The 1998 Volvo V70 has 5 safety recalls and 187 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (45 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints187filed by owners
Crashes · fires10 · 7reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths15 · 1reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
NHTSA recall 04V504000 · Oct 21, 2004 · 97,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
NHTSA recall 00V405000 · Dec 6, 2000 · 245,894 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN AN APPROACHING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.
Air bags › Frontal
NHTSA recall 99V236000 · Aug 30, 1999 · 124,381 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.
Risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT GROUNDING.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
NHTSA recall 99V235000 · Aug 30, 1999 · 139,588 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
Risk: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
NHTSA recall 98V254000 · Oct 14, 1998 · 50,835 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.
Risk: CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
V70 FWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.4 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
V70 FWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.4 L · 5 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
V70 FWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.4 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
V70 FWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.3 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
V70 FWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.3 L · 5 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
V70 AWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.3 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
V70 AWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.4 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
45
4
1
0
74,000 mi
Exterior lighting Headlights; Turn signal
36
1
0
0
69,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe; Exhaust system
24
0
2
8
103,531 mi
Fuel system, gasoline Storage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
14
0
0
0
—
Electrical system 12v/24v/48v battery; Wiring
14
0
2
0
88,500 mi
Seat belts Front › Buckle assembly; Front › Anchorage
13
2
0
0
122,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Driveline › Driveshaft
13
0
1
0
99,000 mi
Structure Body › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
12
1
0
2
64,082 mi
Air bags Frontal
10
7
1
4
85,000 mi
Service brakes, air Antilock › Control unit/module; Antilock
10
0
0
0
—
Tires Sidewall; Tread/belt
9
1
1
0
—
Suspension Front; Front › Macpherson strut
8
1
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 10, 2016Tires SEVERE TIRE SIDEWALL BUBBLES ON ALL FOUR TIRES AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS OF NORMAL USE. TIRE BRAND AND TYPE: DUNLOP 195/60R15 888 H SIGNATURE II.
Aug 12, 2015 · 151,500 milesElectrical system THE IGNITION SWITCH FREQUENTLY JAMS, LOCKED, IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THE KEY CAN BE INSERTED, BUT THE IGNITION LOCK WILL NOT TURN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO START AND OPERATE THE VEHICLE OR TURN ON ACCESSORIES OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, RENDERING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION, IT CAN BE TURNED OFF WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. WHEN IT IS "OFF," HOWEVER, IT FREQUENTLY CAN NOT BE TURNED "ON". A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT THIS IS A RATHER COMMON PROBLEM.
Jan 29, 2016 · 230,000 milesUnknown or other I WAS ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TO I-94 WHEN THE ACCELERATOR STOMPED FLUSH TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE REVVED UNCONTROLLABLY AND I TRIED TO CLUTCH IT DOWN BUT KEPT ON ACCELERATING. AT THIS POINT I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION BUT THAT DID NO GOOD. ALL THE INSTRUMENTATION TURNED OFF BUT THE ENGINE WAS MAXED OUT AND WAS GOING BERSERK. I HAD A CLUTCH SO I PUSHED IT INTO NEUTRAL BUT THE RPMS WENT TO THE 7,000S. WITH THE KEYS OFF, I PULLED OF THE INTERSTATE DESPERATELY TRYING TO SLOW DOWN THE RPMS BUT NOTHING WORKED. I FINALLY PUT IT INTO GEAR TO TRY AND STOP IT AND IT LITERALLY 'BLEW UP'. IT'S TOTALED. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS IF THIS HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY KIND OF RECALL ON THIS.…
Aug 3, 2015 · 200,000 milesService brakes TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE ROTOR HAD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. MA 10/25/15
Apr 9, 2015 · 122,160 milesSeats PURCHASED THIS CAR THIS MONTH FOR MY SON FOR HIM TO COMMUTE TO SCHOOL. MY SON TOLD ME THAT THE SEAT MOVES TO DIFFERENT POSITION WHEN THE CAR HIT THE POT HOLE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE DRIVER HAS SHORT LEGS. THERE IS PRESET POSITION FOR THE SEAT. NO SURE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS. *TR
