Car stalled at an intersection twice. We took it to a repair shop after the first instance and they told us the battery had died, though they were able to charge it and it restarted fine. They could not find any other issues. We continued to drive it and two days later the car died at another intersection just after my wife had picked up our kids from school. We had it towed to the dealer this time. I relayed the recall information for an earlier or different model of my car that sounded like the same issue: the starter motor fuse. I believe this to be the same issue even though my car did not show up on the recall.
Volvo XC70 stalling problems
32 of the 418 owner complaints about the Volvo XC70 describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 32
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 80,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 5Check engine light 5Fuel pump 3Wipers 1Won't shift 1Steering lock-up 1Fuel gauge 1Airbag light 1
What owners say
Vehicle shuts down as if it is not getting fuel, stalls and shuts off. It will restart after sitting for a while but will only go a short distance before doing it again. First occurence vehicle was traveling at 65 MPH in fairly fast moving traffic creating a very unsafe situation. This continues to happen and now we do not drive the vehicle.
Vehicle stalls, it will start up again, can be driven a short distance but stalls again this happens while vehicle is in motion has happened on city streets and on the highway a recall is associated with this problem volvo recall no.r215 recall 09v3433000 component: electrical system software
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. While driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle nearly stalled without warning. The contact discovered that the brake lights, instrument panel lights, and turn signals failed. In addition, the SRS, check engine, and rear door car ajar waring indicators illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where the battery was flushed and recommended that the valet key not be used. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the rear door module was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the central electronic control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 03/18/16
Car occasionally looses power or stall when driving on high way, check engine light on and off. Symptoms off and on. Dangerous driving on freeway because it lost power for 2 seconds then regain more power in accelerating speed. It had recalled no 181 on 2004 model, mine is 2005 sold on 2005 january. The report describes as fuel sensor problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,645.
Traveling north on 495 in massachusetts on my way home from work at approximately 70 MPH in heavy traffic, my car started losing speed. I pushed harder on the gas pedal, but it kept slowing down. I immediately turned my blinker on and pulled to the slow lane, thinking I may be able to get off the highway at the next exit. I was able to pull to the side of the road almost into the breakdown lane. My car stalled. I was at the turn off for the exit - in heavy traffic. I called aaa for assistance. A state police officer stopped and set up flares to help avoid a collision. First look from my mechanic indicates a fuel pump module problem. There has been a recall in other 2006 volvo models for this issue but not for the xc 70. I live in nh so the car is exposed to salt/water. There was flooding on the way in to work that morning. This is a very concerning safety issue, as my car literally quit in heavy traffic on 495.
In mar, 2010 while in heavy slow moving traffic, car stalled. Mileage indicator showed 245 miles to empty. Car towed to volvo dealership and it was found tank was empty and fuel sensor was not functioning properly. Problem was supposedly fixed under warranty. In mar, 2012 on interstate in driving rain car stalled again. I was able to get to shoulder before complete stoppage. Fuel indicator showed 255 miles to empty. Again we were out of gas. Car taken to dealership where it was purchased from and they reported they could find no problem. Fuel indicator seemed to work fine after that until aug, 2013. On a major highway the car began stalling again. I got it off the major road to wait for aaa assistance. Fuel indicator showed 245 miles to empty but tank was again empty. Volvo dealership states it will cost approx. $800 to diagnose the problem with fuel sensor and they are unable to quote a potential cost for the repair without the diagnosis. The loss of control when car runs out of gas is dangerous and terrifying. Even if we could afford the diagnosis and repair, there is no guarantee that this will not happen again, esp. Since it was supposedly repaired in 2010!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled numerous times. The check engine light illuminated while the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic to have a diagnostic performed. The failure was located at the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000 and the current mileage was 182,000.
While driving along with fuel indicator reading 1/4 - 1/2 tank remaining, my 2008 xc70 engine completely stalls out. This has happened twice and both times could have been potentially very dangerous. I am sickened to learn there is a recall for the 2011 model (software calibration for the fuel cut-functionality in the engine control module is too sensitive) but not the 2008! Thanks volvo!!
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011, s80, s60, xc70 and xc60 vehicles. The software calibration for the fuel cut-off functionality in the engine control module (ECM) is too sensitive.
- Risk
- Sudden engine stall could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the ECM and TCM with new software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 10, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552 or at [email protected].
Recall number 10V579000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- Volvo is recalling 17,614 my 2008-2009 s80, v70, and xc70 vehicles. The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (fcm). Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance, and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.
- Risk
- This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2009. Owners may contact volvo customer care center at 1‑800‑458‑1552.
Recall number 09V218000 · Recall details
Questions about the Volvo XC70 stalling
Which Volvo XC70 years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (16 complaints), 2004 (5 complaints) and 2008 (3 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the Volvo XC70?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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