On a large number of volvos the ABS computer fails resulting in loss of proper braking. Normal use causes this, in this all to common failure, and volvo is aware of their short comings in this problem, thus far refusing to correct a highly dangerous condition that may have already resulted in injury and death. The replacement computers from volvo are of the same lack of reliability. This has been a major problem for years and certainly represents a serious failure in a critical system to the automobile. In addition to being a serious failure, volvo has made it a very expensive (hence profitable) repair. Estimates ranging from $500.00 to $850.00 for the repair are the norm. The part itself is around $500.00, so volvo makes a nice profit from each one replaced and is guaranteed another replacement further down the road since they have not even addressed the problem with their replacement units. To do so would be acknowledging a problem they are well aware of, so they wont. If ever a government mandated recall was appropriate this is it. It would seem that a car company as proud of their safety ratings as volvo is would be willing to correct this potentially fatal flaw. As they seem not to be it should be demanded of them. They should be mandated to recall all models prone to this failure and to be required to reimburse consumers that can produce receipts proving they had to have this repair done. There are rebuilders that can make the old unit stronger, more reliable, if you send it to them, so volvo could do it as well.
Volvo V70XC abs comes on
17 of the 411 owner complaints about the Volvo V70XC describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1998 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 1998
- typical repair cost reported
- $700
- typical mileage
- 95,000
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
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?
Since owning the vehicle (purchased used) I have had issues with the ABS and tracs systems. I noticed if the car was "cold" in a cold climate, the ABS/tracs system appeared to be functioning properly, if only for a few minutes. Otherwise, the ABS/tracs system failed to function altogether. The brakes would fail completely when the ABS module would transfer from functioning to non-functioning. The volvo mechanic stated this was a common problem and that the ABS module would need replacement at a cost of $700. My question is, if it's such a common problem concerning a vital safty part(the brakes) why has there not been a recall? This is one in a myriad of functional issues with this vehicle.
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 the federal safety agency contact volvo headquarters and demand a recall on this hazardous ABS and acceleration safety problem.
My vehicle stalls with no warning. 1. No warning, seemingly no events leading up to the failure. 2. Failure manifests itself in a complete shut-down of car. The car becomes a hazard wherever failure occurs, especially on the freeway. No power steering or power brakes. 3. The car has been serviced for this problem on 6 occasions. Dealer replaced throttle body twice, ABS control module three times, and a wire harness, with no guarantee that the problem is remedied.
Abs control unit sporadically fails, ABS and traction control lights go on notifying driver that these systems are not working. If the system fails at a critical time, could result in loss of control of vehicle.
Mileage approx 115,000 when purchased now 120,000 within 8 months. Hardly hard use. Failure of ECM and o2 sensors, on two occasions the second within 1000 miles and 1 month of first repair. Caused the car to surge, if restarted might stall and generally become dangerous to drive. No warning of failure. Volvo dealerships well aware of problem and offered immediate and correct diagnosis prior to checking the computer codes, without needing much investigation. 2 dealers worked on the car one don bayer in washington and independence volvo in charlotte. Instructed independence volvo dealer to make car safe and roadworthy. Uploaded faults and downloaded onto vehicle, new software. Within 1 month new symptoms appear. At various times these lights show and reset ABS warning, engine warning, traction control warning, speedo failure, check engine, service warning (even though service is just carried out).symptoms include lack of throttle response when pulling away, when speedo fails. No warning of change in status means this happens during turning maneuvers with potentially dangerous or lethal consequences. Checking various sources note that ABS module failure is common making the car potentially unsafe in emergency, not only for braking but during acceleration as the cars ability to pull at its normal rate is vastly reduced, adding throttle does nothing, but if the system turns back on again no warning, the speedometer just comes back to life ) this can cause unneeded fierce acceleration. I noted one death on the highway of a young woman who appeared to accelerate off the road during a benign maneuver and am concerned that this on/off speedometer/ABS transmission problem might have been the cause rather than the ECM currently the focus of the investigation.
I just received word from a dealer that the ABS control unit has failed. I was quoted approx 900 for this repair. This is not a normal wear and tear part and therefore I think the federal safety agency should force the question to volvo as to whether or not this part was poorly designed and/or why do so many owners have this same problem..
Anti lock break system fails intermitently, when the system fails to ABS does not work, also causes cruise control to stop working
Failure of ABS control unit on 1998 volvo xc70 automobile. According to dealers, it is a common failure and happens all the time. It renders the traction control and ABS system as not-working and it is an intermittent problem that causes the tracs and ABS systems to fail without any warning.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Volvo V70XC abs
Why does the abs come on in the Volvo V70XC?
Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, loss of power steering and hesitation when accelerating.
Which Volvo V70XC years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1998 (8 complaints), 1999 (8 complaints) and 2001 (1 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Volvo V70XC?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $700 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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