Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
ABS control module on many models of Volvo are defective and fail around or after about 85000 miles. Although mostly annoying could prevent proper operation of ABS during braking and poor braking as a result when not expected. Defects of internal solder connections of connector to pcb on the control module printed circuit board is major contributor. The problem is so wide spread that many internet sites are devoted to the repair of this module since is so common. Since it is so common and a failure is very likely and as a result a reduction of braking efficiency that is expected I would consider this a major issue and a recall should be for this problem.
The ABS module has failed, causing the vehicle to have loss of power at start. In addition, the brakes do not work at full capacity, causing the vehicle to be unsafe. The speedometer is also inoperative. The failure occurs quite frequently during drive time. Having the part rebuilt.
Tl* - the contact stated she is continuously having to replace the brakes on her 1999 Volvo S70. The contact stated she replaced the left axle boot at 56,690 miles. The left and right axles were replaced at 70,800 miles. The left & right axles were replaced at 70,850. The contact stated four cv joints were replaced and four cv joint boots were replaced. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop when the vehicle had 82,260 miles and was told the boots were leaking and that they should not be leaking. The contact took the vehicle to a Volvo dealer and was told that the boots were not leaking, but that the vehicle needed front and rear pads & rotors. The contact stated she was told this when she took the vehicle in for scheduled maintenance not because she was experiencing any failures. The contact believes there is a defect because she is having to replace the brakes too often. …
1999 S70 Volvo AWD. Check engine light and ABS light and ets lights displayed. The dealer replaced the etm module 8/3/05 at a cost of $906.75 and the ABS module at a cost of $845.46. Both services performed by dealer in winston salem,nc .
I took my car to the sears auto center at 1178 el camino real in san bruno, california (sears store #6909) on September 2, 2018 for front brakes. Sears returned the car to me on 9/2/18 (a copy of my "final invoice" is enclosed). I subsequently learned that the dust boot for the right front brake caliper is missing. I returned to sears on September 10 and told the manager in charge, mr. Holloway, that I had learned - from another mechanic who had been doing other front end work - that the dust boot was missing and that this is one of the component parts of the brake caliper system (designed to keep debris and moisture out of the brake caliper). Sears re-inspected my vehicle on September 10 and confirmed that the dust boot is missing. I was told that the department manager (mr. Julio estrada) would need to address the situation. …
At about 10,000 miles the brakes would slip and rumble when braking down a hill. I took the car in to complain and they told me that they couldn't find anything wrong with it. I started avoiding hills. Every time I brought the car in for service I complained about this problem and was assured that nothing was wrong. Now I am at 28300 and I took the car in for my 30,000 maintence, not at the dealer but another certified Volvo shop. I tell them about the problem. I am told that the rotor is bad. Well I had this same problem at under 10,000. Miles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo S70 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (76), 1999 (8) and 2000 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 35% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Volvo S70 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Volvo S70 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volvo S70 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (37 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (19).
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.