2000 Volvo S-70 car stalled while traveling at any speed. I had to spend $1200 to have the electronic module that regulates the airflow and gas to the engine replaced. I did some research and found this to be a common problem with this model. Volvo is aware of the problem, but is not recalling or reimbursing car owners.

- Pasadena, TX, USA

Electronic throttle failure (ets), car stopped responding to throttle input while driving on highway, car needs to be fixed but I can't afford the outrageous cost of the repair $1100.

- Avon, OH, USA

I have a 200 Volvo S70. A couple of days ago, my son was driving it and, suddenly, the ets indicatorlight came on, the car started shaking, and lost power (my son said it couldn't go faster than about 10 mph). My owner's manual informs me that this light indicates a fault in the etc (electronic throttle control system). In researching this problem, I have discovered that it is fairly widespread. This is potentially very dangerous. In fact, one person gave a harrowing account (on the internet) of almost being hit by oncoming traffic while making a left turn because this problem caused his car's speed to diminish to a crawl even as he floored the accelerator in a situation where other drivers rightly expected him to be moving much more quickly. Apparently, the usual repair for this problem is replacement of the ECM(electronic control module), a job which costs about a thousand dollars. Considering the significant expense of this job, many Volvo drivers might be understandably reluctant to part with that much money; that could be dangerous. I have spoken to several people at Volvo dealerships and will speak to someone in the service department of my local Volvo dealer tomorrow. I should add that, after letting the car sit with the ignition off for about a half hour, it started right up and has been performing absolutely normally so far. Some say the problem will probably happen again, and one Volvo technician said that maybe it was just a "hiccup" that won't ever return. I don't want to spend a thousand dollars if the latter possibility is correct; on the other hand, I don't feel secure about taking my daily commute over a high-traffic bridge or contemplating a long vacation trip in this car. I bought a Volvo because of its reputation for safety. Ironically, now I feel anything but safe.

- Orinda, CA, USA

During normal cruising around 55-60 mph, the ets light will come on as the vehicle begins to stutter and the engine modulates. It has become worse over the last week and now the engine "bucks" when the light is on! this is unpleasant at 55 mph! every time the ets light comes on the cruise control disengages and is not able to be reset until the light goes off many ignition cycles (days) later. Some research was done over the web and it is amazing to see people describe the exact same or similar manifestation happen on their S70S. I have an appointment tomorrow at the dealer in ann arbor and expect a > $900 bill! come on Volvo, how can you not have so many compliants and not recall?

- Tecumseh, MI, USA

In early October 2003 the electronic throttle system (ets) light appeared on my car's panel. This affected the drivability of the vehicle. I purchased an additional warranty for my vehicle when I bought the car in May 2000. The dealer indicated that my warranty would not cover this problem and that it would cost approximately $900 to repair it. I declined the service. The light continues to come on frequently (I.e., every 2nd or 3rd day of the week). When this happens, I will pull over and turn off the car for a moment. When I start it up again, the light does not appear and drivability is normal. As a Volvo owner for the past 17 years, I have not experienced any similar malfunctions. I have owned a 1982 Volvo 240, a 1992 Volvo 240 and my current Volvo S70. I would appreciate if you would research this malfunction to determine if you have received (or the manufacturer) complaints from other Volvo owners. Thank you for your help.

- Stone Mountain, GA, USA

12 volt adapter needed to use hands free cell phone as required by law in New York & most other states failed due to design defect.

- Flushing, NY, USA