2002 Volvo V70: common problems and reliability
One of the worst V70 years.
One of the Volvo V70 years to avoid. All V70 years
136 owner complaints, most about power train. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 V70?The 2002 Volvo V70 has 136 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag early all-wheel-drive (awd) system failure (1999-2003 models): the "continuous" awd system, particularly the bevel gear and transfer case, is described as a "constant problem" and prone to failure.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Volvo V70 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other V70 years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the V70?
Across the 15 V70 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1996) to 365 (2001). With 136 complaints, the 2002 V70 sits above the model's median of 24.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 V70
air bags:frontal
Campaign 21V800000Volvo 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 09V483000VOLVO 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.
equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Campaign 10V566000VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
vehicle speed control
Campaign 06V441000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE SUBSEQUENT ONSET OF LIMP HOME MODES.
Show 2 more recalls
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 03V284000CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
exterior lighting:brake lights
Campaign 04V051000ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT RELAYS MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. THE HIGH POSITIONED BRAKE LIGHT AND ALL OTHER TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by deep affection and loyalty.
- Very frequentEarly All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system failure (1999-2003 models)
The "continuous" AWD system, particularly the bevel gear and transfer case, is described as a "constant problem" and prone to failure.
Owner insights cover all generations of the V70. See the full V70 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used V70 listings typically run $3,498–$6,800 across 1998 to 2010 model years.
Other V70 model years
Compare every V70 year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the V70 against its rivals
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