The ABS antilock brake system in my 1998 Volvo S70 failed. The dashboard light indicated ABS & traction control (tracs) failure. Normal non-ABS braking remained. Research on several Volvo owners web sites (such as brickboard: www.brickboard.com/AWD/?model=S70) showed systemic failure of the ABS control module Volvo part # 9162675 due to printed circuit board solder cracking after 6 years. The car was tested by a Volvo dealer confirming ABS control module failedure. Volvo charges a total $650 to replace the unit. The "brickboard" owners group suggested a repair shop in California that resolders the circuit board, replaces and upgrades failed components, tests & returns it for $130 plus shipping. We had the old board repaired, since a new exact replacement board from Volvo would have the same failure after another 5 years. The repaired ABS control unit has been reinstalled & the car now works properly, with full ABS and tracs control. This is not the first printed circuit failure from Volvo. Our 1993 Volvo 940 turbo had two board failures: 1, the relay base board solder cracked, and resulted in the overdrive relay not working; 2, cruise control operated erratically, due to bad board solder. Both of these boards were repaired by our local service shop. We are very concerned that two critical safety elements - the ABS system and traction control - are failing in a relatively short period of time, & because of a failure of what should be a simple assembly of tested parts. Further, we are most disturbed that Volvo's remedy is a very expensive replacement, with the same failure prone part. Worse, although we opted for a complete repair, there are owners who cannot afford the fix. These will be driving with far less braking and control than the car is capable of providing.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

ABS and tracs off indicator lights are on. Dealer diagnosed as failing ABS control module. Dealer stated that ABS does not work while indicator lights are on, but brakes do. With indicator lights on, the safety feature of anti-lock brakes and traction control are compromised.

- Pottstown, PA, USA

The vehicle was losing power, it shuts down. Usually it will start back. Can cut across traffic, and it will just stall. Took it to the dealer many times, and they could not duplicate the problem. They put different parts on it to narrow down the problem. There is no power steering after it stalls. Back in January the turbo went it out and they replaced it. The vehicle was still skipping. This started happening around January 15, 2005. The ABS control module was replaced.

- Southern Pines, NC, USA

Upon applying the brakes there was a humming noise/vibration that did not allow the brakes to respond. There was a problem in the computer that engaged the ABS brakes. Updated 8/9/2006 -

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

Volvo ABS brake modular failed. Local Volvo service center aware of problem.

- Lititz, PA, USA

Rotors, brakes and struts replaced at approximately 100,000. ABS controller fault diagnosed at dealer. Failure led to loss of all antilock brake features as well as tracs. Replacement of ABS controller module recommended.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

ABS light coming on and off intermediately, told by technician that ABS module is bad and needs to be replaced at a cost of $600 plus. The problem is since this is intermittent that when the unit "test" itself when your braking if it notices that they aren't working many times the brake pedal goes to the floor, which could be very dangerous. When I spoke to Volvo North american they said yes this is a common problem, but will not fix it.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

ABS module fails on most all 850 and S/V70 series cars 97-00. The ABS system as well as the traction control system will not work when the unit is failing. It is an intermittant problem that gets worse over time (sometimes the fail indicator is on sometimes not). Volvo is well aware of the problem and a replacemet is around $500 not including diagnostics and labor to install. To my knowledge their is no recall (from a company that prides itself on safety).

- Cullman, AL, USA

Failure of ABS controller module. My research over the internet and numerous Volvo certified technicians indicate this failure is problematic with the teves 20 ABS module. An internet forum page dealing with the Volvo 850/S70 models is littered with inquiries into this problem. One Volvo technician I corresponded with indicated he had replaced "hundreds" of these modules over the last several years.

- Austin, TX, USA

The ABS system controller is defective on my 98 Volvo S70 with 90K miles. Under very light braking at slow speeds the ABS will engage for no apparent reason and the remainder of the time it fails completely. I am told it is a chronic condition with this model and is a serious condition.

- Trenton, TN, USA

I have a 1998 Volvo S70 T5. The anti-lock brake controller board is malfunctioning causing the anti-lock brake "red" indicator light to come on at various "random" times while driving the car. When this happens, the brake pedal depresses on its own and many noises are heard around the area of the front left tire and the anti-lock brakes stop working while the light is on. This happens very frequently (at least once every time I drive the car).

- Smyrna, GA, USA

The ABS / tracks warning light has been coming on intermittently for the past year. Initially in 2002 the dealership was not able to provide us with a definitive diagnosis, but without looking at the car, said that it was the ABS control unit for $1000+. we declined the repair on the basis that it was a guess. On May 1, 2003, while in for routine service, the diagnosis was the ABS/tracks control unit at a cost of $1000+. I entered 1 failure on today's date but numerous times the ABS brakes engage when the brake pedal is not being touched and sometimes engages when the brakes are applied at slow speeds in non-emergency stopping. The dealership told me that the ABS brakes will not work in an emergency situation. I have seen numerous complaints on the NHTSA website which leads me to believe the ABS problem is widespread as probably less than 1% of car owners know to file a report. I estimate that 50% of 1998 Volvo have this problem at 50000+ miles. I consider this a serious safety issue as a driver will rely upon the ABS in an accident and will apply the brake pedal accordingly. If the ABS don't function, the wheels will lock and possibly cause the driver to lose control of the car. The other safety issue is the ABS engaging when the brake pedal is not applied or when the ABS engage in non-emergency stopping. This is not controlled braking and could also cause an accident by alarming and confusing the driver. We bought the Volvo after being hit by a drunk driver at 100+ mph and can't afford to sustain further serious injury or the stress caused by worrying about safety equipment failure on what is considered to be the safest car on the road. Please address this very serious issue. Thank you.

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

ABS ECU unit defective. ABS light comes on intermittently. When ABS light is on ABS is not functioning. Volvo warranty will not cover replacement. Difficult for dealers to diagnose.

- Tampa, FL, USA

ABS module on my 1998 Volvo S70 (76K miles) is defective but is not covered under warranty. I believe it should be covered for the life of the vehicle. I know many Volvo owners have experienced this same problem. Please instruct Volvo to issue a recall to fix this crucial safety problem.

- Pearl Harbor, HI, USA

The ABS light illuminated on the dashboard. There is continuos failure of the ABS braking system, and the consumer doesn't know if the system is engaged. The tracs control light is intermittent, and the consumer doesn't know if the wheels are going to lock not.

- San Jose , CA, USA

ABS / tracs lights come on due to defective ABS controller. No anti-lock brakes.

- Carthage, TN, USA