Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46
Definitely a love hate relationship with my 2001 Volvo XC70. I've driven for approx 95,000 miles. I absolutely love it, it handles just the way I like it, it's very comfortable to sit in and it has more than sufficient luggage space. I bought it new in 2000 and until the 60,000 mile service it worked great with the minor issue of eating through bulbs, but nothing major.
After that servicing it's cost me close to $10,000 to keep it running over the past few years. This is the hate in the relationship part ;-b.
First the boot on the driver's side had an issue (about 2 weeks following the servicing I could hear a grinding sound when I turned to the right only), so the boot (or something in it) had to be replaced - cost approx $1500+.
The ABS module had to be replaced, the on-board computer had to be replaced, a routine tire change ended up costing me close to $2000+ because something else was wrong in the car. I don't have my bills in front of me, but it was one thing after another.
Recently the car had been starting with a jerk, it turns out that some valve module in the transmission has to be replaced - cost $2200. Also I have issues with the tie-rods that need to be fixed.
A couple of days ago my alternator broke (which caused my 1 month old new battery to die), I just got it replaced - cost $800.
And one of the most annoying things that's been happening is that the driver's side seat's fuse keeps on blowing on me, so the seat gets stuck in a particular position (I like to move the seat around once a month to try a different position). The dealership has not found any shorts to determine the cause of the fuse blowing, so they recommend changing the entire seat adjustment module.
As much as I love it, I would sadly not recommend it to friends...
I bought a 2001 XC70 in August 2008, and LOVED the car. Unfortunately, the transmission had to be replaced within 1 week. I had the car checked out by Volvo before purchase and they didn't tell me about the tranny issues this car had. Hmmm. I am faint of heart when it comes to car repairs.
By the way, Ford purchased Volvo in 2002. All the Fords I have owned have been practically maintenance free, requiring only regular repairs. I traded in the car after only 2 months and bought a brand new car; a cheap but reliable American car. At least it's inexpensive to repair. I miss the Volvo, though...
It seems that VOLVO keeps its promise as being the "For Life" car : You simply can´t resell the car. So you keep it forever.
Teeth grinding and with very very unexpected repair needs and corresponding over-proportional expenses.
As an all-time VOLVO lover (because of the tremendous comfort, safety features, experienced longevity, etc.), I could not believe how much hassle I had and have to go through with my XC70 2001.
I could live somehow with light bulb problems, but having to replace the transmission, gearbox and other core-elements and at my expense - not even with a huge mileage - simply is very frustrating.
90% of the VOLVO owners complained about the same issues, when I shared my frustration. And whats worse, VOLVO does not signal any disposition to cover the costs.
It is quite notable, that since Ford is part of the equation, the quality has just dropped. And its damaging the brand! And the confidence of VOLVO lovers.
Too bad!!
Burghard Petersen, Mexico City.
I also have a 2001 XC 70, on which I had to replace many light bulbs and the transmission at 80,000.
Very frustrated as I complained to my Volvo dealer about the slipping of the transmission, and of course they couldn't verify the complaint, the warranty had expired by the time the transmission gave out and I had to foot the $3,400 bill.
I agree with the love/hate comment, I can't bring myself to part with the vehicle when it's running well. I love driving it, especially in the winter. I just wish I had bought another warranty when the last one expired. Currently looking to buy one as we would like to keep the vehicle, but the repairs are killing me.
Hi, was looking here to see if others had had tranny problems with 2001 Volvo V70 XC. Darn.
I bought mine brand new, and although I love the car in many ways (echo the positive comments of many others) it has been a virtual money pit. I only have 77,000 miles on it and have had every single recommended service done on it, so I'm not neglecting it.
The bulbs are a definite nuisance, but if it was only bulbs I wouldn't complain.
The thing eats (very expensive) tires (even though I rotate religiously every 5k miles) and I recently had the front struts replaced to the tune of well over $1200.
The automatic climate control board has gone out twice.
The transmission has been an issue for quite some time. A software update made it better, but has not completely fixed it. It has delays in both reverse and drive, and often slips with both acceleration and now deceleration as well.
I have to say that I will not likely buy another Volvo. I expected to only have to do relatively minor repairs at least up to 100k miles. I am guessing a new tranny on an AWD vehicle will run me upwards of $3k or $4k... :-(
Also bought a used (non-certified) 2001 V70-XC in Feb 2007, with 76,000 miles on it. The vehicle looks great and is very comfortable to drive. But beyond the common bulb replacements mentioned by many, this car has also been a serious money pit in the 2+ years we've had it. First, the on-board computer module needed replacing about 2 months into ownership. Then both front boots went out and were replaced. Then the right tail light assembly shorted and required rewiring of that side. Then the car failed emissions check, and we ended up replacing the catalytic converter for $2700. Finally (so far), the transmission went on the fritz (starting in 2nd, skipping 3rd) and we forked out $3000 to rebuild the tranny. We bought it for $13,500, but have already put half again that amount into repairs. Despite the comfortable ride, I would certainly discourage a friend from buying one of these Volvos.
I live in the UK where Volvos have a high reputation. So far I have had 2004 V70 D5 auto. 77000 miles in two years, no problems. Car still on original brake discs and pads! 40 mpg all the time.
