Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 3 of 4 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
4 reports
119,000 miles · May 25, 2016
Structure
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 …
Read full complaint
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.
NHTSA ODI #10870876
113,000 miles · Mar 9, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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
NHTSA ODI #10113813
47,900 miles · Aug 5, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
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
NHTSA ODI #10087256
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2001
Electrical System
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
NHTSA ODI #890482
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE02029 · Passenger Compartment Fires
Opened Mar 7, 2002 · Closed Aug 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
No summary supplied.
1997 Volvo S70 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year