Volvo XC70
Short inline-six (SI6) with 3.0 litres and turbocharging, developed under the Ford-Volvo cooperation. 210 kW with more linear power delivery than its predecessor. Transversely mounted in the large Volvo models; check oil supply and crankshaft bearings at high mileages.
Powerful touring companion
Strong turbo for brisk motorway runs without effort. Typical Volvo: comfort remains the trump card.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Engines before model year 2012 had systematically elevated oil consumption due to a piston ring design problem. Volvo acknowledged this and offered an extended warranty and piston ring replacement.
Symptoms: Engine oil depletes rapidly, blue smoke from exhaust, oil level must be topped up multiple times between changes.
Early B6304T2 engines (up to 2012) were delivered with excessively weak piston rings optimised for efficiency. Volvo recognised the problem and revised the rings. Affected vehicles show noticeably elevated oil consumption.
Symptoms: Oil consumption above 1 L/1,000 km, poor idle, white or blue exhaust smoke
The B6304T2 thermostat occasionally sticks in the closed position and does not allow coolant to the radiator. Operating temperature quickly rises to critical levels. The plastic thermostat housing is also prone to cracking.
Symptoms: Engine temperature rises too quickly, coolant boils, temperature warning, heater stays cold
The SI6 PCV valve housing has a diaphragm that tears and produces a characteristic hissing noise. Leak point is at the engine block; replacement of the complete PCV housing required.
Symptoms: Loud hissing or whistling at idle, elevated oil consumption, oil seeping from engine block, rough idle.
The SI6 turbocharger can wear prematurely with irregular oil changes or short-trip use. Hot shutdown without cooldown period accelerates bearing wear.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, power loss, blue smoke after coasting.
The B6304T2 PCV diaphragm tears and produces a characteristic hissing noise at idle. Through the tear, oil vapour enters the intake tract instead of returning to the engine. Besides oil consumption, catalytic converter clogging is a risk.
Symptoms: Hissing noise at warm idle, elevated oil consumption, oil vapour from breather hose
Vehicle Weaknesses 16
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.
The rear control arm rubber bushings on the V70 III and XC70 II typically wear from 160,000–170,000 km and cause driving noises. Also a known issue on the S80 II. Replacement is essential for precise handling.
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.
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.
The C70 II infotainment system fails through control unit defects and connectivity problems. Replacement units are available; climate control can also be affected.
The C70 II brake discs wear relatively quickly and tend to warp. This shows up as pedal pulsation and steering wheel vibration under braking. Quality discs reduce the problem.
The leather and T-Tec upholstery on the V70 III and S80 II tends to crack and split at the seat bolsters of the driver's seat. This often begins at medium mileages.