Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
25002307/01/2001620880This service bulletin describes how to clean the electronic throttle module (etm) bore. *tt09/04/2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES
001512/01/2001627799B+cable, battery-to-fuse box, replacement. *yd02/25/2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER
080301/11/1999604578Subject regarding replacing and programming vgla alarm systems and immobilizer control unit. *tt05/05/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
02/17/2012133000
 Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volvo s70. while traveling 45 mph, the contact noticed that the ets warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the computer software needed to be upgraded. the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. the current and the failure mileages were 133,000.
02/17/2012133000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 volvo s70. while traveling 45 mph, the contact noticed that the ets warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the computer software needed to be upgraded. the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. the current and the failure mileages were 133,000. kmj
02/17/2012133000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1999 volvo s70. while traveling 45 mph the contact noticed that the ets warning light had appeared on the dashboard. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop where the contact was informed that the vehicles computer software needed to be upgraded. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership and has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages are 133000. bml
11/21/2011
 I had not diven this car for about a year because i bought a 2008 c70 that i was driving. i decided to start driving this one for the winter. on a rainy morning on my way to work, my windows frosted up inside so bad that i didn't think i was going to make it to work. my defroster failed. i just tried my car again and the defroster seemed to work - only slower- but now my dashboard is showing me a light that says etc. from reading on-line, it sounds like i should have received a recall letter about this.. needless to say, i did not. is volvo going to take care of this matter - since i never received a recall letter or knew that there was such a problem?
08/27/201057000
 Tl. the contact stated owns a 1999 volvo. the contact stated while driving 25 mph the vehicle started to stall and lose power. the vehicle also lost the ability to brake and could have caused a crash. the contact notice a recall regarding the vehicle speed control (06v441000) via the internet. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the recall and the manufacturer inform the contact the vehicle was repaired under the recall prior to owning the vehicle. the dealer informed the contact the vehicle was never repaired under the recall. the contact stated manufacturer is not taking responsibility to repair the vehicle. the failure mileage was 57,000. jo
01/01/19013
 Volvo s70 with acceleration, deceleration and stalling issues. *tgw the consumer stated the etm was replaced on august 26, 2008 under warranty. since then, the consumer has experienced acceleration and deceleration problems while driving, forcing her to make repeated trips to the dealer in an effort to identify and resolve the issue. the vehicle has stalled and decelerated on the freeway. the consumer stated the vehicle has been unreliable since august 2008. the dealer has been unable to fix the problem. they cleaned the throttle and pulled all the codes, to no avail. *jb
03/04/20091060001
 The volvo s70 electronic throttle control is acting up. the car when started idles erratically. *tr
08/26/20081064721
 Ongoing problems since august 2008: engine stalls, decelerates, won't start, sometimes engine surges badly, engine lights go on, throttle gets dirty even with new part etm problems are occurring and now vehicle will not start or drive at all. *tr
07/28/20091310001
 I own a 1999 volvo s70 t5. it stalls unexpectedly and at times wont even start. this is very inconvenient, especially when you have important things to do. i have spent several thousands of dollars trying to have this problem repaired. whenever i bring it in the problem is never diagnosed and i get stuck with some other problem they think could be the problem. i would always end up with the same problem, car stalls out completely and at times wont even start. help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *tr
06/19/2009798421
 I purchased a 1999 s70 volvo in march of 1999 i was told that i would get the same warranty as a new car. the dealer had put 5000 miles on the car. after the car was approx. 4 yrs old it started to loose power the speed would drop to zero the car would reduce speed. in 2006 it started to shut down while driving. each time i had it towed to the dealer. the dealer never spoke to me ref the etm. they would diag. some other problem. they repaired it on oct. 8, 2008, it shut down again in nov 2008, i took it back and was told that the car was fine. the car shut down again june 19, 2009. now i am told that it is the etm. o'steen volvo will not honor the warranty. *tr
11/01/200179842
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volvo s70. in 2001, the speedometer failed and displayed zero when the vehicle was traveling 10 mph. eventually, the vehicle began to shut off in traffic and while driving between 60-65 mph. the dealer replaced the sensors several times. the contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and the sensors were replaced again. she was unsure about the name of the sensor; however, the failures continued and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. recently, in june of 2009, the vehicle shut off and was towed to the dealer. they stated that the electronic throttle module failed and the battery cable was corroded. the repair cost was estimated at $1,021. the failure mileage was 79,842 and current mileage was 189,000.
