1998 Volvo V90 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 31.0 times the median V90 year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 10 V90 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (26% of the total).
31
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other V90 years?
What are the most common 1998 Volvo V90 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 8 | 26% | new |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 23% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 10% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 10% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 6% | new |
| Other | 2 | 6% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ON-GOING/INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH BRAKE FAILURE AT SLOW SPEED. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON 6 OCCASIONS. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA INT HIS MATTER. *AK”
“THE VOLVO AUTOMOBILE WAS HIT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A MERCEDES- BENZ ML 320 SPEEDING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE SIPS DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ; NEITHER DID THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIRBAG. THE FAILURE TO DEPLOY CAUSED OR FAILED TO MINIMIZE SEVERE INJURIES TO MY WIFE' S NECK…”
1998 Volvo V90 — common questions
Is the 1998 Volvo V90 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 10 V90 years. It is one of the V90 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 V90 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (8 complaints), body & structure (7 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).
Does the 1998 Volvo V90 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo V90.
Is the 1998 Volvo V90 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Volvo V90 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V90 years to avoid are 1998. The cleanest record among V90 years belongs to 2022.
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.