Volvo V70 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo V70 is a large family car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 119 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 157 of 442, and 35.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (5.9% of tests).
Ranked 157 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 6 of 16 large family cars
In 2024, 32,790 Volvo V70s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 35.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo V70 is 16% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
35.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,400
Typical age at test: 15 years
Volvo V70 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo V70 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working5.9% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.1% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.8% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.8% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.5% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.4% of tests
What the Volvo V70 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 16.7% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Brakes | 9.8% | ▼ 20% less often |
| Suspension | 9.2% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Tyres | 8.4% | About average |
| Visibility | 4.8% | ▼ 27% less often |
| Body and structure | 4.5% | ▼ 41% less often |
| Steering | 4.3% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.9% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | ▼ 56% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▼ 35% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo V70 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V70 ranges from 20.8 to 68.9mpg across the 165 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 34.9mpg and a typical diesel 58.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo V70?
Any Volvo V70 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V70 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo V70 specs and running costs
Official figures for 165 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2016.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
20.8–68.9 mpg
CO2
108–270 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V70 D36AT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 118g | £35 |
| V70 D36MT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 113g | £35 |
| V70 D3 Business Edition6AT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 112g | £35 |
| V70 D3 Business Edition6MT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 108g | £20 |
| V70 D46MT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| V70 D48AT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 122g | £170 |
| V70 D26AT · listed 2015 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 109g | £20 |
| V70 D56MT · listed 2015 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 126g | £170 |
| V70 D56AT · listed 2015 | Diesel | 45.6 mpg | 164g | £275 |
| V70 D2Automatic · listed 2014 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 109g | £20 |
| V70 D3Manual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| V70 D5Manual · listed 2014 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 126g | £170 |
| V70 D3Automatic · listed 2014 | Diesel | 57.6 mpg | 130g | £170 |
| V70 D5Automatic · listed 2014 | Diesel | 45.6 mpg | 164g | £275 |
| V70 D3 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 47.1 mpg | 159g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 165 versions.
What a Volvo V70 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 34.9mpg…
- diesel, typical official 58.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo V70Buying a used Volvo V70?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volvo V70 with other large family cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo V70 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volvo V70 is 16% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 119 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo V70?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 5.9% of tests.
›What MPG does the Volvo V70 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V70 ranges from 20.8 to 68.9mpg across the 165 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 34.9mpg and a typical diesel 58.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo V70?
Any Volvo V70 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V70 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £790 a year.
›How many Volvo V70s fail their MOT?
35.3% of Volvo V70s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo V70 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.