11th Jun 2003, 16:59
I have been generally pleased with my 99 S70. I have had relatively few problem compared to the massive numbers of 98 S70 owners that have registered problems. The problems I have had have been mostly electrical.
- New headlight bulbs at least once a year
- Turn signal lights recall
- Driver's seat forward movement issues
- Windshield top seal has been replaced three times (seems to be affected by hot temperatures)
- Faulty external temperature sensor
- Defective immobilizer. This was replaced under warranty, but the dealer wouldn't replace all of my keys. I had an extra key made when I first bought the car. With the new immobilizer they would only give me the one standard and one valet key. $80 for the new key (again). To the credit of the dealer they didn't charge me the labor for programming the key.
My latest problem has been with the headlight switch. The headlights will only turn on in day-time position or if I push the light-switch into the dash. I do not see a recall on this (I believe I saw one for the 98 S70) so do not know if the dealer will replace without charge.
So, overall I've been happy, but I am hesitant to purchase another Volvo.
28th Aug 2003, 21:18
1998 Volvo S70.
I also have the headlight switch issue - the dash lights and rear lights would only come on when I pushed the switch into the dash. The headlights would intermittently go out if I didn't hold the switch into the dash as well.
There is a recall 99V235 Volvo No. 94 to fix this free of charge.
14th Dec 2004, 19:51
We own a 2000 S70 and have been very displeased with continuous brake problems. From the start, we've had relentless brake pads, rotors, hubs, calipers replaced. The rotors have been replaced numerous times. Many times when I take the car in for service due to severe brake vibration, I am told that my dealer cannot locate the problem and have been told that "we are not applying enough pressure to the brakes and are not driving it enough" - at 66K miles, I feel we are driving it enough and have never been told this before. When the issues gets "worse", it is then noticed by the service department we have a problem and at the tune of the magic $600 figure. We also have had the electrical problems many mention, i.e. lamps, bulbs, etc. Those seem minor compared to the brake issue. We are pleased with the comfort of the car and somewhat pleased with the ride. We are, and this seems petty I know, very unhappy with the cup holder - It seems as though the manufacturer "forgot" about adding it and just found a place to insert one. Has anyone else experienced the brake issues that we are? This problem has forced us to decide to never purchase another Volvo and wouldn't you know, just when it has become paid in full. We are going Toyota next.
19th Jun 2007, 15:27
I have a 1999 Volvo S70. I bought used and so far in 18 months I've had to replace the mass airflow sensor, the oxygen sensor and the ECU. Besides all that the normal wear and tear - brakes, rotors, upper and lower control arms.
I think I paid as much in repairs as I did for the car.
When it's finally paid for it's GONE!
19th Jan 2009, 13:21
The only problem I have with my Volvo S70 is the squeaking in the dash. It's driving me crazy!
18th Jan 2010, 19:24
I've had my 1999 Volvo S70 for 7 months. So far I've needed a oxygen sensor, dash board squeaks, the steering wheel makes squeaking noises when I turn to the left and right. Other than that, it's a good car.
26th Jun 2010, 21:09
Bought a 1999 S70 with 33,000 miles on it, and now have 288,000 miles on it. Have had very few problems... I use mid grade gas and change the timing belt every 90,000 miles. Have had very few problems, and expect to drive this car to 400,000.
I live in the south, and feel that the northern salt and stuff was very harsh on my other cars.
20th Oct 2002, 00:42
Although I own a 1991 Volvo 240, I recently had the windshield replaced by a dealership. It leaks air horribly now (in less than a year!) and of course Volvo and the dealer refuse to acknowledge it as a defect. Just don't understand how the original one lasted 10 years without a hitch (a rock hit it) but the replacement one doesn't even last a year. Interesting.
Even stranger, the dealer even said that the amount of deterioration was incredible for just 6 months of Atlanta weather. Yet they refuse to DO anything about the windshield.
Apparently whoever makes Volvo's windshield seals now has major issues with quality, from the new seals on the new cars and even with the replacement windshields. It's an irregularity on an otherwise extremely reliable car (hasn't been to the dealer in the past 4 years except for the windshield. Never has left me stranded.). If this service from Volvo keeps up, my 240 (which I bought new) will be my last new Volvo. Maybe an 1994-95 850 if I feel like updating, but nothing after 1998 you can bet.
Jay
1991 240 - 175K miles.