Volvo XC70

Timing belt replacement every 160,000 km or 10 years including water pump. Water pump is belt-driven — an old pump failing after belt replacement destroys the new belt.

Symptoms: No warning signal. Belt failure leads to total engine damage.

Identical problem to the B5254T2: plastic PCV system components fail with age. Elevated crankcase pressure forces oil through seals.

Symptoms: Whistling noise, oil leak at rear of engine, rising oil consumption, oil mist from breather hoses.

The boost pressure regulator actuator (wastegate) can seize or suffer diaphragm damage. The result is uncontrolled boost pressure or power loss.

Symptoms: Severely fluctuating power, sudden power loss, limp mode, check engine light with boost pressure fault code.

The B5254T7 oil separator is a known wear item. When blocked, crankcase overpressure blows out the crankshaft seals and pushes oil into the intake tract. Part cost approximately €300.

Symptoms: Hissing at idle, oil in air filter area, elevated oil consumption, oil spot under vehicle

The O-rings at the oil return fitting of the B5254T7 turbocharger become porous and leak. Often the root cause of blue exhaust smoke that is initially attributed to the engine. PCV problems accelerate O-ring wear.

Symptoms: Blue exhaust smoke under load, oil film on turbo housing, oil smell from engine bay

The B5254T7 thermostat occasionally sticks in the closed position or opens too late. The vehicle then shows excessively high readings on the temperature gauge, particularly on motorway runs and in high ambient temperatures.

Symptoms: Engine temperature rises unusually high, coolant boils at idle, temperature warning light

The electro-hydraulic 3-piece folding hardtop of the C70 II shows typical wear on hydraulic pumps and sensors. The roof mechanism is excluded from extended warranties; repairs can be costly.

The optional Powershift dual-clutch gearbox of the C70 II is prone to judder, delayed gear changes, and gearbox oil loss. Regular oil changes every 60,000 km are essential.

The steering rack of the V70 III and S80 II develops leaks and increasing play at high mileages. A faulty steering rack costs around €2,000 to repair.

The front subframe on the V70 III and XC70 II frequently shows corrosion, which, if left untreated, affects the entire front axle assembly. On the XC70 II, the rear subframe also rusts on vehicles built before 2010.

The optional electronic self-levelling suspension on the V70 III XC models fails. Compressor or air springs need replacement; costs up to €1,600 with original Volvo parts.

Water enters through the folding roof rubber seals during washing or rain, particularly at the rear left and right. Interior dampness and mould are the result.

Door bottom edges and areas under the window seals rust through on the C70 II. Treatment is needed as soon as first bubbles appear; open rust spreads rapidly.

The C70 II front axle shows wear on control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut top mounts at higher mileages. Knocking and steering imprecision follow. Typical of the Ford-based platform of the second generation.

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.

The C70 II A/C compressor develops rough running noises at higher mileages from a worn magnetic clutch bearing. Without timely bearing replacement, the compressor risks seizing.