2001 Volvo V70 T5 turbo

Summary:

The car is an electrical nightmare

Faults:

Front head lamp replaced

Left turn signal replaced

Electrical relay switch replaced

ABS electrical module replaced

Electrical stent replaced

Alternator replaced

Faded bumpers.

General Comments:

We bought this car on Volvo's reputation of safety and quality. We are disappointed in the quality of the vehicle.

The electrical system is a nightmare. The service manager even commented that the car is a lemon.

We have owned the car for one year, and have spent $2500 on repairs. Please reconsider purchasing this vehicle!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd July, 2005

23rd Feb 2006, 00:45

I would say these are more than just "minor" issues if $2500 was spend during the first year... the Volvo V70 T5 is definitely an electrical nightmare, and ABS problem is very common in with this model. My recommendation is to get rid of it while you can because the next problem (probably your ETM failure) is going to cost at least $1000.

2001 Volvo V70 T-5 2.3L turbo

Summary:

Generally disappointed in our first Volvo - expected better quality

Faults:

Headlights burn out every 10K miles.

Many interior plastic components are broken, or rattle and squeak, not appropriate for a premium car.

The remote locking is undependable at best. The dealer has re-loaded the software twice, then obviously given up.

Front tie rods required replacing at 30K and 60K.

Water has been entering the passenger side via degraded door seals at 70k - dealer will have to replace these at a way too much cost.

Very poor in winter driving - hopefully special tires will help this year.

General Comments:

All mechanical/drive train systems have worked flawlessly.

The car has loads of power and practically no turbo lag.

Handling is good, but one must accommodate the serious torque steer under hard acceleration.

Hopefully we will never have an opportunity to benefit from the crash safety features, but it is nice to know the car has strengths in this area.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th September, 2004

2001 Volvo V70 XC turbo

Summary:

My Volvo is a

Faults:

I have needed a new shift interlock cable.

I have had 2 rear door hatches.

At 40K, I needed to replace brake pads.

At 35K, new tires were needed and now, again at 57K, a second set!

There has been an ongoing software problem that causes surging of the throttle on the highway.

I have had to replace the CD player.

Finally, I am replacing the left rear wheel bearing.

General Comments:

This car is wonderful. It truly is a joy to drive-- when it is working! The interior is very nicely designed and it is a solid feeling car.

I have surmised through owning this car for 2 years that the reason Volvos are so safe is because they are always in the shop.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th August, 2003

17th Nov 2004, 16:35

I agree with you, Volvo's are not very reliable and it is quite costly.

2001 Volvo V70 T-5 2.5L turbo

Summary:

Performance and safety comes at a price

Faults:

Drivers seat leather needed replacement at 10,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Head and tail light bulbs have been replaced 2 times.

Sun roof rattles. Dealer cannot fix.

Rear doors rattle near speakers.

Cooling fan replaced at 66,000 miles. Cost over $300.

Throttle body assembly replaced at 96,000 miles. Cost $886.

General Comments:

The V70 T-5 incredibly fun to drive and has the safety ratings to back up the performance.

However, This car spends way too much time in the shop for a $40,000 wagon. The 2 service writers at my local Volvo dealer know me on a first name basis.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th November, 2002

10th Aug 2004, 13:39

I cannot add a thing. My 2001 V70 T5 (80K miles) has had all those plus front stabilizer link. Oh and those Pirelli P6 tires (yikes!) Love the car, hate all the issues. I will buy the largest warranty available next time.

11th Nov 2004, 21:56

Would like to hear some comments on the 2.4T version of the V70 wagon.

Thank you because I am trying to decide which model to buy and not have expenses.

View 3 more comments

2001 Volvo V70 T5 2.4 turbo

Summary:

My worst ownership experience

Faults:

Front control arms replaced under warranty at 6,000 miles.

Transmission problems at 8,000 miles. Hard downshift between 2nd and 1st gear.

Replaced three headlight bulbs before 25,000 miles. I also had to replace the license plate bulbs at 32,000 miles.

Experienced difficulty starting the car in cold weather. It ran very rich and required dealer service.

Thermostat stopped working at 28,000 miles. Required replacement.

Blew a high pressure power steering hose at 51,000 miles.

Ball joints wore out at 60,000 miles.

Various electrical problems occurred at 63,000 miles. The power door lock mechanism stopped working. At the same time the rear window wiper stopped working.

General Comments:

This car was very powerful and fun to drive.

However the build quality was terrible and far from what I expected from Volvo.

There is a problem of excessive sun glare reflection on the windshield. The dashboard reflects onto the windshield.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th October, 2002

19th Apr 2006, 20:28

Same experience here...V70 T5 was probably the best and worst car I have ever owned (if that makes any sense??) Great power, great seats, great ride WHEN the car is working properly, which seemed like almost never. Can't remember if I actually drove the car without experiencing a problem or warning light come on. Seems like most owners have experienced the same type of problems. Why is Volvo not issuing recalls like other auto manufacturers?

31st May 2008, 09:03

I have to agree with the last comment. This is the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned, but it's a love/hate relationship.

I purchased my 2001 V70 T5 used but certified. Girl here, so excuse the lack of technical reference.

I had numerous problems with the car - mostly the front end. The front end has been completely rebuilt by the dealership. Still having problems and is now out of warranty.

I'm of the belief there is an engineering defect that Volvo won't own up to. I've spoken with several people who have experienced the same problems.

The transmission slips randomly. I've had 3 expensive software downloads but no permanent fix. Light bulbs burn out very frequently. They are easy to replace myself, but I've never had issues like this with any US or Japanese vehicle. I've spent about $2,000 each year on repairs/replacements for this vehicle.

The low profile tires are dangerous in wet or slick road conditions unless the tires are new. Can't use a "regular" tire unless new rims are purchased. I'm on a 2nd set of tires within 50,000 miles.

The suspension is horrible unless driving on a newly paved road.

Don't even think about pulling out into traffic quickly. Severe turbo lag.

I'll not purchase another Volvo, but will drive this one until the wheels fall off. Let's just hope that doesn't literally happen. My '72 Gremlin was more reliable than my beautiful Vowag!

2001 Volvo V70 Wagon

Summary:

Performs well. Questionable safety

Faults:

Noticeable noise and shaking when idling, especially with the AC on. My complaint drew the dealer comment that this is inherent in a car with a 5 cylinder motor.

General Comments:

Volvo boasts about its safety yet the 2001 is less safe in many respects than previous models. The pillars are very thick and one cannot twist your head to see cars coming up on either side because Volvo put heat and air ducts into the pillars for the rear passengers.

The audio structure forces the driver to take his eye off the road to make changes and to read indicators.

The loud shaking of the cowl is distracting. Dealer says it is due to the 5 cylinder motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th October, 2001

29th Sep 2011, 13:03

I had a 5-cyl VW that never did that. It was silky smooth. I question your dealer's knowledge or honesty.