10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,887 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #11

Apr 202002

S70

  • miles
The control module for the ABS system has malfunctioned and must be replaced in order for the ABS system to work. The repair shop owner indicated that this problem is "common" for this type of Volvo and that his small shop had replaced 8-10 of them. The car remains driveable, but I have been advised that until the control module is replaced, I run the risk of rotor damage, as well as not having the use of the ABS. I contacted Volvo and was advised to contact NHTSA. Please advise if you have received other complaints and if I have any recourse. Thank you.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #10

Mar 032002

S70

  • miles
ABS system intermittently activates upon braking, engine light comes on but dealer and other service organization unable to locate cause despite error code.

- Zimmerman, MN, USA

problem #9

Nov 162001

S70

  • miles
Over maximum "30" second period, vehicle bucked, then interior lights came on and began blinking, then throttle stuck in "full" position, then brakes failed completely while black smoke emerged from under hood and wheel wells, then flames visible from from grill over hood of car, then vehicle finally brought to stop using emergency brakes at which time flames were two-three feet high from grill and wheel well(s) area of car - exited immediately - car total loss..... have since been made aware of "another" '98 S70 fire with very similar sequence of failure events and result - Volvo contacted and claims evidence of animal nest under hood (assistance denied) - cinncinati insurance (my carrier) hired & conducted professional/independent fire investigation with results pending...... have full set of photos - general comment: If there were an elderly person, diabled person or child strapped in childseat riding in vehicle, unable to react/move so quickly, results could have been catastrophic!!!!!

- New London, NH, USA

problem #8

Sep 282001

S70

  • miles
I am aware of 2 other people who own this same vehicle (yr. Make and model). All have the same part that has gone bad in the last month. The 2 dealers I've contacted say that there is a long waiting list for this part! you're just supposed to drive the car until they can get it (not knowing if you have ABS or not I supposed)! also another deceptive/dangerous part of this problem is that the dash board warning lights are inconsistant. On some trips it comes on and on others it doesn't. it never stays on. You'll never know if you should pump the brakes in an emergency or not!

- Damascus, MD, USA

problem #7

Oct 202001

S70

  • miles
Selling dealer and manufacturer-provided extended warranty company refuse to underwrite $750 expense of replacement. Dealer acknowledges that 7 similar cars are currently awaiting replacement of the same control unit. No safetyd efec tlisted.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #6

Oct 052001

(reported on)

S70

  • miles
With approximately 57,000 miles on the odometer I started experiencing severe vibrations when I applied the brakes stopping in a straight line and when turning left at speeds approximating 15-20 miles an hour. The dealer told me that the front rotors were warped because they are aluminum and warp if they get wet when they are hot. Duh! this is Florida, how can they not get hot & wet? the rear rotors were replaced at approx 30,000 miles.deel is currently replacing the rack & pinion steering assembly which apparently caused the severe vibrations when turning left & braking. This car has been maintained at deel Volvo in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines.

- Coral Gables, FL, USA

problem #5

Apr 012000

S70

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
During braking at slow speeds intermittently there is a loud pop. Then, pedal goes to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Vehicle taken to dealer 8-9 times. Replaced brake pads twice, found lots of black dust, but stated that was normal. Problem not remedied.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #4

Apr 261999

S70

  • miles
At about 10,000 miles the brakes would slip and rumble when braking down a hill. I took the car in to complain and they told me that they couldn't find anything wrong with it. I started avoiding hills. Every time I brought the car in for service I complained about this problem and was assured that nothing was wrong. Now I am at 28300 and I took the car in for my 30,000 maintence, not at the dealer but another certified Volvo shop. I tell them about the problem. I am told that the rotor is bad. Well I had this same problem at under 10,000. Miles.

- La Mirada, CA, USA

problem #3

Sep 051998

S70

  • miles
I believe the information is self explanatory. Thank you. My situation has been escalated to the manufacturer who over the past 6-7 weeks has been extremely unresponsive to my requests to establish meeting. No safety defect listed in summary.

- Syosset, NY, USA

problem #2

May 181999

S70

  • miles
Intake vent port blew out, also, lost braking.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #1

Aug 161997

S70

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Driving down the highway when there was spontaneous increase in RPM without having foot on gas. Brakes locked up on vehicle. Cause of the problem is unknown.

- Nashville, TN, USA