Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70. While driving between 10-60 MPH, the engine revved. The vehicle shook and the brakes made a grinding noise, although they were not applied. The ABS warning indicator light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stopped normally. The ABS control unit (part number 860266) was replaced. The failure ceased for 30,000 miles before it recurred. The failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 105,000.
1998 Volvo V70: ABS light or ABS activating
33 of the 187 complaints about the 1998 Volvo V70 describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 33
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- typical repair cost reported
- $700
- typical mileage
- 71,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Abs / trac lights intermittent failure, causing occasional loss of braking for 1-2 seconds.
The ABS / traction control unit on these cars fail in unreasonably high numbers. It's such a big business, that mechanics sell thousands of refurbished units on ebay. Volvo charges over $700 for the parts, and is avoiding repairing this item because I'm sure some actuary told them it's cheaper to pay claims and defend lawsuits than to protect their customers. I have not experienced an accident or crash as a result, but I'm sure hundreds of people have.
Dt*: the contact stated while parked in the driveway for one day, smoke was noticed coming from under the hood. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the wiring harness caused the fire. The wiring harness was replaced. The dealer was not notified. Updated 10/18/2006 - the vehicle was last driven about 14 hours prior to the vehicle catching on fire. The service dealer replaced the harness to the ABS control unit.
The ABS system failed during a panic stop, causing the brakes to lock up and the car to skid uncontrollably into the middle of an intersection. Fortunately it did not result in any significant damage. *ak there had been no indication of a problem prior to the incident and the ABS light was on after the incident and had not been on previously. The problem was repaired by replacing the ABS control module. Upon discussions with the technician, it was clear that this is a very common failure with these models and it leaves the the ABS system completely disabled when it occurs. As my incident shows, this failure can occur without warning and cause a very dangerous situation where the driver is relying on the ABS system and instead has the brakes lock up causing an uncontrollable skid. In addition to this incident, the technician also told me that the module had already failed and been replaced previously at 31k miles. This appears to be a defect that is very common and will cause unsuspecting drivers to suddenly lose control of their vehicles in a panic stop situation.
At only 70,000 miles my ABS unit failed and had to be replaced. This is such a common problem that the dealer agreed to pay half. Volvo should replace this critical safety componet on every vehicle at their expense.
I own a 1998 volvo v70. With less than 50,000 miles on the odometer, I have had to replace both the air pump and the ABS control module. These parts should not have failed on a car that is five years old. Since the car is past its warranty period, volvo will not reimburse me for these parts (a total of $1,273). In response to a letter from me, volvo said, "in the event that either of these components is recalled, reimbursement could be considered at that time." please add my name to others who undoubtedly have complained about these faulty parts (air pump - pks70ap and ABS/trac - 8602266) so that a recall can be issued. I would be glad to submit to the federal safety agency both letters between volvo and myself.
My 1998 volvo v70 awd. With less than 49,000 miles the ABS/tracs warning light began to intermittantly come on (indicates ABS system and associated traction control are inoperative). Subsequent computerized trouble fault evaluation by dealer's service dept (penkus volvo) indicated that the ABS control module was at fault and needed to be replaced (at almost $800). Car had mileage within the warranty limit, but was beyond the time limit to qualify for warranty service. I have since done extensive research/internet searches on this issue (note I am a research scientist) and have found numerous instances of this teves 20 ABS unit failing. Specifically, I have discovered that this 1998 volvo model has been plagued by this! I recognize that all of the historical claims that I've reviewed do not involve death nor personnel injury as a result of this defect, however, there are some documented "close calls." I feel very strongly that your agency, the federal safety agency, should investigate further and perhaps mandate a recall by volvo. You primarily exist to promote safety in the automotive industry and to protect the american consumer. Please don't wait until someone is killed or hurt before you act! Thank you.
The volvo ABS / trac control module is failing at an abnormally high rate. Local dealership replaces in excess of 5 of these per month. Volvo corporate office will not acknowledge any problem with this safety device, and otherwise refuses to discuss the high rate of failures. Other research, including a high demand for non-dealer acquired ABS computer modules in the aftermarket industry strongly suggests that those units installed in vehicles are failing at an abnormally high rate. In my 1998 v70 wagon the ABS & trac off indicators (warning lamps) randomly light. As a result the safety offered by the ABS brake system becomes disabled over long periods of time. Every potential cause has been ruled out except for the ABS computer module (ABS / trac control module). This safety issue needs to be addressed by the federal safety agency due to the impending risk to life that continued failures of this safety device will undoubtedly bring.
While driving, the ABS and traction control indicator illuminated. Both lights stayed for the duration of travel. *ak *jb
Abs module failed. Abs and tracking system warning lights came on/off.
Anti lock brakes control unit failed. A light indicated that the ABS brakes were not working, but the consumer heard and felt the ABS brakes were working when applying the brakes.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc
- Information regarding new rear brake pads and calipers
- Subject on the cross-shaped pad retainer spring in the rear calipers coming in contact with the rotor
- Concerns with the cross-shaped pad retainer spring in the rear calipers CAN come in contact with the rotor
- Introduction of new rear brake pads and calipers
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Volvo V70 abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1998 Volvo V70?
33 of 187 owner complaints about the 1998 Volvo V70 (18%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the 1998 Volvo V70?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $700 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Volvo V70?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Volvo V70
Headlights 16Stalling 8Door locks 7Brake failure 6Check engine light 6Seat belt 6Fire or smoke 5Loss of power 5
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