I am in So. California and have a 2001 V70 2.4t with 10,000 miles on it. The transmission started shifting harshly from 2nd to 3rd gear a couple of months ago. Its shifts harshly from 2-3 when the engine is cold or hot. The harsness is more noticeable on low speed driving.

Been to the dealer for the 3rd time now. The first visit, they downloaded a new "adaptation" (which did not help). The second visit (another dealer from the first) did not know what the problem was. My third visit (same as the first dealer), the car is in the service area for two days now. They claim that they are still waiting for technical support to give an answer to this problem.

At least the dealer gave me a rental car (new S40). My V70 is getting to be a real hassle. I have read similar posts regarding this problem but not really an answer to what fixes it. Is this a common problem with the Volvo transmissions?
Anyone else has this problem?

There are a rath of problems with the new V70 beyond the transmission. Read the recent posts on the tranni problems and there are suspension issues also. The sway bar down links are weak and wear excessively. I have had two sets replaced prior to my 50,000 mile check. Tire noise is excessive for a $35K car. Dealer support from Volvo is crap. Volvo customer service is double crap. I would sell mine if I could but the resale is also c...! I have a 2001 2.4T that I can't even get $20K for.

2001 2.4T
1988 325iX 176,000 miles
1999 540i sport

Don't have an answer to your problem but if you don't mind...how do you like the S40? A friend of mine is thinking of buying a 2001 model.

I was loaned a 2003 S40. My sister owned a 2001 model. There is not much difference between the two models except for cosmetics. You really need to consider the S40 and they are a great bargain when bought used. I love the engine and the power of this car. Dont let the small 1.9 liter turbo fool you. This car gets up and goes pretty fast. In fact, the car feels faster than my 2001 V70 2.4 Turbo. The handling is great and the transmission is perfect.
The only thing I dont care for is the dash. Its rather plain. But I am coming from the V70 so I may be a littel biased.

Thanks for the appraisal. We looked at them today and she really liked it. That little 1.9 turbo does the job nicely.

Howdy!

I have the same model/year and have a similar experience.
When I start up the car and drive slow for a short distance,
the first time the gear goes from 2 to 3, there is a definite
jerk. It happens only once. The dealer looked into this and it
is normal. If I start to accelerate faster, there is no jerkiness
whatsoever. If you have this problem everytime you start from
standstill (and don't turn the car off in between), then something
has to be wrong...

Cheers, T

The dealer said it is not normal. My car has been in the dealer for a week now.
They just put in a brand new transmission under warranty.

Congratulations--your officially "christened" as a new volvo owner!! You and your local dealers will become "good pals" over the next 2 years or so!