Used Volvo XC 70

What to know before buying: Volvo XC 70

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The XC70 II is a raised V70 with extra ground clearance and, in most cases, Haldex all-wheel drive.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• First-generation owners praise its comfort, soft ride, roomy cabin, large boot and assured winter performance.[4]one sourceXC70 (00–07)
• A 2007 D5 owner reports adequate performance and economy, but also a floaty high-speed ride and limited rear-seat space.[4]one sourceXC70 (00–07)
• XC70 II owners describe the Geartronic as slow but smooth, while the car itself feels solidly built.[1]one sourceXC70 II

Typical faults

• On five-cylinder D5244 diesels, from about 100,000 km the swirl-flap linkage can break or EGR soot can jam the flaps; signs include P2015, power loss and limp mode.[3]one sourceXC70 II

  100 000+ km · D5244 five-cylinder diesel

• The PowerPulse hose on D4204-family D5 engines can split from around 80,000 km, sometimes with a bang, followed by power loss and limp mode.[3]one sourceXC70 II

  80 000+ km · D4204 D5 diesel

• Early 2014–2015 2.0 Drive-E diesels have reported excessive oil consumption caused by oil-control rings; some required new pistons and rings.[3]one sourceXC70 II

  2014–2015 · 2.0 Drive-E D4204 diesel

• The 2008–2009 2.4D and D5 were recalled because DPF regeneration could dilute the oil with fuel, raise its level above maximum and, in extreme cases, cause engine runaway.[3]one sourceXC70 II

  2008–2009 · 2.4D D5244 diesel, D5 D5244 diesel

• XC70 II reports include Haldex pump failures, clogged filters and control-module faults; from about 60,000 km, watch for AWD warnings and rear-end humming.[3]one sourceXC70 II

  60 000+ km

• First-generation owner reports describe automatic-transmission failures or valve-body repairs, with harsh shifts and failures recorded between 90,000 and 260,000 km.[4]one sourceXC70 (00–07)

  90 000–260 000 km

• First-generation reports repeatedly mention suspension repairs involving wheel bearings, bushes, silent blocks, springs and dampers.[4]one sourceXC70 (00–07)

Which engine and version to take

• For the XC70 II, a well-serviced D5 is the safer choice, provided the swirl flaps, EGR, DPF, timing belt and transmission are checked.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• The 3.2 petrol is presented as a safer XC70 II choice, with fewer known risks than the diesels in the source's engine comparison.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• After eight years, a first-generation D5 owner described the engine as excellent and trouble-free, although the automatic and AWD system needed attention.[4]one sourceXC70 (00–07)

What to avoid

• Avoid a 2014–2015 2.0 Drive-E diesel unless normal oil consumption and completion of the applicable recalls are convincingly documented.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• Do not buy a 2008–2009 2.4D or D5 until the fuel-in-oil recall repair has been confirmed by VIN.[3]one sourceXC70 II

What to check at the inspection

• On an XC70 II five-cylinder diesel, scan for faults—especially P2015—inspect the swirl-flap linkage and verify smooth pull from low revs.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• When testing a D4204-family D5, listen for hissing, check its low-end pull and scan for P0299 or PowerPulse faults.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• Check the oil level and exhaust smoke; on a 2008–2009 diesel, look for overfilling or a fuel smell in the oil and confirm the recall by VIN.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• Ask for documentation showing the date and mileage of the last timing-belt change; without proof, budget for immediate replacement.[3][2]XC70 (00–07)XC70 II
• Check for AWD messages and fault codes, listen for rear-end humming and ask whether the Haldex oil and filter have been changed.[3]one sourceXC70 II
• Test a first-generation automatic both cold and fully warm, paying particular attention to harsh 2–3 and 3–4 shifts.[4]one sourceXC70 (00–07)
• On a manual car, assess the clutch bite point; engagement very near the top of the pedal travel may indicate an impending repair.[2]one sourceXC70 (00–07)
• Compare cabin wear with the claimed mileage and test the mirror motors and folding, door seals and exterior trim strips.[1][2]XC70 (00–07)XC70 II

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]vozimvolvo.si — Forumi / S80 (2. gen) / V70 (3. gen) / XC70 (3 ... - vozimvolvo.si · forum
2. [2]motor-talk.de — XC70 Bj 2005 mehrere Probleme - Volvo · forum
3. [3]autoradars.lv — Volvo XC70 II (2007 - 2016): problems and risks | AutoRadars.lv · press
4. [4]whatcar.lv — Volvo XC70 (00-07) Atsauksmes par auto - WhatCar.lv · press

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