IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2014 Volvo V70 (Gen 3)

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2014 Volvo V70 (Gen 3). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

2
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Wiper arm chafing the brake booster vacuum line (2012-13 recall)

SeriousBrakes

A peculiar but genuine Volvo fault that DVSA recorded for these model years: the wiper arm mechanism can chafe against the brake booster vacuum line, gradually reducing brake assistance or - worst case - losing it suddenly, with the fix being rerouting/adding protection to the pipe. It illustrates the V70's wider recall story that Auto Express summarises (multiple recalls, otherwise solid reliability). Check the recall status of the exact car and inspect the pipe at the scuttle for wear marks.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (recall) / £200-£450 if overdue
Warning Signs:

Brake pedal gradually getting heavier, Hissing from under the scuttle with the engine running, Recent wiper linkage or arm replacement without pipe inspection

What to Inspect:
  • Lift the wiper arms and look at the vacuum pipe route for chafe marks or fresh loom tape
  • Confirm the recall remedy in writing via the DVSA service
  • Feel for a progressively hard pedal during the test drive, especially at the first stop
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Sunroof drain elbows flooding footwells

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The Owners' Club has V70 threads of post-rain sloshing and rear footwells that fill like a well, and FnF’s Volvo drain guide explains the mechanical cause across the S80/V70/XC70 generation: front drains run through a 90-degree elbow behind the front wheels that clogs or whose tube slips off, and the rear drains discharge into the trunk area. Water in the sill soaks connectors and amplifiers, so the true cost of a blocked drain is measured in electrics, not carpet. Test all four drains before signing.

Est. Repair Cost: £80-£1,000
Warning Signs:

Damp carpet at the sills after rain, Water in the spare-wheel well, Intermittent electrical oddities after wet weather

What to Inspect:
  • Water-test each sunroof corner drain and confirm discharge under each wheel
  • Lift the rear carpet and check for staining along the sill
  • Ask whether the drain elbows have been renewed, not just cleared
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2014 Volvo V70 (Gen 3)

  • Run the plate through the DVSA recall service - D5-era fuel dilution, fuel pipe and brake-assistance recalls are specific to model years of this car.
  • Check idle behaviour and the oil level on diesel examples; the fuel-dilution and engine-running-on theme is the known weak point of these five-cylinder diesels.
  • With a sunroof fitted, water-test the drains behind the front wheels - FnF guide calls the dislodged 90-degree elbow a known failure, and the result is a soaked footwell and corroded wiring.
  • If it tows or carries loads, the rear self-levelling dampers must be original-spec and working; worn Nivomats wreck MOT braking and ride tests.
  • Prefer 2013-on cars with the refreshed front end, LED tail lamps and lower-CO2 D2/D3 engines, which are the best-rounded of the used market.
20132015–2016
Check a 2014 Volvo V70 (Gen 3) by Registration