2010 Volvo XC70 Problems: 6 Known Issues
2010 model year · 4,500+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2010 Volvo XC70 has 6 documented known issues, with 4 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), 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.
2010 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2013 S80 and XC70 vehicles. A software error within the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will result in the "TPMS Service Required" message appearing after approximately 15 minutes of accumulated driving over 25 mph. The error will prevent the Tire Pressure Monitoring System from warning the driver that a tire needs air. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 S60, XC60, S80 AND XC70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 16, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 6, 2011. IN THESE VEHICLES, THE WIRE HARNESS UNDER THE FRONT SEATS MAY HAVE NOT BEEN ATTACHED PROPERLY TO THE SEAT FRAME. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE SEATS ARE MOVED TO ADJUST THE SEATING POSITION, THE WIRE HARNESS MAY GET PULLED, CAUSING IT TO DISCONNECT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the turn signals, high beams, and headlight switch might not work.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Volvo Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo XC70 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2010 Volvo XC70 has 6 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, Missing CEM Signal to Fuel Pump Module Leads to Engine Stall (Recall 09V343000). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Volvo XC70 reliable?
The 2010 Volvo XC70 has 6 known issues documented across 4,500+ owner reports. 4 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 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 is the 2001-2016 Volvo XC70 AWD Angle Gear (Transfer Case) Seal Failure and Catastrophic Failure?
The angle gear (transfer case) on the Haldex AWD system in the XC70 is a notorious failure point. The angle gear transfers power from the transmission output shaft to the rear driveshaft and uses a seal that deteriorates over time, leaking ATF from the transmission into the angle… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: high.
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 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 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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.