Most common 1999 Volvo C70 problems
Share of the 31 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo C70 complaints by model year
Best C70 years: 2010, 2002, 2009. Years to avoid: 2000, 1999, 2001, 2012. Compare all years →
1999 Volvo C70 recalls (3)
Vehicle speed control
On certain passenger vehicles, a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing, and/or inefficient software calibration May cause a warning lamp to light and the subsequent onset of limp home modes.
Remedy: Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles. The recall began on December 29, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch May cease to function.
Remedy: On vehicles with an original OEM switch, dealers will replace the headlight switch. All other vehicles will be inspected to determine if the switch has een damaged and replace only if necessary.
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. There could be inadequate contact between the bulb and socket which could cause the front turn signal not to function as designed.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1999 Volvo C70:
Headlight failure
On August 23, 1999, Volvo notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall (99V235) on certain 1997 model year (my) 850 vehicles and certain 1998 s/v/c 70 series vehicles for failure of the headlight switch.the defect report stated in part: operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.Volvo's remedy for this recall was to replace the…
Throttle control malfunction
Pe05-041 was opened on July, 26, 2005, based on 136 consumer complaints to odi alleging throttle control malfunctions in the subject vehicles.odi has now received 591 complaints of etm failures which allege symptoms with potential safety related consequences.these include allegations of engine stall, vehicle surging forward without accelerator input, vehicle hesitation upon acceleration and sudden and unexpected…
Throttle control malfunction
On November 14, 2006 Volvo submitted a defect information report to NHTSA concerning etm failures in model year (my) 1999 through 2001 Volvo models (not including the s40 and v40), my 2002 s60 and v70 with naturally aspirated engines and my 2002 v70s.according to Volvo, ?a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing and/or inefficient software calibration May cause a warning…
What 1999 Volvo C70 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Dt:the problem began last year while driving in the neighborhood at about 25-30 MPH, the owner felt tugging and hesitation. There were no lights on to warn owner of a problem. The car experienced a loss of power until the operating temperature went up to normal temperature problem happened every time the car was driven, and got worse with time. The problem happened about 20 times, then owner took the car to the dealership. The dealer notified owner he would need to replace the electronic throttle module ( etm). The fault codes that showed electronic control module (ECM 9150 and 914f). The owner did not have the repairs done and the problem got worse. Then about 9 months later, the owner experienced the significant loss of power while driving/coming on to the off ramp, and merging into traffic. The owner tried to speed up. There was a feeling of complete loss of power at 3000 rpms. …
Dt*: the contact stated in February 2005 the engine surged while idling at stop signs. The dealership replaced the electric throttle module. In 2002 and on July 25, 2005 the vehicle veered to the right. Upon inspection the independent repair shop determined the engine mounts needed to be replaced. Also, on January 20, 2005 there was a noise coming from the drive shaft. Upon inspection the independent repair shop replaced the drive shaft because it had weakened. All the problems occurred at various speeds.
Electrical system
My brakes were making a weird squeaking noise in front. I took to orange county Volvo dealer twice, both times was told nothing was wrong. Two weeks later, I experienced complete brake failure,without warning and the only way to stop was to hit the car in front of me. No warning lights illuminated, there were no other warnings prior to complete brake failure. I called my dealer who denied any problems. I had it towed to another dealer (power Volvo)who identified the problem as a complete brake booster failure. My dealer said there was no way the noise I previously complained about (weird squeak)could have been due to a brake booster problem(he said booster failure makes a hissing sound). …
I was driving on gallatin rd in tn , a busy 4 lane business district, when my Volvo C70 lost power and I was forced to coast into a church parking lot - I have a manual transmission. I didn't think anything of the incident until I saw a similar story reported on yahoo news. They replaced the computer under warranty and it is working fine now (2 yrs later), but had this been a busy highway, I would have caused a traffic problem.
Engine & cooling
Etm failed in car for the second time at 115,000 miles on vehicle, previously replaced September 2003 at 64,000 miles. Driving from ohio to pa for thanksgiving ets light and check engine light illuminated. After thanksgiving dinner went to go home and my Volvo C70 quit accelerating while entering a 4 lane highway from an entry ramp. Fortunately, traffic was light and traffic was easily able to pass to the left until I coasted off to the berm of the road. The car was idling but did not have power to go up small grade. Shut car off and restarted, throttle response resumed and was able to return home. Dealer replaced etm module under recently announced extended warranty program on 12/2/2005. I do not have old part.
Dt*: the contact stated in February 2005 the engine surged while idling at stop signs. The dealership replaced the electric throttle module. In 2002 and on July 25, 2005 the vehicle veered to the right. Upon inspection the independent repair shop determined the engine mounts needed to be replaced. Also, on January 20, 2005 there was a noise coming from the drive shaft. Upon inspection the independent repair shop replaced the drive shaft because it had weakened. All the problems occurred at various speeds.
1999 Volvo C70 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Volvo C70 a good car?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 C70 rates avoid: 3.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the C70 at the same age. It is one of the C70 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Volvo C70?
The speed control & acceleration — 9 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the electrical system (6) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 1999 Volvo C70 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1999 Volvo C70, the most recent from November 15, 2006 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo C70?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2002 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1999, 2001 and 2012. See the full Volvo C70 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Volvo C70 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.