Hello All,

I purchased a used 1999 V70 AWD XC in 1999 with just under 12,000. Since that time to the present, I changed the ATF every two years, and within 3 years of purchase, I installed a Magnefine in-line filter to remove metal particles to further promote the longevity of the transmission. The car is just shy of 170,00 miles and recently, I noticed when I put the car in reverse, if I pressed down slightly on the gas pedal, the transmission would slip. If I just put the car in reverse and let the engine idle, the car gently moved in reverse. It was only if I increased the engine RPM, the transmission seemed to “disengage”. The ATF fluid is clean and filled to the top on the dip stick.

My private Volvo mechanic put the car in reverse and experienced the problem. He said the reverse gear is failing, and will ultimately stop working altogether soon. He said this condition is rare, but not unheard of on this particular Volvo. It is always the reverse gear that fails. The 4 forward gears are always fine. He ha seen many XC wagons of my vintage that go 300,000 miles without any transmission problems, but he has also seen the problem I am now experiencing. There is no rhyme or reason why some cars fail prematurely and others never have a problem (assuming proper maintenance).

Volvo still sells a rebuilt transmission for $3,002.00. Erie Vo-Vo has exactly one transmission for my car that came off a salvage car 4 months ago, with a 135,000 miles. Erie’s price for the transmission delivered is $1,250.00 and comes with a one year warranty. If the transmission fails, Erie will try to find you another. If it can’t, it will refund your purchase price.

Some questions:

1) Does anybody know why only the reverse gear fails on this particular transmission?

2) Since the failure of this particular transmission was not unheard of for the condition described above, did Volvo ever provide extended warranty or provide “Good Will money” to cover the cost of the replacement of this transmission, even if out of warranty?

3) Has anyone else had this transmission problem?

4) I asked my mechanic if he would fix this car. He is a good friend and not just interested in making a buck. He said because my car is mechanically in very good shape and the body and paint are in excellent shape, he would get the transmission fixed. I would like to hear other people’s thoughts. He told me the labor to replace this transmission is 6 hours.

Thanks to all who respond. I have to confess, this is the type of experience, that makes owning a well maintained Volvo frustrating.

Hugh