The Volvo 70 series is the family name for three closely related modern Volvo models: the S70 sedan (1997 to 2000), V70 wagon (1997 to 2010 across three generations), and XC70 cross country crossover (2003 to 2016). All three vehicles share the underlying platform and the famous Volvo inline-5 cylinder engines that defined Volvo's modern era. The starter motor is one of the most important wear items on these cars since it cycles every time you start the engine, and after 150,000 to 250,000 miles most original starters need replacement.
The 70 series replaced the classic 850 in 1997 and continued in production through 2016 with the XC70, making this one of Volvo's longest-running model families. Generation coverage spans the P80 platform (1st gen 1997 to 2000), the P2 platform (2nd gen 2000 to 2007 for V70/XC70), and the P3 platform (3rd gen 2007 to 2016 for V70/XC70). Modern body styling, all-wheel drive on XC70, and T5 turbo performance variants kept the 70 series competitive against Audi, BMW, and Mercedes wagon and crossover competitors throughout this era.
The most common reasons Volvo 70 series owners replace the starter motor are: worn brushes causing slow or intermittent cranking (typical at 150,000 plus miles), failed solenoid where the click can be heard but the starter does not spin, bendix drive seized so the pinion does not engage the flywheel, or burned contacts inside the solenoid that prevent full current from reaching the motor windings. In cold climates, a marginal starter will fail first on cold mornings.
Less commonly, a starter motor can be damaged by repeated grinding engagement when the operator releases the key too late after engine start, by water intrusion in flooded conditions, or by oil contamination from a leaking rear main seal saturating the starter body. The 70 series uses both Bosch and Valeo starter assemblies depending on year and engine, with similar service life characteristics.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Used OE (this listing) | Bench-tested working starter from a salvage donor vehicle. Lowest cost. Carries our 15 day replacement warranty. Best value when original part is no longer available new from Volvo. |
| Remanufactured | Rebuilt starter with replaced brushes, bearings, and solenoid. Mid-range cost ($120 to $250). Usually carries longer warranty from the rebuilder. Quality varies by rebuilder. |
| New Aftermarket or OEM | Brand new starter from Bosch, Valeo, Denso, or Volvo OEM. Highest cost ($180 to $650). Longest warranty. Best for newer vehicles or commercial use. |
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | The starter motor assembly with integrated solenoid, pinion drive, planetary gear reduction (where applicable), brushes, end caps, and electrical terminal posts. Ready to install with no separate parts needed. |
| NOT INCLUDED | Mounting bolts (reuse your originals or source from hardware store), electrical cables, battery, ignition switch, neutral safety switch (manual transmission models use clutch position switch). Heat shield if separate component on your specific year. |
| Tools You Need | Metric socket set (12mm and 13mm common for mounting bolts, 13mm for terminal nuts), torque wrench, jack and stands or lift, battery terminal puller, penetrating oil for seized bolts on older vehicles. |
The Volvo 70 series starter motor is compatible with the following 70 series variants. Confirm year, engine, and generation before ordering.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Volvo S70 Sedan (1997 to 2000) | P80 platform 1st gen, 2.4L I5 NA or Turbo, FWD |
| Volvo V70 Wagon 1st Gen (1997 to 2000) | P80 platform, 2.4L I5 NA or Turbo |
| Volvo V70 Wagon 2nd Gen (2000 to 2007) | P2 platform, 2.4L I5 NA or T5 Turbo, FWD or AWD |
| Volvo V70 Wagon 3rd Gen (2007 to 2010) | P3 platform, 2.5L Turbo I5 or 3.2L I6, FWD or AWD |
| Volvo V70R (1997 to 2007) | High-performance R variant with 2.4L Turbo I5 (300 hp), AWD |
| Volvo XC70 Cross Country 1st Gen (2003 to 2007) | P2 platform AWD wagon with raised ride height |
| Volvo XC70 Cross Country 2nd Gen (2007 to 2016) | P3 platform AWD wagon, 3.2L I6 or T6 Turbo |
Not compatible with classic 700 series Volvos (740/760 from 1982 to 1992 use a completely different starter). Also not compatible with the 850 (1991 to 1997 predecessor to 70 series) without confirmation, even though closely related mechanically. Newer V70 Polestar and modern V60 (2011+ which replaced V70 in some markets) use different starters. Call with your VIN if uncertain.
Not sure if this Volvo 70 series starter motor fits your car? Call (240) 301-0095 with your VIN, year, body style (S70, V70, or XC70), engine (2.4L NA, 2.4L Turbo T5, 2.5L Turbo, 2.4L Turbo R, or 3.2L I6 on later XC70), drivetrain (FWD or AWD), and transmission type. Our team confirms the right starter for your specific configuration before we ship.
This used OE Volvo 70 series starter motor has been bench-tested and inspected before listing. Quality control includes:
Each starter ships with a label identifying the donor vehicle year and engine. If the starter fails our bench test after delivery (does not crank, solenoid clicks but no spin, pinion does not engage), we replace it within the 15 day warranty period.
| Application | Volvo S70, V70, XC70 |
|---|---|
| Year Range | 1997 to 2016 (S70 1997 to 2000, V70 1997 to 2010, XC70 2003 to 2016) |
| Engine Compatibility | 2.4L I5 NA, 2.4L Turbo T5, 2.5L Turbo, 2.4L Turbo R, 3.2L I6 (late XC70) |
| Drivetrain Coverage | FWD on S70/V70 base, AWD on XC70 and V70R/T5 AWD variants |
| Generation Coverage | P80 (1997 to 2000), P2 (2000 to 2007), P3 (2007 to 2016) |
| Output | 1.1 to 1.4 kW (12 volt) |
| Construction | Planetary gear reduction with integrated solenoid |
| Pinion Teeth | 9 to 11 teeth (varies by engine) |
| Rotation | Clockwise viewed from drive end |
| Mounting | 2 or 3 bolt flange to bell housing |
| Weight | 7 to 12 lbs |
| Oem Suppliers | Bosch, Valeo (varies by year and engine) |
| Warranty | 15 day replacement on bench test failure |
| Shipping | Free UPS or FedEx Ground to all 50 states |
To file a claim, contact us within 15 days of delivery at (240) 301-0095 or support@vazautosolutions.com with the original order number, photos of the installed part, and a description of the symptom. We process most warranty replacements within 48 hours.
