2004 Volvo XC70 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 11%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Volvo XC70, 11% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2004 XC70 with 56,000 miles. Recently, the reduced engine performance light came on with no apparent change in handling or acceleration. The light then went off the next time I drove the car. A few days later, the light came back on this time along with the check engine light, and there was virtually no acceleration. I got the car to limp along at about 5 MPH with the hazard lights on to the closest garage, where I left it overnight. The mechanic ran the diagnostics on the computer and the code for the throttle body appeared. …”
NHTSA complaint #10273508, filed 2009-06, 56,702 miles“Noticed a severe change for the worse in the handling characteristics of my Volvo xc 70 awd vehicle. Lost awd capability, confirmed by front wheels slipping in light snow. Dealer inspection identified failed angle gear and coupler, repair price $2500.00 not covered under warranty. Owner replaced angle gear with rebuild unit from salvage and a new coupler.”
NHTSA complaint #10393623, filed 2011-03, 115,000 miles“Angle gear failed while driving 15 MPH on side street. Car had to be towed and angle gear in transmission replaced. Car had perfect dealer maintenance record and transmission had just been serviced 4000 miles prior to failure - exactly as manufacturer schedule recommended.”
NHTSA complaint #10357253, filed 2010-09, 124,000 miles“During acceleration the gearing slips between 1st and 2nd gear causing a very hard shift (due to engine acceleration) when the 2nd gear engages. It is dangerous at times in ice or snow.”
NHTSA complaint #10442012, filed 2012-01, 88,000 miles“Volvo XC70 angle gear burned up! 2004 with 90k on it. Seems to be an ongoing issue with Volvo's - need to purchase new or used part. Price is anywhere between $1000 - $2000. Not good. Volvo claims no real issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10252248, filed 2008-12, 90,000 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.
- 10037896Jan 5, 2011Volvo: abs light on, four-wheel drive is not working. There is a software problem.
- 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.
- 10019961Apr 6, 2006Aw55 transmission control module diagnostic trouble code 010a, 010b, 010c shift solenoid s5 signal low, high or missing.
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 2004 Volvo XC70
33 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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