2001 Volvo XC70 V70 XC AWD review from North America

2001: Parking lights would not go off - Replaced Central Electronic Module;

Replaced Right and Left Brake Light bulbs;

2002: Replaced faulty door lock remotes;

Replaced right and left headlight bulbs and harness;

Replaced two burned out headlamp bulbs;

Replaced license plate bulb;

Replaced head light bulbs again;

Noisy suspension noted, but no repairs made by dealer.

2003: Headlights and taillights stopped working, replaced all bulbs again;

Electronic Control Module failed, rush hour traffic, $100.00 towing bill. Electronic Control Module was recalled and replaced by Volvo ($1,200.00 repair) ;

Severe hesitation after pushing accelerator before car begins to move. Cause not determined. No repair;

Right front suspension failure ($1,600.00 repair covered by Volvo rather than the dealer) ;

2005: Plastic Glove box frame broken ($300.00 repair) ;

Right front headlamps burned out and replaced again.

Fan motor recalled and replaced by Volvo ($250.00 repair) ;

2006: A/C compressor failed ($1,100.00 repair) ;

90,000 mile service cost $2,200.00 - very expensive for a regular service;

Idle speed oscillations and delay in acceleration treated by new software in the electronic control module (hesitation in acceleration stopped for one week and then returned;

Ignition coil failed ($120.00 repair & $100.00 towing fee) ;

Front control arm bushings torn ($400.00 repair) ;

Automatic transmission failed ($3,200.00 repair at my cost) ;

2007: Second automatic transmission failure (under dealer warranty, but the towing cost was around $100.00 and was not reimbursed).

Upper engine mount bushing torn ($150.00 repair).

Side marker lamp failure on both sides of the car ($80.00 repair).

2007: Leak in sun roof. Interior damage to leather seats in the amount of $500.00.

I have babied this car more than any other car I've owned. This list includes a 1988 Mercedes 560 SL and a 1969 Jaguar XKE coupe, etc. I accelerate easy, I break easy, turn easy and drive it like I have a glass of water poised on top of the dash board.

Nevertheless, I've experienced so many mechanical failures that the car easily compares to the horrible reputation of the old Jaguars and MG’s from British Leland I drove years ago. No car I have every owned has left me stranded on the side of the road waiting on a tow truck as much as the Volvo V70 XC.

Regular maintenance and all fluid changes were performed on time and through a Volvo dealer. No non-Volvo parts were used. I’ve experienced a constant series of electronic problems, issues with hesitation in acceleration and idling along with two automatic transmission failures and failures of suspension components that simply shouldn't fail given the mileage on the car.

Fit & finish is perfect, but components of the car that simply shouldn’t break, do break. It’s as if its components are made of cheap plastic or too low grade of pot metal.

Also, the dealer charges for parts and repairs are very expensive compared too many other similar foreign makes (except for Mercedes). I’ve been told that Volvo charges a subscription rate of around $8,000.00 plus a yearly maintenance fee for a garage to subscribe to their online repair reference database and service guides. So much for anyone buying a Chilton’s shop manual for do-it-yourself repairs. Most non-dealer or independent garages can’t afford this exorbitant fee. This allows the Volvo dealerships to charge far above market rates for repairs in addition to inflated charges for Volvo parts. Throw in the current dismal exchange rate for the dollar compared to the Euro and the costs become extreme. For example. One Gallon of Volvo Antifreeze cost me $18.00. Of course, the owners manual warns you against using any other brand.

This is one of the most comfortable cars I have owned. It's also proved overly expensive to maintain and prone to a large variety of malfunctions that I have not encountered with even much less expensive cars.