The estate that goes where SUVs fear to tread
The Volvo XC70 was a rugged, raised estate car that bridged the gap between traditional estates and SUVs, competing with the Audi A6 Allroad and Subaru Outback. It appealed to rural families, dog owners, and outdoor enthusiasts who needed all-weather capability without the bulk of a full-size SUV. Discontinued in 2016 and replaced by the V90 Cross Country, it retains a loyal following among buyers who value understated practicality, safety, and Scandinavian durability.
We track 5 known issues across the Volvo XC70 range, with 2 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Volvo XC70? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
P24_Gen1 (1998–2007) — Petrol options included the 2.5T, with D5 on the diesel side. 1 known issues affect this generation, none rated as critical. The most significant concern is Suspension bush and joint wear (£300–£600 to address).
P24_Gen2 (2007–2016) — Petrol options included the T5, with D5, D4, D4 on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 2 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Power steering system failure (£400–£800 to address).
The electric power steering pump and associated high-pressure lines are prone to failure on second-generation XC70s. The system uses a belt-driven pump feeding a hydraulic rack, with failure typically occurring in the pump itself or the high-pressure pipes that corrode internally. Symptoms include heavy steering, whining noises, and fluid leaks. This affects roadworthiness and requires immediate attention when steering becomes heavy.
Complete steering failure is possible, making the car dangerous to drive. Heavy steering increases driver fatigue and reduces control in emergency situations. Repair typically requires pump replacement and system flush, with potential additional cost for corroded pipes.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The parking brake system on second-generation XC70s develops poor efficiency at higher mileages, failing to meet the legal requirement to hold the vehicle on a 16% gradient. This appears to be related to cable stretch, caliper problems, or disc wear specific to this model's rear brake setup. The issue becomes more prevalent above 120,000 miles and will cause MOT failures.
MOT failure is certain if the parking brake cannot hold the vehicle on the required gradient. The car may roll away when parked on slopes, creating a safety hazard. Repair may require new cables, caliper attention, or brake disc replacement.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
XC70s develop accelerated wear in suspension bushes and ball joints, particularly in the front lower arms and anti-roll bar links. The additional weight of the all-wheel-drive system and higher ride height places extra stress on these components. Worn bushes cause imprecise handling, tyre wear, and knocking noises over bumps.
Worn bushes affect handling precision and cause premature tyre wear. They will eventually cause MOT failure and should be replaced to maintain safe vehicle dynamics. Replacement typically involves multiple bushes and may require wheel alignment afterwards.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The windscreen seal on second-generation XC70s can fail, allowing water to leak into the cabin through the overhead light fixture area. This is a known issue that affects the headlining and can damage electrical components in the roof area. The problem appears to be related to the seal design rather than poor installation.
Water ingress can damage expensive electrical components in the roof area and create unpleasant odours. The headlining may need replacement if severely water-damaged. Repair requires windscreen removal and seal replacement, which is a specialist job.
Check all door seals, window seals and sunroof seals for deterioration or damage. Look for damp patches in the footwells, boot and headlining. A musty smell inside the car often indicates water ingress through failed seals.
Some second-generation XC70 petrol engines develop excessive oil consumption, typically requiring top-ups between service intervals. This appears to be related to piston ring wear or valve stem seal deterioration, with consumption rates exceeding normal parameters. The issue typically manifests around 60,000-90,000 miles.
High oil consumption requires frequent monitoring and top-ups to prevent engine damage. If left unchecked, oil starvation can cause bearing failure. Investigation may reveal expensive internal engine problems requiring specialist attention.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Volvo XC70 common problems page.
Based on 100k real DVSA MOT tests, the Volvo XC70 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is power steering fault at 54x the fleet average, followed by anti-roll bar links worn (51x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Volvo XC70 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Volvo XC70 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Volvo XC70 is a reasonable used buy provided you check for the issues outlined above. None of the problems we track are insurmountable, but they do reward buyers who inspect thoroughly and verify the service history before committing. 2010-2014 models are the reliability sweet spot, benefiting from the refined second-generation platform with sorted powertrains and fewer electronic gremlins. The D5 diesel with AWD is the ideal combination for UK buyers. Avoid 2001, 2003, and 2008 models which had the most reported problems.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Volvo XC70, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Volvo XC70 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.