VehicleVerdict

1998 Volvo V70xc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1998 Volvo V70xc sits mid-pack among V70xc years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 27, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (8), engine (6), and electrical system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other V70xc years?

V70xc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted189 complaints1998: 35 complaints1999: 94 complaints2000: 132 complaints2001: 189 complaints2002: 32 complaints2003: 21 complaints2004: 5 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 4 complaints
V70xc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V70xc years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volvo V70xc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes823%
Engine617%
Transmission411%
Electrical System411%
Fuel System411%
Airbags39%
Suspension26%
Latches & Locks26%
Lighting13%
Seat Belts13%

Does the 1998 Volvo V70xc have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE IT ROLLED BACK, AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK *BF *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 17, 2005 · crash

“THERE IS A TOXIC SULFUR DIOXIDE SMELL COMING FROM EXHAUST, CAUSING CONSUMER TO BECOME SICK. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIX DEFECT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WHILE RUNNING SLOWLY MY VOLVO 98 XC JUST SLOWED UP AND STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER ABOUT A HALF MINUTE AND 3 TRIES. WHEN IT DID NOT START, THERE WAS NO SOUND OF "TURNOVER" OCCURRING. NO DAMAGE HAPPENED, SINCE I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY WITHIN A PARKING GARAGE. THE FIRST FAILURE (THAT MIRRORED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 22, 2006

“CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE MAY BE A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRACTION CONTROL WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SKID, WITH LESS THAN 1/2 INCH OF SNOW ON THE GROUND, AND CRASH INTO A POLE . NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 8, 1999

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE CRANKED BUT WOULD NOT START. UPON INSPECTION, THE FUSE TO THE FUEL PUMP WAS OBSERVED TO BE BLOWN. THE FUSE WAS CHANGED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND LOSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 28, 2006 · fire

1998 Volvo V70xc — common questions

Is the 1998 Volvo V70xc reliable?

It is close to typical for the V70xc: 35 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1998 V70xc problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), engine (6 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volvo V70xc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Volvo V70xc. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo V70xc years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V70xc years to avoid are 2001, 2000, 1999. The cleanest record among V70xc years belongs to 2005.

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.