2005 Volvo XC70 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Volvo XC70, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission620.7%
- Fuel system310.3%
- Driver assistance310.3%
- Electrical310.3%
- Visibility26.9%
- Powertrain (other)26.9%
- Seat belts26.9%
- Suspension26.9%
- Airbags26.9%
- Interior & seats13.4%
- Engine13.4%
- Tires & wheels13.4%
- Steering13.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. A 2ND MECHANIC CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BUT DID NOT REALLY SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE VOLVO DEALER SHOULD HAVE CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IF AND WHEN NEEDED DURING THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES. BUT THEY NEVER DID BECAUSE IT WAS CHARACTERIZED AS UNNECESSARY. BASED ON ALL THESE FACTS, I HIGHLY SUSPECT THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS 2005 XC70 IS A FAULTY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT FAILS PREMATURELY. *TR
1. LEAK FOUND IN PASSENGER-SIDE TRANSMISSION SEAL WHILE CAR WAS GETTING REGULAR SERVICE 2. TOOK CAR TO CERTIFIED VOLVO MECHANIC 3.VOLVO USA TOLD MECHANIC THAT THE PART, AS SUCH, IS NOT AVAILABLE AS A PART FOR REPAIR ; INSTEAD THAT THE ENTIRE LARGER PART,THE BEZEL GEAR, WHICH IS WORKING QUITE WELL, WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $2000! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
EGNISSION TURNS BUT TURNS OFF AFTER A HALF SECOND AFTER TURNING KEY TO START CAR. HALF TANK STILL WON'T START. IT WAS PARKED AND TRYING TO START CAR. THE DAY BEFORE THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND IN PARK WITH AC RUNING AND CAR WAS MAKING NOISE AS SHUTTERING OR GOING IN AND OUT OF GEARS. CODE READS FULE PUMP MODAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER THE FAILURE AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,150. UPDATED 03/07/12
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE STARTED TO UNCONTROLLABLY HARD-SHIFT AND JERK UPON DECELERATION. ACCORDING TO VOLVO DEALER TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH CAR HAS UNDER 100K MILES.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED AND THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. THE HARDER THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, THE FASTER THE ENGINE WOULD REV AND LURCH FORWARD, UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE IGNITION WAS SWITCHED OFF. WHEN RESTARTED, EVERYTHING OPERATED NORMALLY. THE PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED 5 TIMES AND A MINOR COLLISION HAPPENED, ALTHOUGH NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM OR FIND ANYTHING WRONG ON THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 11/21/2006 - *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY WIFE'S 2005 VOLVO XC70 PROBLEM IS THAT PERIODICALLY WHEN YOU SHUT OFF THE CAR AND ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE KEY YOU CAN'T. THE CAR MAKES A NOISE LIKE IT CONTINUES TO RUN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND SOMETIMES YOU CAN THEN REMOVE THE KEY. UNFORTUNATELY THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE ABS, ALTERNATOR, AND URGENT WARNING SYSTEM INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CENTRAL ELECTRICAL MODULE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE ABS, ALTERNATOR, AND URGENT WARNING SYSTEM INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CENTRAL ELECTRICAL MODULE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED. HE CANNOT SWITCH THE LEFT BLADE WITH THE RIGHT BLADE OR PURCHASE A BLADE FROM SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN THE DEALER AT A LOWER PRICE. IT WOULD COST $60 TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD BLADE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THIS MANNER; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE WINDSHIELD HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 31,900.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENTS RE 2005 XC70 VOLVO STEERING SHAFT BROKEN. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR IMPACT THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE STEERING SHAFT TO BREAK. HE WAS SIMPLY MAKING A RIGHT TURN, ONTO HIS STREET WHEN THE STEERING STOPPED WORKING. *JB THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $4,000. UPDATED 10/01/14. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LATCH OUR CHILD'S CAR SEAT IN REAR FACING POSITION TO THE CAR'S LATCH SYSTEM ANCHORS, ONE OF THE LATCH ANCHORS BROKE OFF COMPLETELY FROM THE CAR. WE RETRIEVED THE BROKEN OFF ANCHOR PIECE AND IT HAD BROKEN OFF COMPLETELY FROM THE CAR AT THE SOLDER POINTS. *TR
THIS IS A CORRECTION TO COMPLAINT #10296298. VEHICLE IN CONNECTION TO THIS COMPLAINT IS A 2005 VOLVO XC70, NOT A 2009. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION SPRING COIL BROKE, PROBABLY DUE TO CORROSION! IF THIS WAS WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVEN IT WOULD HAVE PROBABLY RIPPED THE TIRE AND RESULTED IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS IS 7 YEARS OLD VOLVO IN AS NEW CONDITION. *TR
