Most common 1998 Volvo WG problems
Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo WG complaints by model year
Best WG years: 1995, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
1998 Volvo WG recalls (6)
Exterior lighting › Tail lights › Switch
Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the two tail lamps, back-up lamp,and license tag lamp were mounted on insufficiently rigid mounts.
Remedy: Dealers will attach the two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and the license tap lamp on stiffer brackets. Owner notification began October 31, 2002.
Service brakes, air › Antilock
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with bendix air ABS with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ECU), there have been reports of unwanted ABS activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed ABS wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS ECU.
Parking brake
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with haldex manifold dash valves (mdv) used in tractor and trailer parking brakes. These valves do not meet the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suspect valves.
Steering › Linkages
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with a fal 8.0 front steer axle. The upper steering arm can fail without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper steering arm and replace it, if required.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension › Lines and fittings
Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The air suspension control valve supply line was not plumbed through an air pressure protection valve. In the event of a failure, there would be loss of air pressure in the 'b' system air reservoir that supplies air pressure for the front steer axle brakes.
Remedy: Dealers will install the necessary air pressure protection valve.
Wheels › Rim
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with aftermarket aluminum dual wheels, 22.5x8.25, one-piece, tubeless, supplied by accuride/akw. Certain design revisions combined with process conditions caused fatigue cracks in these wheels.
Remedy: Accuride/akw will replace these wheels.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Volvo WG a good car?
Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 WG rates few complaints: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the WG at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Volvo WG?
The electrical system — 2 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next is the brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo WG have?
There are 6 recalls for the 1998 Volvo WG, the most recent from September 9, 2002 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo WG?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 1997. See the full Volvo WG years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo WG problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 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.