Volvo V70 III (2007–2016)Electronics and infotainmentControl units and comfort electronics (BSI, SAM...)Windscreen wipers
Volvo V70 wipers that run by themselves or do not work because of a central electronic module software error in the Volvo V70 III
In 2009 Volvo recalled (R/2009/046 in the UK) a batch of S80, V70 and XC70 cars because a software error in the central electronic module could make the wipers run without being activated or not work at all. The remedy is to update the module software.[1]
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: A precautionary recall from 2009 with a software fix (2,216 vehicles in the UK), which under MotorFiable's editorial criteria counts as "occasional". The source cites no real cases.[1]
Symptoms
- The wipers start up without the driver activating them or do not work at all.[1]
Why it happens
Affected years and cars
The entry gives the campaign date (22 April 2009) and a chassis range (000200 to 000867) with no build years; it includes the S80, V70 and XC70.[1]
All faults of the Volvo V70 III by affected year
All recalls and campaigns for the Volvo V70 III
Other models with the same fault
They share the affected part or platform, according to the cited sources.
- Volvo S80 II2006–2016[1]
- Volvo XC70 III2007–2016[1]
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Update of the central electronic module software, which is the campaign remedy according to the DVSA.[1]
The sources do not state the cost to the owner or give prices in euros including VAT.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Try all the wiper speeds and the intermittent wipe and ask an official Volvo dealer to confirm whether the module software is up to date.[1]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
Software updateDVSA (Reino Unido) / Volvo · 22 April 2009 · Ref. R/2009/046
Recall R/2009/046 (DVSA, UK): central electronic module software
S80, V70 and XC70 (chassis numbers 000200 to 000867 in the entry): update of the central electronic module software. 2,216 vehicles in the UK (manufacturer reference R39018). We have not found an equivalent campaign published for Spain.[1]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What can you do now?
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Other faults of the Volvo V70 III
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyVolvo V70 front seatbelt anchor cable: it can lose strength over timeYes: in 2020 Volvo recalled (code R10029) Volvo V70 cars built between 14 March 2007 and 27 April 2016, because the strength of the steel cable that secures the front seatbelt can decrease over time and reduce the belt's protective effect in a crash. The remedy is to replace the fixing.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake servo vacuum pipe chafed by the wiper mechanism on the Volvo V70In 2012 Volvo recalled (R/2012/104 in the UK) a batch of V60, V70, XC70 and S80 cars because the wiper mechanism could chafe the brake servo vacuum pipe. If it wears through, assistance drops gradually and, in the worst case, can disappear suddenly and without warning.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTyres and wheelsVolvo V70 wheel bolts without the correct heat treatment: risk of the wheel working looseIn 2010 Volvo recalled (R/2010/166 in the UK) a batch of V60, V70, XC70, S80 and XC90 cars because the standard wheel bolts might not have received the correct hardening. They corrode and cause noise or vibration and, if not corrected, the wheel could work loose and come off. The remedy is to replace all the bolts.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesVolvo V70 brake vacuum pump non-return valve: reduced assistance on some cold startsIn 2009 Volvo recalled cars of several models, including the V70 and S80 (R/2009/052 in the UK), because the assistance the vacuum pump gives the brakes could decrease on certain cold starts: the brakes still work, but you have to press the pedal harder. The remedy is to replace the non-return valve.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringWater ingress into the Volvo V70's electro-hydraulic power steering pumpIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/053 in the UK) a batch of V70 and S80 cars because water could get into the electro-hydraulic power steering pump and affect its operation: warnings may appear and, in extreme cases, the engine could stall or the assistance fail. The remedy is to replace the pump.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringVolvo V70 upper power steering return hose: it can come loose and leak fluidIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/094 in the UK) a batch of S80, V70, V60 and S60 cars because the upper power steering return hose could come loose and leak fluid onto the road and into the engine bay, with heavier steering. The remedy is to replace the hose.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchLoose gear selector ball joint on the Volvo V70: the gear lever can lock upIn 2010 Volvo recalled cars of several models, including the Volvo V70 (reference R49111; R/2010/071 in the UK), because over time a part of the gear change mechanism can work loose and jam it, so that you cannot change gear or select neutral.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesVolvo V70 parking brake module: the software could release the brake when moving the gear leverIn 2015 Volvo recalled (R/2015/040 in the UK) cars of several models, including the V70, XC70 and S80, with a manual gearbox and start/stop system: the parking brake module software could release the brake when the lever was moved with the engine running. The remedy is a software update.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesHigh brake pad wear on the Volvo V70Two sources agree that brake wear is a weak point of the V70 and S80: gebrauchtwagenberater.de cites high pad wear on the V70, and DEKRA's 2015 report, reported by Autofácil, marked brake wear after 100,000 km. No campaign is on record.
- Low severityFrequency: RareSuspensionWear of the rear axle wishbone bushes on the Volvo V70gebrauchtwagenberater.de states that on the V70 the rear axle wishbone bushes (Querlenkerlager) cause problems. It is the only source we have found: there is no campaign and no mileage or cost figures.
The faults of its engines are on the Volvo V70 III page.
The same problem in other cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonPeugeot 408Electronic faults with the doors, boot and screen (suspected BSI control unit)In 2025 Peugeot recalled around 60,000 2023-2024 Peugeot 308 and 408 cars (code MUV) over a software fault in the door control unit that can cause unintended opening or closing and disable the anti-trap protection on the windows; 408 owners also describe a power boot lid that will not open or close and a screen that goes black.
- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIMultiplex electrical system and hands-free card faultsThe Laguna II had a reputation problem because of faults in its multiplexed electrical network: the hands-free card, the card reader and the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights came on erratically, especially in the early years of production (2001-2003).
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda MX-5 IVDC/DC converter control unit fault with risk of short circuit and fireA 2018 Safety Gate alert covers MX-5 ND models built between August 2014 and April 2017: the DC converter control unit could fail, cause a short circuit and damage the converter, with a risk of fire. It is a precautionary recall; check the chassis number at the official service centre.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentFiat StiloElectrical and electronic faults in the multiplex systemThe Stilo has had a reputation for widespread electrical faults since its launch: poor contacts in the multiplex wiring, an instrument cluster that switches off and sensors that disconnect, sometimes while the car is running.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalJaecoo 7Loose ECU wiring harness: engine warning light and stallingIn March 2026 Jaecoo issued a recall in the UK for up to 7,500 Jaecoo 7 1.6 TGDI units (April-December 2025) because a clip on the engine control unit (ECU) wiring harness may not be secured properly, with a risk of the engine warning light coming on and the engine stalling. In Austria it affected 15 J7 AWD petrol cars. The plug-in hybrid is not affected.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda CX-60Incorrect software in the Dash-ESU and other control units of the hybrid CX-60Yes: two Safety Gate alerts from May 2025 (AR058A and AR056A) correct the software of several control units in hybrid CX-60s. With the hybrid system running, the demister, the seatbelt warning and the 360° camera may fail, and in the 'T3 M Hybrid Boost' variant the engine may stall at idle or fail to restart.
All faults with the control units (51)Cars with the most electronics and infotainment problems
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Volvo Car XC70 – Wipers may not operate correctlycar-recalls.co.uk (DVSA, Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026