2001 Volvo XC70 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 32%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Volvo XC70, 32% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transmission is slipping between gears 2-3 and 3-4. Mechanics recommends transmission replacement. Car has 94,000 miles. This is a family car and not driven hard. I've had 3 cars over hundred thousand miles and this is the first time I've had a transmission failure on the most expensive care I've owned.”
NHTSA complaint #10440352, filed 2011-12, 94,000 miles“I have a 2001 Volvo XC70. The transmission has been clunking into and out of gear in the 20 - 40 MPH zone since I hit 95000 miles. I have taken it to the dealer who simply reprogrammed the car but the issue is not resolved. The car hesitates when I step on the gas. Sometimes it goes and other times it does not. This makes the car extremely dangerous to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10176566, filed 2006-12, 96,000 miles“The failure just began at around 100k miles, no specific event. The car lurches when I am pulling into a parking space after I have brought it to a complete stop. Car jerks while down shifting into right hand turns. Car jerks at intersections while slowing down and/or accelerating. I am afraid it is going to jerk forward and hit something that I, as a driver, should not be at risk of hitting. This jerking began intermittently and the car would run more smoothly on the streets after a highway trip of some distance, but now it happens almost constantly and the jerking is more severe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10399312, filed 2011-05, 124,000 miles“Had a transmission software update that solved a neutral shift problem, where the trans would lurch into gear from a stop. Now the transmission slips as I drive, especially when turning a corner. If I accelerate normally, the vehicle revs then clunks into gear. The dealer on the trans shops say the trans needs to be replaced. Now, I have 183000 miles on the car and bought it, hoping it would be a reliable car...I was so wrong! I purchased the car for $16,000 five years ago with 64k on it. I now have about $12,000 in repairs into this car. Needless to say I am nowhere near happy or satisfied. …”
NHTSA complaint #10350447, filed 2010-08, 175,000 miles“I had experienced some instances of a delay in response by the throttle in my 2001 XC70 for several months. Most times it was following an exit from a freeway and the subsequent attempted acceleration after stop was very hesitant and felt as if the clutch was slipping. I had an etm diagnostic run in may of 2007 at barrier motors Volvo in bellevue wa. And they found nothing wrong but said they could not get the car to repeat the problem. I had also experienced some infrequent instances of extra acceleration with minimal gas pedal pressure during the same time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10214435, filed 2008-01, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10033045Dec 23, 2009Volvo: rear differential housing, leakage and resealing. Oil leakage/moisture from the rear differential housing halves can be resolved by resealing the housing and replacing the…
- 10032425Jul 10, 2009Volvo: the 5 speed automatic transmission, aw55-50/51, has a bolt on top that anchors the b4 band, which applies 3rd gear. If that bolt is removed, the band will be disengaged…
- 10016434Jul 7, 2006Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10020263Jun 6, 2006Transferring components during transmission replacement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 14% |
| 2015 | 2 | 33% |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 3 | 20% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 8 | 30% |
| 2004 | 11 | 11% |
| 2003 | 5 | 21% |
| 2002 | 14 | 40% |
| 2001 | 21 | 32% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volvo XC70
15 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Volvo XC70
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology