Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||||
| 4338 | 02/09/2006 | 4338 | 10001269 | Aw 55-50 neutral control function, valve body diagnosis, transmission control module diagnostic trouble code 012a and 012b. *scc updated repair method. this bulletin supersedes the previous dated 2-9-2004. *tt | 04/25/2003 |
| 4337 | 02/25/2003 | 10001266 | Shift quality issues due to b4 servo cover failure, 2-3 upshift harshness or flare. *scc | 04/25/2003 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| RTJ-21324 | 07/10/2009 | 10032425 | Volvo: 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 and 3rd gear will be inoperative. this includes c70 coupe and | 03/24/2010 | |
| 4346 | 08/05/2004 | 4346 | 10008967 | Harsh / delayed p, r or n to d shift. *tt | 09/02/2004 |
| 4327 | 07/15/2002 | 4327 | 635271 | Tech-net notes pertaining to shift flares, harsh down shifts, harsh garage shifts and harsh neutral control engagement / disengagement. *tt | 10/21/2002 |
| 4324 | 04/05/2002 | 4324 | 635269 | Subject regarding quality upgrade software developed for the automatic transmission shift quality complaints. *tt | 10/21/2002 |
| 4324 | 03/18/2002 | 630829 | Subject pertaining to transmission software aw 55-50 shift quality. *yd | 04/24/2002 | |
| 4324 | 09/12/2001 | 626908 | Customers may complain of a shift quality. yh | 12/19/2001 | |
| 4320 | 01/11/2001 | 616745 | Subject regarding aw55-50 automatic transmission adaptation procedures. *tt | 03/09/2001 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||||
| 4002 | 07/07/2006 | 10016434 | Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms. *tt | 09/12/2005 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 4460006 | 03/01/2001 | 620115 | Experiencing a whining noise from the final drive occurring at speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph). the whining occurs when accelerating gently or when engine braking. the noise is heard at operating temperature but can also be heard when the | 07/17/2001 | |
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||||
| RTJ-22103 | 12/23/2009 | 10033045 | Volvo: 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 seals. the rear differential itself does not normally need | 06/28/2010 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 07/17/2003 | 51309 | ||
| Transmission slams into gear when shifting at low gears. shifting is violent. car does not accelerate smoothly or predictably . took it to the dealer , completed road test, and indicated on service write up no slippage, operated to specs , they didn't check for codes. i recall the service manage telling me the car retains a history of how it is driven as the reason the car is jerking into gears 1 to 3. car continued to have flare ups, i was told by independent svc station not to drive it out of the our city. va beach dealership continued to not be able to duplicate complaint they found other issues with teh driving of the car, fixed them, but none addressed this issue. requested they contact the mfg , they wouldn't. finally , when the car was significantly beyond the warranty, i was told the car needed a new transmission. the signs were there which they ignored. i've subsequently read on volvo forums such as brickboard, and swedespeed that the xc70's are notorious for having transmission problems. the software feature called stop neutral , puts the trans in neutral when the car is stopped. while this may sound green and good, it kills the transmission over time fr harsh shifting when accelerating. , i have researched this on safecar as well and the problems is pervasive in this model as it was in xc90 early years. numerous too count on safercar.gov ; on http://rusmackedvolvo.com/about/ - faulty transmission blog: dealership and volvo north americas' involvement in resolving the situation. | |||
| 08/02/2010 | 122500 | ||
| Transmission failed to upshift when accelerated and failed to downshift when decelerated. vehicle jerked severely when shifted from park into drive, or from drive to reverse, or from reverse to park. automatic transmission failed. | |||
| 08/01/2010 | 115000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 volvo v70xc. he was unaware of his speed during the first failure, but he stated the vehicle would shake when applying pressure to the accelerator pedal. the failure would only occur during moments when the vehicle was exhibiting low rpm's. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where he was advised to have the transmission replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and the failure continues. the failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage was 123,000. sm. | |||
| 02/01/2008 | 2 | 12/13/2001 | |
