2001 Volvo V70: transmission slipping

Filed May 17, 2014 · Transmission · 128,000 miles · CA

The ignition is shut off momentarily as the transmission attempts to downshift causing it to slip into neutral then engage the lower gear hard as the transmissions computer reestablishes control. This action is recorded on a video car camera operated by the ignitions on and off position. The hard shifting problem thought to be fixed by software update may be addressing the symptom not the cause. Acceleration is also affected at other times where the foot pedal is inoperable, but reestablished when shutting the ignition off and on. The drive train becomes wobbly after a short period of time at highway speeds making travel between cities unsafe. A clunking sound from the rear, as broken spring or loose bowling ball makes, is heard at times of mild acceleration at lower speeds. Perhaps a grounding strap my alleviate static buildup in the ignition system.

Filed May 3, 2012 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · ME

I had just purchased my 2001 volvo v70 used from a reputable dealer when my wife noticed that the transmission would occasionally "slip" in and out of gear. I did not drive the car very often, so I did not experience the problem for another month or so. When you take you foot off the gas to coast or slow down for a turn the transmission completely disengages. When you push on the gas expecting to continue to keep going the engine revs - because there is no transmission engaged- and then suddenly "slams' back into gear. This condition has been with us now for several years. The car has been to the volvo shop twice and they claimed there were no codes showing up on their test equipment...and by the way that'll be another $300! I've learned to baby the car, and drive with this dangerous condition because I know a new transmission for this car would cost more than the car is worth. After checking with edmuds, I have come to realize there are dozens if not hundreds of people out there with the exact same problem as mine, and volvo appears to either be clueless, or not willing to do anything about it. My car has been acting this way since I purchased it with only 70,000 miles.

Filed Jul 31, 2011 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · CA

I have a 2001 volvo v70 with 110,000 miles. The transmission has been slipping for the last 2 years. Last week the car was barely drivable. My volvo mechanic states that the transmission needs to be replaced (approx. $4700). I have heard of many other volvo owners having the same problem.

Filed Mar 3, 2011 · Transmission · 123,000 miles · CA

Driving 25 MPH going through the toll booth on the freeway, afterwards accelerating and immediately noticed transmission slip as the RPM gage went up and beyond 6,000 RPM. There was no sign leading up to the slipping. Afterwards I continued to drive for another 25 miles, stopped to check under the hood to see what happened. Nothing to do except drive home. The transmission continued to slip upon acceleration. The traffic began to stop and go for many miles. The transmission at some point after stopping wouldn't engage into any gear. I was unable move the car out of the fast lane. Called aaa for a tow truck and the chp. The car was towed to a volvo repair facility where it was inspected. I was told that the transmission needed to be replaced by a new one or a rebuilt transmission, which in either case would cost in excess of $5,000. Transmission service was performed on this car 3-4 months prior to this incident. There was never any indication that the transmission was failing in this car. There were no warning lights or notices on the dash board to indicate a problem with the transmission. The vehicle is in a repair facility awaiting my decision to either replace the transmission or donate the car.

Filed Nov 24, 2008 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · SC

Transmission began slipping at about 80,000 miles. Replaced transmission last year, now jerks at 3rd gear. 92,000 miles.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Transmission · 89,069 miles · KS

Transmission slips when shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. This presents a serious hazard for collisions from the side and rear because the car does not accelerate from a stop or when crossing a street.

Filed Dec 3, 2007 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · FL

I am the original owner of a 2001 volvo v70 station wagon with 88,000 miles on it. It has received its regularly scheduled servicing. I have brought this vehicle back to the dealer numerous times, once while under an extended warranty and now while it is no longer under extended warranty service. The reason was to have them check and repair the slipping transmission. The slip occurs between 1st & 2nd, and 2nd & 3rd. This is about the 20-40mph range. When it slips, the tran sometimes revs up to 4,000 and the engine just revs up for a few seconds, (in a stalling-like fashion) then the transmission grabs with a hard slam/audible clunking noise. I have told the dealer that this is very dangerous as it leaves you in an "out-of-control" state. They dealer can find no codes on the transmission to document the problem, but does agree that the slippage occurs. They have done s/w updates to make it shift better. We just spent $1500.00 on making the problem go away, but yet it is still there. The transmission has been slipping since before the last extended warranty servicing, but has recently become very much escalated since even coming out of service. I don't know how they could even have sent us home in this car with my family in it. It immediately went back for repair the next day after the $1500 servicing. No accidents yet, but I fear driving it at all, since the slip could result in total loss of power to the wheels while the automatic transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. I have told the service technicians at volvo of this concern, but they have not resolved the problem. Their advice is to purchase a new car on trade-in or spend $5,000 on a new transmission. This should not be happening to a car driving only on city streets for less than 45 minutes at a time and at only 88,000 miles. I firmly believe the problem is a potentially deadly one in that it could happen to anyone at anytime and anywhere in stop and go traffic.