Faults and service for this model with this engine

Volvo V70 3 D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel)

Diesel · 2007–2016

known faults

Faults typical of this model

16.1 %

Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.

All about the Volvo V70 3 All about the D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel) engine

The D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel) engine was fitted to the Volvo V70 3 (2007–2016). In the EU that is 16.1 % of all new cars of this generation.

The most expensive known risk is automatic gearbox (XC90 T6 / some 5-speed): it usually appears at 120,000–220,000 km and costs €300–3,000 to fix.

Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)

✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.

EGR cooler and valve clogging with soot

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Engine light with EGR codes (e.g. P04D9), reduced power, uneven idle

Fix: Check that the manifold recall is done, then clean or replace the EGR valve and cooler

€300–1,600

Recall: intake manifold can melt (fire risk), 2014–2019

usually 0–250,000 km · High risk

model years 2014–2019 only

Signs: Usually none before failure; burning smell, power loss or the engine stopping

Fix: Check with a Volvo dealer by VIN that recall R29946–R29948 is done (software and EGR cooling changes)

€0–1,500

Recall: air pockets in the cooling system (overheating), 2014–2017

usually 0–250,000 km · High risk

model years 2014–2017 onlyengine codes: D4204T4, D4204T5, D4204T8, D4204T9, D4204T14, D4204T20

Signs: Temperature warning or overheating, often after coolant has been topped up

Fix: Check with a Volvo dealer that recall R10025 / R10026 (extra bleed hose) is done

€0–300

High oil consumption on early engines (pistons and rings)

usually 60,000–180,000 km · High risk

model years 2014–2016 only

Signs: Oil level warning between services, frequent topping up

Fix: Dealer oil consumption test; if it fails, pistons and rings are replaced with the revised design

€2,500–5,000

DPF clogging on short trips

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: DPF warning, frequent regenerations, limp mode

Fix: Forced regeneration; if that fails, professional cleaning or a new DPF

€150–2,000

Cracked turbo / intercooler hoses and resonator pipe

usually 60,000–180,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Loss of boost, hissing under load, limp mode

Fix: Find and replace the split hose or resonator pipe

€100–300

Faults typical of this model

AWD angle gear (bevel gear)

usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Clunk, AWD not engaging, oil leak

Fix: Replace angle gear / seals; change oil

€600–2,000

Automatic gearbox (XC90 T6 / some 5-speed)

usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Slipping, harsh shifts

Fix: Fluid flush; rebuild

€300–3,000

CEM / electrics

usually 100,000–250,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Random electrical faults

Fix: Diagnose; replace module

€200–700

Gearboxes

Manual

Clutch wear

usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Slipping, high bite point

Fix: Replace clutch kit

€500–900

Dual-mass flywheel

usually 150,000–220,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away

Fix: Replace with clutch

€700–1,400

Geartronic (Aisin / GM)

Aisin TF-80SC harsh shifts / valve body

usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Harsh 2–3 / 3–4 shifts, flare

Fix: Fluid flush; valve body

€300–1,500

PowerShift MPS6 (wet, Getrag)

MPS6 fluid & clutch wear

usually 120,000–220,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Rough shifts when the fluid is old

Fix: Fluid change every 60,000 km

€200–1,500

Service plan for this engine

Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,400–5,750. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.

Intervals and typical prices for the Volvo V70 3 with the D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.

Item	Interval	Typical price
DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions	every 20,000 km	€0–60
Engine oil + oil filterEngine	every 15,000 km or every 12 months	€70–150
Cabin (pollen) filterClimate	every 15,000 km or every 12 months	€15–40
Brake fluidBrakes	every 24 months	€50–95
A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate	every 24 months	€70–150
Air filterEngine	every 30,000 km or every 24 months	€15–45
Fuel filterFuel	every 30,000 km or every 24 months	€40–110
Glow plugsEngine	every 100,000 km	€120–300
Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine	every 120,000 km	€70–180
Coolant replacementCooling	every 150,000 km or every 96 months	€70–150
Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine	every 150,000 km or every 120 months	€450–900
Manual gearbox oilTransmission	every 150,000 km	€60–130
Front brake padsBrakes	usually at 30,000–60,000 km	€60–150
Front brake discs + padsBrakes	usually at 60,000–120,000 km	€150–320
Rear brake padsBrakes	usually at 50,000–90,000 km	€50–130
Tyres (set of 4)Wheels	usually at 40,000–60,000 km	€320–700
Wiper bladesBody	checked at service	€20–50
12V batteryElectrical	checked at service	€100–220

Official recalls

Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (47). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.

Engine / loss of power There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components16/07/2020 · R/2020/210
Engine / loss of power There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system08/07/2020 · R/2020/205
Seat belt Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point01/07/2020 · R/2020/192
Fire risk The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform07/10/2019 · R/2019/180
Fuel system Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose04/01/2019 · R/2018/377
Fire risk Coolant leakage may result in a fire26/10/2016 · R/2016/249
Airbag Driver's airbag module may not deploy as intended01/06/2016 · R/2016/117
Steering Stalling and loss of steering power assistance19/02/2016 · R/2016/027

Common questions

What are the biggest risks of the Volvo V70 3 with the D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel) engine?

The faults with the highest risk: automatic gearbox (XC90 T6 / some 5-speed) (120,000–220,000 km, €300–3,000); DPF clogging on short trips (80,000–200,000 km, €150–2,000); AWD angle gear (bevel gear) (100,000–200,000 km, €600–2,000); EGR cooler and valve clogging with soot (80,000–200,000 km, €300–1,600).

Does the Volvo V70 3 D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel) have a timing belt or a chain?

Belt · 150,000 km / every 120 mo.

Which oil does the Volvo V70 3 D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel) need?

0W-20 / 0W-30 · Volvo VCC RBS0-2AE · ~5.2 L · every 15,000 km.

The same model with other engines

2.0 / 2.4 D / D3 / D4 / D5 5-cyl (Volvo D5)2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10)1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)

Other models with the D3 / D4 / D5 (VEA diesel) engine

Volvo XC60 II 2017–Volvo S60 / V60 I 2010–2018 Volvo XC40 2017–Volvo XC60 I 2008–2017 Volvo V40 2012–2019 Volvo S60 / V60 II 2018–Volvo S90 / V90 2016–Volvo XC90 II 2014–

Sources and notes

Main sources for the faults of this engine:

Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →

Updated 29/10/2026

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