Volvo V70 / XC70

employees18 · December 2003

Does your state have a lemon law? If your car is this bad why not pursue this option?

vavavavolvo · December 2003

Two questions here;

I do my own service (oil/filters/tire rotation, etc). Is there any way to program the "service" indicator light that comes on at certain intervals following dealer service to just stay off? It does turn itself off after about 5 minutes of driving, but I'd prefer to never see it.

Anybody had problems with AC in their volvo? My evaporator needed to be replaced just short of the warranty expiring (phew). It was most inconvenient as it took about 3 weeks to do the requisite diagnosis+scheduling with the dealer (refill freon with a dye, recheck, order part and schedule repair), and all of this happened in the hottest time of summer...basically 3 weeks w/o AC......miserable. During this time I had several people tell me that AC has always been a weak area for Volvo..."The weather in Sweeden is such that it isn't a priority". I hope this doesn't presage other reliability issues to come. I owned japanese cars before this and their reliability may have me spoiled.

chinch56 · December 2003

Hi,

Just picked-up my 04 XC70 after turning in my 01. Not really much difference in the 04, but I had to term the 01 lease a year early becuase of miles and the I got a GREAT deal on another XC70 only.

One thing I did notice is that there is no Alarm LED status (little blinking red light) on the 04. What has me concerned is the owners manual makes reference to it in the Alarm section.

Was wondering if this is the same on other 04 models or if something is wrong.

kb_xc70 · December 2003

The Alarm LED should blink, I have an '04 XC 70 and mine blinks when armed. I do have some other serious problems: I bought the car three weeks ago and it's already back at the dealership! The Check Engine light went on Saturday as the engine has started shaking when idle. Anybody with the same problem?

bodble2 · December 2003

You mean the LED that should be located in the middle of the dash at the base of the windshield is missing, or that it just doesn't blink?

On the topic of Volvo alarm system, can't understand why Volvo doesn't give the user the option of selecting some sort of audible arm/disarm confirmation via horn or siren "beep", like almost all other manufacturers on this planet.

tmart · December 2003

beeping and chirping on other cars, my wife's included, drive me crazy! Wish there was a way to turn hers off.

bodble2 · December 2003

I agree the beeping and chirping should be user-selectable. But there are times when the ambient lighting is too bright to see the parking lights flash that you need the audible confirmation.

doct · December 2003

does anyone know how long Volvo will be offering this package

chinch56 · December 2003

The LED light is missing, not there. There is the housing for it, no hole though.

Dealer says in Europe, alarms are not installed and he thinks the LED may have been an oversight. I am taking it in on Saturday for them to check it out.

Could it be there is no alarm installed either? I do have a panic button on the remote and it does work, horn sounds and lights flash when I push it.

Sorry to hear your having trouble with your car. This is my 3rd Volvo (2nd XC70) and they have all been decent cars - only minor troubles. I had trouble once with my first Volvo and the check engine light when some gas attendant didn't put my gas cap on tight after a fill-up. You think that may have happened to yours?

molderbean · December 2003

We're expecting our first child and are looking at the Volvo xc70. I wanted to know if $31K is a screamin deal for the base model. Also, how does the xc70 compare to v70 for child safety and ease of use? Any advise is appreciated

xc70vault · December 2003

We have had our XC70 for three months now - outstanding car. Pro: Very substantial feeling - feels like you are in a tank. Excellent power and comfort. Con: Drivers door panel buzzes - will have it looked at. Paint job seems very prone to damage by bird droppings (half dollar size mark left by dropping that was on car for only 2 or 3 hours).

kb_xc70 · December 2003

Well, turns out I need a brand new computer for my BRAND new '04 XC 70. A new ECU (I think that's what it's called) is being ordered. It seems that the computer that controls the engine was causing all kinds of misfirings in the engine, which in turn caused the engine to shake when idle. It might be just a fluke but this is very unsettling for a car that is barely three weeks old and I am not sure what damages this problem might have caused. Anyway, Happy New Year to all!

mjreilly2 · January 2004

My wife and I recently purchased a 2004 XC70 AWD. We simply love it! This is our first Volvo. We couldn't be happier. We've had only a few minor things that have been/are being repaired under warranty.

