The electronic throttle module in my Volvo V70 fails without warning. Often at highway speeds, this results in a sudden loss of speed (almost as if the brakes were suddenly applied). Though Volvo's owners manual indicates this can happen, and recommends restarting the car (under the section on the ets light), I am convinced the repeated failures constitute a safety hazard. Were it to occur when changing lanes or merging, I fear the situation could be quite bad. Although Volvo recommends replacing the ETM for $1000+, I am reluctant to do so, not least because others with the same problem have spent the money to replace the module, and then ended up with the same problem again. Recently, the incidents are occurring as often as once very 15 to 30 minutes.

- Princeton, NJ, USA

No events leading to failure. Electronic throttle control module failed whiled driving on freeway. Forced to make emergency stop and have vehicle towed to repair facility to have the module replaced.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

The electronic throttle module in my 1999 Volvo V70 as begun to fail without warning. Often the problem will fix itself upon restarting. However, when the module fails (and the ets light comes on in the dash), an extremely sudden loss of power is experienced---enough that it could easily lead to a loss of control. The problem has occurred at least 15 times in the past 2 days, and is a serious safety hazard. Volvo, in the owners manual for the car, indicates that this failure may sometimes occur (in the section describing the ets light) and suggest trying to restart the car. While restarting the car does often work, I find this to be an unacceptable and very serious safety hazard. Volvo's solution for me is to replace the throttle module at $1000 or more. Many have experienced this same problem, though, and the defect seems to be clearly systemic. What's more, there is no evidence that Volvo's replacements won't exhibit precisely the same problem.

- Princeton, NJ, USA

The vehicle stalled. The dealer replaced throttle body 3 times.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

11/12/04 mass air flow sensor replaced 12/16/04 map sensor & shut off valve replaced 3/15/05 shut off valve replaced again! 1/18 05 master window switch pack replaced - 5/31/05 master window switch pack replaced again!! 3/17/05 electronic throttle control module replaced!!! 5/9/05 oxygen sensor and ABS control unit replaced. When the throttle control module failed in March 2005, my 1999 Volvo V70 had only 55,000 miles on it! I was on the expressway when my car lost power and had no way to get back onto the road safely.....I have spent over $4000 in the past year replacing electrical control units in order to make this car safe. The check engine light came multiple times over the past year. I am afraid to drive this car for fear of something else going wrong with the electrical system. I have four small grandchildren who are with me at least three days a week.

- Louisville, KY, USA

Please include my vehicle incident to NHTSA action # PE05041. While driving on the highway the vehicle ets (electronic throttle system) warning light came on. Vehicle was able to drive home. Next day vehicle would not start, however, was able to start by bypassing gear selector into neutral and vehicle started and was taken to Volvo dealer. Volvo replaced the ets unit and reloaded the software under the special ca emissions warranty. Since Volvo replaced the part with an identical unit, I am concerned the unit will fail again out of warranty and I will have to replace at my cost ($1,000). Volvo should redesign and replace ets units to Volvo owners at no cost.

- Lomita, CA, USA

Incidence 7 of 7 similar. As reported on service invoice: "customer states: Ever since throttle was done a couple of months ago, feels like it is going in and out of gear while driving- feels for a micro second at various times going in and out of gear. Nino can call for more info if necessary. Refer to ro 435245 09/17/04 78697 miles - found defect in throttle unit assembly replaced -- technician found codes for ETM internal malfunction. Replaced ETM and performed download." This incident was the 7th of 7 similar problems occurring later that ultimately lead to having the throttle body cleaned twice & then replaced twice. I have reported all the previous incidents in sequence of occurrence on this NHTSA complaint site as well. Note that this particular incident seems to be consistent with already-recognized NHTSA action number PE05041 "failure of the electronic throttle control module (ETM) in the subject vehicles." Previously reported incidents: 1) ODI #10131200 2) ODI #10131206 3) ODI #10131207 4) ODI #10131208 5) ODI #10131209 6) ODI #10131213.

