IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1999 Volvo S70

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 1999 Volvo S70. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

P80-platform sill and rear-corner corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Owners replacing sills on P80 cars (850, S70 and first-generation V70) describe right-hand sills that have simply disappeared behind the trim, with rust hiding in the box sections and chassis legs. The Volvo Owners' Club rust guide lists sill drain holes blocking and rot creeping forward to the front wing joint - the same failure pattern seen repeatedly on S70s at inspections. Structural corrosion in these areas is an MOT failure, and proper welding repairs run into four figures.

Est. Repair Cost: £300-£2,000+
Warning Signs:

Bubbling or flaking paint along the lower door edge and arch seams, Old sealant or filler smears around the sill that hide patched holes, Damp carpet in the footwells from blocked sill drainholes

What to Inspect:
  • Remove the plastic sill covers and press-test the metal along its full length
  • Look through the wheel arch liner gaps for fresh underseal covering rot
  • Check the boot floor pockets and battery tray for perforation
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Cambelt or timing belt failure on the five-cylinder engine

SeriousEngine

The S70 shares the 850's transverse five-cylinder petrol engines, which are interference designs: a snapped or jumped cambelt stops the engine and typically bends valves and damages pistons. Volvo specified cambelt and tensioner renewal at around 60,000-80,000 miles or five years, and Volvo Owners Club threads describe S70 owners renewing belts late, with tensioner and idler bearing wear the usual warning signs. Belt wear is hidden behind the timing covers, so a missing belt history is the main risk when buying a used S70.

Est. Repair Cost: £250-£500
Warning Signs:

Squealing or rattling from the front of the engine, Engine turns over but will not start, Misfire after a belt change

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm cambelt and tensioner renewal invoices within the last five to eight years
  • Ask whether the water pump was renewed with the belt
  • Listen for bearing noise from the cam cover area on a cold start
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Ignition system faults - misfire, poor hot starting, no spark

ModerateEngine

The S70 uses the same five-cylinder modular ignition as the late 850, and Volvo Owners' Club threads show owners chasing random misfires through cap, rotor, leads and finally the coil itself when a partial failure keeps the car running rough at low revs. The club’s ignition troubleshooting guide covers distributor shaft wear, amplifier (power stage) failure and Hall-sensor faults - all on this car - that leave you stranded after a hot soak. A methodical check with a spark tester sorts it for £150-£400 in most cases.

Est. Repair Cost: £150-£400
Warning Signs:

Intermittent misfire that survives new plugs and leads, Starting difficulties when the engine is hot, Tachometer dropping out or surging while driving

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the distributor cap interior for carbon tracking and the rotor button for erosion
  • Ask whether the ignition amplifier has ever been replaced and when
  • Repeat a cold and hot start test during the viewing before agreeing to buy
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1999 Volvo S70

  • Treat a spotless S70 with suspicion - lift the sill trims and check the rear arches before anything else, because the P80 cars rot where you cannot see them.
  • On automatics, drive off from cold and confirm 2-3 and 3-4 shifts are smooth and prompt; flare and harshness is the AW-series valve body telling you its price.
  • Check the ignition system as a set: distributor cap, rotor, HT leads and coil condition decide how the car runs at 15 years-plus age.
  • Verify the service history covers timing belt and tensioner changes; the parts are cheap for a specialist but a snapped belt is an engine replacement.
  • Look for the 1999 facelift details (revised grille badge and indicators) and dual-stage side airbags if you want the later specification.
Check a 1999 Volvo S70 by Registration