One such item, however, could not be identified/reproduced by the service technicians when we brought the car in. It was that on two separate occasions, the trip odometer reset itself to 0.0 without any action on my part. I simply started the car up and the mileage changed from 30.5 to 0.0 on its own.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any idea what a fix might be? It has happened only twice. But, we've had the car only one month and can't seem to figure out the steps to reproduce it consistently. The technician hadn't heard of this before and couldn't find anything on it in their records.

Thanks.

kb_xc70 · January 2004

I picked up my car yesterday from the dealer. I had problems with the engine shaking when idle, (see post above). They replaced the main computer (ECM) and I now have the same issue with the trip odometer, it resets itself and it also does not toggle between the full mileage and the trip mileage. Did you get any feedback from your dealer? Thanks.

mjreilly2 · January 2004

The dealer only indicated that they were not able to locate any write-ups in the Volvo logs for any issues with a Trip Odometer resetting itself. They were also unable to duplicate it.

I cannot duplicate it either. It occurs randomly and has happened only twice. One time it occurred after a recent fill-up but not immediately after filling up. For example, I had 30 miles on the trip odometer after a fill-up before it decided to reset itself. In both cases, though, the odometer reset itself to 0.0 after starting up the car, not while the car was under way.

I do not have any of the other problems you seem to be having. I can toggle between the full mileage and trip mileage without a problem.

Sorry this isn't too helpful for you, I don't think.

kb_xc70 · January 2004

Thanks anyway, I think the dealer might have done something wrong when he replaced the ECM. I'll see how the odometer behaves this week and I'll take it back to the dealer if the problem persists. Will let you know if I have useful information.

ltran1999 · January 2004

My 1999 XC had the same stalling problems. It would suddenly run rough during idle or while moving (like it was low on gas) and then die. It was taken into the repair shop for a NEW ETS module (throttle body) at 95k miles and the cost was $900. So, if this is the case, and the car is under warranty...get it replaced asap! (check to see if it falls under the regular manufacture's Powertrain Warranty?)

dbugbee · January 2004

I posted this over on the s60 forum, but I think I should duplicate it here as well. The Trip Odometer Reset Problem is a known problem and evidentally present on ALL 2004 Volvos. I have a 2004 S60R and have this problem. I read recently on another Volvo website that a SW fix has just been introduced, so if your dealer has not yet heard of this problem, he should very soon.

employees18 · January 2004

after 2 months of xc ownership we have discovered over slight road bumps (which upstate NY has many) the steering column has a rattle. Otherwise the car is drum tight, but this rattle is driving my crazy...anyone else having this happen, and if so any solutions?

philcoul · January 2004

I just picked a 2002 V70XC. It's quite a step up from my old Subaru Legacy!

I've had a few opportunities to try the AWD in the great winter weather. Fun! I've noticed that when I get the wheels spinning, the amber "skidding" light on the dash flashes. The owners book (which leaves a bit to be desired for a car of this price!) says this light is for the STC/DSTC system. I don't, however, have any of the switches the book says I should. Do I have STC or DSTC or not? Why so much confusion in the book?

cheapskate7 · January 2004

Is boron steel used in roof construction of xc70? Anyone satisfied with vinyl/fabric seating?

ncvol · January 2004

That's not a bug - it's a feature!

volvomax · January 2004

Boron is only used in the door inserts in the XC70. High strength steel(a different alloy of steel) is used in the safety cages of all Volvo vehicles except the XC90 which gets boron in the B pillar and central arch. Also the C70 CV has a boron steel windshield frame and boron pop up rollover bars.
Personally I can't stand the cloth vinyl setup.
Get the leather, its much nicer and easier to clean. Volvo cloth is impossible to clean.

ybankows · January 2004

I have a 2002 V70XC with almost 36,000. I've had problems in the past where the starter cranks longer than normal before it starts (usually cold start conditions) before it turns over. When I reported the problem to the dealership, I was given a "software upgrade" and that was all it needed. It seemed to work fine for a few months, but the prolonged cranking started up again in the last month, and this past weekend the engine would not start at all. It was taken to the dealership (which did not have a loaner car for me nor any other rental options) and I was told today that the car had started up just fine at the dealership last night and again this morning. Also, the diagnostics test showed no problems. I find this hard to believe. What could be the problem? Has this happened to anyone else?

juliem · January 2004

I am considering purchasing a V& XC 2000 wagon and would be grateful for input.

Consumer Reports rates the 1999 version as one of the Worst Used Purchases.

