Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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.
Exterior lighting: headlights going out while driving, brake lights do not work. Fuses are good and bulbs are good as well! Brakes haven't worked since the drive home headlights go in and out. Could result in an accident!
Consumer stated while driving, the dashboard warning light illuminates stating that a headlight is out or a blinker has stopped working, consumer stated when he goes to change the bulb, he notices that the bulb is not burned out, by just moving the socket around the bulb lights, consumer stated the dealer has changed a front turn signal socket, and when the bulb was removed had burn markings, this has also happened with both headlights, turn signal lights and the license plate sockets.
Front turn signal lights stop flashing while rear turn lights continue to work. Removed both front bulbs, filaments OK, appears failue due to arcing of contact materials different from those of bulb leads. Cleaned contacts and installed new bulbs, now work fine. Did not discuss with dealer but understand problem is common. Could lead to accidents since turn indicators are a safety item.
Front left headlight keeps burning out. Consumer feels this is unsafe because of a physical condition. If the headlights go out someone could be hurt. Consumer has changed headlights over 10 times. Dealer says its the quality of light bulb.
While driving with headlights on. Then, activated turn signal lights, and light on dash panel will blink fast, and let consumer know to change the light bulbs. Also, battery will die without a reason for it.
Directional turn signals 4-way module failed , causing loss of turn signals and 4-way flashers. Cause was unknown. Part on back order for 2 weeks indictating a trend of defect. Backordered since 5-31-2000.
Left turn indicator began flashing quickly, indicating a possible bulb failure. After removing the bulb, found severe black charring surrounding the contact area. After cleaning, the bulb stopped flashing.
Consumer states headlight switch broke, causing headlights to be inoperative. Dealer states recall has been issued, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
Related recalls
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
Headlight complaints in other V70 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1998 Volvo V70?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Volvo V70, 16% of the model year's 187 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Volvo V70 headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-504 (switch, Oct 21, 2004); NHTSA recall 00V-405 (turn signal, Dec 6, 2000); NHTSA recall 99V-235 (switch, Aug 30, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo V70 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.