18th Jul 2003, 12:26

I wish I had read this before I bought my 2000 XC. I have had similar problems and then some.

17th Aug 2003, 15:15

For those with upper engine mount problem...

Do yourself a favor and order from www.ipdusa.com a polyurethane upper mount bushings. Forget the warranty replacement with another bad rubber; go with above product, and never worry about it again.

I have no interest in IPD's well-being... even though I like what they sell.

4th Jan 2004, 08:04

I love my 99 XC, when it runs. It has been in the shop six times in two years for the check engine light. The problem is generally oxygen sensors. It will be going in to the dealer again this week.

16th Sep 2004, 14:20

I have a 1998 V70XC. A total piece of junk. I have had 4 air pumps, 2 ABS modules, 2 engine mounts, 2 tie rod ends on each side replaced. All of this in just over 100,000 miles. The transmission jumps if you don't flush every 20,000 miles, there have been electrical, switch and lamp problems too numerous to mention and the car plows through tires like they are made of marshmallow. In 100,000 miles I have invested almost $9000.00 in un-scheduled maintenance, and many thousands more in scheduled maintenance and wear items that wear too quickly (brakes). You buy into the scheduled maint. so no real problem there, but these other costs and trips to the dealer are out of control.

At first I thought "I" had a lemon, however, based on these posts I now realize All V70 owners have a Lemon, they just may not know it yet. On the positive side... This is absolutely the most comfortable best performing car I have ever been in. The seats are perfect for long or short trips alike. In fact they are even comfortable on the most frequent trip of all... to the dealer for service!

16th Jan 2005, 20:31

I tend to agree with all the above. 2001 V70. Nice car to drive, but some issues such as replacement of upper engine mount brackets and ABS modules @ 46000Km is totally un- acceptable. Truly sad and disapointing for a long term Volvo customer like myself.

31st May 2005, 01:59

I bought my 99XC V70 wagon in 2002. Although it was certified, it needed a tune-up immediately so the massive sluggishness could be 'fixed'. Check engine light on first vacation and that was only the beginning. Lots of lamp replacements, lousy gas mileage in the city and the crowning touch -- the ETS (electronic throttle system) fiasco. It has been replaced twice (once warranty and once on me at $1300!!)This can cause sluggish acceleration, unreliable starting and worst of all, stalling. The best part is the realization that this is a known defect in Volvos from 99-02. There is a class-action lawsuit in CA because there has been a change by Volvo of this part on newer models. I am so sad because I love driving this car, but I can't afford to support it along with my children... I have never had a car with this much time in the shop over a two year period. Simply put, I am test driving other vehicles and really cannot trust Volvo again.

5th Dec 2005, 19:55

I'm another 1998 V70 owner. Early problems were: lights, batteries, sensors, door lock solenoid valves. Last 3-4 years the car is eating tires and breaks like if they were going out of style. ABS module started acting up about a year ago, but the brakes are working so I drive it. Will not pay over $1000 CDN to change it. Also vibrations while braking and at freeway speeds, even though the car's been checked and got new brakes a number of times. This is my 3rd and last Volvo, had 240, 850, and now V70. I'm tired of these problems and decided to drive it into the ground without repairs or any maintenance untill it blows up or falls apart whichever comes first, at which time I will tow it into the scrap yard. That's just my simple way of dealing with this JUNK. I won't put into it another penny.

8th Dec 2005, 13:13

Regarding the above poster: Cars do not "eat up tires." Poor driving, not rotating them, under-inflation, lack of maintenance, low quality tire brands, etc are the usual suspects. The statement that you go through a lot of 'breaks' (brakes...right?) is an indication that your driving habits might be wearing your tires out early. The fact that your ABS light came on and you're not going to fix it because the "brakes are working" is indicative of your treatment of this car. I hope prospective buyers read your review carefully before using it in consideration of their next purchase. It is sad is that you are going to "drive into the ground" a well made car that someone else might appreciate more than yourself.

11th Dec 2005, 08:44

Regarding the last two post (re: Tire wear) ; isn't it a well known fact that the AWD capability does wear tires quickly? At least this is what I was told by my local Volvo dealer.

I just bought a 99 V70XC and wouldn't you know it... the "Check Engine" light came on during the drive home form the dealer!!!

Any recommendations for not spending the rest of my life in the Volvo shop? Does anyone recommend finding an Import Car Mechanic vs. dealership to save on labor?

11th Dec 2005, 11:06

Regarding the above poster, all I can suggest is one thing: consider taking it back to the dealer. If there's anyway to undo the sale or get a different vehicle, I recommend that and that alone.

22nd Jan 2006, 16:42

I too bought a 99(xc)70 just before Xmas 2005 and the check engine light came on driving it home.

Window switch problems, leaking heater core, drive train vibration, alarm dysfunction, and today... I can't get my key out of the ignition. The sad part is that it's a really is a nice drive when it works.

01/20/06

28th Jan 2006, 00:06

I have a 99 V70 Wagon which I really love driving when it is going OK, but I now know it is the lemon I began to suspect a couple of years back. Endless and dangerous trouble with the ETM (in Australia it is called ETS) looking at 4th unit in 150K, lights packed up in the outback, power-steering leaks, driver's seat-belt jammed, transmission is like an old truck, etc - it just keeps on happening. What happened in '99 - did Volvo go to sleep?