Owners have filed 77 complaints
about the 2001 Volvo XC70 with NHTSA between 2005 and 2017.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 95
Against the median year of the Volvo XC70. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
1955.9%
Front
411.8%
Engine
38.8%
Gasoline
25.9%
Emission Control
25.9%
Delivery
25.9%
U-Bolt, Leaf Spring TO Axle
12.9%
Pressure Relief Devices
12.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
68.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2129.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2535.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1419.7%
150,000+ miles
57.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2005peak 11Aug 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Volvo XC70
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA05021Opened 6 Dec 2005Closed 12 Dec 2006VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
ON NOVEMBER 14, 2006 VOLVO SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING ETM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2001 VOLVO MODELS (NOT INCLUDING THE S40 AND V40), MY 2002 S60 AND V70 WITH NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINES AND MY 2002 V70S.ACCORDING TO VOLVO, ?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.VOLVO FURTHER STATED THAT,THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH NUMBER OF THESE VEHICLES GOING INTO LIMP HOME MODE WITHOUT NEED.?VOLVO IND...
Recalls on the 2001 Volvo XC70
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V800000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volvo 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
09V483000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VOLVO 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.
Risk: IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
06V441000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON 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.
Risk: THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES GOING INTO THE LIMP HOME MODE WITHOUT NEED.
03V284000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN 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.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201039687 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.
Recall 200631124,706 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, a combination of throttle position sensor (TPS) irregularities, a dirty throttle housing, and/or inefficient software calibration, may cause a warning lamp to illuminate and the subsequent onset of "limp home" mode. Correction: Dealers will install an electronic throttle system software upgrade in both the electronic throttle module (ETM) and the engine control module (ECM).
Recall 200606614,000 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. The label indicates that the booster cushion can be used for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33 and 80 lb). CMVSS 213 states that the minimum weight for use must be 18 kg (40 lb). Should an underweight child be placed in the booster cushion and the vehicle is involved in a crash, the child may have a greater risk of injury. Correction: Volvo Canada will send a letter to owners explaining this problem and will supply updated weight limit decal to be applied to each side window.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 79,000 milesSaline, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE, THE CONTACT STATED GASOLINE CONTINUED TO SPEW OUT FROM THE FILLER NOSE AND THE EMISSIONS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS A SPIDER WEB IN THE VENT WELL OF THE FUEL TANK AND TRIGGERING THE EMISSIONS WARNING LIGHT. THE DEALER MADE UNKNOWN REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. ON A LATER DATE, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY JUST AS THE VEHICLE ERUPTED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO VEHICLES LOCATED WITHIN HER STATE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V483000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP). THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE RECALL SHOULD APPLY FOR HER PARTICULAR STATE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #10339267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesPort