehicle was refueled; however, there was no visible fuel leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v483000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 56,000.

Related recalls

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

Questions about the Volvo XC70 fuel smell

Which Volvo XC70 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2004 (13 complaints), 2002 (6 complaints) and 2003 (5 complaints).

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