Oct 26, 2014 · 130,000 milesFuel/propulsion system AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE IS A VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WHEN STOPPED INSIDE CAR. THE ENGINE CODE IS FOR A GROSS EVAP LEAK.I CAN SEE FUEL UNDER GAS TANK COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. I REMOVED FUEL PUMP ACCSESS DOOR AND CAN SEE FUEL BUBBLING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND OVERFLOWING THE AREA. THERE IS A VISABLE CRACK ON THE TOP OF THE PUMP. *TR
May 12, 2014 · 151,000 milesPower train I JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO A 1998 VOLVO V70 USED ON 4/3/2014 FOR 3000.00 . THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WHILE I WAS RIDING ON I695 AND WAS GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR JERKED AND CUT OFF, MEANING BLINKING IN AND OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE ENGINE AS I WAS PULLING OVER ON THE SHOULDER, WHICH IS TERRIBLY UNSAFE. I ASSUMED AND THOUGHT VOLVO'S WERE GREAT ON MILES AND TRANSMISSION SO I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM A FIRST TIME VOLVO PURCHASER AND HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND IT'S TO EXPENSIVE FOR ALL THE HASSLES. ALL OF THE MINOR ISSUES WERE EXPECTED BECAUSE OF THE…
Sep 2, 2013 · 185,000 milesStructure › Body DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HINGE/STRAP FAILED CAUSING DOOR TO BREAK FROM FRAME AND BECOME DYSFUNCTIONAL. AS IT WORSENED OVER A FEW DAYS THE DOOR BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO OPEN WHERE IT BECAME A SAFETY CONCERN. VOLVO MECHANIC REFERRED TO AUTO METAL SERVICE SHOP WHICH REPLACED/REPAIRED DOOR STRAP AND WELDED DOOR BACK TO FRAME AND CONFIRMED THIS WAS A KNOWN "WORKMANSHIP" DEFECT WITH A NUMBER OF VOLVO MODELS AND YEARS. VOLVO N.A. WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS 9/13/13 AND WAS INTERESTED TO SEE THE REPAIR INVOICE, WHICH WAS PROVIDED TO THEM, BUT IN THE END THEY DECLINED TO REIMBURSE FOR THIS FLAW STATING THE CAR WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY A MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BECOMES…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
RQ04004 · opened Jun 8, 2004 · closed Nov 5, 2004 · led to recall 04V504000HEADLIGHT FAILURE ON AUGUST 23, 1999, VOLVO NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (99V235) ON CERTAIN 1997 MODEL YEAR (MY) 850 VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 1998 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THE DEFECT REPORT STATED IN PART: OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.VOLVO'S REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL WAS TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THIS RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 8, 2004, BASED ON 13 REPORTS OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE ON 1998 AND 1999 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE EARLIER RECALL.BY LETTER OF OCTOBER 18, 2004, VOLVO HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL NOW CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF AN ADDITIONAL 97,000 MY 1998 THROUGH 2000 S70/V70/V70XC AND C70 VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE 5, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 11, 2000. VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT…
PE00031 · opened Aug 15, 2000 · closed Dec 22, 2000 · led to recall 00V405000TURN SIGNAL There is no summary currently available
PE99040 · opened Jun 7, 1999 · closed Oct 27, 1999INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
PE99005 · opened Jan 15, 1999 · closed Jun 30, 1999FUEL LEAKAGE There is no summary currently available
PE98043 · opened Aug 5, 1998 · closed Oct 21, 1998 · led to recall 98V254000EXHAUST PIPE BURNS ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF CHILDREN RECEIVING BURNS ON THEIR LEG FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE WHILE EXITING 1998 MODEL YEAR V70 WAGONS VIA THE REAR LIFTGATE.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH A DEALER INSTALLED REAR FACING CHILDREN'S AUXILIARY SEAT (AUXILIARY SEAT).ENTRY TO ANDEXIT FROM THE AUXILIARY SEAT IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH THE REAR LIFTGATE.THE END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE, OR EXHAUST PIPE EXTENSION, ON THE V70 MODEL PROTUDES BEYOUND THE REAR BUNPER FASCIA THRUS INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD THAT AUXILIARY SEAT OCCUPANTS WILL BURN THEMSELVES WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE.ADDITIONALLY, A THIRD CHILD WAS ALSO BURNED ON IT'S LEG WHILE WALKING AROUND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.VOLVO'S ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE REVEALED 14 ADDITIONAL REPORTS RESULTING IN 18 INJURIES.VOLVO HAS AGREED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.ALL REGISTERED OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES…