Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Noticed bare wires inside headlight assembly, both sides, when changing bulb. Wrapped wires until I could find a wiring harness. Low beam was worse than high beam. Checked with Volvo, tallahassee, fl and they stated there were no recalls concerning headlight (or switch). Recently bought two new wiring harnesses and installed but noticed they were also not correctly insulated (plastic) just like the old ones (16 gage wire with plastic, vs silicon high temp insulation.) also, on inspection, noticed the same harness on my other Volvo, a 2002 Volvo, had been upgraded to heavy duty wiring with silicon based insulation. Dangerous! Bare wires could have shorted out headlights at night! Have old harness and pictures. Can send/email as required.
2000 Volvo S70 (50,000: while changing left low beam headlight, noticed the insulation was flaking off the wires. Inspected the other side. It was worse with major bear sections of wire. Also noted the wire is very thin gage for headlight circuits, especially in such a hot, high use area. High beam OK. Checked Volvo forums. Found this was a common problem with Volvo and a mechanic posted a repair procedure. Besides the safety hazard of suddenly losing headlights, flashing of a circuit of this magnitude might have other affects on computer related controls.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Volvo S70. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. In addition, all the lighting and warning indicators illuminated. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle speed signal and throttle body control module were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
1999 Volvo S70 - continued rear brake, running light, and turn signal problems.I participated in the original recall campaign (00V405000) to replace the rear turn signal sockets and bulbs. To this day I continue to have problems with the rear turn signals, running lights, and brake lights. I frequently have problems with all of the rear lighting (brake, running, and turn signals). Recently, I found both rear turn signal and both rear brake lights were not functioning. I had to bang on the light housings to get the bulbs to make good contact with the sockets. The only relief I have found is to replace all rear bulbs every 3 months. Even then, I frequently have multiple bulb failures.
I purchased the car jan.26 2001. Two days later I had it in for repeated oil leaks. Dealer stated they were unable to locate any leaks. Also the headlight was out, the foglight was out, the car had mismatched tires, the fuel cap was not attached properly and was tied on with a wire. A month later the o2 sensor went out in the car and was also making a winding noise. Dealer came out and told me that the hub was bad and needed to be replaced. The car continued to have oil leaks. Dealer stated they could not find anythihg. Approx. 1 month later the rear passenger window switch went out. The air guide was also replaced on the car. Oil continued to leak. I took it to an outside source an dthey were able to find three oil leaks in a matter of two hours. They reccomended the turbo unit be replaced that it was bad. …
Volvo customer relations re: VIN [redacted], 1998 S70 sir or madam my wife and I purchased a pre-owned 1998 Volvo S70 in 2000. Two nights ago as we were driving on a 30-mile rural-stretch home, our headlight switch began to malfunction. With the switch in the on position, the dashboard lights were off and the headlights and taillights would intermittently go out. We pulled off the road and discovered that by pushing the switch inward toward the dash, the dashboard lights, headlights and taillights would stay lit, so long as you were constantly pushing in the switch. Yesterday I searched the internet and discovered that this is a problem that has been addressed by NHTSA recall no. 99V235/Volvo recall no. 94. I immediately started making phone calls to get this part replaced. …
Related recalls (3)
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch May cease to function.
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.
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlight switch.
NHTSA investigations
Headlight 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…
TURN SIGNAL
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo S70 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (37), 1999 (9) and 2000 (6) model years. Headlight complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Volvo S70 headlight problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 04V-504 (switch, Oct 21, 2004); 00V-405 (turn signal, Dec 6, 2000); 99V-235 (switch, Aug 30, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volvo S70 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the turn signal (16 mentions), followed by the headlights (11).
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.