Best and worst Volvo XC70 years — which to avoid

As one of the most dependable current Volvo models, the XC70 has a stellar dependability history with a few complaints on certain badly-rated years. However, even those few models can make the purchase decision more difficult than it should be, so this guide will help you pinpoint the worst Volvo XC70 years to avoid.

We’ll be going through the model years and official NHTSA reports and reliability records, as well as driver reviews to give you an idea of what it’s like to own one and which problems you may face if you go for a bad model year.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Volvo XC70 years

While making this guide, our team needed to focus on balancing the easily-verifiable information from renowned sites like NHTSA, and data from genuine Volvo XC70 reliability ratings and reviews from car review sites and forums.

We also used the information on Volvo XC70 official recalls to see which issues remained present even after Volvo’s rigorous reliability tests, so we combined all of these to give you the bigger picture of the best and worst years:

Common Volvo XC70 problems

While the XC70 was a reliable car overall, you can see by our list that certain model years suffered from extensive issues. So, we’ll give you an overview of the most commonly found model-specific concerns to ensure you’ve got it right with your choice.

1. Automatic transmission hard shifts between gears and slips

The Volvo XC70 was available with a six-speed automatic transmission from 2006 to 2016. However, many drivers found it difficult to operate this transmission anytime they changed gears. When it got too heated, it tended to shift abruptly. Their transmission occasionally slips between gears, making driving risky.

Facing the symptoms of a bad shift solenoid, broken valve bodies, or incorrect software may lead to the Volvo XC70 transmission issue. To fix this problem, several owners had to spend a lot of money replacing or rebuilding the entire transmission.

2. Squeaking or knocking sounds coming from control arm bushings

Bushings shield control arms on the 2013 Volvo XC70 from heat and friction that may otherwise harm the vital suspension components. Sadly, some drivers have noted that their vehicles’ front control arm bushings started to wear out quicker than anticipated.

The control arms made knocking or squeaking noises when their exposed metal came into touch with other metal components. The damaged bushings could compromise the wheels’ alignment, resulting in issues like uneven tire wear.

Fortunately, the remedy for the noise from the bushings is replacing the old bushings. This issue has also affected the Volvo XC70 model years from 2003 to 2010.

3. Misaligned shifts in the transmission

Some motorists have expressed worries about shifting issues with the 2012 Volvo XC70 transmission. They detailed instances where the transmission failed utterly, moved or downshifted more forcefully than usual, or took too long to shift between speeds.

In addition to the 2012 Volvo XC70, transmission shifting issues may also arise with the 2003–2008 and 2010–2012 model years.

4. Noise or vibration from a defective upper engine mount

The engine mounts prevent the 2008 Volvo XC70 engine from making loud noises or experiencing too many vibrations when driving. Therefore, owners of the affected 2008 XC70s noticed problems such as aggressive gear changing and rough idling when the upper engine mounts started to wear out early in those vehicles.

Many 2003–2006 Volvo XC70 owners have also mentioned having problems with their upper engine mounts. Regardless of the model year, it is preferable to replace damaged engine mounts before they harm other engine components.

5. Premature abs control module failure 

Except for the slickest road surfaces, the 2007 Volvo XC70 users may drive safely, thanks to the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Unfortunately, the ABS control module could malfunction much sooner than expected in some vehicles. This issue increases the possibility that the XC70 will skid off the road when driving in rainy or icy conditions. The ABS module of some Volvo XC70 owners from 2003 to 2006 has also reportedly prematurely failed.

So, if you are wondering why is there an ABS light on while looking at an XC70 model you plan on buying, a bad module may be the reason.

Worst Volvo XC70 years to avoid

Volvo XC70 has had several model years, primarily upgrades and modifications of the previous model years. However, there are some model years to avoid basically due to their high maintenance cost and safety, amongst other things. So, it’s an important decision to make when choosing between the Volvo XC70 model years, and you’ll probably want to know what are the worst Volvo XC70 years.

