Volvo XC70
Naturally-aspirated short inline-six with 3.2 litres, 175 kW, and smooth running. Developed for Volvo flagship models as a refined alternative to the turbocharged engine. Chain drive with known chain tensioner weaknesses at higher mileages.
Solid everyday performance
Enough power for relaxed cruising. Not a sports car, but a dependable companion that never gets tired.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The READ (Rear Engine Auxiliary Drive) on early B6324S engines uses needle bearings instead of ball bearings. These bearings can seize with inadequate lubrication. Switched to ball bearings from 2011 (B6324S5).
Symptoms: Loud rattling or grinding from the rear of the engine, oil pressure loss, MIL light, engine noise under load.
Before MY2011, the READ unit (Rear Engine Ancillary Drive) uses needle roller bearings that can fail prematurely under splash lubrication. Typical symptom: squealing/grinding from the engine bay. Complex removal with special tooling required.
Symptoms: Grinding or rumbling from the right-hand side of the engine bay, especially on cold start; progressively louder
Technical service bulletins document oil leaks at the B6324S camshaft end plugs. Oil seeps from the side of the cylinder head. Volvo has issued a repair procedure.
Symptoms: Oil leak at the side of the cylinder head, oil smell after driving, engine oil loss with no visible underbody source.
Two of the four catalytic converters are integrated directly into the exhaust manifold. If they fail, the manifold must be replaced as an assembly — an extremely expensive part. 8 hours labour due to poor accessibility.
Symptoms: Check engine light, elevated emissions, typical sulphur smell from exhaust, power loss
The 6-cylinder occasionally suffers coolant loss through ageing hoses and failed thermostats. At high mileages the cooling system should be serviced as a unit to prevent overheating damage.
Symptoms: Rising coolant temperature, coolant loss without visible leak, occasional heater failure in winter
The vacuum pump for the brake booster can leak and lose oil. Aftermarket repair kits are inexpensive, but the leak point only becomes visible after cleaning.
Symptoms: Oil leak at the lower rear of the engine, oil loss without obvious source, occasionally reduced brake assist.
Older B6324S engines tend towards slight oil loss through worn valve stem seals at higher mileages. More common on early production years. Consumption usually below 0.5 L/1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke at start-up or on overrun, slightly dropping oil level without visible external leaks
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.