MotorDeets

1999 Volvo V70: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1999 Volvo V70: 4 recalls, 169 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
169owner complaints
4mention a crash
21best combined mpg
1999 Volvo V70
Photo: OSX · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V254000 · 1998 · 50,835 vehicles

What's wrong: Users of the third seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe.

Why it matters: Contact with the tailpipe can result in personal injury.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V405000 · 2000 · 245,894 vehicles

What's wrong: There could be inadequate contact between the bulb and socket which could cause the front turn signal not to function as designed.

Why it matters: This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle is turning and could lead to a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V504000 · 2004 · 97,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch May cease to function.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #06V441000 · 2006 · 170,099 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This resulted in a high number of vehicles going into the limp home mode without need.

The fix: Dealers will install the current software upgrade onto the involved vehicles. The recall began on December 29, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Speed control / throttle53
Electrical43
Engine & cooling20
Fuel system19
Brakes (hydraulic)13
Visibility (wipers, glass)9
Transmission & drivetrain8
Exterior lights6

What owners describe

The 1999 Volvo V70 has 169 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 21 V70 model years for complaints (3.8× the average V70 year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (74 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (187 complaints, 5 recalls), 2000 (93 complaints, 5 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Premium
2.4 L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192621Premium
2.3 L 5-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182520Premium
2.3 L 5-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182520Premium
2.4 L 5-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182520Premium
2.3 L 5-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162319Premium
2.4 L 5-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162319Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Volvo V70.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 1999 Volvo V70 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Volvo V70. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1999 Volvo V70 problems?

Owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (53), electrical (43), engine & cooling (20).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Volvo V70 get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1999 Volvo V70 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other V70 years

199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016