Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
The timing belt holder broke on my 1998 Volvo while on driving on us route 40 in chapel hill north carolina. This caused a complete loss of acceleration. Fortunately we were in the right lane and were able to pull off the road.
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 vehicle being a used car. …
Daily exhaust odor inside car when driver or passenger window is opened a little. This is a health hazard. It happens when there are no other cars around as well, so I know it is not coming from other cars. This has not happened in any other car we have had. It has not happened when I drive a loaner Volvo (when my car is being serviced). Dealer has checked this out several times and can't find a problem. This car has been in for service on one thing or another every 3-4 months. Should I contact the health department since this could affect our health? We have to keep the air circulation button on inside air or exhaust comes in from other cars. Is this car a lemon? Do we have any options besides buying a different car? This complaint does not have anything to do with the airbags. I can't figure out how to change that information after I reviewed all of the information. Sorry.
There have been numerous electrical failures with the car on a routine basis. There have also been oil leaks, gasoline leaks, air conditioner failure and seat belt failures. The car has been repaired almost on a monthly basis since the beginning of ownership. This past week, it has been repaired three times for electrical problems related to the seat belts and air bags. The Volvo dealerships have made the necessary repairs and warranties have paid most of the costs, the amount of time this car has spent being serviced is totally unacceptable. Even the Volvo dealer here in florida (plantation Volvo) suggested we research the florida lemon law. The law does not apply to us because the car was purchased in massachusetts. We would appreciate any assistance in getting Volvo's attention that this particular car has major flaws, especially electrical.
I own a 1998 Volvo V70. With less than 50,000 miles on the odometer, I have had to replace both the air pump and the ABS control module. These parts should not have failed on a car that is five years old. Since the car is past its warranty period, Volvo will not reimburse me for these parts (a total of $1,273). In response to a letter from me, Volvo said, "in the event that either of these components is recalled, reimbursement could be considered at that time." please add my name to others who undoubtedly have complained about these faulty parts (air pump - pks70ap and ABS/trac - 8602266) so that a recall can be issued. I would be glad to submit to NHTSA both letters between Volvo and myself.
My 5 year old daughter suffered a second degree burn on her leg by coming into contact with the exhaust pipe tip at the rear bumper of the car by the lift gate. The exhaust on this car is extremely hot, subjectily, it feels much hotter than other vehicles that I own. I understand that there is a pe underway by NHTSA for this problem and just wanted to supply some data. My daughter is fine and has recovered completely and I don't expect to take any action against the manufacturer. They should be aware of this problem by now.
The catalitic converter smells inside the car while driving. This is a problem that I had with a previous V70. After numerus complaints to Volvo they replaced the car with a similar car. Now I face this problem again. It is not as bad when I use the highest octane available and add octane boost. I consider these odors dangerous becouse I get headaches and burning eyes while driving. I would appreciate any info you May have about this problem. Please follow up on this complaint. Thankyou.
Consumer's son was exiting from the rear door. When he stepped down his leg was right up against the tail pipe, he suffered 2nd degree burns. Consumer was taken to doctor and was prescribed anti-biotics for infection due to burn. Incident happened on May 13, which is the first time consumer was taken to the doctor and again on the 15 of May.
Related recalls
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.
Engine complaints in other V70 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Volvo V70?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Volvo V70, 13% of the model year's 187 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Volvo V70 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-254 (manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Oct 14, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo V70 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 8 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.