Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 14% | 38,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 33% | — |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% | 104,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 20% | 95,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% | 120,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 8% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% | 124,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 30% | 120,000 miles |
| 2004 | 11 | 11% | 88,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 21% | 80,000 miles |
| 2002 | 14 | 40% | 85,000 miles |
| 2001 | 21 | 32% | 96,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2010 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that the rear differential was making an abnormal sound. The bearings were spalling metal into the gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
I would appreciate your deepest consideration for assistance with the problematic rear differential on the 2010 XC70 Volvo. I have spent considerable funds to maintain my vehicle at top working order through maintenance at Volvo. I have always asked the Volvo advisors for service recommendations on the vehicle to keep my car running economically to ensure main components did not fail due to lack of maintenance. Therefore, when I learned that my rear differential is failing and there is no recommended service on that particular part which can be seen on the Maintenance Service manual below, there seems to be a lack of knowledge shared on this part. …
The AWD system is not working. The vehicle was to spin the front wheels constantly. Also traveling on the highway, the vehicle wants to drift into the other lanes on its own. Dealer tells me it is the angle gear sleeve on the transfer case or the transfer case gear. To me its obvious that Volvo designed the part to fail. How can gear that is sealed fail with normal use? So the repair will could cost up to $3600. After doing some research on the web. This is so common its ridicules. Never buy a Volvo again. I bought this car to have a safe AWD. Oh it s safe... As long as its in your driveway.
Transmission started clanking on the go again whenever after an abrupt stop. It has problem switching in the low gears, but is fine on the high gears when in highway. It has difficulty going between drive and reverse also. It makes a loud noise as if a hammer hit it. This car was never in an accident. It was regularly serviced by the dealer. But when this problem was first reported to them when it first started, they gave the usual suggestion like the software upgrade which I declined after reading other owners' stories of its ineffectiveness. They further refused to rebuild the transmission because they said they simply do not do that. And when question if the problem could be fixed if replacing the transmission, they said they could not promise that either. The car was then taken to a reputable local mechanic. He refused to work on the car. …
Tl contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle would make a violent jerk when accelerating and decelerating. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that she needed to replace the transmission. The vehicle had not been repaired. There was also a failure with the brakes. The contact noticed the ABS light illuminated on the instrumental panel after she tried to decelerate and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that there was a failure within the ABS module and it needed to be replaced. The repairs for the ABS module had not been performed. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. Updated 02/07/11 updated 02/14/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that while having routine wheel maintenance performed on the vehicle an independent mechanic stated that the rear differential housing was cracked. He was advised by the mechanic that the failure was a potential safety risk and to drive the vehicle with extreme caution. The manufacturer stated that the failure was not a safety issue and would not offer any assistance. The contact did not believe the vehicle was safe to drive and would no longer drive the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were approximately 89,150.
Volvo XC70 2003 transmission is going bad with 80,000 miles on it. Needs a total replacement. Hesitates during shifting and sometimes doesn't go into gear for several seconds. Power booster to the brakes also has a seal issue causing power booster electronic vacuum to constantly run.
I purchased my (2003) Volvo XC70 in late 2006 from I service it regularly and do routine maintenance checks. About a month ago the car began to jerk and hesitate. I took it to the dealer and was told I needed a new transmission for $5700. The car has 71000 miles on it.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo XC70 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (21), 2002 (14), 2004 (11), 2005 (8) and 2003 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 32% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Volvo XC70 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Volvo XC70 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 XC70 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 8% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (47 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (3).
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.