| 2001 volvo v70xc with transmission problems. consumer states that the vehicle felt like it pulled back and went forward. second incident the vehicle decreased in speed and went from about 65 mph to 40 mph and then lunged forward. *kb the consumer stated the second time the incident happened, there was no third gear. at a complete stop, the vehicle would not accelerate through first, second or third gear. it would start out in fourth gear which was too slow to accelerate into traffic. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 06/19/2011 | 95000 | ||
| '01 xc70 awd wagon, with automatic transmission. so automatic that it put itself in drive when shifted into reverse. the volvo lurched forward at a daycare facility rather than backing out as was hoped a working transmission would do. upon a cursory glance on the internet, this problem has been the defining characteristic of the 2001 model xc70 since built. volvo should be held accountable for the rubbish they are selling, and i assure you, will be held accountable if this same situation occurs for someone else and there is a loss of life. i have never bothered complaining about the random electrical issues that have plagued this lemon since we have owned it, random door locks, window switches, dozens and dozens of light bulbs burned out, but the fact that my wife and infant daughter were left stranded without reverse or really a functioning transmission, on a 90+ degree day, make this a cause i will never be silent about. | |||
| 04/21/2011 | |||
| A week after i bought my 2001 volvo v70 xc the transmission started shifting hard, lunging between shifts and after about an hour of driving it was difficult to drive. the service tranny light and check engine light both came on after a violent shift from 3-2. took car to lyle pearson volvo in boise. nate told me the computer needed re-programing from volvo and an adaptive drive test was needed. i paid the $149.00 for 45min (wow)! the next day it started again, only this time all shifts were violent! i called a volvo dealer in a different city and they said the drive test was not done correctly. i then called nate at lyle pearson and he said to replace the b4 piston cover. 2 days later and the b4 piston cover was replaced and problem still occurs. when i called nate again he actually said i wish i never even looked at it and refused to re-do the adaptive drive test. sending car to an auction. this is criminal | |||
| 03/12/2011 | 119900 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volvo v70. the contact stated that the automatic transmission shifted hard between gears at lower speeds. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who stated that the alternator was not charging and there was a lack of power; the alternator was replaced. the failure continued and became progressively worse. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the current mileage was approximately 120,000. the failure mileage was approximately 119,900. | |||
| 03/12/2011 | 119900 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 volvo v70. the contact stated that the automatic transmission shifted hard between gears at lower speeds. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who stated that the alternator was not charging and there was a lack of power; the alternator was replaced. the failure continued and worsened. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current mileage was approximately 120,000. the failure mileage was approximately 119,900-bk | |||
| 12/08/2008 | 120000 | ||
| Transmission slams into gear when shifting at low gears. shifting is violent. car does not accelerate smoothly or predictably, making it unsafe to operate. happens almost every time the car is driven. took it to volvo dealer, they recommended rebuilding the transmission (replacement transmissions not available). took it to aamco and had the transmission rebuilt. problem continued for 7 months. continued taking it back and they continued to work on it until they were finally able to correct the problem. | |||
| 06/20/2010 | 120000 | ||
| Transmission failure in 2001 volvo v70xc cross country wagon causes car to intermittently hesitate when accelerating and not shift properly. i understand this to be a widespread issue that may warrant taking action against volvo to issue a recall or cover the cost associatied with the repair. i believe the geartronic technology associated with the adaptive system in the transmission to be at fault. i have replaced the transmission recently only to have similar issues with hesitation leading me to believe this is a bigger issue inherent in this particular make/model. | |||
| 08/01/2009 | 140000 | ||