Orchard, WACrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAD EXPERIENCED SOME INSTANCES OF A DELAY IN RESPONSE BY THE THROTTLE IN MY 2001 XC70 FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. MOST TIMES IT WAS FOLLOWING AN EXIT FROM A FREEWAY AND THE SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTED ACCELERATION AFTER STOP WAS VERY HESITANT AND FELT AS IF THE CLUTCH WAS SLIPPING. I HAD AN ETM DIAGNOSTIC RUN IN MAY OF 2007 AT BARRIER MOTORS VOLVO IN BELLEVUE WA. AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM. I HAD ALSO EXPERIENCED SOME INFREQUENT INSTANCES OF EXTRA ACCELERATION WITH MINIMAL GAS PEDAL PRESSURE DURING THE SAME TIME. ON JANUARY 7, 2008 I WAS IN LINE APPROACHING A ROUND-ABOUT AND AFTER THE SECOND SLOW MOVE FORWARD, I HAD NO MORE THAN TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL THAN MY CAR SURGED FORWARD INTO THE REAR OF THE VAN IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO GET MY FOOT POISED OVER THE BREAK PEDAL BEFORE IMPACT. THE CAR DIED AND WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY NOTHING WOULD WORK. THE PEOPLE IN THE VAN HAD NECK INJURIES, MY SEATBELT DEPLOYED AND THE RETRACTION UNIT FAILED. ONLY THE WEEK PRIOR TO THIS I HAD STARTED DOING AN ON-LINE SEARCH ABOUT MY TRANSMISSION AND FOUND MANY BLOG COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS BUT HAD NOT BEEN TO NHTSA SITE YET. NOW I SEE THERE APPEARS TO BE A CONCERTED EFFORT ON THE PART OF VOLVO NA TO PRACTICE THE SAME KIND OF OBFUSCATOR GAMES THAT FORD MC HAS PLAYED ALL ALONG. IT REMINDS ME VERY MUCH OF THEIR SOP FOR DEALING WITH THE PINTO PROBLEM IN THE '70S. IN LOOKING AT THE NHTSA INVESTIGATIONS AND COMPLAINTS I FIND, BY LOOKING IN ALL THE APPLICATIONS OF TOPIC AND SEVERAL OTHER BROAD CATEGORY SEARCHES THE OVERALL CONCLUSION I HAVE REACHED IS THAT VOLVO NA/FORD MC ARE NOT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL THE EXPENSES AND GRIEF THEY ARE CAUSING THE CONSUMERS. A FULL CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION IS PROBABLY WARRANTED AND PROBABLY AN INVOLVEMENT OF A CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10214435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesPort Orchard, WACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
I HAD EXPERIENCED SOME INSTANCES OF A DELAY IN RESPONSE BY THE THROTTLE IN MY 2001 XC70 FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. MOST TIMES IT WAS FOLLOWING AN EXIT FROM A FREEWAY AND THE SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTED ACCELERATION AFTER STOP WAS VERY HESITANT AND FELT AS IF THE CLUTCH WAS SLIPPING. I HAD AN ETM DIAGNOSTIC RUN IN MAY OF 2007 AT BARRIER MOTORS VOLVO IN BELLEVUE WA. AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM. I HAD ALSO EXPERIENCED SOME INFREQUENT INSTANCES OF EXTRA ACCELERATION WITH MINIMAL GAS PEDAL PRESSURE DURING THE SAME TIME. ON JANUARY 7, 2008 I WAS IN LINE APPROACHING A ROUND-ABOUT AND AFTER THE SECOND SLOW MOVE FORWARD, I HAD NO MORE THAN TOUCHED THE GAS PEDAL THAN MY CAR SURGED FORWARD INTO THE REAR OF THE VAN IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO GET MY FOOT POISED OVER THE BREAK PEDAL BEFORE IMPACT. THE CAR DIED AND WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY NOTHING WOULD WORK. THE PEOPLE IN THE VAN HAD NECK INJURIES, MY SEATBELT DEPLOYED AND THE RETRACTION UNIT FAILED. ONLY THE WEEK PRIOR TO THIS I HAD STARTED DOING AN ON-LINE SEARCH ABOUT MY TRANSMISSION AND FOUND MANY BLOG COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS BUT HAD NOT BEEN TO NHTSA SITE YET. NOW I SEE THERE APPEARS TO BE A CONCERTED EFFORT ON THE PART OF VOLVO NA TO PRACTICE THE SAME KIND OF OBFUSCATOR GAMES THAT FORD MC HAS PLAYED ALL ALONG. IT REMINDS ME VERY MUCH OF THEIR SOP FOR DEALING WITH THE PINTO PROBLEM IN THE '70S. IN LOOKING AT THE NHTSA INVESTIGATIONS AND COMPLAINTS I FIND, BY LOOKING IN ALL THE APPLICATIONS OF TOPIC AND SEVERAL OTHER BROAD CATEGORY SEARCHES THE OVERALL CONCLUSION I HAVE REACHED IS THAT VOLVO NA/FORD MC ARE NOT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL THE EXPENSES AND GRIEF THEY ARE CAUSING THE CONSUMERS. A FULL CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION IS PROBABLY WARRANTED AND PROBABLY AN INVOLVEMENT OF A CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10214435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 105,000 milesWethersfield, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART; HOWEVER, IT SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (MITCHELL VOLVO CARS OF SIMSBURY 384 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CT 06070) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE MODULE NEEDED AN UPDATE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11014142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesWethersfield, CT
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART; HOWEVER, IT SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (MITCHELL VOLVO CARS OF SIMSBURY 384 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CT 06070) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE MODULE NEEDED AN UPDATE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11014142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,810 milesTeaneck, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HATCHBACK DID NOT OPEN WITHOUT ELECTRICITY. WHEN THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY FAILED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE HATCH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO HANDLE OR ANY MEANS TO UNLOCK THE HATCH FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER, MAKING IT A DEATH TRAP IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION FOR THOSE SEATED IN THE BACK ROWS. THE CONTACT MADE THE MANUFACTURER AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS CONCERN WOULD BE NOTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,810. UPDATED 01/10/2017
NHTSA complaint #10896566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,500 milesGrove City, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS 2001 VOLVO XC70 HAS NEVER FAILED TO START UNTIL THIS OCCURRENCE WHEN ATTEMPTED TO START IT CHUGGED HORRIBLY & ENGINE FAILURE & ENGINE SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT CODE APPEARED THE CAR DIED & REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO STAR IT FAILED DIAGNOSIS REVEALS A NON-SERVICE LISTED ISSUE AS WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD THIS CAR PROPERLY SERVICED PROMPTLY AS NEEDED. THE ISSUE IS A "THROTTLE BODY FAILURE". ACCORDING TO THE VOLVO SERVICE SHOP THIS WILL COST ME $800 TO $1000 TO FIX!! LAST JANUARY I HAD TO PURCHASE A WIRE HARNESS FOR THIS CAR THAT WAS $1400!! I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS THROTTLE BODY ISSUE AND WISH TO ADD MY COMPLAINT FOR THIS AS WELL AS THE WIRE HARNESS I PAID SO MUCH FOR LAST YEAR. FOR A CAR THAT COSTS THIS MUCH AND MORE THAN 50% MORE TO MAINTENANCE THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED IN 40YRS THESE KINDS OF FAILURES SHOULD NOT BE ABSORBED BY THE CONSUMER VOLVO SHOULD OFFER SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION TO HELP PROPERLY REPLACE THESE KINDS OF FAULTY SYSTEMS AND BEAR AT LEAST 1/2 THE COST.
NHTSA complaint #10494710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,500 milesGrove City, OH
ENGINE
THIS 2001 VOLVO XC70 HAS NEVER FAILED TO START UNTIL THIS OCCURRENCE WHEN ATTEMPTED TO START IT CHUGGED HORRIBLY & ENGINE FAILURE & ENGINE SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT CODE APPEARED THE CAR DIED & REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO STAR IT FAILED DIAGNOSIS REVEALS A NON-SERVICE LISTED ISSUE AS WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD THIS CAR PROPERLY SERVICED PROMPTLY AS NEEDED. THE ISSUE IS A "THROTTLE BODY FAILURE". ACCORDING TO THE VOLVO SERVICE SHOP THIS WILL COST ME $800 TO $1000 TO FIX!! LAST JANUARY I HAD TO PURCHASE A WIRE HARNESS FOR THIS CAR THAT WAS $1400!! I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS THROTTLE BODY ISSUE AND WISH TO ADD MY COMPLAINT FOR THIS AS WELL AS THE WIRE HARNESS I PAID SO MUCH FOR LAST YEAR. FOR A CAR THAT COSTS THIS MUCH AND MORE THAN 50% MORE TO MAINTENANCE THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED IN 40YRS THESE KINDS OF FAILURES SHOULD NOT BE ABSORBED BY THE CONSUMER VOLVO SHOULD OFFER SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION TO HELP PROPERLY REPLACE THESE KINDS OF FAULTY SYSTEMS AND BEAR AT LEAST 1/2 THE COST.
