10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,684 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #19

Nov 152005

V70

  • miles
The ABS / traction control unit on these cars fail in unreasonably high numbers. It's such a big business, that mechanics sell thousands of refurbished units on ebay. Volvo charges over $700 for the parts, and is avoiding repairing this item because I'm sure some actuary told them it's cheaper to pay claims and defend lawsuits than to protect their customers. I have not experienced an accident or crash as a result, but I'm sure hundreds of people have.

- Wenonah, NJ, USA

problem #18

Apr 152004

V70 5-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
The ABS system failed during a panic stop, causing the brakes to lock up and the car to skid uncontrollably into the middle of an intersection. Fortunately it did not result in any significant damage. There had been no indication of a problem prior to the incident and the ABS light was on after the incident and had not been on previously. The problem was repaired by replacing the ABS control module. Upon discussions with the technician, it was clear that this is a very common failure with these models and it leaves the the ABS system completely disabled when it occurs. As my incident shows, this failure can occur without warning and cause a very dangerous situation where the driver is relying on the ABS system and instead has the brakes lock up causing an uncontrollable skid. In addition to this incident, the technician also told me that the module had already failed and been replaced previously at 31K miles. This appears to be a defect that is very common and will cause unsuspecting drivers to suddenly lose control of their vehicles in a panic stop situation.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #17

May 092004

V70

  • miles
At only 70,000 miles my ABS unit failed and had to be replaced. This is such a common problem that the dealer agreed to pay half. Volvo should replace this critical safety componet on every vehicle at their expense.

- Hilton Head Island, SC, USA

problem #16

Oct 282003

V70

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles
While driving, the ABS and traction control indicator illuminated. Both lights stayed for the duration of travel.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #15

Jul 222003

V70

  • 55,000 miles
Anti lock brakes control unit failed. A light indicated that the ABS brakes were not working, but the consumer heard and felt the ABS brakes were working when applying the brakes.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #14

Jul 152003

V70 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
When the brakes were applied, the ABS light appeared on the dashboard. Braking power hesitated, which caused the to have no brakes. The brakes activated without driver application. Yet, when the brakes were applied, there was a delay in braking.

- Portland, ME, USA

problem #13

Nov 102002

V70

  • miles
ABS module failure looking at a few Volvo on line boards this does not seem to be an isolated case so much for the "safty" car company.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #12

Oct 112002

V70 4WD 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While traveling on the highway, the air message appeared on the dashboard and codes were not correct. Dealer was aware of the problem. Ts the computer chip on the anti lock braking system failed. The mechanic stated that there were several other vehicle with the same problem. Volvo wouldn't repair the vehicle under warranty.

- Pacific Palisades, CA, USA

problem #11

Oct 202002

V70 4WD

  • miles
ABS control module is cracked. I have heard this is a common problem for this vehicle. ABS system is not operable until ECU is replaced. Intermittent problem (ABS light comes on periodically).

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #10

Oct 102002

(reported on)

V70

  • miles
Air bag deployed while car was in motion, followed by ABS/tracs warning lights coming on. The ABS no longer works after this occurs. This occurred intermittenly at first, but on a constant basis now.

- Scotch Plains, NJ, USA

problem #9

Sep 152002

V70

  • miles
ABS / traction control module failed which resulted in loss of ABS and traction control. It has come to my attention that this is a common safety issue with Volvo. My mechanic from pro Volvo (tele# 732-303-0770)claims he changes 2 ABS modules every week. The dealership even stocks 14 of these modules in its inventory. The repair is also not cheap at approx. $650.

- Lincroft, NJ, USA

problem #8

Jul 152002

V70 4WD

  • miles
ABS module failed. It is apparently a common safety issue with this model/year Volvo.

- Stroudsburg, PA, USA

problem #7

Aug 152002

V70

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Oakland, NJ, USA

problem #6

Feb 072002

(reported on)

V70

  • miles
While driving ABS/ tracking light illuminate on dashboard.

- Strathmore, CA, USA

problem #5

Oct 012001

V70

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Ventura, CA, USA

problem #4

Jan 012000

V70 4WD

  • miles
ABS anf tracking system off warning lights come on. Sometimes at startup, while driving or braking. Dealer has serviced system with new sensors and resetting computer with no success on numerous occasions. They say it isn't important.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #3

Jan 012000

V70 4WD

  • miles
ABS anf tracking system off warning lights come on. Sometimes at startup, while driving or braking. Dealer has serviced system with new sensors and resetting computer with no success on numerous occasions. They say it isn't important.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #2

Aug 011998

V70

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Alpine, NJ, USA

problem #1

Oct 161999

V70 4WD

  • miles
Traveling about 30mph, stepped on brake pedal, brakes did not activate.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA