Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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
The engine throttle control light activated sporadically beginning in July, 2005. I noticed that the car was not performing adequately when going uphill or in severe heat. My husband contacted the Volvo dealership in allentown, pa where we purchased the vehicle. He was told that the cost to repair same would be over $800. We decided to pass on this repair due to the cost and thought that another auto service mechanic could perform the repairs at a lesser price. Approximately 3 weeks later, the ets light was activated on every occasion that the vehicle was used. Since a second mechanic (not affiliated with Volvo) stated that he was unable to do the repairs, we decided to contact another vovlo dealership. The repair of the throttle body and etm "reload" was performed by a Volvo of fort washtington, pa at a cost of over $800 on August 17, 2005. …
Twice, within 50 metres of the same spot each time, my car has suffered extreme acceleration whilst I was braking as hard as I could. First time, my mechanic checked all computer diagnostics using two different computer testing devices but there were no fault codes. Now, as well as happening twice within 50 metres of the same spot, I was at the same set of traffic lights, which I do not suspect as being the problem, but also next to a major hospital with an adjacent helipad. My best guess after 57 years in electronics and 40+ in computers is that some sort of rf interference is upsetting my vehicle. I know Volvo check all accidents involving their cars in sweden and wonder whether they have ever come across my problem. Both times the engine screamed its head off although I had no time to worry about the tachometer reading. …
I purchased this car used December 16 2016 knowing it needed a lot of work. I have since gotten all the repairs done on jan 4th 2017. I now need to get the car emission tested after driving 200 miles the readiness monitors are still not set and have since repaired the check engine light and still can not get an emissions test.
The plastic handle of the oil dipstick came off causing half of the oil dipstick to be in the dipstick tube the car was not moving it happened while checking the oil level making sure there was oil in the car making sure that the engine will not seize while driving
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo S70 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (42), 1998 (24) and 2000 (24) model years. Engine complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Volvo S70 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 12% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (23 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (14).
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.