Recalls: Volvo Mk.2 V70
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volvo Mk.2 V70
2000-01 model year Volvo V70 and V70 XC: cooling fan may overheat
In September 2004, a recall was issued for certain model year 2000 to 2001 Volvo V70 and V70 XC vehicles. In certain operating conditions, the electric cooling fan may overheat, potentially destroying the fan and nearby components. In some cases, a fire in the engine compartment may result. The recall required that the electric cooling fan be replaced with an improved unit (PRA 2004/7244).
2004 model year Volvo V70: front control arms
In January 2004, a recall was issued for 2004 model year Volvo Mk.2 V70 vehicles due to the front control arms not having been manufactured to specifications. As a result, the stud and nut which secured the front control arm to the spindle may lose its initial axial tension and cause the steering wheel to go out of alignment – this may create front suspension noise. Under certain conditions, the vehicle may become less responsive and the driver may experience steering wheel play. At worst, the front control arm and spindle may separate. The corrective action was to exchange the nuts and increase the assembly torque on affected vehicles (PRA 2004/6737).
Problems and faults: Volvo Mk.2 V70
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2001-02 Volvo V70: electronic throttle control software update – service campaign
In November 2006, Volvo initiated recall R155 in the USA to update the electronic throttle control software; while this recall was not initiated in Australia, a service campaign was. According to the recall notice, all 2001 model year Volvo V70 vehicles and 2002 model year Volvo V70 vehicles with naturally aspirated engines vehicles may experience the following symptoms:
- Entering ‘limp home’ mode (which limited power and engine speed); and/or,
- A warning lamp in the instrument cluster would illuminate and the ‘Service Required’ message would be displayed.
The recall notice attributed these symptoms to a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing and/or ‘inefficient’ software calibration. The electronic throttle control software upgrade that was installed as part of the recall enabled the system to better differentiate between glitches or minor disturbances, and real system faults. The software upgrade also reduced idle oscillations caused by dirt build-up in the throttle.
Itis understood that the service action for Australian-delivered vehicles included:
- Measuring pressure in the crankcase and cleaning the crankcase ventilation system. According to Volvo Cars Australia, a ‘high percentage’ of Volvo cars serviced outside its dealer service network experienced blocked crankcase breathers;
- Updating the electronic throttle module (ETM) software as per the R155 recall; and,
- Clearing any fault codes in the system.
2001-04 model year Volvo V70: cracks in fuel pump flange
In 2010, Volvo UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for 2001-04 model year Volvo V70 vehicles. In these Volvo V70 vehicles, certain environmental conditions, i.e. hot climate and temperature cycling, combined with varying fuel quality could cause the fuel pump to develop cracks in the fuel pump flange. If this occurred, the driver may detect a fuel smell, while a fuel leak could also occur and pose a fire hazard (NCA/2010/019). In the USA, an official safety recall was issued for this concern (NHTSA Campaign Number 09V483000).
Volvo Mk.2 V70: other problems and faults
- The alternator may fail due to high heat or humidity; an improved unit was subsequently released.
- Poor radio reception may be caused by magnetic interference created by the boot-mounted battery and the positive battery cable which is routed through the vehicle.
- The climate control air conditioning may cycle from full hot to full cold every 10 seconds or so if the control module forgets its calibration and continuously tries to recalibrate itself.
- The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate due to liquid leaking into the centre console and short-circuiting the mode switch.
