This complaint is for a 2004 volvo xc70. This car has some serious problems with its various modules. When driving on a busy interstate highway, the car jerked as if the transmission was slipping. After this a warning light stating "brake failure; pull over safely" illuminated. Car went into limp mode while on the highway in fast-moving traffic. Got car to a parking lot and waited about 30 minutes. Car started and I was able to drive it home, although being about 50 miles away. Car went in to limp more again during drive and lost all dash indicators, including turn signals, speedometer and odometer. Light for "check engine" was illuminated. After mechanic reset codes, he stated that it might be the ECM or TCM. I sent off the ECM for diagnosis and it came back without any errors. I then sent off the TCM and learned that it needed repair. After receiving the repaired TCM unit, we re-installed and car drove for a couple of days. I took the car for a 6-hour round trip drive this past weekend and had one incident of the jerking, but without any other issues. After letting the car sit in the drive for around 20 minutes, I tried starting it only to get another "check engine" light and inoperable dash indicators (speedometer, odometer, turn signals, etc.). Took the car to a volvo dealership today for a diagnosis. They stated that there was no contact occurring with their computer diagnostic system. They recommended a replacement of the cem as a first step with no guarantee that the problem resides in the that module. That part installed is over $1,100. This is my fifth volvo, and undoubtedly, the worst yet. I am considering junking it and leaving volvo in my proverbial rear view. It is astounding that volvo has not offered a recall as this is clearly a safety hazard. Perhaps it takes people dying for car companies to own up to faulty building.
Volvo XC70 slipping problems
15 of the 418 owner complaints about the Volvo XC70 describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 15
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,500
- typical mileage
- 90,000
By model year
Often reported together
Transmission failure 6Jerking 4Harsh shifting 4Brake failure 2Sudden acceleration 1Won't shift 1Seat belt 1Headlights 1
What owners say
The transmission is slipping between gears 2-3 and 3-4. Mechanics recommends transmission replacement. Car has 94,000 miles. This is a family car and not driven hard. I've had 3 cars over hundred thousand miles and this is the first time I've had a transmission failure on the most expensive care I've owned.
Normal driving, at approximately 142,000 miles transmission service required light came on after transmission began slipping and "clunking". Transmission failure on 2001 volvo xc70. $4,000+ repair, common to the 2001 xc70 model.
I have experience 2-3 upshift flare, slipping of transmission, tachometer needle jumping up and the engine racing during a shift.
Noticed a severe change for the worse in the handling characteristics of my volvo xc 70 awd vehicle. Lost awd capability, confirmed by front wheels slipping in light snow. Dealer inspection identified failed angle gear and coupler, repair price $2500.00 not covered under warranty. Owner replaced angle gear with rebuild unit from salvage and a new coupler.
Complaint centers on a 2004 volvo xc70. After a minimal amount of online research, I find that there are many owners with similar problems. Recently, after driving vehicle past initial "warm-up" stage an electronic anomaly occurs at random intervals, at speeds ranging from 1 - 65 MPH. The anomaly always involves a sudden "jolt" as if the transmission slipped, and is also characterized by various other electronic occurrences. These can include "left rear door open" light, all interior lights illuminating, driver's seat heater turning on, "SRS airbag" urgent message, "brake failure" notification, and loss of all dashboard instrumentation including lights and turn signals. Any one of these occurrences are an immediate attention-grabber while behind the wheel and create a situation detrimental to safe vehicle operation. This particular vehicle is now at an authorized volvo dealer for the second time (had to be towed the first time) for the same problem. Dealership performed software update first visit which did not fix problem. Now dealership thinks it may be central electronics module, a $1000+ fix, which may or may not correct the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc70. The contact was driving approximately 25 MPH when the transmission slipped. The failure persisted for approximately four months before the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the failure and the dealer replaced the transmission. She then contacted the manufacturer and they were willing to take the liability for a portion of the repair costs. The failure mileage was 57,544 and the current mileage was 59,000.
Purchased 2005 volvo and now have 75,000 miles and began to have transmission failure. I took to dealer and spent over $3000 to fix software problem. The problem got worse and the transmission slips and then jumps into gear. I almost crashed the car in front of me. I suspect many people are having problems and hopefully no gets hurt.
Shaking of vehicle, clunking and slipping of transmission. Transmission failed. Transmission replaced with factory remanufactured unit..
Had a transmission software update that solved a neutral shift problem, where the trans would lurch into gear from a stop. Now the transmission slips as I drive, especially when turning a corner. If I accelerate normally, the vehicle revs then clunks into gear. The dealer on the trans shops say the trans needs to be replaced. Now, I have 183000 miles on the car and bought it, hoping it would be a reliable car...I was so wrong! I purchased the car for $16,000 five years ago with 64k on it. I now have about $12,000 in repairs into this car. Needless to say I am nowhere near happy or satisfied. This is, by far the worst vehicle I've ever owned. It is like a money pit. I just wish a company like volvo, that once had a great reputation, would own up to the junk they are putting out and make some recalls. At this point, I will never purchase a volvo again and am spreading the word. Come on volvo, just own up to the problems and fix them. Do the right thing and you will be noticed. Do nothing and again, you will be noticed but not for a good thing.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Volvo XC70 slipping
Which Volvo XC70 years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (6 complaints), 2001 (5 complaints) and 2002 (3 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix transmission slipping on the Volvo XC70?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,500 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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