04/25/20091240001
 We own a 1999 volvo s70. while driving the car it started to surge while at a stop without and foot on the gas pedal at all. while trying to pull out from a stop sign the car had a mind of its own. it did what it wanted too without my controlling it. the gas pedal went up and down all by itself. the car then stalled and would not start and run. a check engine light came on and a ets light came on. lucky we where not on a major highway and where able to pull over. we had to get a tow truck to bring it home. i called a volvo dealer in our area. after some research on the internet i find out this was a problem in all 99 to 2001 volvo's. a recall had been issued for this problem. the volvo dealer will only upgrade a software issue. if the part { etm} fails they will not replace it. we never had a car that the gas pedal is controlled by this system. after getting out car back from the dealer the same day it did it again. we took the car back and even though the car meets the recall requirements they will not replace it the etm. now we have a car that is not safe to drive. if this had happened on a interstate we could have been rearended or ran into someone else. please help. *tr
12/28/20081
 There is an electrical short in the tail-lights and interior panel. *tr
08/01/200070000508/01/1999
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volvo s-70 glt. while driving 55 mph the vehicle began to vibrate, the ets indicator illuminated, and the engine completely shut off. the contact waited approximately five minutes before the vehicle restarted, but it still continued to vibrate. the consumer states this event occurred 3-4 times in august 2005. the vehicle was towed to a dealer, who stated the ets module should be replaced. approximately seven years later the vehicle had the same failure. the dealer stated that the software module needed to be updated. the vehicle remains at the dealer. the current and failure mileage were 70,000.*ak update 4/30/07 *tr
01/01/2007788141006/11/1999
 Tl* - the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated when accelerating. the vehicle was a 1999 volvo s70, the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic ,and he informed her that there was a recall on the throttle body ,and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a volvo dealer. the volvo dealer performed a computer download. the contact stated she continued to experience hesitation when accelerating. occasionally. the check engine light would turn on. the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer because she did not feel safe driving the vehicle. the dealer advised her that she needed new spark plugs and a new 02 sensor. the engine size and number of cylinders were unknown by the contact. the contact believed that the problemwas related to recall # 06v441000. *ak updated 02/16/07. *jb
01/01/19011
 Consumer has had problem with vehicle stalling. this is a problem with the throttle module. *ts the consumer was told that eventually the vehicle would shut down. *jb
10/26/2004105442104/23/2000
 Dt: the contact stated that 1999 volvo s70 experienced the same problem with stalling while driving under 40 mph. the engine light was coming on and the car was uncontrollable. the car would shake and jerk, speed ahead and slow down. t the contact took vehicle to the dealership and they replaced the fuel throttle body, put in new spark plugs, and reprogrammed the computer. the car has since then ran well. the contact stated that this happened a year ago. the repair cost for the contact was almost $1,000.00. the contact has been in touch with volvo dealership, and they told him that they have not heard anything about recall. the volvo manufacturer said that there was an investigation on the car, and to call the nhtsa. the contact has also filed a complaint with volvo.*ak
09/20/20052260099907/30/2002
 This is the second submission (part two, actually) of complaint # 10137311, regarding volvo throttle control module and cruise control. i had to divide the description into two sections due to space limitations. part two of odi # 10137311: may 2004 (45,000 mile service) -car idling roughly, not accelerating smoothly, and clunking sound when accelerating. upper engine torque mount. clunking noise disappeared. car seemed to accelerate more normally after servicing. summer 2004- car cutting off when accelerating after turning and warning light(s) on. cruise control continues cutting off, causing deceleration; car continues to idle roughly and accelerate un-smoothly. when it is time for engine to automatically be given a little more gas (such as going up a hill), the cruise control shuts off and the abs light comes on. sometimes check engine light comes on, either alone or in addition to the abs warning light. september 20, 2005--warranty expired--67,500 mile service- again reported cruise control/warning light problem to dealership,supposedly need new control module, costing $1,000. problem was reported repeatedly while car under warranty; don't repair at my expense because problem developed while under warranty. using cell phone while conversing with dealership. woman in same store overheard conversation, told me of similar problems with sudden deceleration, and gave me your url. georgellen goss. vin yv1ls56d0x2583564 (1999 s70) throttle control not yet replaced. *jb
