Volvo models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| S60 | 2001-present | 2001-2009 S60s are in recall 21V766000: the driver airbag inflator can explode after long exposure to heat and humidity. |
| S80 | 1999-2016 | 2001-2006 S80s share driver inflator recall 21V766000; 2004 S60, S80 and V70s were recalled for front control arm fasteners (04V029000). |
| V70 | 1998-2010 | 2001-2007 V70 wagons are in driver airbag inflator recall 21V800000. |
| XC70 | 2001-2016 | 2001-2007 XC70s share driver inflator recall 21V800000 with the V70. |
| XC90 | 2003-present | 2003-2006 XC90s were recalled (06V155000) because the outer tie rod ball joint could deform, loosen and eventually fracture. |
| S40 | 2000-2011 | 2004-2006 S40s in salt states, Illinois included, were recalled (08V033000) for a fuel pump electronic module that corrodes internally. |
| V50 | 2005-2011 | The S40's wagon twin shares fuel pump module corrosion recall 08V033000 in salt states. |
Known Volvo problems that end up at the scrapyard
Exploding driver airbag inflators (2001-2009 S60, 2001-2006 S80, 2001-2007 V70 and XC70)
Volvo filed two 2021 recalls, 21V766000 for about 259,000 S60s and S80s and 21V800000 for about 195,000 V70s and XC70s, because the driver airbag inflator can explode after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature cycling, throwing metal fragments. Older Volvos often sit unused, so check the VIN before anyone drives one again. source
Corroded fuel pump module on 2004-2006 S40 and V50
Recall 08V033000 covers about 23,000 cars sold or registered in salt states including Illinois. Long exposure to salty, wet conditions can corrode the pump electronic module internally, sending a faulty signal to the fuel pump. The check-engine light may come on, and the car may fail to start or stall while driving. source
Outer tie rod fractures on 2003-2006 XC90
Recall 06V155000 covered about 127,000 early XC90s whose outer tie rod ball joints could deform under high loads, lose clamping force and eventually fracture, making the SUV hard to steer. On a 20-year-old XC90 with worn suspension, rusted subframe hardware and transmission trouble, the full repair list often outruns the vehicle's value. source
Why Volvos get retired in Chicago
Plenty of Volvo owners keep their cars for a very long time. A long life means the car eventually reaches repairs that cost more than it’s worth: an automatic transmission on an XC90, all-wheel-drive parts on an XC70, a turbo, or suspension and subframe work after years of Chicago salt. Rusted brake lines and exhaust hangers usually join the list on cars that lived outside.
Recalls add a second layer. Volvo’s 2021 airbag recalls covered certain 2001-2009 S60s, 2001-2006 S80s and 2001-2007 V70s and XC70s, because driver inflators can explode with age. The small S40 and V50 had their own salt-state recall: a fuel pump control module that corrodes inside and can leave the car stalled in traffic. Run the VIN through NHTSA before spending money on a diagnosis.
Deciding whether to fix it
Recall repairs are free at a Volvo dealer, so do those first if you plan to keep the car. Then get one estimate for everything else. If the total is more than the car is worth, or you just don’t want to deal with a 20-year-old wagon anymore, selling it as a junk car is a clean exit. Our comparison of selling, junking and donating can help you decide.
A non-running Volvo is no problem for us. Tell us whether it rolls, whether the parking brake releases, and where it sits.
Getting ready for pickup
- Remove the car from the Volvo Cars app or Volvo On Call.
- Do a factory reset to clear driver profiles and paired phones.
- Leave every key and fob.
- Take your I-PASS, garage remote and anything under the cargo floor.
- Tell us which papers you have. Illinois rules decide which ones work for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call.
More brands are on our list of makes.
Selling a junk Volvo: questions
My old S60 hasn't moved in a year. Is it safe to drive to you?
Don't drive it. 2001-2009 S60s are in a recall for driver airbag inflators that can explode, and a car that has sat may also have dead brakes or flat-spotted tires. We tow it at no charge from wherever it's parked, including a garage or alley.
How do I disconnect Volvo On Call or the Volvo Cars app?
On newer Volvos, remove the car from the Volvo Cars app (or Volvo On Call on older models) and cancel any subscription. Then use the settings menu to reset the car to factory settings, which clears profiles, phones and saved addresses.