1999 Volvo V70 problems
Owners have filed 220 complaints about the 1999 Volvo V70 with NHTSA. Vehicle speed control accounts for 24.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 19.5%.
Complaints220
Crashes5
Fires2
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Vehicle speed control 24.1% · 53
Electrical system 19.5% · 43
Engine and engine cooling 9.5% · 21
Fuel system, gasoline 8.6% · 19
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.4% · 14
Visibility 4.5% · 10
Power train 3.6% · 8
Exterior lighting 3.6% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Volvo V70 in this data, 1999 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2001 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Failure of the electronic throttle module resiulted in erratic throttle response. Surging on idle was causing problems if brake was not applied strongly enough. Cruise control was also erratic in function. Took to the dealer for replacement @ $1200.00. They gave no indication that this was a chronic problem. I only discovered the chronic nature of the problem on a bulletin board web site for Volvo's. Vehicle speed control · reported at 95,000 miles
Dt: while driving vehicle lost power and died on the highway. Caller said the electric throttle system warning light came on when the vehicle lost power. He was able to get the vehicle restarted but it would not idle right and could not be driven. Vehicle was towed to dealer who determined that the electric throttle neede to be replaced. Manufacturer said sometimes these things failed. *Ak Vehicle speed control · reported at 88,367 miles
Failure of electronic throttle system occurred. No injuries due to immediate discontinued use after warning light illuminated. After light illuminated, I drove the car straight home from work, parked it and am currently researching where I will take it to get repaired. I have recently read numerous articles on this problem that others are having as well, and wanted to note this incident as well. Vehicle speed control · reported at 98,020 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…