Six problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1998 Volvo S70. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Replaced timing belt at 76,000 mi. Per Volvo maintenance schedule. At 107,000 mi. Timing belt tensioner and pulley failure resulting in timing belt slipping off and causing massive valve damage. Thankfully, Volvo of na service stepped up as did darell waltrip Volvo and helped to cover over half of the $4,600 in damage that was caused. Still I was stuck with a $2,000 unexpected repair bill. Attention - 1998 Volvo S70 owners and all interference engine owners with timing belts note replace your tensioners and pulleys when you replace the belt.
My wife's car ('98 S70 t5) stop last week. I took it to the dealer and they said that the tensioner seized up. This caused major damage to the engine about $3500 worth. I got the timing belt changed at 71,000 on the recommendation of the dealership so this type of problem would not happen, but it did anyway. The car now has 108,000 miles. Volvo's corporate customer service called me today and said the they are not responsible due to the mileage of the car and it is far out of warranty. I am awaiting a response from the dealership. Searching the web I have found numerous postings of similar compliants with the tensioner. Something must be done to correct this problem.
Failure of cam belt adjuster, at speed with no warning and total loss of engine power and ancillary equipment.
While driving down I-85 s. On 12/30/04 in my 1998 Volvo s-70 the tensioner wheel exploded causing the timing belt to disengage from the engine thus loosing all engine power at 70 mph without warning and doing over 2000. Oo dollars worth of engine damage. From examination of the defective part, the goove guides just shattered leaving no grooves for belt guidance.
Consumer 1998 S70 engine has failed on two different occasions, timing belt serpentine belt has been replaced. ***** the consumer believed this was a premature failure. The water pump was leaking. The front spring seat was replaced.
Electrical problems since shortly after purchase of vehicle, to dealer 25 times. Dashboard light would come on, indicating that headlights were not working when in fact they were. Dealer stated vehicle had a bulb and socket problem, taillight bulb failed, signal lights flash very fast, side signals sockets and bulbs shorted, 4 running light contacts melted, front headlight shorted, left front headlight inoperable, and bulb indicator illuminated. Door locks inoperable, windows would not go up, master window control switch faulty, and speakers distorted. Seat belt plastic part cracked. Transmission sticks on lowe gear, happened twice. Gas light comes on even when tank is full. Washer fluid inidcator illuminated, washer jets inoperable, wiper blads replaced, right side mirror did not adjust all the way out. Front and rear brake pads worn, rotors replaced, brakes cause screeching noises. Engine light illuminated, cable under engine loose. Humming noise while driving, dealer replaced right front hub, left and right front stabilizer links. Mudflaps loose. Evap valve replaced.