1998 Volvo V70: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 187 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Severe tire sidewall bubbles on all four tires after only 2 years of normal use. Tire brand and type: dunlop 195/60r15 888 h signature ii.”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2016
“The ignition switch frequently jams, locked, in the "off" position. The key can be inserted, but the ignition lock will not turn, making it impossible to start and operate the vehicle or turn on accessories or turn the steering wheel, rendering the vehicle completely inoperative. When the ignition is in the "on" position, it can be turned off without difficulty. When it is "off," however, it frequently can not be turned "on". A quick internet search revealed that this is a rather common problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, an abnormal sound was present coming from the rear passenger side. While inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the rear passenger side brake rotor had cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. Ma 10/25/15”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Purchased this car this month for my son for him to commute to school. My son told me that the seat moves to different position when the car hit the pot hole. It is very dangerous if the driver has short legs. There is preset position for the seat. No sure what to do with this. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2015
“After filling fuel tank the check engine light came on and there is a very strong gasoline smell outside the car and when stopped inside car. The engine code is for a gross evap leak.I can see fuel under gas tank coming from the top of the tank. I removed fuel pump accsess door and can see fuel bubbling out of the top of the fuel pump and overflowing the area. There is a visable crack on the top of the pump. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2014
“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! *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70. The contact stated the rear seat belt became lodged and could not be used. The contact attempted to repair the failure himself but was unsuccessful. The manufacturer advised the vehicle warranty was expired and would not offer any further assistance. The seat belt remained lodged for over three months. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000 and the current mileage was 143,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2010
“Ignition key cylinder malfunctioning. Insert key to start car, key rotates 360 degrees without engaging. Takes several attempts to get the key to not rotate and actually start the car. I have spoken to several mechanics and have seen multiple threads on forums that this is not an uncommon issue with these cars and it seems to be something that occurs after 100,000 miles. Estimated cost of repair is $600 - to $800.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2009
“Tires have not failed. Sidewall cracks/deterioration noticed during routine stop for gas. I plan to replace all 4 tires immediately. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70. While driving between 35-40 mph, the contact attempted to make a left turn and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. Both vehicles sustained front end damage and were towed. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 60,000. Updated 03/06/08. *lj”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.
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 V70 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 V70 reliable?
NHTSA has 187 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Volvo V70. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo V70 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 77,500 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Volvo V70 have open recalls?
5 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.