2000 Volvo S70 Problems & Complaints

Average25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S70 at the same age

Owners have filed 164 complaints about the 2000 Volvo S70 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the S70 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (70 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

164complaints
3recalls
8crashes
1fires
9injuries
0deaths

Most common 2000 Volvo S70 problems

  • 7043%
  • Electrical system~66,000 miles
    3220%
  • Engine & cooling~79,000 miles
    2415%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~63,000 miles
    1610%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~115,000 miles
    74%
  • Lights~60,000 miles
    64%
  • Brakes~140,000 miles
    64%
  • Air bags~70,000 miles
    64%
  • Seat belts~39,000 miles
    53%
  • Wheels & tires~185,000 miles
    42%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~50,000 miles
    42%
  • Locks & latches~74,000 miles
    32%
  • A/C & heater
    21%
  • Body & structure
    21%
  • Steering~35,000 miles
    21%
  • Stability & traction control~218,000 miles
    21%
  • Other / not specified~69,000 miles
    11%
  • Equipment & accessories~48,000 miles
    11%

Share of the 164 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volvo S70 complaints by model year

199819992000215205164
Owner complaints per model year, Volvo S70. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best S70 years: 2000. Compare all years →

2000 Volvo S70 recalls (3)

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA recall 06V-441 · Nov 15, 2006 · 170,099 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 04V-504 · Oct 21, 2004 · 97,000 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 00V-405 · Dec 6, 2000 · 245,894 vehicles

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 2000 Volvo S70:

Headlight failure

NHTSA investigation RQ04004 · opened Jun 8, 2004 · closed Nov 5, 2004 · led to recall 04V-504

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

NHTSA investigation PE05041 · opened Jul 26, 2005 · closed Dec 7, 2005

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

NHTSA investigation EA05021 · opened Dec 6, 2005 · closed Dec 12, 2006 · led to recall 06V-441

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 2000 Volvo S70 owners say

Speed control & acceleration all 70 →

Unexplained, involuntary acceleration from low speed. 2000 Volvo model S70 passenger car, AWD. During a slow-speed turn the vehicle accelerated at full throttle. Impact with residential structure severed a wheel and bent the front frame 90 degrees. What happened: during a slow turn into a neighbors driveway, speed about 5 MPH, turning right, touching the accelerator, the car engine accelerated at full speed. Despite foot fully into the brake the car continued to accelerate 40-50 feet until impacting the foundation of the house. Speed a time of impact 40+ MPH. Tried to turn off ignition but hit house first. Considerable damage to house and car, which was totaled by the insurance company. Reported throttle acceleration problem to Volvo in new jersey, they stated no such previous complaints about unexplained acceleration. …

78,000 miles · Jul 2005 · crash · 2 injuries

Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2000 Volvo S70 at approximately 15 MPH the vehicle surged forward without warning, causing the contact's vehicle to crash into the back of an SUV. The front bumper of the contacts vehicle was underneath bumper of the SUV. The manufacturer sent a technician to inspect the throttle control module. The technician was unable to complete inspection due to vehicle not being able to start. The dealership inspected the vehicle before the crash. However, they were unable to duplicate the surge. The contact stated that he received a recall notice on December 22, 2006 for the throttle control module. The crash occurred on December 14 2006. The recall notice stated that the throttle control module would cause the vehicle to surge forward. The vehicle had 154000 miles at the time of the crash. There were two injuries. Updated 04/05/07.

154,000 miles · Dec 2001 · crash · 2 injuries

Electrical system all 32 →

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Volvo S70. While driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle accelerated. When making a left or right turn, the vehicle stalled and the ets light illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.

131,000 miles · Mar 2015

Ever since purchasing our Volvo, there has been power reduction and surges of which I've brought up to the dealership where purchased. My husband has asked what May cause this sort of thing because we didn't want it to be the transmission. We were told it was part of the way a Volvo works. The incident that LED to it having to be repaired was when we returned from an hour and half drive and pulled into a parking lot where the engine started revving continuously. A light came on the dash, esl. The only thing in the manual I could find was what the initials stood for-electronic throttle system. We were able to drive it home after short while because of a safety devise in the vehicle that allows this apparently. …

94,000 miles · Aug 2005

Engine & cooling all 24 →

Ignition coil is misfiring, and park neutral position switch also known as the transmission position switch or neutral safety switch is having issues. When its idling its really rough while driving the car jolts an hiccups. Doesn't know what gear it's going into

170,000 miles · Mar 2020

Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Volvo S70. The contact stated that while she was driving at various speeds the ets light would illuminate on the instrumental panel. The vehicle was then diagnosed by a dealer and they advised her that the "electronic throttle system" would cause the vehicle to loose all power and potentially be dangerous. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that they would send her a coupon since the actual recall has expired. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,300. Tb

79,000 miles · Jan 2011

2000 Volvo S70 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.4L 5-cyl5-speed manualFWD19 / 26 / 22
2.3L 5-cyl turbo5-speed manualFWD18 / 25 / 21
2.4L 5-cyl5-speed automaticFWD18 / 26 / 21
2.3L 5-cyl turbo4-speed automaticFWD17 / 25 / 20
2.4L 5-cyl turbo4-speed automaticFWD17 / 24 / 20
2.4L 5-cyl turbo4-speed automatic4WD/AWD16 / 23 / 19

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2000 Volvo S70 a good car?

Based on 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 S70 rates average: 25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S70 at the same age. It is one of the best S70 years by this measure. 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 2000 Volvo S70?

The speed control & acceleration — 70 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (32) and engine & cooling (24).

How many recalls does the 2000 Volvo S70 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2000 Volvo S70, 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 S70?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000. See the full Volvo S70 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2000 Volvo S70 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 15% 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.