1998 Volvo V70XC: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
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 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“This particular model has a problem with fuel tanks cracking. It isn't happening to the ones that aren't all wheel drive. I need mine replaced. People are apprehensive about pulling a used tank from a yard because it might also be cracked. I was told the all wheel drive system built around it is putting pressure on it.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2016
“The complaint that I have with my 98 v70 xc awd is with a recent tire rotation with my oil change a week after it started to sound as if my muffler was dragging and it also sounded like rear tires are dragging. My mechanic think it may possibly be the drive shaft and from the internet what I've this seems to be a consistent problem. I would like to know why isn't volvo taking accountability to fix this problem. The more I also keep reading on my year, make and model of my vehicle it should be recalled just fro the number of ongoing issues it has especially if volvo would like to stand by it's customers. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2008
“Driver side air bag deployed when door was shut and car was off. Volvo n.a. Was contacted and requested that their specialist look at vehicle. They claim that something was stuck in the door, which caused the deployment. This was not the case. Volvo claims that a mark on the door is proof. However, jim downy from nationwide insurance took pictures and investigated my claim and failed to find this supposed mark. The deployment occurred from no impact or accident. The car wasn't even on at the time. This was nothing more than a malfunction of the vehicle's safety equipment and volvo should be held liable to fix the airbag and damage to the leather seat caused by the deployment. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle cranked but would not start. Upon inspection, the fuse to the fuel pump was observed to be blown. The fuse was changed, and the vehicle was started. Later, while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle began to shudder and lose power. When the vehicle was pulled over, an odor of something burning appeared. Upon further inspection, the bottom of the fuel tank was smoldering, and then caught on fire. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic shop. The mechanic shop determined the fuel pump short-circuited.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2006
“While running slowly my volvo 98 xc just slowed up and stopped. I was able to restart after about a half minute and 3 tries. When it did not start, there was no sound of "turnover" occurring. No damage happened, since I was driving slowly within a parking garage. The first failure (that mirrored the most recent) was about a month ago while driving slowly down a residential street. The dealer could not find a defect following the first failure, so I have been driving the car since then. The dealer did no repairs after the first failure. The weather has been cool (30-50f) and dry. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2006
“While the vehicle was parked on an incline it rolled back, and crashed into a house. Consumer took vehicle to a garage for inspection. However, the cause had not been determined at this time. *ak *bf *nm”Owner report · Parking Brake · Mar 2005
“Failure of ABS control unit on 1998 volvo xc70 automobile. According to dealers, it is a common failure and happens all the time. It renders the traction control and ABS system as not-working and it is an intermittent problem that causes the tracs and ABS systems to fail without any warning. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2005
“ABS brakes activated under normal driving conditions, tracs off, rear wheel spin in slippery conditions even with the tracks on. Took to the dealer and they replace the ABS control module (over $600). Car was behaving in an unsafe manner as the ABS brakes would activate and prevent car from stopping for a few seconds until the ABS system switched off.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2004
“Headlight switch fell apart causing us to loose lights while on highway. Though a recall is listed for this year and this problem, volvo refuses to acknowledge it applies to this vehicle or do the repair per the recall. Recall campaign # 99v235000. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2003
“The consumer's vehicle was rear ended and then hit the vehicle in front her and the air bags did not deploy. Dealer and manufacture were contacted and the manufacture sent a technician out to see the vehicle. The consumer did not know what the results were. *ak ph. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact V70XC 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 V70XC reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Volvo V70XC. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo V70XC problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 83,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Volvo V70XC have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.