Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 1998 Volvo V70

The contact owns a 1998 Volvo V70xc. While driving 45 mph the serpentine belt detached and the engine shut off without any warning lights illuminating. However, after the failure occurred, all of the lights on the dashboard illuminated. The vehicle was towed, and the mechanic stated that when the timing belt detached the pistons stopped moving on one side , and on the other side the pistons continued to move although the engine shut off. The cost to replace the engine was $6,000. The contact stated that regular maintenance checks were always performed on the vehicle as authorized by the Volvo dealer. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 120,000.

The timing belt holder broke on my 1998 Volvo while on driving on us route 40 in chapel hill north carolina. This caused a complete loss of acceleration. Fortunately we were in the right lane and were able to pull off the road.

The camshaft belt tensioner broke which caused the belt to come off and the vehicle to lost power while driving 70 mph. The owner has contacted the manufacturer who refused to do anything about this. Timing belt tensioner, belt and valves and head gasket needed to be replaced.

1998 Volvo V70xc, replacement of mechanical timing belt tensioner not specific as to mileage for such replacement, replaced timing belt at 70,000 miles as required, tensioner appeared good on inspection, no Volvo TSB advising replacement, tensioner failed at 84,000 miles, Volvo warranty rejected repair claim for tensioner, valve damage, timing belt replacement approx. $2,400. 00 no response from Volvo customer care to email for review of claim. Had I been on the turnpike loss of power may have resulted in a crash since all powered systems would not have worked. Volvo does not participate in arbitration dispute through the bbb. My only resource is a government agency investigating the problem and notifying Volvo of a manufacturer defect or failure to advise this consumer that correct service should have included replacement of the tensioner at a specified mileage. Since this tensioner failure also affects fuel delivery, emissions controls, valves etc. I sent an inquiry to the epa website.

Coming down a hill in valley center CA. The timing belt on my Volvo xc 1998, VIN # yv1lz5648w2477339, broke causing the engine to destruct and loss of hydraulics to power the brakes and steering, nearly veered into a canyon. The owners manual recommends replacement of the timing belt at 70,000 miles. The Volvo has 61,000 miles and was very well maintained at an authorized Volvo dealer in huston texas. There was almost a major cash both rear end and frontal when the car almost crossed over the highway. Contacted Volvo of n. America and was told car was out of warranty and I bought it "as is" and they are not to blame. I now have to replace the engine because of extensive damage. Thank god my family was not in the car or my wife was not driving the car, this could have caused a fatility if it was the freeway or if by luck the car did not go over the canyon wall. I had only owned the car for two weeks. It was inspected before it came to me from texas and was shiped not driven.

There have been numerous electrical failures with the car on a routine basis. There have also been oil leaks, gasoline leaks, air conditioner failure and seat belt failures. The car has been repaired almost on a monthly basis since the beginning of ownership. This past week, it has been repaired three times for electrical problems related to the seat belts and air bags. The Volvo dealerships have made the necessary repairs and warranties have paid most of the costs, the amount of time this car has spent being serviced is totally unacceptable. Even the Volvo dealer here in florida (plantation Volvo) suggested we research the florida lemon law. The law does not apply to us because the car was purchased in massachusetts. We would appreciate any assistance in getting Volvo's attention that this particular car has major flaws, especially electrical.