2000 Volvo XC70 review from North America

1. Harsh shifting transmission.

2. Rusted sunroof frame.

3. Driveshaft bearing premature failure.

4. Torn engine mount.

5. Leaking oil return line from turbo.

6. Torn hand brake cable boot cover.

7. Broken window regular switch.

I was very disappointed with the overall reliability of the car, as well the support and ethics of the dealer. I will never purchase another Volvo product, and have already recommended the same to friends and family.

Some the problems I have had with the car are listed below:

1. Corroded sunroof frame. No explanation or support from dealer as to why the inside of the frame had become corroded. (Cost quoted by the dealer for a new sunroof CAN$1100.00)

2. Harsh transmission down-shifts. Shortly after purchasing the car (used with 52000 km) the transmission began to shift harshly between 4th and 3rd gears. Again, the dealer was of no support, and the only solution presented was to replace the transmission (CAN$5000.00), as the dealers do not fix transmissions, or as a temporary fix, have the fluid flushed. Since that time I have had the transmission fluid flushed on two separate occasions each time costing CAN$450.00. No software upgrade was available for my transmission.

3. Drive shaft bearing. The drive shaft bearing seal has failed (110000 km), and the bearing is contaminated with dirt. The bearing is an integral part of the drive shaft, and therefore, the entire driveshaft must be replaced (CAN$2200.00).

4. Front sway bar link. The front sway bar links bushings failed at 80000 km, and had to be replaced (CAN$500.00).

5. Right front wheel bearing. Replaced at 110000 km. (CAN$400.00)

6. Oil return line. The oil return line is leaking, and to have it replaced will cost in labour alone CAN$300.00.

7. Torn engine mount. One of the engine mounts is torn, and the dealer recommended it be replaced. I had this inspected by an independent garage, and they stated the engine mount had a slight tear, but was not in need of replacement.

8. Battery. The dealer stated that my battery had to be replaced due to low cold cranks amps. I had this checked by an independent garage, and the battery tested fine. The same battery is still in the car.

8. Viscous coupling. The dealer stated that the input bearing to the viscous coupling (rear differential) was "loose" and that the entire viscous coupling had to be replaced (CAN$3300.00). Again, I had this inspected by an independent garage (and a Volvo master mechanic), and the viscous coupling bearing is fine.