09/22/20052260099907/30/2001
 Regarding volvo throttle control july 2001-purchased 1999 s70 with 22,600 miles; cruise control quit, warning lights lit, car began decelerating. dealership said check gas cap securely-fitting. after restarting, cruise control worked and warning lights off. 30,000 mile service- told again to check gas cap whenever cruise problem occurred. august 2002-using cruise control, acceleration without reason. immediately, cruise control quit, car decelerated, warning lights on. normal function with manual acceleration. by this time, i had learned to restart car to get warning lights to turn off or to get cruise control to start working. at destination, car wouldn't restart. tow truck driver jump-started battery. ets warning light still on. wrote to dealership october 28, 2003, regarding ets warning light. at 37,500 mile check-up, i was told car required only normal servicing. when i left dealership, ets light no longer on. later car began idling roughly and didn't accelerate as smoothly. after 37,500 mile service, car operated more as expected. within weeks, again idling roughly and not accelerating properly after turning corners. dec. 31, 2003 (38,695 miles), volvo towed to dealership because unsafe to drive. when turning, car barely moved forward. also, motor stalling out during acceleration after turning. noise sounded like it emanated from power steering. power steering rack replaced. after servicing, engine's acceleration better for few months. (did dealership cleaned throttle during service?) rest of this sent in separate description due to space limitations. *jb
01/01/2005105000210/08/2000
 1999 volvo s70 t5, during 2004 car started an idle/surge problem. took it to dealer who said the mass air flow control regulator needed cleaning. paid around $200 and car seemed fine for awhile. in jan 2005 the problem returned, but worse. took it to two different volvo certified mechanics who said there were no codes in computer, they could see there was a problem but had no clue what was causing it, just opinions on a couple of part we could try replacing. in march 05 the vehicle stalled while driving in traffic, restarted and seemed to run fine, aside from the surging. however, surging continued and stalling, in traffic, occurred again two weeks ago. doing my own research, i'm now finding this is a known and dangerous problem with this model vehicle. due to financial restraints at this moment, i cannot afford to replace the electronic throttle control module and so my car mostly sits, being driven only if absolutely necessary. luckily we have a second vehicle. we purchased our volvo, despite the reputation for pricey maintenance, with faith in volvo's reputation for safety and reliability. a reputation built, in part, by ratings supplied by several consumer reporting agencies, including your own. the manufacturer needs to take responsibility for this defective equipment, and consumer advocacy agencies should see to it that they do. *nm
05/15/200550000105/15/2004
 Rough idle ets light came on car died replaced etm. *nm
07/02/20051
 Electronic throttle module had to be replaced due to failure. the warning lights came on and the car repeatedly jerked during driving. dealer assessed situation and had no choice but to replace. *jb
05/01/20031
 My cars electronic throttle had to be replaced. this was done under the warranty period but i'm writing to make you aware of this for the benefit of the people whose cars systems lasted slightly longer, out of warranty. volvo knew they had issues with defective throttles and should stand behind their product. these cars are not cheap and owners should not be 'beta' testers for new systems.*jb
07/23/2005995003508/12/2000
 Electronic throttle control causes car to stall repeatedly- often in situations where it is unsafe to pull over. *jb
08/18/200575845104/21/2005
 1. i noticed the problem when i was driving on the highway. the car felt like it was losing power or missing like it was gong to stop running. fortunately, unlike others, i was not stranded. 2. my 75,000 mile service was due so i took the car in for that and also let the volvo dealer know about the problem. 3. they ran diagnostics and determined it to be the electronic throttle module. they replaced the part with a new redesigned part. i do not know if the old part is available. p.s. the dealership called volvo and volvo agreed to pay for the part not the labor, which saved me about $500. that was a good gesture. 8jb
08/22/200587000512/10/2000
 Ets lights comes on/off. car continues to break down, last time on interstate. dealer says doesn't know what's wrong.
