1998 Volvo C70: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car has been at a recognized auto repair facility and has been having maintenance work performed. It was seen that the car had suffered a complete failure of the power steering rack with the housing fracturing, and all of the power steering fluid being lost. There was no impact and the housing appears crystalline at the break. There was no impact causing this damage, which had the failure occurred at highway speeds could have had severe consequences”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2011
“Dt*: the contact stated the passenger and driver's side front doors suddenly became inoperable from the inside of the vehicle. The contact has to roll the window down and open the doors from the outside. Within two weeks of the passenger side failing, the driver's side also failed. The contact is concerned this could lead to entrapment if an accident were to occur. The contact stated there were no problems with the doors prior to the failure. The dealership has not been notified.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2006
“Dt: contact stated vehicle stalled while driving in traffic at 45 mph. . This happened about 8-12 months ago. This was the second time it happened. Contact had not reported it to the dealer or the manufacturer. Also, lost power steering when this happened. It took about 30-60 seconds for the vehicle to start again. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem and could not find anything wrong.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2004
Show 3 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the ABS and traction control lamps illuminated. This has been a regular occurrence for the past 2 years. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership for inspection. The dealership determined the ABS module needed replaced to repair the problem. The dealership offered to repair the vehicle. The contact has not had the vehicle repaired.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2004
“1998 volvo c70 passenger door latch failure - have replaced mechanism twice in past 2 years. No injury but 2nd failure prevented opening door from inside car creating safety risk. Thank you. *la”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Nov 2003
“While traveling at 70 mph on open highway, driver side font tire tread separated and tire desintegrated causing vehicle to turn left almost running off the road. Tire type bf goodrich comp t/a, 225/45zr-17. Tire came apart completely. The road conditions were good surface, even pavement, ambient temperature 46 degrees, dry surface and calm winds.”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT GROUNDING.
How other years compare
Check your exact C70 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Volvo C70 reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Volvo C70. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1998 Volvo C70 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.