The car reduced the speed and now it stopped running because the etm is not working. I contacted volvo and they said that the warranty is not covered because it has been over 10 years. I bought this car from a previous owner in october 2013 and therefore I was not aware of the problem. Now they want me to pay approximately $900 to fix it. They said the warranty started from the day the first car was bought which was august 25, 1999 but in my opinion it should be from the first time there was a problem encountered with the etm that caused volvo to recall and buy the cars back. Volvo made approximately 300,000 cars and repaired and bought back around 165,000 cars. This means that other people are encountering the same problem. I was told by volvo that the car I currently own the software was updated in north carolina. As I see it they neglected to change the throttle in the vehicle. This is a big safety issue because this car can cause my family to get in a car accident. The regional manager indicated that the car could not be fixed and that I had to pay for the labor and the parts. They are offering to give me a discount on the repairs but I feel they need to take care of a problem that was caused by the manufacturer. I understand that the discounts for labor and parts indicate that volvo understand the safety concerns and the problems of the car but also they need to take care of the problem. I ask to speak to the regional manager and I was told by the customer service representative that I was not allowed. I left a message to him to see if we can resolve this issue.
The worst 1999 Volvo C70 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration5
- Engine5
- Electrical4
- Fuel system3
- Brakes2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration5
- Engine5
- Electrical4
- Fuel system3
- Brakes2
- Tires2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
Recalls 3
Vehicle speed control
- What is 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.
- 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.
Recall number 06V441000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
- 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.
Recall number 04V504000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: turn signal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle is turning and could lead to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.
Recall number 00V405000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 1999 Volvo C70
Defect investigations
Throttle control malfunction
On november 14, 2006 volvo submitted a defect information report to the federal safety agency 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.
EA05021
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 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.
PE05041
Headlight failure
On august 23, 1999, volvo notified the federal safety agency that it would conduct a safety recall (99v235) on certain 1997 model year (my) 850 vehicles and certain 1998 s/v/c 70 series vehicles for failure of the headlight switch.the defect report stated in part: operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.volvo's remedy for this recall was to replace the headlight switch.this recall query investigation was opened on june 8, 2004, based on 13 reports of headlight failure on 1998 and 1999 s/v/c 70 series vehicles that were not included in the earlier recall.by letter of october 18, 2004, volvo has notified the agency that it will now conduct a safety recall of an additional 97,000 my 1998 through 2000 s70/v70/v70xc and c70 vehicles built from june 5, 1997 through january 11, 2000. Volvo dealers will replace the original equipment master light switch with one of an improved design. See safety recall 04v504 for details.
RQ04004
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Volvo C70 184
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Complimentary upgrade C00009 description.
- Rubber cushion
- The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as...
- ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
- Vida qr
- Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly...
- This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo...
- Effective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300)
1999 Volvo C70 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 5‑cyl | FWD | 17-18 | 24-25 | 20 |
| 2.4L 5‑cyl | FWD | 17-18 | 25 | 20 |
What 1999 Volvo C70 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volvo c70. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently reduced speed with no warning. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing and to be repaired by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volvo c70. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the ets light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH independently. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 177,000....updated 05/22/13 *bf the consumer stated the limp mode affects the breaking system, it's difficult to engage the brakes. Updated 06/505/2013
Abs brake module failure both ABS and traction control warning lights come on intermittently. Dealer stated it is known problem with ABS braking module.
Dt*: the contact stated in february 2005 the engine surged while idling at stop signs. The dealership replaced the electric throttle module. In 2002 and on july 25, 2005 the vehicle veered to the right. Upon inspection the independent repair shop determined the engine mounts needed to be replaced. Also, on january 20, 2005 there was a noise coming from the drive shaft. Upon inspection the independent repair shop replaced the drive shaft because it had weakened. All the problems occurred at various speeds.
While removing a child car seat the seat belt button fell off, thus the seat belt retracted completely and was completely retracted forcing the seat in the declined position and permanently locked in this position. Now the seat is unusable as a child seat or any type of seat until a dealer repair. I was unable to use the car with a child seat. On a long trip with children this puts the children at great risk and creates an illegal driving condition. Even with the car under warranty I was charged $56.
Etm failed in car for the second time at 115,000 miles on vehicle, previously replaced september 2003 at 64,000 miles. Driving from ohio to pa for thanksgiving ets light and check engine light illuminated. After thanksgiving dinner went to go home and my volvo c70 quit accelerating while entering a 4 lane highway from an entry ramp. Fortunately, traffic was light and traffic was easily able to pass to the left until I coasted off to the berm of the road. The car was idling but did not have power to go up small grade. Shut car off and restarted, throttle response resumed and was able to return home. Dealer replaced etm module under recently announced extended warranty program on 12/2/2005. I do not have old part.
Dt: the contact stated the car surged up and down while driving. The dealer cleaned the throttle body once and twice. They have downloaded software to repair the problem. These repairs were done at the consumer's expense.. The problem recurred and was getting worse. The dealer told the contact to replace the throttle body at his expense.
The throttle body has failed in traffic and on the hwy. The part has been replaced 2 times and was cleaned 2 - 3 times. At this time I am unable to drive it over 15 MPH. Needless to say it is sitting. I am guessing at the day it stated.
Dt:the problem began last year while driving in the neighborhood at about 25-30 MPH, the owner felt tugging and hesitation. There were no lights on to warn owner of a problem. The car experienced a loss of power until the operating temperature went up to normal temperature problem happened every time the car was driven, and got worse with time. The problem happened about 20 times, then owner took the car to the dealership. The dealer notified owner he would need to replace the electronic throttle module ( etm). The fault codes that showed electronic control module (ECM 9150 and 914f). The owner did not have the repairs done and the problem got worse. Then about 9 months later, the owner experienced the significant loss of power while driving/coming on to the off ramp, and merging into traffic. The owner tried to speed up. There was a feeling of complete loss of power at 3000 rpms. The owner pushed the accelerator to the floor. There was no response. There was no power after 3000 rpms. There was a feeling of the car having only one gear. The owner coasted off the road and restarted the car and it was fine for a while. The problem is staying the same now, not getting worse. The owner wished to have it repaired, but could not afford it. The owner has spoken with volvo, who won't offer any assistance. They say the car was out of warranty.
Compare the 1999 Volvo C70
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Questions about the 1999 Volvo C70
Is the 1999 Volvo C70 reliable?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 1999 Volvo C70, 2.1 times a typical C70 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Volvo C70?
Acceleration and speed control, with 5 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is engine (5).
How many recalls does the 1999 Volvo C70 have?
3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Volvo C70 acceleration?
Yes, 1 recall: 06V441000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Volvo C70 get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Volvo C70 range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 17-18 city and 24-25 highway.
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