The worst Volvo XC70 years are 2001 and 2008, but here’s a complete list of years to avoid:

• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2015
• 2016

Second-generation XC70  (2001-2004 and 2006-2007 model years)

A few issues surfaced for the 2001 model after the first two years were almost faultless. One extremely unsettling report of the car lunging forward while it was halted. This issue can be risky regardless of whether you are stopped at a crosswalk where people may be strolling in front of you, waiting in traffic closely behind someone’s bumper, or close to an intersection where moving a few feet ahead could result in a collision.

Even if it’s doubtful, this fact alone makes the 2001 model an XC70 year to be avoided. Additionally, there have been instances of the transmission acting sluggishly, clunking loudly during shifts, or completely failing. This problem is quite expensive to repair and can be dangerous while on the road. 

There have also been instances of the power steering malfunctioning, the car stalling owing to a fuel pump issue, and unsafe or unevenly worn-out wheels. You would be better off avoiding the 2003 Volvo XC70 because it is the worst-built model.

 The 2002 Volvo XC70 was similarly challenging to discuss due to the drivetrain’s axle wobbling and the air conditioning system failing. The engine had poor cooling and speed control issues while the alternator malfunctioned. Airbag issues, fuel pump leaks, and poor Isofix guide installation would lead to widespread car recalls. The 2003 model also suffered from loss of AWD power as the torque delivery to the back wheels was cut.

The 2004 model was better, but the transmission gets caught in gear, which is still a problem. There were also some engine-related complaints. One owner claimed that the car jerked forward while stopped, similar to the 2003 model, and another claimed that the engine rocked the vehicle and made loud revving noises. Overall, the 2004 model year had fewer issues, but there were still enough for you to be better off opting for another model year.

Third-generation XC70 (2008 and 2015-2016 model years)

The 2008 model year had some complaints, the most prominent being the fuel system and problems with the engine. Further into the third generation of the range, the 2010 Volvo XC70 suffered from a drivetrain issue that caused a distracting and irritating humming noise from the back of the vehicle. The interior’s lack of soundproofing and problems with the radio and Bluetooth, which would suddenly turn on and off without notice and ruin the trip, were also present.

Two main issues plagued the 2015 model year – The steering was the first problem; it would lose power and be challenging to drive. Poor radio reception was the second issue, surprising in a vehicle doing so well. 

What are the best Volvo XC70 years to buy?

Before purchasing any XC70 model year, you must know that some model years are better picks. Here is a list to consider:

• 2005
• 2011
• 2012  
• 2013  
• 2014  
• 2016  

The 2005 Volvo XC70 stood out from the rest of the second-generation model years. Although an older model, it is pretty reliable, which is impressive given that Volvo is not known for its reliability. That is not the case with the 2005 model, whose owners have reported continuing to drive far into the year 2020, which translates to 15 years of service with a 208 horsepower turbocharged engine that screams speed and power.

However, the 2014 XC70 is considered to be one of the best models of this car ever produced, so let’s see what sets it apart from the rest.

2014 Volvo XC70

Car users consider the 2014 Volvo XC70 the best model year because, aside from the usual downsides of having a wagon body shape, this year’s model had no problems with the driving experience and was an excellent vehicle overall with superior performance and handling.

There were seven trims of the 2013 and 2014 Volvo XC70, all of which had great utility, edgy looks, and a modern cabin. The car had an impressive reliability score and only received positive feedback from drivers for its lack of engine and transmission-related issues.

Is the Volvo XC70 worth buying?

The Volvo XC70 is fantastic if you want a comfortable, capable, and safe crossover. At the same time, the most recent 2016 XC70 has the most advanced technology; one of the earlier model years would make a fantastic investment because of its ample luggage space, powerful brakes, and excellent safety features. It’s helpful to be aware of the XC70’s reliability ratings and potential problems before signing any contracts.

If you are considering versatile and reliable SUVs check out our articles like the Subaru Outback years to avoid, Subaru Forester years to avoid, and Volvo XC60 years to avoid. Each offers a unique blend of safety features, comfort, and all-weather capability, thanks to advanced all-wheel-drive systems and robust engineering. However, even among these highly regarded models, certain model years stand out more for their problems than their performance.