Volvo XC70
Upgraded D5 generation with 136 kW and increased injection pressure for improved torque of 450 Nm. Variable turbine geometry for improved response. Reliable with regular oil care; check the particulate filter on later versions.
All-wheel diesel with bite
D5 in the XC70: strong diesel for all surfaces. No sporting ambitions, but always composed.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The copper seal under the piezo injectors no longer seals properly. Combustion gases escape, burn the engine oil, and form black carbon crusts around the injectors — costly problem on the D5244T4.
Symptoms: Black crusts around injectors, soot smell in engine bay, misfires, power loss, increased fuel consumption.
The plastic swirl flap linkage in the intake manifold fatigues and breaks. Loose parts can be sucked into the combustion chamber and damage valves or pistons. Damage up to €5,000 possible.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, rattling noise from intake area, in worst case engine damage.
Replace timing belt every 160,000 km or 10 years. Water pump must be changed at the same time without exception. New belt with old pump is a frequent cause of immediate consequential damage.
Symptoms: No warning. Belt failure leads to total damage with bent valves.
EGR valve and EGR cooler become contaminated with soot particles and carbon deposits. A stuck valve causes power loss and elevated emissions. EGR cooler leakage can introduce water into the intake tract.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, black smoke, P0400 fault codes, increased fuel consumption.
DPF clogs with frequent short-trip use as regeneration temperature is not reached. Interrupted regeneration cycles contaminate engine oil with diesel and raise the oil level.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, engine oil smells of diesel, oil level rises.
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).