- Oakdale, NY, USA

Incidence 6 of 7 similar. As reported on service invoice: "customer states: Ets light came on after driving car at highway speeds. When decelerating down to local (town) speed car has a severe sputtering, hesitation as if it was going to stall. Fault traced system with vadis and retrieved codes ECM-532D ECM-9190, ECM-91A7, and ECM-91F0... replaced electronic throttle assembly, and downloaded new software to adapt car." This incident was the 6th of 7 similar problems occurring later that ultimately lead to having the throttle body cleaned twice & then replaced twice. I will be reporting all these subsequent incidents in sequence of occurrence on this NHTSA complaint site as well. Note that this particular incident seems to be consistent with already-recognized NHTSA action number PE05041 "failure of the electronic throttle control module (ETM) in the subject vehicles." Previously reported incidents: 1) ODI #10131200 2) ODI #10131206 3) ODI #10131207 4) ODI #10131208 5) ODI #1013120.

- Oakdale, NY, USA

Incidence 5 of 7 similar. As reported on service invoice: "customer states: Check engine light on. There are drive ability concerns. Car cuts out intermittent right after starting - warm or cold start. See attached. Access diagnostic codes: ECM 2110 and ECM 720A. Replace immobilizer antenna ring and front oxygen sensor. Reset adaptation." This incident was the 5th of 7 similar problems occurring later that ultimately lead to having the throttle body cleaned twice & then replaced twice. I will be reporting all these subsequent incidents in sequence of occurrence on this NHTSA complaint site as well. Previously reported incidents: 1) ODI #10131200 2) ODI #10131206 3) ODI #10131207 4) ODI #10131208.

- Oakdale, NY, USA

Incidence 4 of 7 similar. As reported on service invoice: "customer reports: 1) when slowing down to a stop tach drops and then picks back up when car comes to a stop. Clean throttle housing. 2) was getting 20 miles per gallon now about 17 1/2. perform software upgrade for ECM, tcm and ETM." This incident was the 4th of 7 similar problems occurring later that ultimately lead to having the throttle body cleaned twice & then replaced twice. I will be reporting all these subsequent incidents in sequence of occurrence on this NHTSA complaint site as well. Previously reported incidents: 1) ODI #10131200 2) ODI #10131206 3) ODI #10131207.

- Oakdale, NY, USA

Incidence 3 of 7 similar. As reported on service invoice: "[throttle & cruise] customer reports: Ets light comes on intermittently - light goes out on restart. Access diagnostic codes: ECM 91A7. Perform software download & reset adaptations." This incident was the 3rd of 7 similar problems occurring later that ultimately lead to having the throttle body cleaned twice & then replaced twice. I will be reporting all these subsequent incidents in sequence of occurrence on this NHTSA complaint site as well. Previously reported incidents: 1) ODI #10131200 2) ODI #10131206.

- Oakdale, NY, USA

Incidence 2 of 7 similar. As reported on service invoice: "customer reports; vibration when coming to a stop. Shop foreman road tested with customer; felt poor idle at stopping of car. Access diagnostic trouble code; none stored. R&R throttle body. Clean and adjust throttle unit." This incident was the 2nd of 7 similar problems occurring later that ultimately lead to having the throttle body cleaned twice & then replaced twice. I will be reporting all these subsequent incidents in sequence of occurrence on this NHTSA complaint site as well. Previously reported incidents: 1) ODI #10131200.

- Oakdale, NY, USA

Vehicle quit running unexpectedly. (1) no warning. (2) engine quit in traffic. (3) cleaned idle air control valve.

- Oviedo, FL, USA

1999 Volvo V70 experiencing problems with the electronic throttle system.** answer required*** the ets light (electronic throttle system) would come on and the vehicle would start to buck. Several mechanics, dealer and friends of the consumers stated that this was a common problem.

- St Michaels, MD, USA

After charging the battery, the car would not start. The incident has happened at least 3 times and the dealer stated there was no fix to the problem.

- Norton, MA, USA

Console and console knobs very hot to the touch - tapes have melted in tape deck - electrical switches malfunction repeatedly but in no apparent pattern - turn signals and headlights burn out on a regular basis - windows have not operated - electrical seat adjustment has failed - air conditioner swithces have failed.

- Garland, TX, USA