1999 Volvo V70XC
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volvo › V70XC › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Volvo V70XC. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1999 Volvo V70XC. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This resulted in a high number of vehicles going into the limp home mode without need.
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.
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The head lights may not operate properly which could result in intermittent or no headlight function. this could impair a driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Owner complaints
79 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Key ignition IS failing will often not start then after moving key around in ignition to find the perfect position the car will start
- Engine
My volvo V70 was on a test drive by the mechanic before returning the vehicle to me after routine maintenance. The car had 59,800 miles. The engine caught fire allegedly due to an oil gasket defect. The vehicle was on a local road in wainscott, long island, new york.
- Vehicle speed control
The car went into a "limp home mode" as I was pulling into traffic, causing several cars to have to swerve to keep from hitting me. I called volvo and they said the 99 & 00 ( which I own both ) models had a recall on the part. I carried the car to the volvo dealership and they said the recall was…
The car went into a "limp home mode" as I was pulling into traffic, causing several cars to have to swerve to keep from hitting me. I called volvo and they said the 99 & 00 ( which I own both ) models had a recall on the part. I carried the car to the volvo dealership and they said the recall was only to install a software update, not to replace the part itself. Well, they did the software upgrade and about half way home, 5 miles or less, the etc light came on again and the car went into the limp home mode again, barely making it home. I called the dealership and they said that the module itself needed to be replaced and was not covered by the recall ????? they told me it would be between $1200-$1300 to replace. this IS extremely wrong and dangerous. as much as I can gather from reading complaints on volvo forums, this IS a problem volvo has known about since at least 2004 and has affected about 200,000 cars. IS there nothing that can be done about this matter ?? please advise.. ps. The vin on my 2000 V70 XC IS [xxx] , has 145,000 miles and has the exact same problem as the 1999 model. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volvo v70xc. The contact stated there was fuel leaking from the top of the fuel tank causing it to fail inspection. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor to an independent mechanic. the manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 1999 V70R with 122,000 miles has had the most problems of any volvo I have owned in 44 years; heater core, electronic throttle module, steering rack, wheel bearings, lower control arms, ball joints, parking brake failure, brake lines and hoses, and now? the transmission has failed completely…
My 1999 V70R with 122,000 miles has had the most problems of any volvo I have owned in 44 years; heater core, electronic throttle module, steering rack, wheel bearings, lower control arms, ball joints, parking brake failure, brake lines and hoses, and now? the transmission has failed completely after a 105,000 mile checkup by the dealer showed no issues. 2 months later - will not shift into 4TH gear and bucks like a horse. why do I read about many similar complaints but see no action - recall or reimbursement or fix from volvo? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
1999 volvo XC V70. Consumer states vehicle the would hesitate and then suddenly accelerate. *Tgw the consumer stated the dealer informed him the vehicle was too old for warranty repairs concerning the etm components. *Jb
- Fuel system, other
I recently purchased a 1999 volvo v70xc, shortly after, the car went into what's called limp home mode. I looked online to see what would cause this and saw that there was a recall in 2006 to repair this problem. I called volvo to see if my car was brought in for service, I was informed that it was…
I recently purchased a 1999 volvo v70xc, shortly after, the car went into what's called limp home mode. I looked online to see what would cause this and saw that there was a recall in 2006 to repair this problem. I called volvo to see if my car was brought in for service, I was informed that it was repaired. I brought my car to a repair shop and was told that it needed a throttle module, the same reason for the recall in 2006. The module was replaced and new software installed and now the card runs good. Should I have to pay for a new module, $900 since this was supposed to be fixed on the initial recall? *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Failure of electronic throttle module assembly causing very poor drivable. problem IS intermittent and severe that the car can not safely be driven in traffic without a risk of accident. brief chronology: I have a very early production 1999 volvo v70xc. it had drivable problems since I bought…