Does anyone know what improvements were made between the 1999 and 2000 that would be significant enough to not rate the 2000 a bad buy?

Also, the car has another 2 years of warranty left, but I'm concerned that the mileage may be high. Is that a valid concern?

Finally, earlier posts suggest that on hills the car's rear tires don't engage in ice or snow... have you had that experience?

Is this a good car to buy for $20K? I love it on test drive but would be sooo appreciative for experienced input!

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

juliem · January 2004

Can anyone advise/educate a first time buyer on exended warranties? The car in question has a 100,000/6 year warranty that has a remaining two years/45,000 miles to go.

Dealer said that for $600 that warranty can be extended to three years (but for no additional mileage).

I saw that another Town Hall member was able to purchase an extended warranty for up to 120,000 miles... does anyone know how to accomplish that? Do the finance officers at the dealers have options that they do not disclose?

Sylvia · January 2004

You might also try looking and asking in our Finance, Warranty and Insurance message board. There are quite a few discussions about warranties - manufacturer, third-party, how to buy, etc.

chef228 · January 2004

I own two Volvo's, a 2001 XC with 65,000 miles and a 2003 S60 T5 with 13,000. About two weeks ago I found fluid on my garage floor under the 60. When I brought it in they told me that there was a defective clamp associated with the power steering system that caused a leak. Fixed under warranty.

Monday I found the same fluid under the XC. Brought it in and guess what, a defective clamp associated with the $51.00 to replace the defective clamp.

What I want to know is why do I have to pay for a "defective" part? Anyone else having this problem with leaking power steering fluid or do I just happen to own two different cars from the same company coincidently with the same problem?

volvomax · January 2004

That is the Volvo Certified Pre-Owned warranty.
Very good coverage, won't cover wear and tear or paint and trim items. Will cover your electical and mechanical systems.
Car has to undergo a comprehensive inspection and update process.

blockislandguy · January 2004

Chef228, we had the same problem yesterday with our 46K mile, 2001 XC and they replaced it under warranty.

Incidentally, two weeks ago the front struts gave up the ghost and we had them replaced. The diagnostic tip off was lots of groaning coming from the front end. When we got the car home I went to check the washer fluid level and noticed some fasteners for one of the strut towers had not been reattached (i.e., they had left off some washers on the top of one tower). We took the car back and it was fixed. Volvo naturally paid for this under warranty.

This week I noticed that the car wasn't tracking well over potholes and had a lot of torque steer. Back it went and they diagnosed the problem as "blown front struts" and put in TWO more struts. Volvo NA paid for these too. When I asked how we could have blown two new struts in less than 100 miles of easy city streets commuting the service writer was non-communicative. I didn't press because these four struts had been free. But what is up? Were the original ones mis-installed? Should I press the issue with the Service Manager? (I've seen how people behave at car dealerships and, despite my agressive nature, I don't want to emulate them, be labelled as a turkey, and maybe treated as such.) If this was a job I was paying for I would ask to see all the old struts, etc. etc. Is there a chance that the Volvo dealerhsip was using aftermarket of even rebuilt struts on the first go around? Do you need to use a spring compressor to remove the struts and would there be obvious scratch marks in the engine compartment if one had been used?

As a final thought I think a real smart idea is to bring whatever car you own into your dealer just as the warranty is running out for one final check.

keithwand · February 2004

The car is awesome in the snow and everywhere else as well! We moved to Northern Michigan and I traded my 02 Acura TL Type S because of the snow.
The XC is black, taupe with HID's and the amalthea wheels. No problems, concerns and power is fine.
I like sports cars and the power is fine. My last cars have been a 1995 Vette, 1999 Lexus GS400, the Acura and now this and even at 208/238# I don't complain. I did not want a truck and my wife has the 2004 RX330 so did not want that type either. Even she wishes she had gotten the Volvo.
I will keep the board updated and highly recomend this vehicle.

panthers2003 · February 2004

I own a Volvo XC 70 2001. I know have 72,000 Kilometers. I drive 35,000 - 40,000 KM per year . Would you recommend to buy an extended warranty for this car ? The cost is around $ 2500 CAN to cover up to 160,000 KM = 2 more years for me. I have trouble to evaluate the risk without data.

Can somebody provide cost trends for XC 70 2001 over 100,000 KM (60,000 miles)...

