1999 Volvo V70
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 169
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 169 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 187 |
| 1999 | 169 |
| 2000 | 93 |
| 2001 | 221 |
| 2002 | 76 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 84 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
31% · 53 reportsMost commonly citing cables.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving my 1999 Volvo V70 on the highway, and it constantly accelerates and decelerates on its own with no action done by me. In one case it accelerated to the point in which I lost control and caused an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-22
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Volvo V70. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the rpms decreased and the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the check engine, ECM and the limp home mode warning messages illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-16
Also filed under Engine
Electrical system
25% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Througout this cars history (From the first year 20 + years ago through to today) the engine randomly cuts out without warning, though this happens when usally while declerating and braking to round a street corner.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-20
Also filed under Engine
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing delivery and fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
Due to design (Absence of a shield over fuel line), damage to the fuel line from rock in the road surface occurred, which sprayed small amounts of gasoline into the engine compartment and resulted in fire.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-11-29
Also filed under Structure
Service brakes
8% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998-11-16Engine and engine cooling98V254000 Vehicle description: station wagons equipped with third seats. Users of the third seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.
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1999Complaint volume 169 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
1999-06-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-10-27 Inadvertent side air bag deployment
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I
2000-08-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-12-22 Turn signal
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2001-03-19Exterior lighting00V405000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. There could be inadequate contact between the bulb and socket which could cause the front turn signal not to function as designed.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.
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I
2004-06-08Recall queryClosed 2004-11-05 Headlight failure
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2005-01-24Exterior lighting04V504000 On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
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.…
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2005-07-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-12-07 Throttle control malfunction
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2005-12-06Engineering analysisClosed 2006-12-12 Throttle control malfunction
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2006-12-29Vehicle speed control06V441000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Volvo V70 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 53 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V254000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 00V405000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 04V504000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06V441000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Volvo V70 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Volvo V70 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Volvo V70?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Volvo V70 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.