The 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.
The risk
Contact with the tailpipe can result in personal injury.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-254 (98V254000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volvo Car USA, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| Report date | October 14, 1998 |
| Owners notified | November 16, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 50,835 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-254 repair free?
Yes. Volvo dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 50,835 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.