Thanks

pete86 · February 2004

On our xc70 when we fill up the gas tank some amount of gas comes out of the tank when the automatic shut off stops the gas. The dealer does not have any ideas on this. Any thoughts from anyone

Pete

boomsama · March 2004

I'm thinking about getting the the XC70 and was just wondering how do you actually operate the GPS/DTI TV. Are the controls on the steering wheel? Is there a remote control?

volvomax · March 2004

Both, remote and steering wheel controls can be used.

camydog · March 2004

My only suggestion is to try a different place to fill up and see if that makes a difference. You didn't mention if you used the same gas station all the time but they do vary.

coach · April 2004

the ets light on my 1999 xc comes and goes.Should I follow manual and restart or is this a potential problem. 26,000 mi. on car (just bought it four days ago.

waldo1 · April 2004

Need new tires for my 2001 V70-T5. Any suggestions? Michelin engry MXV4 plus or Bridgestone Turanza LS-H (16in wheels) Thanks

beeper13 · April 2004

I had a U-Haul hitch on my 2000 cross country and it went on with just three bolts. Anyone know if the U-Haul hitch for my 2004 is as easily applied. The connection does not appear as simple on the 2004. I am looking to install the same 3500 lb. capacity hitch; not a heavy duty one that Volvo provides.

larsca · April 2004

Without a doubt - Michelin.

rsorganize · May 2004

The ETS light kept coming on, on my 99 XC, 2 summers ago - at about 85,000 miles. 4-5 dealers wildly mis-diagnosed it. In spite of the manual identifying it as the 'electronic throttle system' light, every dealer but one (including those recommended by the 1-800 number from Volvo - since I was travelling), got it wrong. At least one had the honesty to admit that they didn't have a clue. Cost me about $900 to replace. This was just one of many problems, during a one year stretch, that cost me over $7000 in repairs. Have loved driving the car...put about 30k highway miles per year on it...BUT: the frequency and cost of repairs will likely drive me to a different car in the next few months. Not rich enough to afford maintaining a car like this. Too bad...a great ride.

bodble2 · May 2004

Was an extended warranty not available? Most manufacturers will let you buy one even up to when the factory warranty is close to expiry (albeit at a higher cost). But $7K in repairs would justify the cost of any warranty.

rsorganize · May 2004

Unfortunately, the big problems began after the original warranty had run out. First inkling was at 65,000 mi, when the dealer did about $1000 worth of work, mostly front end. In addition, they said I needed a new cv joint - an additional $1000. They said I was 'lucky' (!)... that the price had just been reduced from about $1500 because I needed to replace the entire front axle, since there was no 'kit' available for a single joint. I was floored (and depressed). I checked with a local Volvo mechanic with a solid reputation...they showed me that there was no visible problem and that, indeed, there WERE kits avaiable for about $130! Needless to say, that was it for me and the Volvo dealership. (BTW: at 140,000 mi., still no cv joint replacement...I thought about contacting Volvo of America and the MA attorney general, but sadly did nothing). Sorry for the venting. From that point on, the next 12-14 months were a nightmare of repairs...all too far beyond the original warranty, as I understood it, to qualify for an extended warranty. I like the new XCs, but really worry about reliability and cost of repairs.

bluecar · May 2004

Does anyone know if there will be a 2005 model and if it will be any different?

stever · May 2004

You could try the Volvo Owners: Future Models discussion although Volvomax hangs out in here too.

Steve, Host

volvomax · May 2004

Will be coming

New for 2005,

Revisions to the front bumper, also new wheels.
New dash and center console.
New headlights and taillights.
Real wood in the Prem pkg.
New colors, Barents Blue and Lava Sand

Nautic Blue deleted.

bluecar · May 2004

Thank you volvomax!

The other site was primarily for 2002 models...

shen · May 2004

Hi, just picked up XC70 couple days ago. Has anyone try to add additional tint to the existed blue laminated window tint that comes with the touring pkg for XC?

volvomax · June 2004

It's not a problem to add tint to the laminated windows. Aftermarket tint is a film that covers the inside of the glass. The factory tint is part of the glass.

tess · June 2004

What makes you think you can get a Volvo under MSRP? When I bought my 2001XC70, they were waiting in line. I ended up with a demo to cut the cost a bit.

Volvo V70 / XC70

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy