14 Best & Worst Volvo XC70 Years (With Facts & Stats)

The XC70 is a luxury wagon that was produced in America for the 2003 to 2016 model years. 

For those who intend to do mild offroading or drive in inclement weather and want a bit of luxury while doing so, it’s an appealing choice.

In this article, we’ll be combing through all of the best and worst model years of the XC70.

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Volvo XC70 Are:

The best Volvo XC70 model years are 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The worst model years of this model are 2004, 2003, and 2008. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Volvo XC70?

2016 Volvo XC70

The 2016 XC70 is the final model year ever produced, it boasts excellent reviews and is the most modern of the bunch.

This wagon has competent light off-road ability, supportive front seats, a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine, and numerous safety features.

According to the EPA, owners of this model year can expect about 26 MPG for combined city and highway driving.

This significantly improved fuel efficiency is thanks to the all-new 2.5-liter inline-5 turbocharged engine (250 horsepower). 

The base models, on the other hand, are fitted with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (240 horsepower). 

• Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 84 / 100

2016 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“Sold my 2004 XC70 5 years and two cars ago with 150,000 miles on it. Missed it from day one. When I heard this was the last year for the model I had to get one. Best car ever. Solid ride, excellent performance with the 5 cylinder engine. The best all around car on the road. The Golden Retriever of the car industry.”

2015 Volvo XC70

The 2015 XC70 is the penultimate model year produced, it has stellar owner reviews and minimal complaints filed against it, according to NHTSA data.

It is competent, durable, and packed with various safety and driver assistance features.

It comes standard with Volvo’s patented City Safety feature, which automatically deploys the brakes in low-speed situations if the system detects an imminent frontal collision.

Based on owners reviews, this model is praised for the following aspects: comfort, interior, seats, spaciousness, appearance, reliability, and manufacturing quality. 

• Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 78 / 100

2015 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“This is my fifth Volvo and the last one. I leased a new XC70 2015 T6 AWD in and I have 15k miles on it. It is a great car to some extent regardless of the price tag. It has a unique combination of performance, luxury and utility and is well built…”

2014 Volvo XC70

The 2014 XC70 offers exceptional seat and ride comfort, dynamic safety features, and ample cargo capacity.

Its a great pick for adventurous families.

New for this particular model year is updated exterior styling, a heated windshield and steering wheel, a folding front passenger seat, and a digital gauge cluster display, among other features.

The T5 models also receive a revised transmission system that allows for quicker shifting while in Sport mode.

• Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 84 / 100

2014 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“A fine car. Comfy, functional, powerful, attractive, high quality, safe, and nearly a bargain compared with other “wagons”…”

2013 and 2012 Volvo XC70

The 2013 and 2012 XC70 models feature an upscale interior, fantastic safety features, and a variety of trims and powertrain options.

There are two main trims: 3.2 and T6.

The 3.2 trim stands for the variant that comes with a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine while the T6 trim comes with a turbocharged 3-liter inline-6 engine.

For the 3.2 trim, owners can get it either as a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive while the T6 is exclusively all-wheel-drive.

Owners love these models for their comfort, interior, appearance, seats, driving experience, safety, engine options, and sound system. 

2013 Volvo XC70:

• Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 77 / 100

2012 Volvo XC70:

• Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 76 / 100

2012 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“Bought my 2012 XC70 T6 with 23,000 miles on it. I got it just in time, as Portland winter came and we were blanketed in snow and ice 4 times over 2 months. I put studded tires on the car and it has been a tank! Not one single slip or skid…even starting on a steep incline. The acceleration is amazing. This car flat out moves, which is pretty impressive considering it is not a light vehicle…”

2011 Volvo XC70

With impressive cargo capacity, excellent safety scores and rugged styling – the 2011 XC70 is another solid pick.

The 2011 XC70 was upgraded with more horsepower, an available front-wheel-drive, and minor feature shuffling (across trims).

It also had a reduced base price, making it more attractive against its rivals in the segment.

According to the EPA estimates, owners can expect 21 MPG for combined city and highway driving. 

• Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 76 / 100

2011 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“Volvo has read my mind- all my ‘issues’ with my 2008 standard XC70 have been completely corrected in the 2011 T6 model. It is absolutely worth the extra $ for the turbo version. I traded in my 2008 and a 2008 BMW M3 on this Volvo and I don’t miss the BMW at all because the new Volvo is so much fun to drive. The best of both worlds. Way to go, Volvo!”

2010 Volvo XC70

The 2010 XC70 has supportive seats, ample cargo space, all-weather traction, and plenty of safety features.

The interior is a showcase of Scandinavian design and every model features all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

New for this particular model year is slightly better fuel economy, better emissions performance, and a few interior revisions and upgrades. 

• Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 77 / 100

2010 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“I have had this car for a little bit now, and love everything about it! I have heard that they have some problems but mine has held up fine. This car is amazing off-road and in the snow…”

2009 Volvo XC70

The 2009 XC70 is the second installment of the third generation.

The third generation XC70 is larger, has a new engine and has more safety tech such as hill-descent control and built-in child booster seats.

2009 saw the introduction of the turbocharged T6 trim that offers an extra 46 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque over the base engine.

Other changes include Bluetooth as standard, worthy add-ons in the Technology Package, and an optional premium audio system (with rear-seat headphone jacks and audio controls). 

• Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: 74 / 100

2009 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“Loved this car. Had it for 8 years. Still running well at 170k and going. Reading the reviews about the lack of power in this engine- don’t agree!!! Excellent engine, nice and smooth. Girlfriend loves it too! T6 much noisier. Volvo should continue with the 3.2L engine.”

2006 & 2007 Volvo XC70

The 2006 and 2007 XC70 are part of the second generation. They have excellent seat comfort, an abundance of safety features, solid interior construction, strong brakes and an optional rear-facing third-row seat.

Standard safety features include a comprehensive airbag system, pre-tensioning seatbelts in all five seating positions, a whiplash protection system and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

Only one engine is offered, a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder rated at 208 hp and fully automatic all-wheel-drive is standard.

A new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system was introduced for 2006, allowing for better handling and steering dynamics, as well as more efficient power delivery to all wheels. 

2006 XC60

• Edmunds: 4.7 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: NA

2007 XC60

• Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: NA

2006 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“I purchased my 2006 Volvo XC70 at a local auto auction with 137,000 miles on it. The Volvo was a workhorse! I drive my cars fast and hard and the Volvo took a beating. It was fast and smooth. The Volvo was also extremely comfortable. The car was versatile and fun to drive. The Volvo never left me stranded or let me down…”

2005 Volvo XC70

For luxury wagon shoppers on a tight budget, the 2005 XC70 is a compelling choice. It has received great customer feedback scores and is notably more reliable than many of its predecessors.

The 2005 XC70 features a redesigned grille, new headlights, new tail lights, and revamped front seats.

It is powered by a 5-cylinder, LP Turbo, 2.5L engine with a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg.

Owners praise this model for the following aspects: comfort, interior, safety, seats, handling, steering, driving experience, and fuel economy. 

• Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• J.D. Power: NA

2005 XC70, Edmunds Review:

“I loved my 2005 Volvo XC70. Everything about the car screamed quality. The Swedes know how to build a car – the leather on the seats is very thick, very little plastic is used, and metal covers the exterior of the car…”

Consumer Scores For Best Volvo XC70 Years

Related: 15 Best & Worst Volvo XC60 Years (With Pictures & Stats)

What Are The Worst Years For The Volvo XC70?

2004 Volvo XC70

The 2004 XC70 is the most problematic model year ever produced. Its most prominent issue was a defective fuel pump that was prone to cracking.

According to reports, fuel would leak from the fuel pump causing excessive fuel consumption and pungent gas smells. A recall was initiated although some owners claim they were not covered by it whilst others complained of long waiting times due to the unavailability of parts.

“Started smelling gasoline when driving, and noticed dripping under the gas tank when parked. I removed the fuel pump cover in the floorboard, and there is a leak in the top of the fuel pump that drips constantly while the ignition is on…” – NHTSA.gov

“Started smelling gasoline when driving, and noted dripping under gas tank when parked. I removed the fuel pump cover in the floorboard, and there is a leak in the top of the fuel pump, that drips constantly while the ignition is on.” – NHTSA.gov

Another widely reported problem was suspension-related – owners reported that the front coil springs were prone to cracking and failure.

“Both front coil springs broke while going straight at low speed. Vehicle is not used off road. Repair required strut replacement. Dealer said this is a very common problem for Volvo. This is a major safety hazard. Why is there no recall?” – NHTSA.gov

“Broken front coil springs on both the driver and passenger sides. Occurred in two separate incidents and both incidents occurred while pulling straight out of the garage.” – NHTSA.gov

• The 2004 XC70 had a total of 10 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 111 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Car stops at high speeds
• Excessive oil consumption
• Coil spring failure
• Lurches while accelerating

2003 Volvo XC70

The 2003 XC70 was the first model to go on the market in the US and it had its share of issues.

The worst reported problem is the failure of the automatic transmission.

“I purchased my (2003) Volvo Xc70 in late 2006 from I service it regularly and do routine maintenance checks. About a month ago the car began to jerk and hesitate. I took it to the dealer and was told I needed a new transmission for $5700. The car has 71000 miles on it.” – NHTSA.gov

“Volvo Xc70 2003 transmission is going bad with 80,000 miles on it. Needs a total replacement. Hesitates during shifting and sometimes doesn’t go into gear for several seconds.” – NHTSA.gov

Like the 2004 model, owners reported fuel pump cracking, which caused gasoline to leak throughout the vehicle.

“I purchased this 2003 Volvo Xc70 recently and a few weeks after driving it I noticed a bad smell of gas… The mechanic told me this is very dangerous and can not be driven because the car can catch fire or even explode.” – NHTSA.gov

“Overwhelming smell of gasoline, poor starting, brought the automobile to Volvo mechanic (since 1976) determined factory Volvo fuel pump was leaking through the housing, gasoline all over back seats, top of gas tank, engine.” – NHTSA.gov

• The 2003 XC70 had a total of 12 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 29 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Transmission failure
• Fuel leaks
• Rough shifting
• Transmission clunking

2008 Volvo XC70

Owners of the 2008 XC70 have reported a misleading fuel gauge which has led to instances of running out of gas whilst driving.

“A 2008 Volvo XC70 with approximately 30,000 miles stalled while driving about 30 mph. The fuel gauge indicated 1/4 tank and the low fuel indicator on the dash was not on. The vehicle had run out of gas.” – NHTSA.gov

“2008 Volvo Xc70 had a defective fuel tank. Consumer states that the fuel tank was defective because it registered a half tank of fuel on the gauge, but the vehicle ran out of gas.” – NHTSA.gov

• The 2008 XC70 had a total of 3 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 50 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.

Common problems:

• Pad fell out of caliper 
• Faulty fuel gauge
• Unexpected acceleration while braking
• Leakage from power cylinder, master cylinder

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

What Problems Do Volvo XC70s Have?

• Transmission failure
• All-wheel-drive failure
• No power to back wheels
• Wheel wobble
• Uneven tire wear
• Car stops at high speeds
• Oil leakage from filler cap and dipstick
• Lurches while accelerating
• Rough shifting
• Transmission clunking
• Loss of power steering
• Poor radio reception
• Excessive oil consumption

Related: 6 Most Common Volvo XC70 Problems (Explained)

What Are The Best Alternatives To The Volvo XC70?

Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com

References

https://www.caranddriver.com/volvo/xc70

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/volvo/xc70

https://www.edmunds.com/volvo/xc70/2016/review/

https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc70/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/volvo/xc70

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Volvo/XC70/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/volvo/xc70/

https://www.cars.com/research/volvo-xc70/recalls/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/