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
Vehicle warning light for airbag is alarming since my airbag didn't deploy in my 2017 car accident when my car was hit from rear, front and driver side. Car was total. Seat beat and airbag failure in vehicle during accident while moving. This vehicle had a small tap accident but airbag warning light continues to appear but airbag didn't deploy..
I am very concerned about the very poor quality of illumination provided by the headlights, particularly the low beam, of my 2004 Volvo v70r. If I drive on a highway with oncoming traffic such that I can not use my high beams I will be overdriving my low beams at any speed over 30 MPH. I have already been back to the dealer in bellingham, wa to have adjustment, but to no help. Worst headlights I have ever had on a car. And these are HID special lights!!!
The turn signal is somehow not connected properly to the vehicle. Every time the driver uses the turn signal, the brights to the car go on. This is very dangerous at night especially, as the driver flashes brights to other drivers as the turn signal goes on with the brights to the car. Tried to fix the issue once, and the same issue happened again about two years later. Will fix the part again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Volvo V70. While driving, the exterior lighting failed to illuminate, which included the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. The "position light failure, stop light and multiple bulbs failure" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs had been replaced several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that several light sockets were melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Volvo V70. He stated that two of the three rear brake lights failed. When the three brake lights failed to work properly, all of the brake lights failed to indicate that the vehicle was decelerating, which could result in a crash. The manufacturer was notified in reference to recall # 04V051000, exterior lighting brake lights; however, he was advised that his VIN was excluded from and that he was ineligible for a free remedy. He purchased the parts and repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 104,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volvo V70. The contact stated that the rear brake lights intermittently failed to function. The brake warning light illuminated stating check rear brake lights. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic testing of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not covered under the campaign number: 04V051000 (exterior lighting) and did not offer further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 206,000.
I have a 2001 Volvo V70. I got a message that the left hand turn signal bulb was out. I bought a new bulb to replace it, and it did not fix the problem. The dealer found that it was a problem with the socket, and subsequently replaced it. This solved the problem. My complaint is that a recall for this very problem was issued for Volvo v70s from 1998-2000, (NHTSA campaign id number : 00V405000 ). It seems to me that this recall should be changed to include 2001 models, as clearly, the issue was not resolved with the new model year.
I own a 2000 Volvo V70 wagon and the center brake light is not functioning. Before seeing the car, the mechanic predicted the problem would be the light harness, because the LED lamps are typically long lived. (but does this also suggest the problem is commonplace?) took the car to be diagnosed. Have been told the harness needs to be replace. The cost to replace it will be about $425. While I am waiting for the part to come in, I continue to be without the center brake light.
Related recalls (4)
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 › Brake lights
On certain sport utility vehicles, the rear left and right brake light relays May not function when the brake pedal is depressed or May stay on continuously. The high positioned brake light and all other tail lights will not be affected.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light relay with two relays of a modified design. Owner notification began on February 23, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
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 V70 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (30), 2001 (10), 2002 (7) and 1999 (6) model years. Headlight complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Volvo V70 headlight problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 04V-504 (switch, Oct 21, 2004); 04V-051 (brake lights, Feb 2, 2004); 00V-405 (turn signal, Dec 6, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volvo V70 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (19 mentions), followed by the turn signal › flasher unit (10).
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.