What is the 2001-2012 Volvo XC70 Aisin AW55-50/51SN Transmission Failure and Solenoid Issues?

The Aisin AW55-50SN and AW55-51SN automatic transmissions used in the XC70 develop solenoid failures and internal clutch wear, typically between 100,000-150,000 miles. The transmission solenoids (particularly the SL1 and SL2 linear solenoids) lose calibration and stick, causing h… Repairs typically run $500-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2004 Volvo XC70 Cracked Fuel Pump Flange on Hot-State XC70s (NHTSA 09V483000)?

Volvo's 09V483000 recall reached the 2001-2004 XC70 alongside its V70 and S60 relatives, but only for cars sold in or registered in a defined list of hot-climate states and the U.S. territories: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana… Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2004 Volvo XC70 Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure?

The ETM fails due to internal solder joint cracking, causing reduced power, limp mode, and check engine light. This is the same issue that affects all Volvo P2 platform vehicles (S60, V70, XC70). Volvo extended warranty coverage in some markets. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2010 Volvo XC70 Missing CEM Signal to Fuel Pump Module Leads to Engine Stall (Recall 09V343000)?

The 2009 and 2010 XC70 was included in a Volvo software recall affecting the Central Electronic Module. In certain conditions the CEM software does not send the command that tells the fuel pump electronic module (PEM) to start the pump. What makes this hard to spot in an XC70 is… Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2016 Volvo XC70 Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable May Fatigue (NHTSA 20V378000)?

If you own a 2008-2016 XC70, it is covered by Volvo safety recall 20V378000 (Volvo reference R10029). The defect is in the flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to each front outboard seating position. Volvo reported that this cable may fatigue over time; once it does, th… Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2016 Volvo XC70 Turbocharger Failure and Wastegate Rattle?

The turbocharger on the XC70 2.5T (B5254T2) and T6 (B6304T4) engines develops wastegate rattle and eventual turbo failure. The wastegate actuator rod and pivot bushing wear, causing a rattling sound on cold start and under light boost. The turbo bearings also fail from oil coking… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2001 Volvo XC70 2001 XC70 Included in Recall 06V441000 for Throttle Software Recalibration?

The 2001 XC70 is one of the vehicles named in NHTSA recall 06V441000, a Vehicle Speed Control campaign Volvo launched on December 29, 2006. The recall record attributes the problem to throttle position sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing, and/or inefficient software c… Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2016 Volvo XC70 Rear Self-Leveling Air Spring Failure?

Models equipped with rear self-leveling suspension develop air spring leaks, causing the rear to sag, especially overnight or with cargo. The rubber air bladders crack from age, UV, and road debris. The compressor can burn out from running constantly to compensate. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.

Volvo · Known Issues

2001-2016 Volvo XC70 Problems: 9 Known Issues

2001-2016 model years · 4,500+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2001-2016 Volvo XC70 has 9 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are AWD Angle Gear (Transfer Case) Seal Failure and Catastrophic Failure ($200-$3,500 repair), Aisin AW55-50/51SN Transmission Failure and Solenoid Issues ($500-$5,000 repair), Cracked Fuel Pump Flange on Hot-State XC70s (NHTSA 09V483000), Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure ($200-$600 repair), Missing CEM Signal to Fuel Pump Module Leads to Engine Stall (Recall 09V343000) and Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable May Fatigue (NHTSA 20V378000). The most commonly reported issue is AWD Angle Gear (Transfer Case) Seal Failure and Catastrophic Failure with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 9 Known Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volvo XC70 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2001-2016 Volvo XC70 has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AWD Angle Gear (Transfer Case) Seal Failure and Catastrophic Failure, Aisin AW55-50/51SN Transmission Failure and Solenoid Issues, Cracked Fuel Pump Flange on Hot-State XC70s (NHTSA 09V483000). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Volvo XC70 reliable?

The 2001-2016 Volvo XC70 has 9 known issues documented across 4,500+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: AWD Angle Gear (Transfer Case) Seal Failure and Catastrophic Failure and Aisin AW55-50/51SN Transmission Failure and Solenoid Issues and Cracked Fuel Pump Flange on Hot-State XC70s (NHTSA 09V483000) and Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure and Missing CEM Signal to Fuel Pump Module Leads to Engine Stall (Recall 09V343000) and Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable May Fatigue (NHTSA 20V378000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Volvo XC70 problems?

Repair costs for known Volvo XC70 issues range from $200 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AWD Angle Gear (Transfer Case) Seal Failure and Catastrophic Failure, typically costs $200-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Volvo XC70 is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Volvo XC70. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2001-2016 Volvo XC70 with 9 documented issues documented across 4,500+ owner reports.

All 9 Known Issues

Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure#

Turbocharger Failure and Wastegate Rattle#

2001 XC70 Included in Recall 06V441000 for Throttle Software Recalibration#

AWD Angle Gear (Transfer Case) Seal Failure and Catastrophic Failure#

Aisin AW55-50/51SN Transmission Failure and Solenoid Issues#

Cracked Fuel Pump Flange on Hot-State XC70s (NHTSA 09V483000)#

Missing CEM Signal to Fuel Pump Module Leads to Engine Stall (Recall 09V343000)#

Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable May Fatigue (NHTSA 20V378000)#

Rear Self-Leveling Air Spring Failure#

Other Volvo Models