NHTSA complaint #10494710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,500 milesGrove City, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS 2001 VOLVO XC70 HAS NEVER FAILED TO START UNTIL THIS OCCURRENCE WHEN ATTEMPTED TO START IT CHUGGED HORRIBLY & ENGINE FAILURE & ENGINE SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT CODE APPEARED THE CAR DIED & REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO STAR IT FAILED DIAGNOSIS REVEALS A NON-SERVICE LISTED ISSUE AS WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD THIS CAR PROPERLY SERVICED PROMPTLY AS NEEDED. THE ISSUE IS A "THROTTLE BODY FAILURE". ACCORDING TO THE VOLVO SERVICE SHOP THIS WILL COST ME $800 TO $1000 TO FIX!! LAST JANUARY I HAD TO PURCHASE A WIRE HARNESS FOR THIS CAR THAT WAS $1400!! I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS THROTTLE BODY ISSUE AND WISH TO ADD MY COMPLAINT FOR THIS AS WELL AS THE WIRE HARNESS I PAID SO MUCH FOR LAST YEAR. FOR A CAR THAT COSTS THIS MUCH AND MORE THAN 50% MORE TO MAINTENANCE THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED IN 40YRS THESE KINDS OF FAILURES SHOULD NOT BE ABSORBED BY THE CONSUMER VOLVO SHOULD OFFER SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION TO HELP PROPERLY REPLACE THESE KINDS OF FAULTY SYSTEMS AND BEAR AT LEAST 1/2 THE COST.
NHTSA complaint #10494710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBerkeley Heights, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 02/22/12 *BF THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 02/04/11. SHE MENTIONED THE FAILURE OF THE GEARS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND THE DEALER PERFORMED A SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD, WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER EIGHT MONTHS LATER FOR THE 9,500 MAINTENANCE SERVICE AND THE PROBLEM WAS MENTIONED AGAIN. FINALLY AT 103,000 ON JAN 31, 2012 THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH A RE-MANUFACTURED ONE. UPDATED 03/01/12
NHTSA complaint #10446172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesMarlboro, NJ
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS 2-3 AND 3-4. MECHANICS RECOMMENDS TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. CAR HAS 94,000 MILES. THIS IS A FAMILY CAR AND NOT DRIVEN HARD. I'VE HAD 3 CARS OVER HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE HAD A TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON THE MOST EXPENSIVE CARE I'VE OWNED.
NHTSA complaint #10440352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesDublin, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NORMAL DRIVING, AT APPROXIMATELY 142,000 MILES TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING AND "CLUNKING". TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2001 VOLVO XC70. $4,000+ REPAIR, COMMON TO THE 2001 XC70 MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10410792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBend, OR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10408570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesOshkosh, WI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE NOISE WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED AND SPORADICALLY, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #10400638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesClinton Corners, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
MY 2001 VOLVO XC70 WAGON HAD THE COIL SPRING SNAP ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SIDE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CHECKED ONLINE AT VOLVO REPAIR SITES AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR. IT IS A GREAT CONCERN TO ME AS BELIEVE IT IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE BROKEN SPRING A DIRECTLY ABOVE THE FRONT TIRE, WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO PUNCTURE AT HIGH SPEED DRIVING. COULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND HOPEFULLY AVOID SOMEONE HAVING THIS HAPPEN, CAUSING A PUNCTURED TIRE AND POTENTIAL SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IF POSSIBLE COULD YOU LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM THAT VOLVO SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #10399694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesGreensboro, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE FAILURE JUST BEGAN AT AROUND 100K MILES, NO SPECIFIC EVENT. THE CAR LURCHES WHEN I AM PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AFTER I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO A COMPLETE STOP. CAR JERKS WHILE DOWN SHIFTING INTO RIGHT HAND TURNS. CAR JERKS AT INTERSECTIONS WHILE SLOWING DOWN AND/OR ACCELERATING. I AM AFRAID IT IS GOING TO JERK FORWARD AND HIT SOMETHING THAT I, AS A DRIVER, SHOULD NOT BE AT RISK OF HITTING. THIS JERKING BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CAR WOULD RUN MORE SMOOTHLY ON THE STREETS AFTER A HIGHWAY TRIP OF SOME DISTANCE, BUT NOW IT HAPPENS ALMOST CONSTANTLY AND THE JERKING IS MORE SEVERE. TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, I SAW VOLVO AND ASKED THEM TO MAKE SURE THE SOFTWARE PKG WAS UP TO DATE - THEY ASSURED IT WAS. A YEAR LATER I RETURNED AS THE PROBLEM HAD WORSENED, VOLVO WANTED TO FLUSH MY TRANSMISSION - I DECLINED AND WENT TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST WHO IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. I HAVE JUST AGREED TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED, AND IF NECESSARY HAVE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REBUILT.
