VehicleVerdict

1998 Volvo V70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 242 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 30.3 times the median V70 year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 21 V70 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (56), lighting (38), and engine (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

242

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

5

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other V70 years?

V70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted268 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 242 complaints1999: 220 complaints2000: 116 complaints2001: 268 complaints2002: 91 complaints2003: 36 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 22 complaints2006: 23 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 13 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints
V70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volvo V70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5623%
Lighting3816%
Engine2510%
Electrical System167%
Fuel System156%
Seat Belts135%
Transmission135%
Body & Structure125%
Airbags104%
Tires & Wheels94%
Suspension83%
Other73%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)42%
Steering42%
Seats42%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Latches & Locks31%
Speed Control21%

Does the 1998 Volvo V70 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V504000LightingOctober 21, 2004 · 97,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.

Consequence

THE HEAD LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR NO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION. THIS COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

ON VEHICLES WITH AN ORIGINAL OEM SWITCH, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE IF THE SWITCH HAS EEN DAMAGED AND REPLACE ONLY IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

00V405000LightingDecember 6, 2000 · 245,894 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THERE COULD BE INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET WHICH COULD CAUSE THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL NOT TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED.

Consequence

THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN AN APPROACHING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.

99V235000LightingAugust 30, 1999 · 139,588 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.

Consequence

DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

99V236000AirbagsAugust 30, 1999 · 124,381 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.

Consequence

THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT GROUNDING.

98V254000EngineOctober 14, 1998 · 50,835 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.

Consequence

CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE ROTORS WARPED IN LESS THAN 23,000 MILES SEE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED FROM THE INTERNET MULTIPLE INSTANCES REPORTED BY OTHERS AS WELL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“THE ROTORS WARPED IN LESS THAN 23,000 MILES SEE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED FROM THE INTERNET MULTIPLE INSTANCES REPORTED BY OTHERS AS WELL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · crash

“A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA WITHOUT WARNING RIGHT AFTER BEING SERVICED BY A DEALER. PRIOR TO THIS VEHICLE STALLED ONCE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · fire

“VOLVO V70 1998 - FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT - CAR DESTROYED DURING ROUTINE DRIVING, ENGINE STOPS. DRIVER NOTICES SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (LIGHTS) BLINKING. IN A FEW MINUTES THE CAR IS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE. WHEN I VISITED THE WRECKER'S YARD I FOUND A VOLVO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 26, 2005 · fire

“ENGINE HAS A RANDOM MIS-FIRE RELATED TO THE CPU. VOLVO IS AWARE BUT HAS NOT PRODUCED ANY BULLETINS FOR AN UP-GRADE. MIS-FIRE CAN CAUSE STALLS AT IDLE IN COLD WEATHER AND HAS POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ACCIDENTS DUE TO STALLS IN INTERSECTIONS. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS IN ALL 1998 MODELS WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 17, 1998

1998 Volvo V70 — common questions

Is the 1998 Volvo V70 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 242 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 21 V70 years. It is one of the V70 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 V70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (56 complaints), lighting (38 complaints), engine (25 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volvo V70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Volvo V70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Volvo V70 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo V70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V70 years to avoid are 2001, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2000, 2002, 2003. The cleanest record among V70 years belongs to 2016.

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.