| My 2001 volvo xc v70 transmission is also slipping and lurching. lately this has been occuring on a daily basis. i have had no accidents, but when it slips and hesitates while pulling onto a main road my heart skips a beat hoping i won't lose transmission power with no way to get out of another vehicles path. my mechanic, who works strictly on volvo and saabs, has told me he cannot guarantee that repairs or adjustments would correct the problem and that changes could possibly make matters worse (i.e., complete transmission failure). i will be trading this car in to a dealer in next week or two. from what i've seen on this forum, volvo is not owning up to this problem. i have also had power steering issues since shortly after purchasing used. lots of noise in front and at parking speeds, total loss of steering power. | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 15000 | 1 | |
| 2001 volvo v70xc. transmission lurches and slips. vehicle involved in major accident in 2002. volvo inspected vehicle and found no issue with transmission. the vehicle was inspected by dealer on two additional visits with same concern. dealership could not find a problem. took vehicle to independent mechanic who made an adjustment to transmission. vehicle again lurching and slipping. took to mechanic and informed a service report now indicated we needed to replace a valve assembly. cost: $1,100-1,800. call dealership and informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and they could not help. phoned volvo cars of north america. informed the only recall was on fuel pump and the only recall on transmissions having similar problem was on their v90. because of the age of the vehicle they could not assist me in resolving this claim. *tr | |||
| 10/17/2009 | 824440 | 1 | |
| Total transmission system failure in a 2001 volvo v70 cross country all wheel drive wagon model. i had to wait nearly six weeks for a replacement part because the replacement transmissions were on back order. the dealer even said that there was such a demand for this transmission because they fail consistently due to a software signal that burns out the inadequate transmission. this repair is costing me nearly $4000 on a model with less than 65k miles on the vehicle. the blogs are full of stories just like mine. most used car dealers won't accept this model because of this problem. it was the first year of a total vehicle redo. i would appreciate your looking into this issue. it seems to have affected nearly all the 2001 v70 wagons. i have tried to bring this to the attention of volvo north america to no avail. perhaps you can help all of us frustrated owners of this model! *jb thank you. | |||
| 03/01/2009 | 60000 | 1 | |
| I purchased this 2001 volvo v70 xc new from sweden, factory delivery.the transmission had to be replaced @ 19,000mi i have since then have taken it in for various transmission problems. sudden surges, harsh up shifting and down shifting. the dealership always does everything except replacing it again, i.e. software issues only. but the problem still exists. they only difference is that the transmission no longer goes to neutral with the brake on. that feature was originally engineered for these transmissions, for fuel economy. volvo decided that this feature was more trouble than it is worth. i still have the same transmission problems with the surges, and harsh shifting, and soon i should have another complete transmission failure. with all of these similar transmission complaints from 100's of volvo customers shouldn't volvo of north america admit that there transmission is just no good pay for the costs. *tr | |||
| 12/28/2008 | 95000 | 1 | |
| Recurring transmission problem. car jerks and stalls repeatedly at low speeds. loud clunk followed by sudden acceleration or deceleration. dealer has been ineffective at solving the problem. *tr | |||
| 11/03/2008 | 95000 | 1 | |
| I purchased my car new. at 95,000 miles, the transmission failed. because my extended warranty refused to replace the failed transmission with a new one, i took it to aamco to install a used transmission. the car now has 120,000 miles and the transmission has failed again. i hear consistently from owners, the local dealer parts department, and my repair shop that this failure is common in this model and year. my wife was driving the car and the transmission appeared to be dysfunctional. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2008 | 100054 | 1 | |
| Transmission disengages at low rpm (at about 20mph) with slight pressure on the accelerator pedal - feels like the car wants to upshift to the next higher gear (possibly 2nd gear), transmission then disengages...the engine rpms surge to 3,000-4,000 and then the transmission engages with a huge clunk and surges forward. when coming to a stop without any gas pedal pressure, transmission does not disengage, but seems to shift into the lowest gear and surges forward while trying to stop the car at a traffic light or stop sign. again, there is no pressure on the gas, the car automatically downshift making a loud clunk and then the engine surges and pulls the car forward. after a few seconds of the car trying to pull forward with the brakes applied, the transmission disengages the gear and returns to a neutral setting while the car is stopped. transmission disengagement and engine surging are consistent whether the car is hot or cold and the pattern is consistent - always at low rpms when the car's automatic transmission either wants to shift up or down in gears. it seems like the issue is always between 1st and 2nd gears. at highway speeds the car seems fine. *tr | |||
| 09/02/2008 | 70000 | 1 | |
| Transmission disengages at low rpm (at about 20mph) with slight pressure on the accelerator pedal - feels like the car wants to upshift to the next higher gear (possibly 2nd gear), transmission then disengages...the engine rpms surge to 3,000-4,000 and then the transmission engages with a huge clunk and surges forward. when coming to a stop without any gas pedal pressure, transmission does not disengage, but seems to shift into the lowest gear and surges forward while trying to stop the car at a traffic light or stop sign. again, there is no pressure on the gas, the car automatically downshift making a loud clunk and then the engine surges and pulls the car forward. after a few seconds of the car trying to pull forward with the brakes applied, the transmission disengages the gear and returns to a neutral setting while the car is stopped. transmission disengagement and engine surging are consistent whether the car is hot or cold and the pattern is consistent - always at low rpms when the car's automatic transmission either wants to shift up or down in gears. it seems like the issue is always between 1st and 2nd gears. at highway speeds the car seems fine. *tr | |||
| 11/15/2007 | 67397 | 1 | 05/30/2007 |
| 2001 volvo v70xc with serious transmission problems. consumer states that the transmission will lose power while shifting. consumer states that it could be very dangerous when it happens while making a left hand turn. *kb the consumer stated the transmission failed momentarily between second and third gear. *jb | |||
| 08/22/2007 | 76430 | 3 | 08/10/2006 |
| Vehicle output sensors codes showed up, and the transmission service light came on. replaced speed sensors, and 4 days later, the same problem happened. the vehicle transmission service light came back on, and the vehicle will not move at all now. *jb | |||
| 09/21/2007 | 71000 | 1 | 10/15/2003 |
| I have a 2001 volvo v70 awd station wagon. the transmission failed while i was driving with my 2 small children in the car. as i was lurching along cars were passing me at 55+ miles per hour, my family and i were placed in a dangerous situation and our safety was jeopardized. luckily i was able to pull off to the side of the road before i was rear ended or hit by another vehicle. i took my volvo to the local volvo dealer 2 previous times regarding my transmission slipping and the car lurching, both times i was told that a transmission problem could not be detected. ?? this last time they had to acknowledge a problem exists because the transmission went out. i only have 71,000 miles on the car and i now have to pay $4,000 dollars for a new transmission. my service writer said he contacted volvo north america and they would do nothing to help with the repair costs. my car is undriveable and has been in the service shop while we wait for the transmission repair to be completed. i have done some research and this problem seems to be pervasive in this model vehicle. volvo north america needs to acknowledge this problem exists and help to repair these vehicles, that jeopardize their customers safety. *tr | |||
| 11/06/2006 | 59500 | 1 | |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph, the transmission kept slipping out of gear. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who determined the transmission need replacement. the manufacturer was notified. | |||
| 02/15/2006 | 68000 | 10 | 05/26/2004 |
