Volvo V70 Common Problems and Solutions
Struggling Gear Changes
Problem:
You are struggling to change gears when driving.
Solution:
You have an issue with your transmission. The challenge is going to be working out exactly what the issue is. Try carrying out a transmission fluid flush to start with. If that doesn't help, then you’re going to need to replace the transmission system, which you can find quickly on our parts list and have delivered.
Difficulty level
Gearbox Transmission
Hard Starts and Misfiring (All AWD Models)
Problem:
The car starts hard and often misfires. The check engine light may also be on, and you might be able to hear a distinctive ticking noise coming from the engine.
Solution:
The cambelt on the V70 is famous for its susceptibility to rapid wear. Any of the above symptoms is a sign that your cambelt is on the way out, and you're going to have to replace it if you don't want to risk complete engine failure. We always have cam belts for the V70 in stock, and you can order directly from this website.
Difficulty level
Timing Cam Belt
Uneven Tyre Wear
Problem:
Your front or back tyres are wearing unevenly, which can make driving more dangerous.
Solution:
Uneven tyre wear is usually the result of a misaligned steering system or a problem with suspension alignment geometry. While there are lots of online guides available to help resolve this issue, it’s quite challenging to do to a professional level. Look for any obvious signs of damage and replace any parts as needed, and don’t forget to order new tyres at the same time.
Difficulty level
Tyres
Unusual Smell In Cabin (All 2.0-ltr Models)
Problem:
There is an odd smell inside the car, and the check engine light may be illuminated. The car may also hesitate while accelerating.
Solution:
Volvo is aware of this problem but has yet to officially release a fix for it. Your only option is going to be to contact Volvo to discuss what they’ll do for you. This affects around 70,000 V70s in the UK.
Difficulty level
DPF warning light
Problem:
If the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light has appeared on your dashboard, it means the DPF is bocked up. If you use your car for short journeys (mainly around town), then this does not allow the DPF to get hot enough to burn off the particles, which means it gets clogged up instead.
Solution:
You will need to remove the DPF and clean it out to resolve this issue. This should also turn off the DPF warning light on the dashboard.
Difficulty level
Front suspension bushes failure
Problem:
The front lower arm bushes are prone to failure on the V70. A common symptom of this failure on the V70 is to hear a creaking noise when driving over uneven surfaces. This will be particularly noticeable when driving over speed bumps.
Solution:
You will need to replace the lower arm bushes to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Engine misfiring
Problem:
If you have noticed the engine misfiring, then it is usually caused by a fault with the ignition coils. You will be seeing that the engine is not idling at a constant speed of around 7-800rpm like it should be. It will instead be jumping up and down irregularly. Is your problem anything like the one in the video below?
Solution:
You will need to replace the ignition coils to sort this issue.
Difficulty level
Ignition Coil
Top engine mount failure
Problem:
The top engine mount is known for failing on the V70. When you are taking off, or changing gear you may hear a loud knocking noise. Another symptom of the top engine mount failing is when you open the bonnet, have someone rev the engine for you and if it shakes excessively then this is the cause.
Solution:
Replacing the top engine mount will resolve the issue. We can help you find a replacement top engine mount at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Engine Mount
Worn Seat Belt
Problem:
The flexible steel cable that supports the front seat belt anchor has significantly worn or even broken, making the car dangerous to drive.
Solution:
You won’t need to replace the entire seat belt in this case. Simply order a new seat belt fastener that comes with the improved design fastening. Have your fasteners delivered by us, and it takes around 10-minutes to install them yourself.
Difficulty level
Blue Smoke From Exhaust
Problem:
There is blue smoke coming from the exhaust and the engine power has dramatically dropped. There may also be a loud whine coming from the engine.
Solution:
These are signs that your turbocharger has failed. The turbo on the V70 is prone to premature wear in early models and will need to be replaced. Have a look through our parts list and order a replacement for delivery. It’s a technical challenge to install a new turbo, but doing it yourself will save you a lot of cash, and there are plenty of guides available.
Difficulty level
Turbo Charger
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is quickly overheating.
Solution:
You have a leak in your coolant system. Inspect every section of the system to identify where the premature wear has happened. You can order separate parts or the entire coolant system when you order from our parts list. You need to tackle this problem because the end result will be an engine fire if left untreated.
Difficulty level
Self Releasing Handbrake
Problem:
The parking brake is releasing on its own, but this only happens when the engine is running and when the gear lever is moved.
Solution:
The only thing that you can do here is head to your nearest Volvo dealer and ask for a software update. Volvo should do this for free.
Difficulty level
Rough Idling
Problem:
The car idles roughly and occasionally misfires. Your engine oil looks milky, and the engine is quick to overheat.
Solution:
The inlet manifolds in the V70s built between 2012 and 2016 were made of plastic. They are very prone to melt and deform, which causes multiple engine problems. Clean out your TMAP and EMAP, and fit some additional hoses where they are needed. You can order these straight from our parts page.
Difficulty level
Incorrect Fuel Gauge Reading
Problem:
The fuel gauge is reading incorrectly so that you’re never quite sure how much fuel you have.
Solution:
Head to a Volvo dealer for a software update, as this is a common issue if your V70 was built between April 2014 and December 2015. Until you can get to the dealer, make sure that you keep the tank topped up as often as possible.
Difficulty level
Loss of Power Steering
Problem:
You have lost all power steering, making the car much harder to steer.
Solution:
This is a software issue, and it’s going to keep on causing more harm to your car if you don’t address it. This is another case of needing a software update.
Difficulty level
Fuel Leak
Problem:
Your oil levels are dropping faster than they should be, and you may notice spots of oil on the ground.
Solution:
If your V70 was built between April 2015 and March 2016, then the cause of the oil leak is likely to be a cracked fuel hose. If your car is still under warranty, then Volvo should repair this for free. If not, then you can order a new fuel hose directly from BreakerYard and easily install it yourself.
Difficulty level
Fuel Hose
