1998 Volvo WG: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 2 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 1996 and 1997 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer complained about problems with the whole wiring harnness for the engine compartment. Manufacturer was contacted, and they only gave the run around.also, dealer was contacted and stated that they would try to help consumer, but has not as of yetheard from him.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System
Recalls - 6 campaigns
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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
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.
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.
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.
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. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.
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 ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
How other years compare
Check your exact WG 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 WG reliable?
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Volvo WG. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1998 Volvo WG have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:tail lights: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.