Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Volvo S70 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
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
Tl contact owns a 2000 Volvo S70. While driving 40 MPH the contact noticed that the RPM's suddenly increased from 2000 to 3000 within 15 seconds without the contact engaging the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the air mass meter, evaporator valve, catalytic converter, and the speed sensor needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000. The current mileage was 118,000.
While driving at 65 with cruise control on, the ets light came on and the cruise control turned off causing the car to decelerate suddenly. This is a safety issue as it can lead to a collision from the rear. The car was still drivable with manual control of the accelerator, but experienced intermittent stuttering while being driven at highway speed. Diagnostic by the dealer revealed that the electronic throttle module is failing and must be replaced. The cost of the repair being 900 dollars.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Volvo S70. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine light illuminated intermittently. Approximately three months later, the electronic throttle system (ets) light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they cleaned the ets. When the contact went to retrieve the vehicle, the ets light illuminated again and the vehicle was left at the dealer. The current mileage was 78,728 and failure mileage was 78,528.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Volvo S70. While driving 55 MPH in an attempt to maintain speed the the vehicle lost power. The vehicle failure occurred occasionaly on a daily basis. The failure occurred for approximately six months. The contact stated that the dealer misdiagnosed the failure on the last three attempts. The current mileage was 95,000 , and the failure mileage were 80,000.
2000 Volvo S70 mileage: 49642 ets (electronic throttle system) light came on. Sudden loss of power, hesitation, and stalling without any indication. Subsequent search on the internet I found out the etm (electronic throttle module) and the ets failures were related and possible recall on parts by Volvo. Serviced at fairfax Volvo [phone] on 10/18/2005. Service cost $900.00.
The ets light came on intermittently. The car ended up stalling after being parked upon trying to restart it. Thia is am issue that only the Volvo dealership can fix since it involves reprogramming or replacing and programming a new ets module. Fortunately it happened to me in a parking lot and I was able to get it rowed to a shop twice. Now it is going to the dealer.
My 2000 Volvo S70 had a malfunction of the electronic throttle control module and I almost got rear ended on the highway when the car have an abrupt loss of speed. I took the car to a Volvo dealer and was charged $1,500 to replace the module about 5 weeks ago but it looks like the car is starting to malfunction again.
The consumer experienced a problem with the throttle body and mass airflow on his 2000 Volvo S70. The power steering failed and fluid leaked all over the driveway. The power steering pump and reservoir needed to be replaced. Why driving, the air director fell off the bumper.
Engine complaints in other S70 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Volvo S70?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Volvo S70, 15% of the model year's 164 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Volvo S70 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Volvo S70, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Volvo S70 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 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.