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Volvo · Mid-Size SUV · 2007–2016

Volvo XC70 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.8 / 5.0 · Based on 13 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

305 PS

3.0L T6 Benzin

Real sport Volvo

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

238–243 PS

3.2L Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

190–197 PS

2.0L D4 Drive-E Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Volvo XC70 2 is available with 6 engine variants — from 133 to 305 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L D4 Drive-E · Diesel· 190 PS
2014 2016
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2.4L D5 · Diesel· 185–215 PS Engine Change
2007 2009
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2009 2016
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2010 2016
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L T4 Drive-E · Benziner· 190 PS
2013 2016
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.5L Turbo · Benziner· 230 PS
2007 2016
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
3.0L T6 · Benziner· 285–304 PS Engine Change
2007 2010
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2010 2016
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
3.2L · Benziner· 238–243 PS Engine Change
2007 2010
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2010 2016
Good Choice 4 weaknesses

The Volvo 2.0L D4 Drive-E (Diesel, 190 PS) has the D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.4L D5 (Diesel, 185–215 PS) comes with 3 different engines: D5244T4 (2007–2009, Stay Away!) und D5244T10 (2009–2016, Be Careful) und D5244T15 (2010–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.4L D5!

The Volvo 2.0L T4 Drive-E (Benziner, 190 PS) has the B4204T19 (2.0L T4 Drive-E) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.5L Turbo (Benziner, 230 PS) has the B5254T7 (2.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 3.0L T6 (Benziner, 285–304 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B6304T2 (2007–2010, Be Careful) und B6304T4 (2010–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L T6!

The Volvo 3.2L (Benziner, 238–243 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B6324S (2007–2010, Be Careful) und B6324S5 (2010–2016, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.2L!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
CRM control unit or roof Hall sensors faulty

The CRM control module and twelve Hall sensors control the exact position of the folding roof. When a sensor fails, the mechanism stops immediately.

Symptoms: Roof fault warning in display, roof stops at any position, only readable with VIDA.
from 100,000 km
Medium
!Electric window regulator faulty

The C70 II electric window regulators are prone to cable breaks and failed carriers. Particularly critical on the convertible as the window must function correctly for roof operation.

Symptoms: Window can no longer move, cracking noise when operating, window drops into door
Low
Tailgate wiring harness breaks at hinge area

The tailgate wiring harness breaks at the left hinge arc through metal fatigue. Particularly affected are the rear window heating element, brake lights, wiper and central locking. Typical and very common problem on the V70 III and XC70 II.

Symptoms: 'Tailgate open' message on instrument cluster, rear window heater not working, rear brake lights fail
from 80,000 km
Low
Nav/audio system fails due to cold solder joints

The audio and navigation system of the V70 III and S80 II fails due to cold solder joints in the control unit. Parking sensors fail at around 170,000 km. Xenon headlights burn out between 170,000 and 200,000 km.

Symptoms: Black screen, navigation unresponsive, audio system drops out on cold start
from 140,000 km
Medium
Blind spot assistant (BLIS) failure

The BLIS blind spot warning system fails due to moisture in the wiring harness or faults in the wing mirror sensors. The warning system remains permanently active or stops responding.

Symptoms: BLIS warning light permanently on or system no longer shows warnings
from 120,000 km
Low
Faulty infotainment control unit

The C70 II infotainment system fails through control unit defects and connectivity problems. Replacement units are available; climate control can also be affected.

Symptoms: Display stays black, touchscreen unresponsive, climate control non-functional
from 100,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
108 complaints · 2006–2013
Body Structure
42
Other
25
Electrical
14
Wheels
9 ⚠ 1
Brakes
7

Top Reported Issues

Body Structure (42 complaints)
Other (25 complaints)
Electrical (14 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
144 complaints · 2007–2016
Wipers & Visibility
17
Engine
14
Electrical
13
Seat Belts
13
Wheels
13 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

Wipers & Visibility (17 complaints)
Engine (14 complaints)
Electrical (13 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 90 weaknesses have been documented for the Volvo XC70 2 (2007–2016) — 69 engine-related and 21 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: D5244T4 (2.4L D5), D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Steering, Rust. Considered reliable: B6324S5 (3.2L).

XC70 (D5244T4, 2007–2009) — Stay Away!: Injector seal leaking (Black Death), Swirl flap linkage breaks, Timing belt + water pump. Power: 185 PS.

XC70 (D5244T10, 2009–2016) — Be Careful: Injector seal leaking, Swirl flap linkage breaks, Timing belt + water pump. Power: 205 PS.

XC70 (D5244T15, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Timing belt + water pump, Injector seal leaking, DPF clogs with short-trip use. Power: 215 PS.

XC70 (D4204T14, 2014–2016) — Stay Away!: EGR recall due to fire risk (same as D3), Turbocharger failure — turbine wheel collapse, DPF issues from high EGR soot load. Power: 190 PS.

XC70 (B5254T7, 2007–2016) — Be Careful: Timing belt + water pump, PCV oil separator clogged, Wastegate actuator faulty. Power: 230 PS.

XC70 (B6304T2, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Elevated oil consumption (pre-2012), Piston ring design flaw on early engines, Thermostat sticks closed. Power: 285 PS.

XC70 (B6324S, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: READ unit (thrust bearing) fails, READ unit bearing failure (up to 2010), Camshaft end plugs leaking. Power: 238 PS.

XC70 (B6304T4, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Elevated oil consumption (pre-2012), Timing chain (rare, but expensive), Thermostat sticks closed. Power: 304 PS.

XC70 (B4204T19, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing belt — change interval 120,000 km/8 years, Excessive oil consumption due to defective piston rings (up to MY2016), Oil consumption from weak piston rings (VEP4 issue). Power: 190 PS.

What to watch out for with the Volvo XC70? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Volvo XC70 2 have? +
The Volvo XC70 2 has 69 known engine weaknesses and 21 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Volvo XC70 2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: B6324S5 (3.2L). The most reliable engine is the B6324S5 (3.2L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the B6304T4 (3.0L T6). Problem engine: D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E) — stay away!
Which Volvo XC70 2 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Volvo XC70 2. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Volvo XC70 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Volvo XC70 2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Over 220 kW from five or six cylinders — Volvo can be sporty without abandoning its comfort DNA.
Is the Volvo XC70 2 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Volvo XC70 2 — 2 of 13 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Volvo XC70 2? +
The Volvo XC70 2 is available with engine variants from 133 to 305 hp. Petrol: B5254T7 (2.5L Turbo), B6304T2 (3.0L T6), B6304T4 (3.0L T6), B6324S (3.2L), B6324S5 (3.2L), B4204T19 (2.0L T4 Drive-E), B5254T7-C70 (2.5L T5). Diesel: D5244T4 (2.4L D5), D5244T10 (2.4L D5), D5244T15 (2.4L D5), D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E), D5204T5 (2.0L D3/D4), D5204T6 (2.0L D4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee