1997 Volvo S70 problems
The Volvo S70 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2000. The S70 was essentially a facelifted 850 saloon. The S70 was replaced with the Volvo S60.
Overview
Introduced in Europe in late 1996 for the 1997 model year and later in the U.S. for the 1998 model year, the Volvo S70 was an updated version of the Volvo 850 saloon. The S70's body style was overall more rounded compared to its predecessor. Changes included a redesigned front end with new lights, fully colour-coded bumpers and side trim, and clear indicator lenses for the rear lights, as well as a redesigned interior. According to Volvo, a total of 1800 changes were made.
Standard equipment was improved with remote central locking, heated & electrically adjustable mirrors, 4 airbags, power brakes with ABS and power windows being standard on every car. Trim levels varied for each market as did the equipment levels of the most basic trims. In the United States, the badging denoted the engine variant and to some extent the equipment level, whereas in Europe engine and options could be chosen individually. On all markets more powerful versions usually received better or upgraded standard equipment. The T5 and R were the series high-performance models.
For the 1999 model year, a minor facelift was introduced. Apart from very minor cosmetic changes, such as a slightly different Volvo badge on the front grille and US models now being equipped with side markers on the front fenders, most changes were done to the mechanicals. Volvo introduced its second generation side airbag which increased in volume to offer better protection. WHIPS, Volvo's system to minimize whiplash injuries, was also introduced as part of the standard equipment. New engine management systems with drive-by-wire replaced the mechanical throttle on all turbo engines as well as bringing with them an upgraded traction control. Now including throttle as well as brake intervention it was renamed STC. The ABS was upgraded from a three-channel to a four-channel system, all-wheel drive models received thicker rear discs and redesigned rear calipers. All automatic transmissions were now equipped with adaptive shift-logic, replacing the previous 3-mode selection. A starter interlock was added to models with manual transmissions.
For the 2000 model year, a new 5-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift-logic was introduced. It was only available on non turbo front-wheel drive models. The 10V engine variants were dropped and replaced by detuned 20V versions, drive-by-wire throttle was now also introduced for non turbo models.
Social links
Common 1997 Volvo S70 problems
The 1997 Volvo S70 is known for several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues are based on complaints from owners of this car and have been reported in various sources.
- Cooling system issues: The 1997 Volvo S70 had problems with the cooling system, such as leaking coolant and overheating. These issues can cause engine damage and lead to expensive repairs. To avoid these problems, it is important to have the car inspected regularly by a certified Volvo mechanic. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid replacements, can help prevent many of these issues from occurring.
- Electrical issues: The 1997 Volvo S70 had several electrical issues, such as problems with the alternator, battery, and starter. These issues can cause the car not to start or die while driving.
- Transmission problems: Many owners of the 1997 Volvo S70 reported transmission problems, such as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and erratic behavior. These issues can be caused by worn out transmission components, low transmission fluid, or other mechanical failures.
- Brake issues: The 1997 Volvo S70 had a recall related to the brake system, due to a potential defect with the brake booster vacuum hose. This defect could cause the brakes to fail, leading to an increased risk of an accident.
- Suspension problems: The suspension system on the 1997 Volvo S70 was prone to wear and tear, leading to problems such as noise, vibration, and difficulty steering.
- Upper engine mount failure: The 1997 Volvo S70 uses an upper engine mount that helps control engine movement during acceleration. This mount often fails in as little as 10,000 miles, resulting in an alarming knock when accelerating or shifting gears.
- Anti sway bar end link failure: All 1993-2000 850, S70, C70, and V70 models (as well as most 2001 2008 S60, S80, V70, and XC 90 models) use anti sway bar end links with ball joint connections. These have proven to be short-lived in the Volvo application and routinely wear out, causing knocking and clunking noises.
- Front strut mount failure: The 1997 Volvo S70 uses a rubber-encased upper spring seat/strut mount that suffers from premature failure. Symptoms of a strut mount that has failed or is on the way out are creaking/groaning sounds during low-speed turning.
- Fuel door hinge failure: The 1997 Volvo S70 uses a plastic gas cap door hinge that commonly fails at around 60,000 miles or so. This can leave the gas door hanging from the side of the car, which doesn't look good and can damage the paint job.
- Automatic transmission shift interlock failure: When this part fails, the car can no longer be driven unless the driver happens to know that there is an emergency override button that can be pressed to allow the shifter to be moved.
To prevent these problems from occurring, it is important to have the car regularly maintained by a certified Volvo mechanic. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid replacements, can help prevent many of these issues from occurring. If any problems arise, they should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to the car.
What is the common problem with Volvo V70?
The top engine mount is known for failing on the V70. When you are taking off, or changing gear you may hear a loud knocking noise. Another symptom of the top engine mount failing is when you open the bonnet, have someone rev the engine for you and if it shakes excessively then this is the cause.
What kind of engine does a Volvo S70 have?
| Volvo S70 | |
|---|---|
| Platform | Volvo P80 platform |
| Related | Volvo V70 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Petrol: 2.0–2.5L I5 (93kW–184kW) Petrol Bi-Fuel: 2.4L B5244SG I5 Diesel: 2.5L R5TDI I5 (103kW) 2.0 L I5 (petrol) 2.3 L I5 (petrol) 2.4 L I5 (petrol) 2.4 L I5 turbo (petrol) 2.5 L I5 (petrol) 2.5 L I5 turbo (petrol) 2.5 L Volvo D5252T I5 (diesel) |
How many Volvo s70s were made?
Between 14 April 1927 and 29 February 2024 Volvo Cars produced 24,132,038 cars.
| MODEL | YEARS | NUMBERS |
|---|---|---|
| S70 Totals | 1996-2000 | 242,916 |
| S70 | 1997-1998 | 95,266 |
| S70 | 1998-1999 | 54,236 |
| S70 Classic | 1999-2000 | 50,952 |
How fast is a Volvo S70?
According to the Car and Driver 1999 Ultimate Comparisons issue, the '99 S70 GLT has a top speed of 144mph with the 4spd automatic.
How many miles can a Volvo S70 last?
200,000 miles
If the car has been taken care of, it could go for another 200,000 miles. Volvos are great, long-lasting cars.
What is the common problem with Volvo V70?
The top engine mount is known for failing on the V70. When you are taking off, or changing gear you may hear a loud knocking noise. Another symptom of the top engine mount failing is when you open the bonnet, have someone rev the engine for you and if it shakes excessively then this is the cause.
What kind of engine does a Volvo S70 have?
| Volvo S70 | |
|---|---|
| Platform | Volvo P80 platform |
| Related | Volvo V70 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Petrol: 2.0–2.5L I5 (93kW–184kW) Petrol Bi-Fuel: 2.4L B5244SG I5 Diesel: 2.5L R5TDI I5 (103kW) 2.0 L I5 (petrol) 2.3 L I5 (petrol) 2.4 L I5 (petrol) 2.4 L I5 turbo (petrol) 2.5 L I5 (petrol) 2.5 L I5 turbo (petrol) 2.5 L Volvo D5252T I5 (diesel) |
What is the life expectancy of a Volvo V70?
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
1997 Volvo S70 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo S70 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Volvo S70 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Volvo S70 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Volvo S70.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-11
- VIN: YV1LS55A3X1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLVO S70. THE CONTACT COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-16
- VIN: YV1LT56D8X2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ABS/TRACSON WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE AUTOMATICALLY. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-31
- VIN: YV1LS56D2X2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER ETS (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE) WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME ON WHILE DRIVING ,AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT A COST TO THE CONSUMER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: YV1LS5572W1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER SHUTTING OFF ENGINE KEY STICKS IN IGNITION. IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES OF WIGGLING TO GET KEY OUT. DEALER REPLACED CYLINDER, BUT THIS DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Volvo S70 problems:
What are the common problems with S70s?
Mar 12, 2005 ... To all Vovlo fans (like myself)! I am thinking of buying a Volvo S70 2000. Please tell me what problems you have experienced with this or ...
Common problems V70 Wagon ? - Volvo Forums - Volvo ...
Jun 25, 2011 ... Volvo V70 - Common problems V70 Wagon ? - I have owned my first Volvo for about a month now 1997 V70 auto. Having avidly reading posts on ...
IPD Volvo's Top 10 Most Common Problems with 1993-2000 850 ...
Jan 16, 2020 ... IPD Volvo's Top 10 Most Common Problems with 1993-2000 850, C70, S70 and V70 Models · Upper Engine Mount Failure · Anti Sway Bar End Link Failure.
01 V70 XC common issues? - Volvo Forums - Volvo Enthusiasts ...
Feb 6, 2012 ... I had a 1992 MB 600SEL which went 200k, no problems other than piddly interior switch issues. Rest of the car was bulletproof. 1997 Volvo 960 - ...
Top 10 Most Common Problems with 1993-2000 850, C70, S70 and ...
Top 10 Most Common Problems with 1993-2000 850, C70, S70 and V70 Models · Upper Engine Mount Failure · Anti Sway Bar End Link Failure · Front Strut Mount Failure.
Other years of Volvo S70
Are you having problems with your 1997 Volvo S70?
Leave your review of 1997 Volvo S70