Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Volvo V70 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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! …
The ABS system failed during a panic stop, causing the brakes to lock up and the car to skid uncontrollably into the middle of an intersection. Fortunately it did not result in any significant damage. There had been no indication of a problem prior to the incident and the ABS light was on after the incident and had not been on previously. The problem was repaired by replacing the ABS control module. Upon discussions with the technician, it was clear that this is a very common failure with these models and it leaves the the ABS system completely disabled when it occurs. As my incident shows, this failure can occur without warning and cause a very dangerous situation where the driver is relying on the ABS system and instead has the brakes lock up causing an uncontrollable skid. …
I bought this car used with less than 35K miles in feb 2002. Problem was a frozen right front brake caliper and a faulty right rear wheel speed sensor which engages the ABS unnecessarily/randomly. This did not happen for about a year after owning the car. I have been told by my mechanic that the rear wheel speed sensor failure appears to be quite common because he has seen it in many of the same cars. The part that is used to replace it is also a different part number which leads me to believe that Volvo is most likely aware of this problem as well but have never issued a recall. There were many other problems with the car such as barometric pressure sensor failure, upper motor mount requiring replacing, ac sensor failure, wheel bearing, etc. All within the period of 1 year but none of these things affected the safety/braking of the car so I do not consider that truly dangerous. …
The Volvo ABS / trac control module is failing at an abnormally high rate. Local dealership replaces in excess of 5 of these per month. Volvo corporate office will not acknowledge any problem with this safety device, and otherwise refuses to discuss the high rate of failures. Other research, including a high demand for non-dealer acquired ABS computer modules in the aftermarket industry strongly suggests that those units installed in vehicles are failing at an abnormally high rate. In my 1998 V70 wagon the ABS & trac off indicators (warning lamps) randomly light. As a result the safety offered by the ABS brake system becomes disabled over long periods of time. Every potential cause has been ruled out except for the ABS computer module (ABS / trac control module). …
Failure of ABS control module. 1998 Volvo V70. Intermittent and partial loss of brakes, usually (not always) when going over bump. Sometimes brake pedal almost goes to floor before engaging. The problem started sporadically about four years ago (ABS fault light with no noticeable problem). Several visits to dealer, but no remedy. About 18 months ago, problem became more severe with actual loss of brakes occurring. It seems from newsgroups that this is a very common problem with this year Volvo, so I don't believe it is a isolated incident.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Volvo V70. While driving between 10-60 MPH, the engine revved. The vehicle shook and the brakes made a grinding noise, although they were not applied. The ABS warning indicator light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stopped normally. The ABS control unit (part number 860266) was replaced. The failure ceased for 30,000 miles before it recurred. The failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 105,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the pads and calipers came into contact with the rotors. The rear pads, rotors and calipers were replaced three times. The front pads, rotors and calipers were replaced twice. Prior to each replacement, the brakes made a loud squeaking sound and the front and rear end shook when the brakes were applied. Currently the brakes made a loud squeaking noise and the front end shook when the brakes were applied. The dealership was notified.
ABS / traction control module failed which resulted in loss of ABS and traction control. It has come to my attention that this is a common safety issue with volvos. According to my service writer at the Volvo this is a common problem with this model. The repair is also not cheap at approx. $650.00. Excluded in the Volvo increased protection (vip) "limited" extended warranty.
I have a 1998 Volvo v70r AWD and both the ABS/trac warning lights had been going on and off for the past couple months. The light would come on for a few minutes then go off. I understand that this is a common problem with the vehicle and have now had the control unit replaced. The cost to replace the ABS control unit was approximately $563.60.
Brake complaints in other V70 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Volvo V70?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Volvo V70, 26% of the model year's 187 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Volvo V70 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Volvo V70, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo V70 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.