1998 Volvo S90 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 19.0 times the median S90 year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 13 S90 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (34% of the total).
38
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other S90 years?
What are the most common 1998 Volvo S90 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 13 | 34% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 8% | new |
| Other | 3 | 8% | new |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 5% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PERFORMING A STATE INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PARKING BRAKE LINES WERE WORN AND FRACTURED. THE PARKING BRAKE LINES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED FOR THE SAME CONDITION, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD REOCCURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. ”
“TRANSMISSION SHIFTER STICKS CONSTANTLY. CURRENTLY, IT STICKS IN PARK. VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK NOISES COMING FROM STEERING. GEAR SHIFT DID NOT RELEASE, WASHERS ARE INOPERABLE, KEY STICKS IN IGNITION.*TS ALSO THE POWER STEERING RACK AND ANTENNA WERE REPLACED. *JB”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO S90. THE GEAR SHIFT BECAME STUCK WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. SHE PRESSED THE GEAR RELEASE BUTTON AND PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE WALL AND THEN INTO THE HOUSE. THE VEHICLE,…”
“TRANSMISSION SHIFTER STICKS CONSTANTLY. CURRENTLY, IT STICKS IN PARK. VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK NOISES COMING FROM STEERING. GEAR SHIFT DID NOT RELEASE, WASHERS ARE INOPERABLE, KEY STICKS IN IGNITION.*TS ALSO THE POWER STEERING RACK AND ANTENNA WERE REPLACED. *JB”
“TRANSMISSION SHIFTER STICKS CONSTANTLY. CURRENTLY, IT STICKS IN PARK. VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK NOISES COMING FROM STEERING. GEAR SHIFT DID NOT RELEASE, WASHERS ARE INOPERABLE, KEY STICKS IN IGNITION.*TS ALSO THE POWER STEERING RACK AND ANTENNA WERE REPLACED. *JB”
1998 Volvo S90 — common questions
Is the 1998 Volvo S90 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 13 S90 years. It is one of the S90 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 S90 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (13 complaints), visibility & wipers (6 complaints), speed control (4 complaints).
Does the 1998 Volvo S90 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo S90.
Is the 1998 Volvo S90 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Volvo S90 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S90 years to avoid are 1998. The cleanest record among S90 years belongs to 2025.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.