Volvo XC70 Common Faults: Reliability, Problems And More!

How good is the Volvo XC70?

When it comes to reliability, the Volvo XC70 gets average to above average marks. Consumers gave it a score of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it sixth out of 14 midsize luxury SUVs. Meanwhile, some surveys gave the 2015 model year an average quality and reliability score of 74 out of 100.

The XC70 also has above-average cost of ownership . Although it requires repairs more often than usual, the problems that do arise are usually minor and don’t require a trip to the auto repair center.

The Volvo XC70 can get at least 100,000 miles and run flawlessly for years afterward. As long as you drive carefully, follow Volvo’s recommended maintenance schedule, and don’t delay in fixing any problems, you’ll be able to get the most out of its useful life.

Common faults of the Volvo XC70

Although the Volvo XC70 was only produced from 1999 to 2016, there are still plenty of XC70s on the road and in used car shops. Depending on the model year, some of these Volvo SUVs are more prone to developing problems than others.

In a comparison of model years, the 2003 model received the most complaints and the worst problems. The site also identified transmission failure as the most common problem with the Volvo XC70.

These are the common faults of the Volvo XC70 most reported in the different model years:

1. Faulty automatic transmission slipping and hard shifting between gears

The 2006-2016 models of the Volvo XC70 came with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, many drivers found this transmission a struggle to control each time they shifted between gears . It tended to shift harshly when it got too hot. In some cases, the transmission would also slip between gears, making driving dangerous.

Bad software, bad valve body, or faulty shift solenoids can cause this Volvo XC70 transmission problem. Some owners had to replace or rebuild the entire transmission at great expense to resolve this issue.

2. Problems with knocking or squealing noises from control arm bushings

Bushings protect the 2013 Volvo XC70’s control arms from friction and heat that would otherwise damage crucial suspension parts. Unfortunately, some drivers have reported that their front control arm bushings wore out earlier than expected.

When the bare metal of the control arms came into contact with other metal parts, they produced rattling or screeching sounds. Worn bushings can also throw your wheels out of alignment , leading to problems like uneven tire wear.

Fortunately, replacing worn bushings usually eliminates the noise. This problem has also been reported for the Volvo XC70 from the years 2003-2010.

3. Transmission shift problem

Some drivers have raised concerns about issues with the 2012 Volvo XC70 transmission shifting. They reported instances where the transmission took too long to shift, shifted or downshifted more than normal, or stopped working altogether. .

Aside from the 2012 Volvo XC70, model years 2003-2008 and 2010-2011 could also develop transmission shift issues.

4. Noise and/or vibration issues from faulty upper motor mount

Engine mounts prevent the 2008 Volvo XC70 engine from making loud noises or excessive vibration while driving. So when the upper engine mounts wore out early on several 2008 XC70s, owners of the affected units reported problems such as rough shifting and rough idling.

Many owners of the 2003-2006 Volvo XC70 have also reported that their crossover had problems with the upper engine mounts. Whatever the model year, it’s best to replace bad engine mounts before they affect other engine parts .

5. Premature failure of the ABS control module

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) keeps the 2007 Volvo XC70 in control on all but the most slippery terrain. Unfortunately, the ABS control module on some units could stop working long before it was designed to . This makes the XC70 more prone to skidding out of control when driving in rain or ice.

Some 2003-2006 Volvo XC70 owners have also reported that their vehicle’s ABS module failed prematurely.

6. Four wheel drive failure

The 2003 Volvo XC70 can conquer most terrain thanks, in part, to its four-wheel drive, which supplies each wheel with the necessary power whenever it’s needed. However, some drivers have reported that their vehicle’s powertrain tends to malfunction without warning. As a result, the rear wheels may not receive enough power to drive.

A four-wheel drive failure makes driving dangerous . For example, if the system were to fail while on a slippery road surface, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and end up in an accident.

7. Transmission failure

The 2003 Volvo XC70 is considered a solidly built vehicle, but several drivers have complained that their vehicle had a faulty transmission. Problems such as rear wheel drive failure began to occur from an average mileage of 108,000 miles. Most owners of affected units recommended rebuilding the entire transmission rather than replacing the entire system under warranty to prevent a recurrence.

A similar transmission problem has also appeared in several units of the 2001 Volvo XC70, and reports show it to be a recurring problem among second generation XC70s.

Overall, the Volvo XC70 is as reliable as most luxury midsize SUVs, making it a good choice as a family vehicle. Read the common faults of the Volvo XC70. By preparing ahead of time, you can get the most out of your vehicle.