VehicleVerdict

1998 Volvo Volvo Truck problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Volvo Truck years?

Volvo Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted22 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 5 complaints1990: 6 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 5 complaints1995: 13 complaints1996: 9 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 22 complaints1999: 18 complaints2000: 15 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 2 complaints
Volvo Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Volvo Truck years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension836%
Electrical System314%
Brakes314%
Transmission314%
Other15%
Body & Structure15%
Fuel System15%
Tires & Wheels15%
Latches & Locks15%

Does the 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck have recalls?

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

02V110000BrakesApril 11, 2002 · 208 units

Defect

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS", S5.1.6.3, "ANTILOCK POWER FOR TOWED VEHICLES." ELECTRICAL POWER FOR THE TRAILER ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) CAN BE DISRUPTED WHEN A SWITCH LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS ACTIVATED TO CONTROL LIGHTING WITHIN THE TRAILER.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE OF THE TOWED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS WHICH WILL PROVIDE CONTINUOUS ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE TRAILER ABS WHENEVER THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE ON OR RUN POSITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

99V187001EngineJune 23, 1999 · 162 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3116 MECHANICALLY UNIT INJECTED DIESEL ENGINES. THE GOVERNOR OF THE ENGINE CONTROLS THE UNIT INJECTOR FUELING BY WAY OF A CONTROL ASSEMBLY. IN THIS ASSEMBLY, A LINK TO THE GOVERNOR IS JOINED TO THE CONTROL ROD USING A RIVET. THIS RIVET CAN LOOSEN AND THEN WEAR RESULTING IN ENGINE SPEED INSTABILITY.

Consequence

IF NOT IDENTIFIED AND CORRECTED, ENGINE SPEED CONTROL COULD BE LOST DUE TO RIVET DISENGAGEMENT.

Remedy

CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONTROL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

99V078000EngineApril 13, 1999 · 382 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS ASSEMBLED BY EITHER VOLVO GM HEAVY TRUCK CORPORATION OR VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC., AND WITH A 2,100 RPM DETROIT SERIES 60 ENGINE, AND A 32 INCH, 8 BLADE KYSOR ENGINE COOLING FAN. THE BLADES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY DURING FAN OPERATION AND FULL ENGINE RPM.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION POSES A HAZARD TO ANYONE WORKING OR STANDING IN THE AREA OF THE ENGINE COOLING FAN WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE HOOD IS OPEN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FACTORY INSTALLED ENGINE COOLING FAN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH PREMATURE STEERING TIRE WEAR, TRACKER IS ALIGNED EVERY 6 MONTHS AND TIRES ARE BALANCED EVERY 3 MONTHS. *TT ALSO THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE ALLOWING FOR PROBLEMS WITHT HE DASH AND THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS. *JG ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH PREMATURE STEERING TIRE WEAR, TRACKER IS ALIGNED EVERY 6 MONTHS AND TIRES ARE BALANCED EVERY 3 MONTHS. *TT ALSO THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE ALLOWING FOR PROBLEMS WITHT HE DASH AND THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS. *JG ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“A 12LB AXLE WAS PLACED ON THE FRONT END OF VOLVO TRUCK. SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING NEAR THE WHEEL AREA. THIS CAUSED THE WHEEL BEARINGS TO MELT ONTO THE HUB. TOOK TRUCK TO PETERBILT DEALERSHIP TO CHECK AIR BRAKES. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER PROBLEM NOT BRAKES, BUT THE AXLE. BRAKES & AXLE NEEDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“A 12LB AXLE WAS PLACED ON THE FRONT END OF VOLVO TRUCK. SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING NEAR THE WHEEL AREA. THIS CAUSED THE WHEEL BEARINGS TO MELT ONTO THE HUB. TOOK TRUCK TO PETERBILT DEALERSHIP TO CHECK AIR BRAKES. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER PROBLEM NOT BRAKES, BUT THE AXLE. BRAKES & AXLE NEEDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HOOD WAS NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, CAUSING IT TO POP OPEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH OPENING THE HOOD, MODEL IS A VN64T610. *SLC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · October 20, 1999

1998 Volvo Volvo Truck — common questions

Is the 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 Volvo Truck problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (8 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.