29th Dec 2006, 17:22

The ABS/tracks light coming on intermitent could be a fault in the ABS module when getting warm, changed many for this fault.

1st Aug 2007, 14:20

The ABS light coming on is super common with these cars. From my understanding it's the ABS computer, but don't quote me. The check engine light too, which is typically a bad O2 sensor.

19th Jan 2008, 14:57

My girlfriend's V70 1998 has about all the problems listed on this page. I've been doing some research on the internet trying to find tips for all these things, but I'm surprised Volvo hasn't performed some recalls, with the astounding number of complaints about the same things.

17th May 2008, 19:54

Best car I have ever had. I must have been lucky as I bought it with only 72,000 kms (42,000 miles) previous owner had looked after it. The recall for the headlights was the only issue the previous owner had. I have had the car for one year and put on 10,000km (6200 miles) not a single problem. The only maintenance has been one oil change, running synthetic. This car is tight and a pleasure to drive.

22nd Jan 2009, 15:49

I purchased a 1999 Volvo S70 T5 about 2 & 1/2 years ago now and I guess that I have probably put in about $4000.00 into it since I bought it. Here are a list of things that are wrong with it:

-Blower motor is very loud needs replacement

-Heated seat Driverside doesn't work

-Heated seat switch for passenger side doesn't illuminate anymore

-Power seat for passenger side recline works 10% of the time.

-Passenger side PDL switch broken

-Ignition switch just went causing problems starting now, sometimes it takes 8 tries to get the car running. This is going to cost about $850.00.

What I have had to fix:

-Oxygen sensor (pre catalytic converter)

-2 ignition coil packs

-Timing belt

-Both cam seals

-Cam sensor

-Crank sensor.

OVERALL THIS CAR IS A LEMON, WISH I NEVER BOUGHT IT. Should have purchased the 1999 Saab 9-5 when I was deciding.

12th Oct 2009, 04:12

98 Volvo s70 T5 ONE BIG LEMON.

I don't know how the engineers at Volvo can live with themselves. Hey guys, read the writing on the wall. Every person that I know that has this car has had the very same problems. You figure as much as they charge for this abomination, they would at least fess up to the problems. Every one at VOLVO from the district people to the national people all keep telling me this is normal wear and tear. HORSE PUCKY; If it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it's a duck, a lame one at that.

Here is my list.

Pads and rotors too small for the weight of the car, thus they wear to fast.

ABS module failed. Had it rebuilt. Talked to the guy that rebuilds them for everyone I know; he told me the componets are light weight. He replace them with ones that are much stronger. No one I know has had theirs go bad after the rebuild.

Hot air warm up check valve freezes in the open position, thus letting moisture into the blower and it fails also.

Passenger door lock will not open. Ignition failed.

CD changer failed.

Front crank seal failed.

Master window control failed.

Cup holder broke.

All four doors leather de-laminated.

Vanity mirror hinge broke.

This thing has the worst suspension I have ever seen.

I'm going to stop before I get my dander up and go outside and light this thing on fire. I would if I could afford the gas.

17th Oct 2009, 16:30

1998 Volvo S70 20V.

I have owned my S70 for about 3 months now. Pleasant car to drive but must admit there are an abundance of design flaws. So far I have:

- Replaced the heater core (common fault)

- Repaired the dash mounting tabs (very poor design), dash out (common fault)

- Repaired the climate control module (dry solder joints on diode)

- Replaced CV joints

- Replaced sway bar link rods

- Replaced front suspension spring seats

- High tension leads

- Spark plugs

I now have the lambda and ABS light on which when scanned present these errors:

- P0422 Main cat efficiency below threshold B1

- P0116 Electronic temperature sensor

- ABS Pump motor 443, electrical or mechanical fault.

I am about to replace the O2 sensors in hope that they will diminish my lambda problem. (tests OK, but lazy voltage fluctuations)

I am also in hope that this will fix an intermittent miss that it has.

Volvo certainly acclaimed top notch technology for its day and thus parts were expensive. It just seems that whilst the vehicles depreciate quickly, spare parts have not. It makes these cars very expensive to own.

I share as much frustration, but some how forgive it for its charm... I'm weird.

Thanks, Ben.

30th Aug 2010, 08:29

I will have to say that owning a Volvo S70 has been a pleasure.. I have 171000 miles, and have changed the oil every 4000 miles using only synthetic oil, usual upkeep and maintenance.

All manufacturers have flaws. Flaws I have seen with Volvo's are:

#1 The inside leather separates from the door panels.

#2 The check engine light stays on.

#3 (most often its the gas cap).

#4 ABS module after that many miles is considered common knowledge to replace.

#5 Speed sensors are a given, and very easy to replace yourself..

#6 Door hinges; especially the driver's side door needs replaced; but not a major issue...

I would recommend Volvo to anyone... the engine is a powerhouse if maintained.

All in all, I love my Volvo, and think about it; it's paid for, so the miles I have on mine, I've gotten my monies worth, and continue to drive it...

4th Oct 2010, 17:24

I just bought a 1998 Volvo S70 and need a owner's manual. Does anyone have one to donate? Email is nnina@netzero.com

15th Nov 2010, 13:22

My wife bought her 1998 S70 brand new, paid cash. It made it well into the year 2009 when something changed its personality.

We have had the A/C repaired, fuel injection serviced and even worse; the "Check Engine" idiot light stays on until we take the car across town to a ASE Volvo repair shop that is fair and honest but at a high price. Since we have a few months left on the one-year warranty, it is still a great inconvenience to go there and have them 'clear' the error.

It's got about 92K miles, is definitely a money pit and we love to get rid of it, but have a tremendous investment in it. When we felt we would put it up for sale, something would go wrong. This car should not need pampering!

27th Jan 2011, 11:02

98 S70 T5, 295,000 miles.

Overall a great car for me. Yes some of the same problems mentioned above. ABS module, speed sensor, door panel coming loose. But the engine runs strong and it is a fun car to drive.

I have had the car since new and no real issues until over 190k...

13th May 2012, 12:38

Honestly... you may feel that you bought a lemon, but the Saab 9-5 would NOT have treated you any better. I thought I was making a great purchase when I bought a 2002 Saab... and I'm not lying when I say out of the 17 cars I've ever owned... that had to be the WORST CAR I have ever heard of/owned.