Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 164 | −25% | 3 | Acceleration | Average |
| 1999 | 205 | typical | 4 | Acceleration | Average |
| 1998 | 215 | 1.4× | 4 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median S70 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo S70 problems
Latest Volvo S70 recalls
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlight switch.
Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The frontal passenger air bag May be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharge.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo S70 should you avoid?
None of the Volvo S70 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Volvo S70?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other S70 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo S70 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the speed control & acceleration (145), electrical system (111) and brakes (90). Acceleration complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo S70 had?
6 recalls across 1998–2000. The model year with the most is 1998. See all Volvo S70 recalls by year.
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.