THE CAR WAS PARKED OVER NIGHT AT HOME. WHEN REVERSING THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE THE FOLLOWING MORNING A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. ON INSPECTION IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HELICAL SUSPENSION SPRING HAD FRACTURED IN THE FIRST NINE INCHES OF ITS LOWER ARC. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE SPRING WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE TIRE AND THE SPRING RECESS IN THE TOP OF THE WHEEL ARCH. ON INSPECTION IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE SPRING HAD SUDDENLY FAILED DUE TO METAL FATIGUE AND THAT THE FRACTURED SURFACES WERE PARTIALLY RUSTED. THE CAR WAS SERVICED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE AND NO PROBLEMS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION OR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WERE NOTICED. I HAVE RETAINED THE SPRING FOR INSPECTION AND NOTED THAT THE POWDER COATING ON THE LOWER PART OF THE SPRING WAS MISSING AND THAT THE SPRING'S BARE METAL SURFACE WAS CORRODED. IF THE SPRING HAD FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED THE BROKEN END WOULD HAVE CAUSED A TIRE FAILURE WITH ACCOMPANYING LOSS OF CONTROL WITH SERIOUS INJURIES TO PASSENGERS OR DRIVER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V800000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2005 Volvo XC70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V800000 ( Air Bag ) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable till approximately 2 weeks to 2 months. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was displaying a warning message that stated "Safety Check," however, they were not sure if it was or was not directly related to the air bags. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Vin tool confirms parts distribution disconnect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LATCH OUR CHILD'S CAR SEAT IN REAR FACING POSITION TO THE CAR'S LATCH SYSTEM ANCHORS, ONE OF THE LATCH ANCHORS BROKE OFF COMPLETELY FROM THE CAR. WE RETRIEVED THE BROKEN OFF ANCHOR PIECE AND IT HAD BROKEN OFF COMPLETELY FROM THE CAR AT THE SOLDER POINTS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR OCCASIONALLY LOOSES POWER OR STALL WHEN DRIVING ON HIGH WAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF. SYMPTOMS OFF AND ON. DANGEROUS DRIVING ON FREEWAY BECAUSE IT LOST POWER FOR 2 SECONDS THEN REGAIN MORE POWER IN ACCELERATING SPEED. IT HAD RECALLED NO 181 ON 2004 MODEL, MINE IS 2005 SOLD ON 2005 JANUARY. THE REPORT DESCRIBES AS FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRE INFO PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING 215/65/R16 98H MADE IN CHINA. DOT #5WA6 00A 4813 IN MARCH 2016 I GOT A NEW/USED CERTIFIED CAR FROM A DEALER IN ORLANDO FL THE CAR CAME WITH NEW TIRES. NOT SURE WHERE THE TIRES WERE SOLD/INSTALLED, BUT AFTER I DROVE ABOUT 11 000 MILES, ONE OF THE REAR TIRE STARTS TO LOSE PRESSURE ABOUT 1 PSI/DAY. ON 8/14/2016 I TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL TIRE PLUS STORE IN GAINESVILLE FL FOR INSPECTION ADDRESS: 2605 SW 34TH ST, GAINESVILLE, FL 32608, PHONE: (352) 231-8422-THE TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE TIRE AND SAID IT IS FINE AND SOME AIR LOSS IS NORMAL-EVEN I TOLD HIM THAT ONLY ONE TIRE DOES THAT AND I HAVE TO PUMP AIR EVERY WEEK TO PREVENT RUNNING FLAT. ONE MONTH LATER 10/16/2017 ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH I SUDDENLY I FELT AN EXPLOSION/STRONG VIBRATION AND LOST CONTROL. THE ROAD WAS CLEAR I DID NOT HIT ANY DEBRIS THAT CAN AFFECT THE TIRES. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME, SO I COULD PULL ON THE SHOULDER SAFELY. THE POLICE OFFICER(COLLINS)CAR THAT STOPPED TO SEE IF I AM OK ,SAW THE TIRE AND TOLD ME IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE SINCE THE DEFECTIVE TIRE WAS ON THE BACK NOT ON THE FRONT AND TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. I DISCOVERED THE SAME REAR TIRE I HAD PROBLEMS WITH BEFORE EXPLODED, LOST PART OF THE TREAD DUE TO THE BREAK OF INTERNAL STEEL BELT . I CHANGED THE TIRE WITH THE RESERVE AND I TOOK THE CAR AGAIN TO TIRE PLUS STORE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE TECHNICIAN RECOGNIZED THE TIRE IS DEFECTIVE BUT REFUSED TO REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ON THE LAST RECALL FROM PRIMAEWELL .(17T-013) SO I HAD TO PAY OVER $190 FOR A NEW PAIR TIRE SINCE THE CAR IS AWD AND CANNOT HAVE DIFFERENT TIRE AND STORE DO NOT SELL ANYMORE THIS BRAND(WANDER WHY?) PROBABLY MORE OF THIS PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE NOT ONLY THOSE LISTED ON THE RECALL, CHINESE MANUFACTURING IS FAMOUS FOR KILLING CONSUMERS WITH AMERICAN BUSINESS COMPLICITY-THIS IS ANOTHER SUCH CASE.. I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHER 2 SIMILAR TIRES STILL ON MY CAR TODAY AND I FEAR THEY WILL EXPLODE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENTS RE 2005 XC70 VOLVO STEERING SHAFT BROKEN. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR IMPACT THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE STEERING SHAFT TO BREAK. HE WAS SIMPLY MAKING A RIGHT TURN, ONTO HIS STREET WHEN THE STEERING STOPPED WORKING. *JB THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $4,000. UPDATED 10/01/14. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .