Most common 1998 Volvo V70 problems
Share of the 187 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo V70 complaints by model year
Best V70 years: 2008, 2009, 2010. Years to avoid: 1998, 2001, 1999, 2000, 2004. Compare all years →
1998 Volvo V70 recalls (5)
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.
Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The frontal passenger air bag May be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharge.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Vehicle description: station wagons equipped with third seats. Users of the third seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 1998 Volvo V70:
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…
Inadvertent side air bag deployment
FUEL LEAKAGE
There is no summary currently available
Exhaust 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…
TURN SIGNAL
There is no summary currently available
What 1998 Volvo V70 owners say
Brakes all 49 →
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
My 1998 Volvo V70 AWD. With less than 49,000 miles the ABS/tracs warning light began to intermittantly come on (indicates ABS system and associated traction control are inoperative). Subsequent computerized trouble fault evaluation by dealer's service dept (penkus Volvo) indicated that the ABS control module was at fault and needed to be replaced (at almost $800). Car had mileage within the warranty limit, but was beyond the time limit to qualify for warranty service. I have since done extensive research/internet searches on this issue (note I am a research scientist) and have found numerous instances of this teves 20 ABS unit failing. Specifically, I have discovered that this 1998 Volvo model has been plagued by this! …
Lights all 30 →
For our 1998 Volvo V70 xc AWD, there was a recall in nov 1999 (99V235/Volvo recall no. 94). When our headlight switch suddenly disassembled on the interstate at night in mid-September, leaving the car without a single visible light, I had to reassemble it and hold it together to reach home. We checked with our dealer the next day. The computer records showed that the switch recall had already been done for our car, so I bought another switch. As I looked closely at the switch that was removed, I realized I was looking at the recalled switch, still in the car four years after the recall date. Volvo USA authorized the local dealer (not the one who claimed to have done the recall) to refund me the price of the switch. No one seems interested in the incorrect reporting of a recall completion when, in fact, the work was not done, leaving the car unsafe. …
Headlight switch for exterior lights does not work as it should. There is a recall for this switch to be replaced , but the dealer states that this vehicle does not have the right VIN number for replacement. The VIN numbers are not shown on the recall.
Engine & cooling all 25 →
Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. Engine shut-down with loss of power steering control. Disabled vehicle with groceries and small children inside on a 90+ degree (very hot!!)afternoon in mid-July. $322 for replacement of air flow device (meter or sensor?) to correct problem. Approx. $50, loss of perishable food.
The camshaft belt tensioner broke which caused the belt to come off and the vehicle to lost power while driving 70 MPH. The owner has contacted the manufacturer who refused to do anything about this. Timing belt tensioner, belt and valves and head gasket needed to be replaced.
1998 Volvo V70 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 17 / 27 / 21 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Volvo V70 a good car?
Based on 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 V70 rates avoid: 8.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the V70 at the same age. It is one of the V70 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Volvo V70?
The brakes — 49 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the lights (30) and engine & cooling (25).
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo V70 have?
There are 5 recalls for the 1998 Volvo V70, the most recent from October 21, 2004 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo V70?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2009 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 2001, 1999, 2000 and 2004. See the full Volvo V70 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo V70 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 19% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.