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Known Faults Database

Volvo V70 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Volvo V70, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 4 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Volvo V70 reliable?

The Volvo V70 has 4 known faults in our database, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (the EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot) and engine (belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Volvo V70 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2014 to 2016, 2.0 D4 four-cylinder diesel (VEA / Drive-E): the EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot
  • 2001 to 2015, Five-cylinder diesel: 2.4 D5 and 2.4D, plus the D3 and D4 versions of the same engine (2.0 or 2.4) sold until about 2014: belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 14 known faults · 19 owner reports · 2 good notes

Volvo V70 2014-2016 Models (2014 to 2016) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine. On earlier cars the timing belt tensioners and idler pulleys may give out ahead of the planned belt change and throw the belt, with many failures around 65,000 miles. On S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 builds from 2007 to 2010 the auxiliary belt tensioner was recalled in the UK, because a failed tensioner or belt can get into the timing belt. Owners have had the auxiliary belt snap at 46,790 miles on a 2011 V70 D3, and a newly fitted one come off and wrap round the lower timing belt pulleys on a 50,000-mile 2011 XC60.

Typical symptoms

  • squeal or chirp from the belts, especially from cold
  • battery or power steering warning if the auxiliary belt comes off
  • engine stops suddenly and will not restart

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Five-cylinder diesel: 2.4 D5 and 2.4D, plus the D3 and D4 versions of the same engine (2.0 or 2.4) sold until about 2014
Typical mileage:
46000-65000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2014 to 2019

The diesel particulate filter on the 1.6 diesel (1.6D and D2) struggles on cars used for short trips. One 2009 C30 covering about 4,000 miles a year needed a forced regeneration and then a new DPF, followed by an engine warning light traced to the additive reservoir used by the filter system. A 44,000 mile 2010 S60 D2 used mostly for 25 mile journeys needed a new DPF and injectors. Volvo itself issued improved software to help the D2 regenerate.

Rough guide
£241-745

Typical symptoms

  • DPF or engine warning light
  • engine warning light that stays on after a service
  • loss of power until the filter is cleared

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6D and 1.6 D2 (PSA-sourced 1.6 diesel, 1560cc; in the 2012 to 2015 V40 the D2 is this engine, before the 2.0 Volvo D2 replaced it)
Typical mileage:
44000-50000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial

Fuel injected to burn off the particulate filter can get past the pistons into the sump, so the oil level creeps up and the oil is thinned with diesel. Volvo issued a service bulletin in 2010 for D5 engines with a filter: new engine software to use less fuel during regeneration, and draining the oil back to the middle of the dipstick. A 2010 V70 D3 covering only around 7,300 miles annually needed 0.5 litres of oil taken out after a service warning, and a 2015 V70 D4 had diesel found in its oil after regenerating, with the oil changed free.

Typical symptoms

  • oil level above the maximum mark on the dipstick
  • engine oil that smells of diesel
  • engine service or check warning on the dash

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Diesels with a particulate filter: the five cylinder D5, D3 and D4 (2.4 and 2.0), and the later four cylinder 2.0 D4 (VEA)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2015 to 2016

The EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot. At 63,000 miles one owner's 2014 car needed a replacement EGR cooler, and Volvo extended the warranty on that part to four years with unlimited mileage. Another 2014 car had a run of warning lights, with the air intake valve cleaned and then replaced twice. The same soot build-up is behind a UK recall on V70s built from November 2012 to April 2016, in which the plastic inlet manifold can melt and deform; the fix is new software, cleaning of the intake pressure sensors and extra hoses where needed.

Typical symptoms

  • engine warning light
  • repeated intake or emissions warnings
  • limp mode with loss of power

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 D4 four-cylinder diesel (VEA / Drive-E)
Typical mileage:
63000 miles
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What owners report on the 2014-2016 Models

19 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Engine · January 2020An engine light on a Volvo V70 was linked to an EGR problem, with the dealer eventually covering the full cost of the EGR valve and cooler replacement.
  • Fuel system · October 2019Denso I-ART injectors failed in a VEA engined Volvo V70 D4, despite the use of premium diesel fuel.
  • Engine · October 2019A 2015 V70 D3 at 75,000 miles displayed an engine check light, diagnosed as an EGR valve fault requiring replacement.
  • Gearbox and clutch · May 2019The 6DCT450 Powershift automatic transmission in a 2014 V70 D2 failed at 70,000 miles, with a replacement cost of A 4,000.
  • Engine · May 2019A 2010 Volvo V70 D5, 5-cylinder, suffered a blown head gasket at 58,000 miles after 18 months of coolant loss, requiring extensive repair.
  • Electrics · March 2018The primary infotainment system (IHU) completely failed in a 2014 Volvo V70 at under 60,000 miles.
  • Electrics · February 2018Locking or unlocking a 2010 Volvo V70 repeatedly triggered the alarm, a fault which the dealer could not trace.
  • Engine · July 2017A 2013 V70 D3 diesel, which had its engine replaced at 95,000 miles, developed a loud knocking sound from the new unit.
  • Engine · April 2017A 2013 V70 D3 diesel engine with 95,000 miles suffered a cracked block, despite regular oil changes.
  • Electrics · January 2017The satnav screen failed on a 2013 Volvo V70, with the dealer reducing the replacement cost to £600.
  • Engine · December 2016A 2015 Volvo V70 D4 showed an engine warning after 3,000 miles, due to diesel fuel entering the engine oil during DPF regeneration.
  • Engine · December 2016The EGR cooler failed on a 2014 Volvo V70 D4 DrivE 181PS at 63,000 miles, covered by an extended warranty.
  • Engine · March 2016The auxiliary belt of a 2011 Volvo V70 D3 snapped at 46,790 miles, leaving the driver stranded.
  • Electrics · March 2016A control module located under the left front passenger floor caused multiple electrical faults when the headlamp flash was actuated.
  • Engine · August 2015A 2014 Volvo V70 D4 DriveE 181PS experienced multiple warning lights and component failures, including the EGR and DPF sensor.
  • Engine · September 2014A 2010 V70 D3 2.0 5-cylinder diesel, with low annual mileage, displayed an 'engine system service required' light due to overfuelling.
  • Engine · September 2012An A/C compressor seized on a 2008 V70 at 47,000 miles, causing the drivebelt to entangle with the timing belt and ruin the engine.
  • Gearbox and clutch · January 2012Drivetrain 'clunks' were reported from DRIVEe 1.6 D2 models, likely originating from the dual mass flywheel.
  • Gearbox and clutch · November 2011The hydraulic seal in the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder is prone to failure on 5-cylinder manual models.

What owners like about the 2014-2016 Models

2 notes
  • The Volvo V70 achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating for passenger protection and 4 stars for child passenger protection.
  • The Volvo V70 D5 AWD SE was recognised as the best tow car in its category at the 2009 Caravan Club awards.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 12 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Volvo V70 advert and we check it in seconds.

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Volvo V70 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 18 DVSA recalls for the V70, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ July 2020Cars built November 2013 to April 2016

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Put right by: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air

DVSA R/2020/21076,945 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2020Cars built November 2012 to May 2016

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system

There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.

Put right by: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.

DVSA R/2020/20515,167 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2020Cars built March 2007 to April 2016

Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point

Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.

Put right by: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.

DVSA R/2020/192170,160 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2019Cars built November 2012 to April 2016

The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

Put right by: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.

DVSA R/2019/180
🏛️ January 2019Cars built April 2015 to May 2016

Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose

Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.

Put right by: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.

DVSA R/2018/37730,777 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2016Cars built May 2010 to April 2015

Coolant leakage may result in a fire

It has been identified that during the engine warm-up process and under certain driving/climate conditions for instance periods of high acceleration or high engine load immediately after a cold start in cold climates there is the possibility for coolant leakage or oil seepage. This can lead to the possibility in a worst-case scenario of smoke or a slow developing fire in the engine compartment. However the driver will receive a warning message on the Drivers Information Module indicating a low coolant level.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to modify the coolant bypass valve and install a new exhaust manifold gasket.

DVSA R/2016/2493,192 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2016Cars built April 2015 to February 2016

Stalling and loss of steering power assistance

Involved vehicles may have a software issue which could cause the engine to momentarily cut-out and restart while driving. This could also cause disturbances in some electrical systems such as shut down of the instrument cluster infotainment system and loss of power steering assistance.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and upgrade the software of the control units.

DVSA R/2016/0277,237 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2016Cars built November 2014 to April 2015

Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Put right by: The remedy is not yet available for all models. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

DVSA R/2015/2531,109 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2015Cars built November 2014 to April 2015

Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Put right by: The remedy is not yet available for all models.. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

DVSA R/2015/2542,743 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2015Cars built April 2014 to December 2015

Fuel guage may not show fuel level correctly

Fuel gauge may not show correct level

Put right by: Dependent on affected Model update software. Until updated the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.

