1999 Volvo C70: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (26% of complaints); the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volvo c70. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently reduced speed with no warning. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing and to be repaired by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volvo c70. The contact stated while driving 80 mph, the ets light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated to 20 mph independently. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 177,000....updated 05/22/13 *bf the consumer stated the limp mode affects the breaking system, it's difficult to engage the brakes. Updated 06/505/2013 *js”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2013
“Convertible top back bar structure cracked in half and top will not operate(close or open) now. While the top broke, as I was opening it, it also fell on the sensor for the lock and broke that also. The car is in the shop again for this problem, the only fix is ordering a new bar at the cost of $1500, which I don't have. Now I have a car that I cant drive or repair. *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“ABS brake module failure both ABS and traction control warning lights come on intermittently. Dealer stated it is known problem with ABS braking module. *tr”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Oct 2008
“Engine rolling w/varying rpm. Ets warning light came on, continues to do so intermittently. Dealer (tasca volvo, seekonk, ma) stated on 01-09-06 that, based on orders from volvo na,vehicle needed a "system upgrade" and other repairs & diagnostics before part replacement could be performed. Said upgrade done & paid for. After 6 miles of driving, ets light on again. Car surges, accelerates for no reason and at other times has no pep. Vehicle returned to dealer. I am waiting for results. *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2006
“While removing a child car seat the seat belt button fell off, thus the seat belt retracted completely and was completely retracted forcing the seat in the declined position and permanently locked in this position. Now the seat is unusable as a child seat or any type of seat until a dealer repair. I was unable to use the car with a child seat. On a long trip with children this puts the children at great risk and creates an illegal driving condition. Even with the car under warranty I was charged $56. *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2005
“We sold this vehicle to a retail customer on august 12, 2005. Soon after, customer complained to us that ets light was on and they had experienced loss of power. We reimbursed customer for having "faulty throttle unit" replaced at bill gray volvo. *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2005
“1999 volvo c70 with 52,000 miles. Car started running staggered at about 48,000 miles. Check engine and ets lights sometimes come on. Took it in for computer diagnosis and mechanic's test drive. Problem is faulty electronic throttle module. Needs replacement at cost of $900.00.*jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2005
“Dt: the contact owned a 1999 volvo c70. While attempting to accelerate vehicle stalled/died, and lost power at least 6 times. Contact did not have repairs done since he would have to pay for the repairs and parts. *ak *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2005
“Dt*: the contact stated in february 2005 the engine surged while idling at stop signs. The dealership replaced the electric throttle module. In 2002 and on july 25, 2005 the vehicle veered to the right. Upon inspection the independent repair shop determined the engine mounts needed to be replaced. Also, on january 20, 2005 there was a noise coming from the drive shaft. Upon inspection the independent repair shop replaced the drive shaft because it had weakened. All the problems occurred at various speeds.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact C70 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Volvo C70 reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Volvo C70. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Volvo C70 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 67,557 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Volvo C70 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.