NHTSA complaint #10399312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellingham, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD SHIFT WITH DIFFICULTY BETWEEN GEARS. SHE NOTICED THAT THE RPM'S WOULD INCREASE AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED DUE TO COST. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10395761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesAtlanta, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT HARD WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 22 MPH. THE VEHICLE CORRECTED ITSELF AND DROVE AS NORMAL BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR SPORADICALLY AND WHEN BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE WAS ONGOING FOR FIVE MONTHS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT AUTHORIZED DEALERS WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED BY BOTH MECHANICS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. SHE STATED THAT BOTH MECHANICS PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT DID NOT GENERATE ANY CODES INDICATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10394391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,126 miles84005, UT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE EXPERIENCE 2-3 UPSHIFT FLARE, SLIPPING OF TRANSMISSION, TACHOMETER NEEDLE JUMPING UP AND THE ENGINE RACING DURING A SHIFT.
NHTSA complaint #10394058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD AN INTERNAL HYDRAULIC FAILURE WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT SLOWLY, DURING ACCELERATION IT WOULD ALSO JERK AND SLIP WHEN THE CONTACT WAS TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000. UPDATED 06/06/11 *BF UPDATED 1/17/2012 THE CONSUMER STATED THE CAR WONT ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER FULL STOP.
NHTSA complaint #10392669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,600 milesAustin, TX
VISIBILITY
INTERIOR AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROR IMAGE HAS BECOME DISTORTED/OBSCURED WITH A FLUID LEAKING INTERNAL TO THE MIRROR ITSELF THAT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE ANY REFLECTED IMAGES DURING THE DAY AND USELESS AT NIGHT. IMAGES ON MIRROR ARE BOTH LIGHTER AND DARKER AT THE SAME TIME AND NOT CONSISTENT OVER THE MIRROR SURFACE CREATING A TUNNEL VISION PROSPECTIVE. MIRROR IS SURFACE IS NOT CRACKED, DAMAGED EXTERNALLY OR PREVISIOUS SUBJECT TO ABUSE. DEFECT IN MIRRIOR OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING, LEAKED A SMALL AMOUNT OF OILY FUILD INITIALLY AND HAS NOT CORRECTED ITSELF. DEALER CANNOT REPLACE MIRRIOR. HOWEVER, DEALER CAN REPLACE MIRROR AND MIRRIOR HOUSING UNIT (FOR APPROX. $700, LESS LABOR) THAT CONTAINS CONTROLS FOR MIRROR AND REMOTE DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM. IF THE MIRROR HOUSING UNIT IS REPLACED IN ITS ENTIRETY, THEN A NEW A NEW COMPUTER SOFTWARE UPGRADE IS REQUIRED AS WELL AS THE REPROGRAMING OF ALL REMOTE DOOR LOCK KEY FOBS. ACCORDING TO A WEB SEARCH OF VOLVO FORUM WEBSITES, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM NOT JUST COMMON TO MY PARTICULAR MODEL AND YEAR OF VOLVO.
NHTSA complaint #10386587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesDanville, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN FIRST DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR OR RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SPORADICALLY HESITATE AND SURGE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, COILS AND ETM WERE ALL REPLACED TO TRY AND RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 09/16/11
NHTSA complaint #10386092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesChicago, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTO HAS FAULTY TRANSMISSION THAT CAUSES UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION FAILURES, ABRUPT ACCELERATIONS, AND JERKING.
NHTSA complaint #10367365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,100 milesValley Cottage, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WITH 100,100 MILES ON THE 2001 VOLVO XC, THE DEALER HAD REPLACED FRONT STRUT DUE TO WEAR. PICKED THE CAR UP AND DROVE THE CAR ~3 MILES HOME. LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE TURNING THE CAR AROUND IN THE DRIVEWAY THE NEXT MORNING.