DVSA R/2015/2495,354 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2015

Engine may fail

The crankshaft may not have been sufficiently hardened and may fail this in turn can lead to sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The failure may be preceded by loss of power and a knocking noise.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the engine.

DVSA R/2015/2045 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2015Cars built February 2011 to February 2015

Parking brake may unintentionally release

Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.

DVSA R/2015/0402,146 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2013

Loss of power steering assistance

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

DVSA R/2013/1403,134 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2012

Reduced braking performance

Investigations have identified the wiper arm mechanism may chafe against the brake booster vacuum line. If this chafing occurs it could lead to a gradual reduction of the power assisted braking and more effort would need to be applied to the brake pedal than usual to slow the vehicle down. In a worst case the reduction of braking assistance could occur suddenly without any prior warning

Put right by: Inspect the brake booster vacuum line. If it is chafed then it should be replaced and routed correctly. If the line is not chafed it should re-routed to ensure no issues going forward.

DVSA R/2012/1043,394 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2012

Engine may fail

There could be a sudden and unexpected failure of the bottom end of the engine because of a non-conformity during production of the connecting rods.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine.

DVSA R/2012/0566 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2012

Airbags may not deploy in a collision

It has been identified that the wiring harness for the SRS system may not have been correctly attached to the front seat frames. It is possible that continued adjustment of the seat position may cause the harness to become detached. If this should occur a warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel warning the driver of a fault with the SRS system. However in this condition the front and side airbags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles for an inspection of the wiring harnesses and ensure that it is correctly routed and secured. If not then reroute and securing of the wiring harness.

DVSA R/2012/0289,330 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2011Cars built January 2007 to December 2009

Engine may loose drive and power steering assistance.

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.

DVSA R/2011/1757,302 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2011Cars built January 2009 to December 2010

Possibility of loss of drive

The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. If the tensioner fails it would cause a loss of power steering assistance and possible loss of drive.

Put right by: Replace the auxiliary drive belt tensioner.

DVSA R/2011/1359,936 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Volvo V70 cambelt, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used V70. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 D4, D4204T
90,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first

Volvo VEA 4-cylinder engines have a timing belt interval of 90,000 miles or 10 years (whichever comes first). The auxiliary belt and tensioner must also be checked or replaced simultaneously.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.4 D5, D5
96,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first

Volvo's scheduled change for the five-cylinder diesel was 96,000 miles or 8 years on earlier cars; later cars are commonly quoted at 108,000 miles or 10 years, and the shorter scheduled figure is used here. Tensioners and idler pulleys can fail before the scheduled change and throw the belt, and one widely repeated recommendation is to renew the timing belt, tensioner, pulleys and water pump at 60,000 miles or 4 years. Also check when the auxiliary belt and tensioner were changed: on 2007 to 2010 V70 builds that tensioner was recalled in the UK because a failed belt can foul the timing belt.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.6D, 1.6 DIESEL
108,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first

PSA-sourced 1.6D engine has an official interval of 108,000 miles / 10 years. However, many specialists recommend 72,000 miles / 7 years for preventative safety.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: October 2026

Volvo V70 buying questions

What are the most common Volvo V70 problems?

Three stand out. Engine: the EGR system on the 2.0 D4 clogs with soot (typically 63000 miles). Engine: belt-drive failure on the five-cylinder diesel can wreck the engine (typically 46000 to 65000 miles). Engine: the diesel particulate filter on the 1.6 diesel (1.6D and D2) struggles on cars used for short trips (typically 44000 to 50000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Volvo V70 years should I avoid?

No Volvo V70 year is a write-off, but the 2014-2016 Models (2014 to 2016) carries the most serious faults: engine. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Volvo V70?

Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for engine warning light, squeal or chirp from the belts, especially from cold and DPF or engine warning light. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 4 known faults before you travel. Check a Volvo V70 advert →

Are there any recalls on the Volvo V70?

The DVSA lists 18 safety recalls for the Volvo V70 issued between 2011 and 2020. The most recent, from July 2020, is "There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Volvo V70?

Owners report 41.9 mpg on average across the Volvo V70 engines with data, about 85% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 697 owner submissions. Volvo V70 Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Volvo V70 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Volvo V70 fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Volvo V70 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Volvo V70 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

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