2004 Volvo V70 Cross Country from North America - Comments

My 2004 Volvo Cross Country (XC70) is obviously very new and as yet I do not have any complaints about any of the systems (i.e., transmissions, engine, electrical).

However, I have found a significant problem with excessive windshield glare. My interior is taupe and therefore the dashboard is somewhat lighter. Thus, the dashboard is reflected up into the windshield, especially when driving into the sun. Oftentimes visibility is greatly reduced. There are even times when I am "blinded" with visibility being very poor.

Frankly, I am surprised that Volvo hasn't caught this. I assume that they test drive their vehicles in real-life situations (i.e., in sunny conditions).

Volvo is known for safety -- and yet, they have missed this "glaring" problem!

I'm wondering if any other owners have been bothered by windshield glare in the V70 or XC70?

I contacted Volvo regarding this problem and after several weeks received a brief form letter stating that Volvo cannot change the design of the windshield since it has been developed within their "safety standards". Apparently, good visibility is not a safety criteria as far as Volvo is concerned.

That being said, I do like how the XC70 handles.

It has exceptional Turbo pick-up.

Comfortable seats.

Easy solution.

Add a dash cover. No more glares.

I could not agree more with the Volvo V70 owner who reports on the safety problem resulting from the excessive glare on the windshield. I, too, have experienced the same problem and it is most dangerous when you drive from sunny to shady areas. However, the glare is there all the time on sunny days and greatly impairs vision. I too have reported this problem to Volvo and received a telephone call suggesting that I contact the dealer. I agree with the writer and also am wondering whether this car was ever tested on a sunny day. The reflection on the windshield, in my mind, represents a serious safety problem and I, too, am astounded at the blase attitude of Volvo (they said they never heard of this complaint).

In addition, I find that the doors all of a sudden lock while driving. This has happened at least a dozen times since I purchased the 2004 Volvo V70 this July. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Wearing polarized sunglasses will eliminate reflections, glare and improve overall driving visibility.

We have a 2003 Cross Country and absolutely love the car Except for the glare from the dashboard onto the windscreen. Our interior is the Oak color and we are having trouble locating a dash mat.

I noticed the windshield glare problem when we test drove the car, we ordered one with the dark grey dashboard because the darker color greatly reduces the problem.

I have the same problem with glare on my XC 70. I have the taupe interior. Volvo has been of no help. It is disappointing that this problem exists with such a fine car. Nothing I have tried reduces the glare.

We bought a 2004 V70, "oak" interior, 3 days ago. Same problem.

As a previous comment stated, polarized sunglasses immediately fix the problem. However, the glare persists even in early evening, and I don't like to wear sunglasses at that time of day. I guess we'll find a dash mat.

In describing the 2005 models, globeandmail. com refers to "improved trim for the doors, A-pillars and dashboard materials for less reflected glare". So it sounds like Volvo is addressing the problem (which is not limited to Volvo cars at all).

It should be quite obvious that when an owner has an option, selecting a light colored interior is going to have a different interior light quality. Its been that way since the 1940's and 50's when they started offering alternatives.

Having the option, I chose the lighter of the two, due to the fact that the dark interior gets hot as the blazes in the Tennessee summer. The lighter interior had a noticeably cooler feel to it. The darker one felt like an oven. People in hot climates have gone for the lighter interiors for years, and I'm glad to have the option. Thank you Volvo!

When the sun shines there's going to be reflections. It's something the driver needs to regulate with a sun visor or sun glasses, especially if they chose the lighter interior. Buying a light colored interior and then complaining about the reflections basically sounds like complaining about the sun in your face if you bought a convertible, or the reflections that come in when the sunroof is open.

I don't want to offend anyone, but I am a firm believer that when someone makes a conscious decision to buy something that is a very well established product, with a great reputation, then they should learn to live with it.

I bought an XC 90 a few months ago, Nautic blue metallic, interior leather light taupe. I am of the opinion that there is a real security problem because of the reflection of the inside dash board (light) on the inside window. When the weather is fine the "superb visibility" mentioned by volvocars is compromised. I suffered a small crash last week because of the above mentioned point. Furthermore, the seat belt of the child booster seat has not functioned correctly... I am waiting for an answer from Volvo regarding these issues. Is anyone else bothered as I am by the reflection? If a seat belt problem was noticed by someone else I would really appreciate a reply.

We have a VW with black interior, and a V70 with oak interior.

Yes, there is a glare problem with the light interior.

But you can fix it with a $30 dash mat or a $15 pair of sunglasses.

Then you still have the benefits of a mostly light interior, without the glare.

On the other hand, it can be pretty hard to keep an all black interior from turning into an oven in the summer sunshine or showing every speck of dust that settles on it.

It would be nice, though, if Volvo could come up with a way to keep its light dashboards from causing glare at all.

I am experiencing a number of problems with my V70XC. It is a 2002 model and has covered 37000 miles, mainly in heavy city traffic conditions (London UK). These problems are:-

1) Power steering pump replaced at 24000 mile service.

2) Steering rack replaced at 36000 mile service.

3) Front Disc's replaced at 36000 mile service.

4) Top engine mount broken, replaced at 24000 mile service.

5) Front door lock replaced at 36000 mile service.

6) Ignition/Steering Lock broke at 28000 miles car had to be

towed to dealer for repair.

7) Gear box became very 'lumpy', electronics had to be

'reset' at 36000 mile service. Still not right.

In addition to the above, I am still experiencing the following problems:-

1) Gear box as above comment.

2) Problem with the brakes, the pedal sometimes in heavy

traffic, almost goes to the floor. This is very

disconcerting. Dealer says theres nothing wrong, as it

does not do it when he drives it round the block!!

3) Very loud transmission noise at 50mph when I lift off

the throttle. A resonant drumming sound.

4) Steering still not right, very heavy on tight right

turns and rattles on rough surfaces.