1998 Volvo V90 Problems & Complaints

Not enough data

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1998 Volvo V90 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There isn't enough complaint history for the V90 to compare model years reliably. The most reported problem area is the brakes (3 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles).

10complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 1998 Volvo V90 problems

  • Brakes~82,000 miles
    330%
  • Body & structure~89,000 miles
    330%
  • Lights~106,000 miles
    220%
  • Seats
    110%
  • Wheels & tires
    110%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    110%
  • A/C & heater
    110%
  • Other / not specified
    110%
  • Air bags
    110%
  • Seat belts
    110%
  • Steering
    110%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    110%

Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volvo V90 complaints by model year

1998201920202021202210111
Owner complaints per model year, Volvo V90. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best V90 years: 2020, 2022. Compare all years →

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Volvo V90:

Inadvertent side air bag deployment

NHTSA investigation PE99040 · opened Jun 7, 1999 · closed Oct 27, 1999

What 1998 Volvo V90 owners say

Brakes

On-going/intermittent problem with brake failure at slow speed. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on 6 occasions. Dealer informed consumer they cannot duplicate the problem. Seeking help from NHTSA int his matter.

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Jan 1998

This car is really dangerous as there is no alarm or warning light when door is ajar.

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Aug 2000

Body & structure

This car is really dangerous as there is no alarm or warning light when door is ajar.

Body › Door · Aug 2000

1998 Volvo V90 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.9L 6-cyl4-speed automaticRWD16 / 23 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1998 Volvo V90 a good car?

There isn't enough complaint history for the V90 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Volvo V90?

The brakes — 3 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the body & structure (3) and lights (2).

How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo V90 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Volvo V90. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Volvo V90?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020 and 2022. See the full Volvo V90 years comparison.

At what mileage do 1998 Volvo V90 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 0% 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.