Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2005 Volvo V70. The contact stated that while at a complete stop she engaged the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle hesitated and did not respond. The vehicle responded within a few minutes although the failure occurred seven additional times. The dealer was informed about the failure and stated that the vehicle needed a new transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 79000. The current mileage was 85000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo V70. The contact stated that radiator fluid would leak into the transmission, causing the vehicle to jerk and perform sluggish. The dealer diagnosed that the contact would need a new transmission. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 103,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volvo V70. While driving in reverse approximately 5 MPH, the transmission failed without prior warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the transmission was replaced. The failure mileage was 112,000. Updated 05/05/11 updated 05/16/11
Volvo V70 angle/bevel gear renders all wheel drive system inoperable. Volvo wants in excess of $3,000.00 to repair this. This part should not fail in a car that carries such a high cost. Volvo refuses to assume responsibility for this design defect in north America and europe.
At approximately 7,000 miles, automatic transmission began to slip in shifts between second and third gear. Dealer "readapted" transmission using manufacturer's procedure in an attempt to correct slippage. Manufacturer's term for this problem is "shift flair" in which engine RPM increases during a shift making the car feel like it has temporarily lost drive or the transmission is slipping. In my experience with the problem, the engine RPM would significantly increase for a few seconds and during that period the car would lose power. Only the inertia of the rolling wheels could keep the car moving. If I let off on the accelerator and then immediately depressed it, the car would behave like nothing had happened. As more mileage was placed on the transmission, the shift flares or slippage became more frequent. …
When coming to a stop and the transaxle downshifts from 3rd to 2nd gear, it will lurch and a loud 'clunk' shakes the vehicle. This also occurs when accelerating, shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear; the transaxle will hesitate, engine will rev and makes a loud 'clunk' that shakes the vehicle when the gear change finally occurs. Also, if I need to step on the brakes suddenly and then re-accelerate, it really makes a loud 'clunk' as the engine will rev and go nowhere, eventually slamming itself into 2nd gear and frightening the occupants of the vehicle due to the loud noises and lurching.
While driving at 50 MPH front driver's side wheel separated from the vehicle. When the wheel separated the air bags deployed. Consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided with another vehicle. The police arrived and cited the consumer. Vehicle was examined by a certified mechanic, who informed the consumer that the shaft broke, causing the wheel to come off, and the collision to occur.
Transmission began slipping around 90,000 miles. Changing from 2nd to 3rd was a pressurized build up resulting in a lunge forward or bucking of vehicle. Several times trying to get across traffic lanes almost resulted in near crash due to transmission not changing gear. Putting car in gear resulted in a bucking forward or lunge. Volvo advised a new transmission but advised us of a computer download that might fix the problem. After the download the car drove great for about three weeks. Then it began again. When on a trip the jerking in changing was so violent the gas line was forced loose from the fuel filter causing a stall in traffic. Fortunately we were able to push the car out of traffic and waited for a mechanic to arrive to re-install the line to the filter. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo V70 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (45), 2002 (17), 1998 (12), 1999 (8) and 2000 (8) model years. Transmission complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Volvo V70 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Volvo V70 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volvo V70 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (48 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (5).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.