Volvo XC70
Evolved 3.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine with reduced internal friction and 179 kW. Improved crankshaft bearing and revised thermal management. Manufactured at the Ford plant in Wales; check chain tensioner above 150,000 km.
Solid everyday performance
Enough power for relaxed cruising. Not a sports car, but a dependable companion that never gets tired.
Engine Weaknesses 4
B6324S5 camshaft end plugs can leak oil — same TSB issue as the predecessor. Volvo has issued a repair procedure (TNN21-28).
Symptoms: Oil seeping from the side of the cylinder head, oil smell after driving, gradual oil loss.
The B6324S5 uses a diaphragm for PCV regulation. When the diaphragm fails, full intake vacuum acts on the crankcase: oil is actively drawn into the intake tract. A functioning PCV system shows slight negative pressure at idle.
Symptoms: Oil consumption with no visible leaks, oil in air filter element, rough idle, whistling noise.
Even the revised B6324S5 shows slight to moderate oil consumption at higher mileages. Up to 0.5 L per 1,000 km is internally tolerated by Volvo, but should be monitored.
Symptoms: Oil level visibly drops between oil changes, no smoke or leaks detectable.
The six-cylinder in the XC90 regularly needs new engine mounts from about 120,000 km. Thermostat and coolant circuit are under greater load in this heavy SUV. Check thermostat proactively at coolant changes.
Symptoms: Vibrations at idle and under load, engine rocking, temperature rise in city traffic.
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.
Reports & Tests
108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2006–2013). Most reported: Body Structure (42), Other (25), Electrical (14).
144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2007–2016). Most reported: Wipers & Visibility (17), Engine (14), Electrical (13).