03/06/200460150112/24/1998
 Car began running poorly, stalling on occasion and hesitating to accelerate. upon servicing the car, the dealer informed me that the electronic throttle body was bad and needed to be replaced. when i took it to the dealer for replacement, they cleaned it instead. i subsequently returned to have it replaced. the dealer discounted the replacement cost by the amount i had paid for the earlier cleaning. *jb
08/03/2005119000202/05/2005
 1999 s70 volvo awd. check engine light and abs light and ets lights displayed. the dealer replaced the etm module 8/3/05 at a cost of $906.75 and the abs module at a cost of $845.46. both services performed by dealer in winston salem,nc . *jb
02/11/200460000106/01/2002
 (1) no warning (2) car ran only in limp-home mode (3) car towed 125 miles to dealer, and etm was replaced; dealer kept old part. *nm
07/15/200564000203/20/1999
 Owner of 1999 volvo s 70 t5 multiple throttle body problems cleaned once under warranty,throttle body failed with wife on busy interstate had to be replaced 7/15/05 out of warranty at cost of $900.00. *jb
06/20/200563000101/04/2003
 St: vehicle stalled/died/lost power while driving at 20 mph. dealer replaced throttle body. *ak *jb
08/06/200578500401/01/1999
 (1) air conditioner does not work in hot weather (over 100 degree). the car will stall after a few minutes after the air conditioning quits. (2) the car will stall after the air conditioning quite. move transmission into neutral and restart the car. thank god it has worked so far. (3) take the car to walnut creek, ca volvo and they cannot find any problem with the air conditioning. *nm
07/28/2005890004005/01/2002
 Multiple failures of the ecm caused the vehicle to stall, lose power, operate erratically and create unsafe operating conditions while in traffic. the ets and check engine lights came on with this problem. stopping and restarting multiple times was the only way to get the car to operate and it was a hit or miss solution. *jb
04/15/200498000103/12/1999
 Electronic throttle control replaced. problem is starting to recur. damage effects other car systems which may have to be replaced according to dealer. *jb
07/24/200525000302/02/2000
 99 volvo s 70 awd has 100k is surging & stalling. after all research it seem i'm not the only one with this defect. everyone said the ets . i think my dealer replaced it once under warranty already. now its doing it again . very dangerous on the highway. i tried replacing the mass air sensor . but that's not the problem. please look into this problem . i think volvo need to recall this part. thanks brad. *jb
06/20/200147000406/11/2001
 I purchased my 1999 used s70 in june of 2001. it had approx. 47,000 miles on it. within a week or two the electronic throttle control module had to be replaced due to the loss of speed, etc. within 1 year i had to replace the turbo and the whole engine due to malfunctions. in all, i have spent about $9,000 in repairs to this car due to engine problems. it has been the absolute worst car i have ever owned. it has also had numerous electrical malfunctions since i purchased. *nm
06/07/200598744312/29/1998
 Sudden engine failure and stalling while driving. *jb
08/03/20051474952
 My 1999 volvo s70 glt was just turned into my local dealer. the electronic throttle module is the primary suspect. rough idle, stalling, surging at idle, bursts of overly rich fuel mix at idle. intermittent symptoms at idle. runs ok at freeway speeds with mild surging. *jb
04/17/200575000310/15/1998
 Volvo s70 1999 model, 3 times has stalled while driving..ets will light up on the control panel and immediately the car will no longer move forward. i switch off the ignition and then wait for the light to go off so i can once again drive. this has happened 3 different times and luckily i was not rear-ended while moving over to the shoulder of the road. i reported it to volvo of clear lake who reported nothing wrong with my car. the car computer did have it recorded that a problem had happened with the electronic throttle control system, but after an inspection by volvo, no repair was made to the system. i am frightened to drive in any freeway lane that is not next to a shoulder....i must always be able to pull over at any time. no special event has led/caused this failure. i always take my car into the volvo dealer for the required maintenance and service. *nm
07/26/2005800001001/09/2004
 Hi - in april 2005 i had my car in for service just before the extended warrant expired in may. they mentioned this electrical problem but said it wasn't covered so i didn't do anything since i hadn't noticed a problem. the service mgr said it did not need fixed anytime soon and sent me on my way. in july i noticed that my car kept losing power on the highway (very dangerous i95 in ft lauderdale). i took it in on a thursday for a diagnostic and they came back with a bunch of little things that totaled about $1500. i was thinking about a newer car so i asked if anything was urgent and they said no and sent me on my way again. i stopped back by the dealer the next day because the power windows quit working, they said it wasn't related and i made an appt to come in the following monday to have that fixed ($210). on my way home, the etu light came on. i googled 1999 s70 etu and was overwhelmed by the information on this problem. when i went in on monday i was livid that they had let me go on driving this car without telling me of the possibility of it dying on me in traffic. also they hid it from me and they were nickel and diming me just like it said they would do in the forums! the sales manager admitted he know about the class action lawsuit, etc. he ran another diagnostic and guess what - the problem with the etu miraculously showed up. they were going to charge me $1800 but did me a favor and knocked it down to $1375. can you help me get my money back - i am angry - i could have been killed. *nm
11/18/200374500202/15/2002
 My 1999 volvo s70 has failed to start after short trips. my wife had mentioned this previously, but two recent incidents made this report necessary.*ak the first incident was on the morning of 11/18/2003. after a 30-minute trip, i shut off the engine and left the car to gather papers for work. i left the car less than 5 minutes. when i tried to restart the car, there were lights in the dash and the fuel pump primed, but no ignition. there was no clicking, but it seemed that the car had power. car was towed to a volvo dealership for service. they found a weak battery, and replaced it. that apparently fixed the problem, and car was returned to me. the second incident was the following sunday, november23. drove the car to the local hardware store. i shut off engine, got out, and made my purchases. within fifteen minutes, i returned and tried to start the car. dash indicator lights came on, but no clicking. tried to start the car a few times, shifted into neutral to roll the car, still would not start. the car was towed and returned to the dealership. monday morning, tech at the dealership tried and it started immediately. they found no trouble, and asked to return my car. i have refused to accept the car until the trouble, however intermittent, is isolated, diagnosed, and corrected. i am currently driving a loaner car from the dealership. battery replacement does not fix this. may be a dead spot in the starter, which could explain why the car would start after some major motion (being towed, etc). may be issues with the charging system, to explain the weak battery in the first incident. could be a greater hazard for others who may be traveling, and find themselves stranded.
11/27/1999202/20/1999
 Vehicle has electrical/brake and engine problems. brake pedal has a clicking noise, and after the third click, brake pedal locks up. also, engine failed twice. failure a result of the engine flooding itself, ruining the spark plugs. dealer does not know what the problem is. engine was replaced. brakes will also occasionally sink into the floor. these problems still exist after being repaired twice. in addition the electrical system has failed several times--the turn signals went out, both headlights have gone out, and the gear shift panel lights have gone out. *ak *ml
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
06/14/2001
 Recall 00v405000; consumer took vehicle to dealer for repairs. however, after repairs were performed, vehicle's headlights and turn signal failed. dealership examined vehicle, and determined that an electrical problem, related to ignition, was causing problem. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
8
 Emission system continued to fail. at stop vehicle would jerk forward. engine check light would come on and remain. sometimes vehicle would stall out when moving forward. would be no warning. been to dealer 8 times, and was test driven. vehicle did not stall on mechanic. owner , deputy sheriff video tape problem. was repaired under fault codes, but problem still exists. *ak
06/14/2001
 Recall 00v405000; consumer took vehicle to dealer for repairs. however, after repairs were performed, vehicle's headlights and turn signal failed. dealership examined vehicle, and determined that an electrical problem, related to ignition, was causing problem. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak
10/30/199810/01/1998
 The car has an electrical system problem. after several days of inactivity the car will not start. according to the dealer a faulty switch in the door allows the battery to drain over extended periods of time. unfortunately for anyone who travels and leaves there car at the airport this is a very dangerous event. the car has failed to start for me on four separate occasions. i have replaced the battery and been to the local volvo dealer. the dealer informed me of the design defect. however i do not know if you are aware of the problem or if there has been a recall. somebody is going to get hurt seeking help when their car fails to start in some lonely dark setting.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
11/10/2005580001
 Failed etm, throttle body. no accidents or injuries occurred. dealer said this was a common problem, that they do not know why it is occuring. the part had to be replaced at a cost of $900. part # 8644347. *jb
09/22/200550000101/21/2000
 We have 1999 volvo glt. during routine maintenance our mechanic noted that our electronic throttle modulator (?) needed to be replaced. he said that he has seen this problem on many 1999-2001 volvos. the clue for him was the irregular and high idle of the car. it cost approximately $1000.00 to repair. the car only has 54k miles. *jb
11/27/1999202/20/1999
 Vehicle has electrical/brake and engine problems. brake pedal has a clicking noise, and after the third click, brake pedal locks up. also, engine failed twice. failure a result of the engine flooding itself, ruining the spark plugs. dealer does not know what the problem is. engine was replaced. brakes will also occasionally sink into the floor. these problems still exist after being repaired twice. in addition the electrical system has failed several times--the turn signals went out, both headlights have gone out, and the gear shift panel lights have gone out. *ak *ml
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
07/17/20031200003/07/1999
 I own a volvo s70, sedan year 1999 4 door. i purchased vehicle in march of 1999. at 12k miles the headlights started malfuncitioning without warning. most recently the entire lighting systems has started to heat up and all lights went out while driving in the miidle of the night. for a company who claims to have the safetest vehicle on the road. i do not consider the vehicle which lights and entire electrical system fails while driving at nightsafe? . i have attempted to contact volvo multiple times. once they informed me that there was a recall on a part, of which i never received notification. they claim that since i take my vehicle for regular service i should not have to worry, but they would never admit or have records of whether the recall service was performed. these are not safe vehicle please check into recalling the entire electrical system before some gets furthered injured.