NHTSA complaint #10365274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesWyoming, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HAD A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT SOLVED A NEUTRAL SHIFT PROBLEM, WHERE THE TRANS WOULD LURCH INTO GEAR FROM A STOP. NOW THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AS I DRIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING A CORNER. IF I ACCELERATE NORMALLY, THE VEHICLE REVS THEN CLUNKS INTO GEAR. THE DEALER ON THE TRANS SHOPS SAY THE TRANS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NOW, I HAVE 183000 MILES ON THE CAR AND BOUGHT IT, HOPING IT WOULD BE A RELIABLE CAR...I WAS SO WRONG! I PURCHASED THE CAR FOR $16,000 FIVE YEARS AGO WITH 64K ON IT. I NOW HAVE ABOUT $12,000 IN REPAIRS INTO THIS CAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM NOWHERE NEAR HAPPY OR SATISFIED. THIS IS, BY FAR THE WORST VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED. IT IS LIKE A MONEY PIT. I JUST WISH A COMPANY LIKE VOLVO, THAT ONCE HAD A GREAT REPUTATION, WOULD OWN UP TO THE JUNK THEY ARE PUTTING OUT AND MAKE SOME RECALLS. AT THIS POINT, I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A VOLVO AGAIN AND AM SPREADING THE WORD. COME ON VOLVO, JUST OWN UP TO THE PROBLEMS AND FIX THEM. DO THE RIGHT THING AND YOU WILL BE NOTICED. DO NOTHING AND AGAIN, YOU WILL BE NOTICED BUT NOT FOR A GOOD THING.
NHTSA complaint #10350447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesSaline, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO XC70. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE, THE CONTACT STATED GASOLINE CONTINUED TO SPEW OUT FROM THE FILLER NOSE AND THE EMISSIONS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS A SPIDER WEB IN THE VENT WELL OF THE FUEL TANK AND TRIGGERING THE EMISSIONS WARNING LIGHT. THE DEALER MADE UNKNOWN REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. ON A LATER DATE, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY JUST AS THE VEHICLE ERUPTED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO VEHICLES LOCATED WITHIN HER STATE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V483000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP). THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE RECALL SHOULD APPLY FOR HER PARTICULAR STATE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #10339267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,850 milesWashington, DC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SEVERAL COMPUTER PROBLEMS THAT AROSE SUDDENLY.1) TRANSMISSION LIGHTS FAIL TO LIGHT TO INDICATE PROPER GEAR AND CAR ENTERS LIMP HOME MODE (I.E., SLUGGISH ACCELERATION) WHEN STARTING CAR. NO ACCIDENTS. OCCURS WHEN STARTING COLD ENGINE AND GOES AWAY AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF WARMING THE ENGINE (INCONSISTENT TIMES). DEALER HAS INSTALLED A SOFTWARE UPGRADE, BUT IT HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WITHOUT WARNING OR OTHER INCIDENT AND HAPPENS DURING WARM OR COLD WEATHER. 2) OTHER SAFETY ISSUES THAT AROSE AT THE SAME TIME INCLUDE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS BEING UNABLE TO OPEN REAR DOORS (STUCK IN CHILD LOCK OVERRIDE MODE) AND DRIVER OVERRIDE BUTTON IS NONFUNCTIONAL. FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED (DEALER WANTS $900 TO FIX AND I RARELY HAVE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS).
NHTSA complaint #10298702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,850 milesWashington, DC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
SEVERAL COMPUTER PROBLEMS THAT AROSE SUDDENLY.1) TRANSMISSION LIGHTS FAIL TO LIGHT TO INDICATE PROPER GEAR AND CAR ENTERS LIMP HOME MODE (I.E., SLUGGISH ACCELERATION) WHEN STARTING CAR. NO ACCIDENTS. OCCURS WHEN STARTING COLD ENGINE AND GOES AWAY AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF WARMING THE ENGINE (INCONSISTENT TIMES). DEALER HAS INSTALLED A SOFTWARE UPGRADE, BUT IT HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WITHOUT WARNING OR OTHER INCIDENT AND HAPPENS DURING WARM OR COLD WEATHER. 2) OTHER SAFETY ISSUES THAT AROSE AT THE SAME TIME INCLUDE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS BEING UNABLE TO OPEN REAR DOORS (STUCK IN CHILD LOCK OVERRIDE MODE) AND DRIVER OVERRIDE BUTTON IS NONFUNCTIONAL. FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED (DEALER WANTS $900 TO FIX AND I RARELY HAVE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS).
NHTSA complaint #10298702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.