Failure of electronic throttle module assembly causing very poor drivable. problem IS intermittent and severe that the car can not safely be driven in traffic without a risk of accident. brief chronology: I have a very early production 1999 volvo v70xc. it had drivable problems since I bought it. never was fixed. (supposedly) replaced etm the first time in ~ 2004, using part whose design was known to be faulty. later did software update (campaign 155). drivable improved slightly, but was never correct. replacement module IS now failing. car can not be driven safely. engine runs poorly, rpm limited to < 2000, always in "limp home mode". you are aware (i believe) that there IS a recall/replacement campaign underway for this part. however, the replacement part has the same design flaw as the original. (i am already on a "supposedly" replaced module). volvo IS pretending to honor an extended warranty while either: 1) changing the module's software to postpone or hide the actual (mechanical) failure mechanism. 2) replacing a failed module with one having the same flawed design which has the same potential for failure as before. this results in a serious potential safety issue being quite likely to occur to a customer like myself in the future. worse yet, this IS occurring just as a number of the vehicles are nearing the end of the extended warranty. the end result of this IS they leave a serious driveability problem unsolved, and duck the actual problem by using a software update to get the customer just past the warranty period. in conclusion, they are continuing to supply unreliable and unsafe parts under the guise of having provided a safe, reliable, and warranted repair. they need to be forced to: issue a full recall for all vehicles using the current etm design, announce a full recall for all cars using this design, and supply only a re-designed etm as part of all future repairs. *Tr
- Service brakes, electric
ABS control module replaced at 115K miles in august 2007 for a cost of $1,000 due to malfunction indication and recommendation of mechanic. IS this a recurring problem with the 1999 volvo V70? *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
1. premature wear of the etm. 2. Car has rough idle, stalls, surges in traffic. 3. Replacing the etm. for the third time. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Rear brake rotors wear down quickly. We had them replaced in the summer of 2007 and they are worn down now, dec 2008. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving on freeway 65 miles per hour, vehicle loses complete power, ets and check engine lights comes on. I was able to coast off the freeway onto the right shoulder. tried several restarts to see if engine will run normally, after 10-15 minutes, started car, eng ran normal, ets and cel light still on. I was able to drive home without further incident. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
I bought this volvo used w/ 120K miles. I saw records of major work done at the dealer just previous to 100,000 and figured it would be good for another 100K. at 131K, it began constantly stalling and lunging. I did a tiny bit of research and learned of the recall. I took it to the dealer and…
I bought this volvo used w/ 120K miles. I saw records of major work done at the dealer just previous to 100,000 and figured it would be good for another 100K. at 131K, it began constantly stalling and lunging. I did a tiny bit of research and learned of the recall. I took it to the dealer and they tried to charge me 200 to do nothing other than read the codes and tell me the etm software had already been updated, and that the mass airflow sensor was bad. I replaced the mafs to no change. *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL*- the contact stated that while driving the 1999 volvo v70xc with 114000 failure mileage at 65 mph the ets light turned on and the vehicle began to reduce speed. the contact pressed on the gas pedal, but nothing happened. the speed went down to 35 mph, then the contact pulled to the side of…
TL*- the contact stated that while driving the 1999 volvo v70xc with 114000 failure mileage at 65 mph the ets light turned on and the vehicle began to reduce speed. the contact pressed on the gas pedal, but nothing happened. the speed went down to 35 mph, then the contact pulled to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to the mechanic. the mechanic stated that there was a problem with the vehicle speed control. the vehicle had not been repaired. *ak
- Power train
1999 volvo v70xc's transmission had to be replaced at 86, 000 miles. *Ts
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light · Vehicle speed control
The abs/trac and brake warning lights are coming on simultaneously and then go off after a few minutes. On other occasions, the speedometer stops working and the orange arrow starts blinking. Sometimes when the orange light IS blinking, the car shifts to winter mode and you cannot accelerate as you…
The abs/trac and brake warning lights are coming on simultaneously and then go off after a few minutes. On other occasions, the speedometer stops working and the orange arrow starts blinking. Sometimes when the orange light IS blinking, the car shifts to winter mode and you cannot accelerate as you normally would. The dealer told me that it IS the ABS module and cost of repair would be over $1000. I had the electronic throttle replaced last year. It looks like a poor design, as I have been reading a lot about these problems on volvos. I am requesting nhtsa contact volvo headquarters and demand a recall on this hazardous ABS and acceleration safety problem. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20mph the vehicle accelerated without warning which caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. the vehicle then suddenly slowed, and subsequently would not accelerate beyond 15mph. The check engine light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20mph the vehicle accelerated without warning which caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. the vehicle then suddenly slowed, and subsequently would not accelerate beyond 15mph. The check engine light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined the problem was caused by the electronic throttle module. the contact expressed there was no brake interference to cause the vehicle to decelerate. The manufacturer was alerted who will be investigating the problem. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Car was getting poor gas mileage. failure of the transmission march 27, 2006. the car would not shift out of gear at all and had to be towed to the dealership. I was told this was normal. I had to purchase a rebuilt transmission at a total cost of $4004.04. this represents 20% of the purchase…
Car was getting poor gas mileage. failure of the transmission march 27, 2006. the car would not shift out of gear at all and had to be towed to the dealership. I was told this was normal. I had to purchase a rebuilt transmission at a total cost of $4004.04. this represents 20% of the purchase price not including the additional extended warranty. the car was "checked out" at 82,000 miles with no apparent issues. this was the ending mileage forthe extending warranty. the transmission failed at 89,330 miles. *jb
- Electrical system
The car out of nowhere just stopped moving. the car did not die just no power. After having someone look at it and the ets light came on I learned of the problem with this in most volvos from 99 - 01. *Jb
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
While driving, drivers window was lowered and then would not come back up. Vehicle had to be driven for 20 miles with window open in cold weather until it was in a sheltered location and by multiple forcing attempts, the window raised. The repair facility indicated that this IS a common occurrence. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Ets warning. Prior to this lack of performance and power. Soon after purchase it had occurred and dealer reset computer. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Electronic throttle module (etm) failed twice at 8/1/03 68,000 miles and on 9/8/05 at 76,000 miles. Volvo dealership in medford, oregon charged over $800 each time to repair the defect.*ak
- Fuel system, other · Vehicle speed control
This complaint IS regarding 2 faulty throttle modules (etm) that have been replaced by volvo dealerships for my 1999 volvo V70 XC. the first/original etm was replaced under warranty with 58,635 miles on 22 may 03. 14 months and 12,474 miles later, that etm failed and I had to replace it at my…
This complaint IS regarding 2 faulty throttle modules (etm) that have been replaced by volvo dealerships for my 1999 volvo V70 XC. the first/original etm was replaced under warranty with 58,635 miles on 22 may 03. 14 months and 12,474 miles later, that etm failed and I had to replace it at my cost. symptoms included irregular and erratic acceleration and deceleration of the car at highway speeds with the acceleration pedal pressed, but steady. it should also be noted that the two etm's that were installed were both model# 8644347. this shows evidence that volvo IS only replacing a failed defective etm with a new defective etm. I urge the nhtsa to look into this matter for the safety of volvo drivers who might get into a future accident due to this defective part. thank you. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Dt: contact states the headlights on his vehicle went out while driving his vehicle at night. there IS a recall for the exterior lighting, headlight: switch, campaign ID number 04v504000. the dealer refused to perform the recall work on the vehicle because they said the failure was due to physical damage of the headlight switch. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
A sudden drop in power on freeways and city streets. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Throttle control malfunction
On november 14, 2006 volvo submitted a defect information report to nhtsa concerning etm failures in model year (my) 1999 through 2001 volvo models (not including the S40 and V40), my 2002 S60 and V70 with naturally aspirated engines and my 2002 v70s.according to volvo, ?a combination of throttle positioning sensor…
On november 14, 2006 volvo submitted a defect information report to nhtsa concerning etm failures in model year (my) 1999 through 2001 volvo models (not including the S40 and V40), my 2002 S60 and V70 with naturally aspirated engines and my 2002 v70s.according to volvo, ?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.volvo further stated that,this resulted in a high number of these vehicles going into limp home mode without need.?volvo indicated that this was the most severe consequence of an etm fault in the subject vehicles.the recall remedy IS a software upgrade introduced by volvo on march 16, 2006 in a customer satisfaction program.at the time of the notification 161,202 vehicles of the population of 331,301 had already had the software uploaded and were therefore not included in the population count of the recall. Odi?s analysis of complaints to odi and volvo, volvo field reports and warranty data found that etm failure could result in (1) engine stall; (2) mechanical limp mode; (3) lunging forward during low-speed driving maneuvers; and (4) faltering during high speed merges or when crossing traffic.odi identified 12 crashes related to etm failure, with 6 caused by lunging incidents, 3 caused by stalling incidents, 2 caused by mechanical limp mode and 1 from the faltering condition.odi's analysis of complaint data and information obtained from consumer interviews identified 1,289 incidents with safety related consequences (389.1 per 100,000 vehicles), including 479 involving engine stall (144.6 per 100,000 vehicles) and 729 involving mechanical limp mode (220.0 per 100,000 vehicles).odi's analysis of warranty claim narrative text shows at least 14,965 warranty claims with codes indicating an etm fault resulting in vehicle operation in mechanical limp mode (4.5% of the subject vehicles). Volvo?s recall addresses odi?s safety concerns with etm failures.odi will continue to monitor the subject vehicles to determine if additional action IS required.this engineering analysis IS closed.
