2005 Volvo XC70 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 30%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Volvo XC70, 30% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 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.
“Purchased 2005 Volvo and now have 75,000 miles and began to have transmission failure. I took to dealer and spent over $3000 to fix software problem. The problem got worse and the transmission slips and then jumps into gear. I almost crashed the car in front of me. I suspect many people are having problems and hopefully no gets hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10368455, filed 2010-11, 130,000 miles“The awd system is not working. The vehicle was to spin the front wheels constantly. Also traveling on the highway, the vehicle wants to drift into the other lanes on its own. Dealer tells me it is the angle gear sleeve on the transfer case or the transfer case gear. To me its obvious that Volvo designed the part to fail. How can gear that is sealed fail with normal use? So the repair will could cost up to $3600. After doing some research on the web. This is so common its ridicules. Never buy a Volvo again. I bought this car to have a safe awd. Oh it s safe... As long as its in your driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #10780469, filed 2015-10, 120,000 miles“Our XC70 began overheating and was taken in for diag. It needs a transmission and radiator because the transmission cooler is built into the radiator and it began exchanging engine coolant with transmission fluid. This is a horrible design. Why would they not be separate like my vw touareg. This is a very expensive vehicle and now I am looking at a $7000 repair. I can't believe that after talking to the dealer and corporate Volvo that nothing will be done. The car has 78,000 miles on it. I'm so upset by this.”
NHTSA complaint #10340224, filed 2010-06, 78,000 miles“1. Leak found in passenger-side transmission seal while car was getting regular service 2. Took car to certified Volvo mechanic 3.Volvo USA told mechanic that the part, as such, is not available as a part for repair ; instead that the entire larger part,the bezel gear, which is working quite well, will have to be replaced at a cost of $2000!”
NHTSA complaint #10410664, filed 2011-07, 149,137 miles“Transmission had a jerk to it when you came out of a stop. When you accelerated from a stop the engine then would stop. We have the dealer ship Volvo ( barrier looking at the problem and have fixed the problem. There is still however a small jerk in the transmission and a slight hesitation in the engine to engage the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10167920, filed 2006-09, 63,000 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 2005 Volvo XC70
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Volvo XC70
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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