| I have a 2001 volvo v70 xc wagon. the car was revving high for a while when shifting gears, i took it to the dealership, and they told me there wasn't a problem. about a month or so later the etm failed. i was being left stranded at freeway off ramps, and green lights when the car would suddenly die. it's a miracle i wasn't rear-ended! after a terrible experience trying to get the dealership to honor the etm warranty, (they only cleaned the etm they did not replace it-saying it wasn't bad enough!), a month has passed and now my transmission has failed! the dealership gave me a $5300 estimate for replacement as it is unrepairable! i took it to our regular mechanic, and he told me the transmission failure @ 70,000 miles happened because the etm wouldn't allow the torque converter do whatever it is a torque converter does, and that caused the oil to heat up and then the resulting transmission failure. he said there is no one around who will touch my transmission. i have to use a dealer to replace it. i am completely devastated and cannot afford to replace the transmission. the car is a lemon. it has almost caused me to be involved in accidents, and i'd really appreciate it if someone could contact me about what resources i have. you are welcome to test my car! i have read on the internet about others who are experiencing the same problems with their etms and then subsequent transmission failures. please help!*jb | |||
| 09/15/2001 | 10000 | 10 | 04/21/2001 |
| Our 2001 xc 70 volvo has had a stalling problem that repeats periodically but that the dealer can't replicate. it began with a surging and the transmission shifting erratically. this was fixed with a software download but stalling continued. it is random occurring when we accelerate at intersections as we turn or begin. it is quite anxiety provoking since it could happen when we are turning and if a car was coming it could strike us and cause a serious accident. it is now off warranty but on extended warranty and when the dealer is contacted they do not know what to do. recently, the local service rep for volvo here in fairbanks, alaska replaced a turbo link valve. it was replace only today so we do not know if it will continue to have a problem. it happens about once a month. *nm | |||
| 03/26/2005 | 85000 | 1 | 02/21/2001 |
| Transmission failed. i blocked traffic on sc 278 for ~ 30 sec. the check transmission light came on and the car did not move. i could run the engine but no power made it to the wheels. it finally limped to a parking lot. the transmission had to be replaced. carolina volvo replaced the transmission with a remanufactured one from volvo.*ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||
| 08/10/2006 | 67000 | 1 | 06/18/2005 |
| Etm/ecm replaced 1/2006. subsequent software upgrade 05/08/2006, 08/09/2006. rough cranking idle. subsequent shifting problem with transmission. follow up with software upgrade tcm on aug. 9, 2006. problem still present. transmission shifting jerks between 2 and 3rd gear upon acceleration/deceleration. rough shifting with kick down shifting at speeds +60 mph. *jb | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||
| 11/26/2007 | 114662 | 1 | 09/23/2000 |
| Noticed a rhythmic rubbing type noise while driving and increases its tempo as speed increases. i took it to volvo of cerritos to investigate noise and was told that the angle gear assembly that propels the right and rear wheels is faulty so, i took it to an independent auto repair shop that specializes in volvo cars for a second opinion and i was told the same thing. i had the angle gear assembly replaced by the independent shop at a cost of $2,565 and i was told that the gear assembly was bone dry and rusty inside and the bearings were broken. the car has 114,600 miles on it and it gets the recommended service maintenance every 7,500 miles. there was never any occasion where an oil leak was noticed so i am assuming that this was a manufacturing defect. i wonder how many volvo cars of this model have this type of problem with the power train. *tr | |||
| 02/21/2007 | 54724 | 3 | 10/02/2002 |
| In dec 2005, my volvo was serviced at the dealership. vehicle had 48,300 mi. dealership noted that front and rear suspension needed to be replaced. vehicle has never been driven off road. it is primarily a short distance commuter car. at time, could not afford repairs. waited one year (feb 2007 - 54,000mi) and took vehicle to independent repair shop where they verified that the front low control arm bushings were broken off, rear sway bar link was broken, all parts needed to be replaced. at the same time, repair shop noticed that the rear differential had failed. oil was leaking into the exhaust and car was deemed to be inoperable at any moment. upon call to volvo to purchase part, it was learned that the dealership was aware of the issue w/ faulty rear differential. dealership was out of stock on the part due to the number of differentials that needed replacing. my part was special ordered. auto repair shop informed me that it was highly unlikely for a rear differential to fail on a vehicle w/ such low mileage. in addition, i went back through previous service records and found that volvo had patched a leak in the differential just prior to warranty expiring. in total, the repairs for the suspension and differential cost $4,600 and i was w/o a vehicle for 4 days. *jb | |||