- Throttle control malfunction
Pe05-041 was opened on july, 26, 2005, based on 136 consumer complaints to odi alleging throttle control malfunctions in the subject vehicles.odi has now received 591 complaints of etm failures which allege symptoms with potential safety related consequences.these include allegations of engine stall, vehicle surging…
Pe05-041 was opened on july, 26, 2005, based on 136 consumer complaints to odi alleging throttle control malfunctions in the subject vehicles.odi has now received 591 complaints of etm failures which allege symptoms with potential safety related consequences.these include allegations of engine stall, vehicle surging forward without accelerator input, vehicle hesitation upon acceleration and sudden and unexpected transition into reduced performance operation (limp mode).volvo submitted over 2,900 complaints concerning the etm in the subject vehicles during pe05-041.odi's preliminary analysis of a sample the volvo complaints identified approximately 55 percent with one or more of the symptoms described above.odi IS continuing its assessment of the information contained in the volvo complaints. In november 2005, to resolve an investigation by the california air resources board, volvo announced that it would extend the warranty coverage to 10 years / 200,000 miles for the etm in approximately 356,000 model year 1999 through 2002 passenger cars sold in the united states and canada.under volvo's policy, vehicles that experience etm failures will receive a variety of repairs including etm cleaning, reprogramming the engine control module and/or replacement of the etm. This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea05-021) to continue to assess the safety consequences of etm failures in the subject vehicles.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10241661Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
- 10241651Rubber cushion
- 10213885The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
- 10213883ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
- 10213882Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
- 10212892Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- 10212891VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
- 10088374Warranty, customer pay and/or internal repairs performed must be verified by a punched time flag on the back of the repair order hard copy. Each repair line must have a separate and identifiable time punch for the respective repair for all repair types, i.e., warranty, customer pay, and internal.
- 10087107This IS a service product journal : the previously reported issue with vida 2015 and battery testing has been resolved. Vida 2015 battery testing IS the only approved method for producing battery test codes. The use of vida classic or other measuring tools IS not considered acceptable when submitting warranty claims.
- 10019763Cleaning the crankcase ventilation.
- 10019762Checking crankcase ventilation system.
- 10019595Electronic throttle system software upgrade.
- 10019591Electronic throttle module (etm) extended warranty.
- 10018801Warranty coverage should a customer epxerience a defect wit the etm system beyond the terms of the normal new car warranty. Troubleshooting electronic throttle system (ets). Checking crankcase ventilation system. Cleaning the crankcase ventilation and electronic throttle module (etm). Electronic throttle module (etm) replacement.
- 10016648Alternator charging problems.
- 10016434Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10016414Front axle ping noise.
- 10016115X70 AWD propeller shaft joint / boot kit available as a spare part.
- 10011529Front seat, mechanical, adjusting. Play/clearance/clicking at the lower mountings for the front height adjuster.
- 10005275New bracket in the sub-frame for mounting the catalytic converter.
- 10003601Noise or rocking motion from the seat rails on manual front seats.
- 10001321All-wheel drive propeller shaft joint/boot kit available.
- 10000301Crank no start, no fuel pressure.
- 626948Subject regarding rear windshield, alarm wire, and repair.
- 626899Information regarding rear windshield, alarm wire, repair.
- 621829Customer complaint regarding transmission lockup engagement / disengagement while driving at cruising speeds (90 - 100 km/h / 55 - 60 mph) may be due to coolant contaminated, degraded or overheated transmission fluid.
- 620108This service campaign no. 101A involves headlight wiper arm adjustment and stop lug replacement for certain vehicles with inadequate clearance.
- 619104On certain vehicles, there may be inadequate contact between the front turn signal bulbs and the sockets.
- 619103On certain vehicles there may be inadequate clearance between the headlight wiper blade and the stop lug.
- 616755This service bulletin contains information to ensure that the all-wheel drive (AWD) system IS not damaged when servicing wheels and tires. It also contains information about checking the freewheel and viscous coupling for the all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
- 613430Subject regarding installation of protective cover for the door locks.
- 612379Information regarding the installation of the door lock protective cover. *Mjs
- 610599Experiencing a squeaking noise coming from the rear suspension between the rear spring, bump stop and the spring seat.
- 610596Some customers may complain regarding transmission lockup engagement / disengagement while driving at cruising speeds (55 - 60 mph) due to worn, overheated transmission fluid.
- 610436Some vehicles may exhibit a whining noise from the rear axle (final drive) between 80 and 95 km/h (50 - 60 mph).
- 610418Experiencing a whining sound from the rear axle (final drive) between 80 and 120 km/h (50-75 mph).
- 610391Information on installing protective cover for door locks.
- 608044This service bulletin describes how to install the new style height adjuster knob for the front seats.
- 606231Vehicles experiencing a whining sound from the rear axle.
- 605965Information describing how to install a damper on the drive shaft.
Every Volvo V70XC model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.