VehicleVerdict

1999 Volvo V70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 220 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 27.5 times the median V70 year — the 1999 model ranks #3 of 21 V70 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (53), electrical system (45), and engine (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

220

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

5

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other V70 years?

V70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted268 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 242 complaints1999: 220 complaints2000: 116 complaints2001: 268 complaints2002: 91 complaints2003: 36 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 22 complaints2006: 23 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 13 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints
V70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Volvo V70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control5324%
Electrical System4520%
Engine2411%
Fuel System2210%
Brakes157%
Visibility & Wipers105%
Lighting94%
Transmission84%
Airbags63%
Suspension52%
Tires & Wheels52%
Body & Structure52%
Seat Belts42%
Latches & Locks42%
Other21%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1999 Volvo V70 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06V441000Speed ControlNovember 15, 2006 · 170,099 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

04V504000LightingOctober 21, 2004 · 97,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.

Consequence

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.

00V405000LightingDecember 6, 2000 · 245,894 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

98V254000EngineOctober 14, 1998 · 50,835 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.

Consequence

CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE ETM REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP AT A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 21, 2006 · crash

“OUR 1999 VOLVO V70 SIMPLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. PORTLAND, ME DEALER "REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER" AND "CHECKED." WE DROVE 1500 MILES AND AGAIN IT STOPPED...THIS TIME REPEATEDLY. INDIANAPOLIS DEALER KEPT THE CAR FOR 3 WEEKS AND REPORTED THAT THEY INADVERTANTLY SOLVED WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 15, 2005

“WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKES DIDN'T ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, AS A RESULT THE DRIVER HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY PUMP THE PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS COMPLETE AND TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE ABS UNIT THAT WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 23, 2003

“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. MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · fire

“1) PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY 2) COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE 3)TBD - CAR AT DEALERSHIP, BUT DEALERSHIP AND VOLVO USA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE BRAKE FAILURE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 21, 2007 · crash

1999 Volvo V70 — common questions

Is the 1999 Volvo V70 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 220 complaints put the 1999 model at #3 of 21 V70 years. It is one of the V70 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 V70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (53 complaints), electrical system (45 complaints), engine (24 complaints).

Does the 1999 Volvo V70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Volvo V70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Volvo V70 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo V70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V70 years to avoid are 2001, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2000, 2002, 2003. The cleanest record among V70 years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.