Volvo ownership notes for older 5-cylinder and newer Drive-E cars: PCV systems, timing belts, AWD angle gear leaks, oil consumption and what to ask an indie Volvo shop.
Volvos have a loyal following in Colorado, and for good reason. They're comfortable, safe and the AWD ones handle snow fine. A Volvo that's been cared for will run a long time. Here's what to keep up with.
Older 5-cylinder cars (about 1999 to 2016)
- Timing belt. The 5-cylinder engines are belt driven. The interval depends on year and engine, so look it up in your manual or ask your shop. Do the water pump, tensioner and idler at the same time.
- PCV system. When it clogs, crankcase pressure builds and pushes oil out of seals. Symptoms are oil leaks and sometimes a whistle at idle. A PCV job is a common and worthwhile repair on these.
- AWD angle gear (bevel gear). It can leak or run low on fluid, and then wear. Worth checking on older XC70s, XC90s and S60 AWD cars.
- Suspension bushings and motor mounts.
Newer Drive-E 4-cylinders (2015 on)
Turbo, and on some, supercharged too. Some of these engines had oil consumption complaints, so check your oil level regularly. These cars are much more computer heavy, so a shop with Volvo-level diagnostics (VIDA or equivalent) helps a lot.
What we have for data
We don't have any Volvo price reports yet. That's on our list. If you've had a timing belt, PCV or angle gear job done, please send us the price, even an older one.
Ask an indie Volvo shop
- Do you have Volvo diagnostics?
- Is the timing belt job a full kit with water pump?
- Can you check the angle gear fluid while it's up on the lift?