I have XC70 D5 auto with 106,000 miles, again NO major problems.
Don't know what you guys in the States do with your Volvos!?
Check out UK Volvo owners Uk website. It backs up my experience with this great car.
John Worth
York
UK.
Too many problems!!
And now I have to change the transmission.
3 month delivery time for spare parts.
and 5000 dollars.
I can´t believe that this comfortable car causes so much trouble. Makes me sad. It seems the Ford ownership has not done any good to keep the quality.
Volvo for life. Yes, because you can´t resell it!!
Bought a 2001 XC70 with 16,000 in 2004 and have maintained it at a Volvo dealer as specified by the manufacturer. We have had various issues with the transmission for the past 4 years; slight slippage improved, but not corrected by a periodic software update. We have had to replace many light bulbs, a wheel bearing, and the car recently went into limp mode and is back in the shop. The car now has 66,000 miles on it. Since I bought the car for both safety and longevity, I am very dissatisfied with the unreliability. I haul around 4 kids, and am concerned that it won't make it to it's destination. We will keep the car, but know we need to budget an amount monthly for repairs... but I will never buy another Volvo, nor would I recommend one to my friends. This one was my first and my last.
We have owned a 2001 XC70 for the past 4 years. We purchased it primarily for the safety features. The purchase was made without doing much research (our daughter had totaled our 1998 XC70 in a rollover and walked away) and we needed another vehicle right away.
I knew there was an oil leak when we bought the car. The engine turned out to have 3 leaks, the transmission started clunking when starting soon after purchase, and then the throttle control started acting up - all common (and expensive) problems as I found out later. Re-programming helped the throttle and transmission problems but didn't cure them completely.
In addition to the bulb problems mentioned by others I have had to replace engine mounts, sway bar links, voltage regulator, front springs (one snapped!), front control arm bushings. I do all of my vehicle repairs myself so I have saved a lot of $ on labor but the car has not had one day of trouble-free operation.
Right now it is in need of $1,000 in work - new tires + alignment and a power steering pump. Sadly the car is now worth more as a Clunker trade-in than it is as a regular trade-in. We will be trading the car in within the next couple of weeks while it is still worth $4,500, and the new car will not be a Volvo.
2001 Volvo XC70, any Volvo will cost you some money, however we have owned three; the 1994 850 turbo wagon, the S60 and now this...
Bought it with 45k and now have 93k, did the "regular" maintenance and no problems... sits more comfortably than anything I've driven.
I have a 2001 Volvo XC-70 with 72,000 miles. I loved it in the beginning and now I hate it.
The transmission failed and cost me $4,860 for a rebuilt transmission, it failed again after driving it for a month and they replaced it under warranty (it actually failed while the mechanics were test driving it and they had to tow it back to the shop), it failed a third time and now the repair shop is having trouble finding a replacement transmission. The company they used no longer is dealing in this type of transmission because of the high percentage of failures of their rebuilt transmissions. Each repair takes 2 to 3 weeks, which leaves me without transportation or the cost of a rental.
I plan to sell it as soon as I get it back from the shop this third time because I am not confident that it will ever work properly again. I plan to purchase a Honda Fit with manual transmission. I can afford the expensive cars, but I do not like the hassle of dealing with their overly complicated systems.
Bought car at 60k, now at 140K. Great car up to 100K, then wheel bearings galore, electronic throttle module replaced with recall, front tie rods, leaking power brake booster, constant check engine lights (all deemed unnecessary by my shop), light bulb eater, front boots at 100k, drivers seat memory no good but does reset the mirrors (lame), A/C blower motor shot, cruise control intermittently doesn't take command to allow for setting, occasionally the dome lights/moonroof controls lose power, access to car with key sometimes finicky (I don't carry the fob, hate full pockets), and now the tranny is going. Never buying a Volvo again.
So a positive? Car is comfy, been a great road tripper when wheel bearings weren't howling, kicks tail in the snow and can haul all my stuff better than any car/wagon on the market. I wish however, I'd bought a different car.
Word has it there's a recall on XC90 trannies, anyone know about XC70s? I know, the car has 140k, but I'm peeved at the costs this car has cost me. Good luck to you all.
I left an above note on October 27...
Rattles abound - drivers door window, glove box, moonroof, and misc stuff to drive a person insane.
Friend has a new 2006/7. Great car... wonder how long it will last.
Since when are replacing light bulbs a problem? Light bulbs don't last forever people! Also, engine mounts on Volvos are designed to be replaced -- it's because they're designed to shear off in an accident and allow the engine to go beneath the car. This is a a safety feature so that the engine doesn't end up on the driver's lap (and trust me, engines are very heavy). If you're paying for a new latch gate that is ridiculous, all you should have to do is re-adjust the position of it if the tailgate isn't closing (as they get pushed forward over time). Volvos are the best cars out there! I hit a brick wall going 70 MPH and besides the headlights, grille, driver seat, and the bumpers being messed up -- the car was fine (a 240 with no air bags).
Follow the maintenance schedule and the car will run for ever (I've got a 240 with 250k and an 850 with 162k) an 850 has the same engine as a XC, and the car is based on the 850).