Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Volvo XC70 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had experienced some instances of a delay in response by the throttle in my 2001 XC70 for several months. Most times it was following an exit from a freeway and the subsequent attempted acceleration after stop was very hesitant and felt as if the clutch was slipping. I had an etm diagnostic run in May of 2007 at barrier motors Volvo in bellevue wa. And they found nothing wrong but said they could not get the car to repeat the problem. I had also experienced some infrequent instances of extra acceleration with minimal gas pedal pressure during the same time. On January 7, 2008 I was in line approaching a round-about and after the second slow move forward, I had no more than touched the gas pedal than my car surged forward into the rear of the van in front of me. I was only able to get my foot poised over the break pedal before impact. …
Had a transmission software update that solved a neutral shift problem, where the trans would lurch into gear from a stop. Now the transmission slips as I drive, especially when turning a corner. If I accelerate normally, the vehicle revs then clunks into gear. The dealer on the trans shops say the trans needs to be replaced. Now, I have 183000 miles on the car and bought it, hoping it would be a reliable car...I was so wrong! I purchased the car for $16,000 five years ago with 64K on it. I now have about $12,000 in repairs into this car. Needless to say I am nowhere near happy or satisfied. This is, by far the worst vehicle I've ever owned. It is like a money pit. I just wish a company like Volvo, that once had a great reputation, would own up to the junk they are putting out and make some recalls. At this point, I will never purchase a Volvo again and am spreading the word. …
The failure just began at around 100K miles, no specific event. The car lurches when I am pulling into a parking space after I have brought it to a complete stop. Car jerks while down shifting into right hand turns. Car jerks at intersections while slowing down and/or accelerating. I am afraid it is going to jerk forward and hit something that I, as a driver, should not be at risk of hitting. This jerking began intermittently and the car would run more smoothly on the streets after a highway trip of some distance, but now it happens almost constantly and the jerking is more severe. To correct the failure, I saw Volvo and asked them to make sure the software pkg was up to date - they assured it was. …
Several computer problems that arose suddenly.1) transmission lights fail to light to indicate proper gear and car enters limp home mode (I.e., sluggish acceleration) when starting car. No accidents. Occurs when starting cold engine and goes away after several minutes of warming the engine (inconsistent times). Dealer has installed a software upgrade, but it has not corrected the problem. The problem began without warning or other incident and happens during warm or cold weather. 2) other safety issues that arose at the same time include rear seat passengers being unable to open rear doors (stuck in child lock override mode) and driver override button is nonfunctional. Failure has not been corrected (dealer wants $900 to fix and I rarely have rear seat passengers).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volvo XC70. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the vehicle failed to shift gears properly. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 103,000. Updated 02/22/12 the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer on 02/04/11. She mentioned the failure of the gears not shifting properly and the dealer performed a software download, which did not fix the problem. The consumer went back to the dealer eight months later for the 9,500 maintenance service and the problem was mentioned again. Finally at 103,000 on jan 31, 2012 the transmission was replaced with a re-manufactured one. Updated 03/01/12
2001 Volvo XC70 transmission fail at 97K miles. Transmission has never behaved appropriately, up/down shift erratic, etc. Vehicle has been the recipient of numerous software upgrades, transmission flush/filter, and a new valve body. Transmission still failed and Volvo says I'm out of luck. Bought new in 2001 for $42,000. Vehicle also failed to operate March of 2006 where a "performance reduced" message was exhibited. After turning car off for several moments, the car ran fine. I suspected a possible issue with the etm. Portland Volvo installed an etm software upgrade on April 6, 2006. Car has not had a repeat occurrence of this nature but was shifting oddly as previously described.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that the vehicle would shift hard without warning when driving approximately 22 MPH. The vehicle corrected itself and drove as normal but the failure continued to recur sporadically and when braking to a complete stop. The failure was ongoing for five months and the vehicle was taken to two different authorized dealers where she was advised by both mechanics to replace the transmission. She stated that both mechanics performed a diagnostic test but did not generate any codes indicating that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage was 125,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that the transmission had an internal hydraulic failure which caused the transmission to shift slowly, during acceleration it would also jerk and slip when the contact was trying to stop the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 109,000. Updated 06/06/11 updated 1/17/2012 the consumer stated the car wont engage immediately after full stop.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that when first depressing the accelerator or releasing the accelerator, the transmission would sporadically hesitate and surge abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 140,000. Updated 03/24/11 the transmission fluid, coils and etm were all replaced to try and resolve the problem. Updated 09/16/11
I have a 2001 Volvo XC70. The transmission has been clunking into and out of gear in the 20 - 40 MPH zone since I hit 95000 miles. I have taken it to the dealer who simply reprogrammed the car but the issue is not resolved. The car hesitates when I step on the gas. Sometimes it goes and other times it does not. This makes the car extremely dangerous to drive.
Transmission complaints in other XC70 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Volvo XC70?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Volvo XC70, 32% of the model year's 66 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Volvo XC70 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Volvo XC70, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Volvo XC70 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.