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1998 Volvo S70 lights problems

37 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
37
of this car's complaints
17%
crashes
0
recalls
3

Which part fails

  • Turn signal
    12
  • Headlights
    10
  • Headlights: switch
    6
  • Turn signal: switch
    2
  • Tail lights
    2
  • Hazard flashing warning lights: switch
    2
  • Brake lights
    2
  • Turn signal: flasher unit
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volvo S70 lights problems in other years

1998199920002002

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Volvo S70 lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 21

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: headlights: switchReported October 21, 2004 · 97,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
Risk
The head lights may not operate properly which could result in intermittent or no headlight function. This could impair a driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 04V504000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: turn signalReported December 6, 2000 · 245,894 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle is turning and could lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.

Recall number 00V405000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlights: switchReported August 30, 1999 · 139,588 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.
Risk
Driver's could experience a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the headlight switch.

Recall number 99V235000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Headlight failureOpened June 8, 2004, closed November 5, 2004

On august 23, 1999, volvo notified the federal safety agency that it would conduct a safety recall (99v235) on certain 1997 model year (my) 850 vehicles and certain 1998 s/v/c 70 series vehicles for failure of the headlight switch.the defect report stated in part: operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.volvo's remedy for this recall was to replace the headlight switch.this recall query investigation was opened on june 8, 2004, based on 13 reports of headlight failure on 1998 and 1999 s/v/c 70 series vehicles that were not included in the earlier recall.by letter of october 18, 2004, volvo has notified the agency that it will now conduct a safety recall of an additional 97,000 my 1998 through 2000 s70/v70/v70xc and c70 vehicles built from june 5, 1997 through january 11, 2000. Volvo dealers will replace the original equipment master light switch with one of an improved design. See safety recall 04v504 for details.

RQ04004

Turn signalOpened August 15, 2000, closed December 22, 2000

There is no summary currently available

PE00031

What 1998 Volvo S70 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 26, 2017 · Lights · 125,000 miles · PA

The low beam headlights are dim I have replaced the bulbs with brighter bulbs and they are still dim I have to drive with the fog lights on all the time in order to drive at night.

Filed Nov 30, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · MI

I purchased a 1998 s70 volvo from suburban volvo in troy michigan. I took the car in for repairs for the air conditioning before the warranty expired. I was told to return if the A/C leaked. I was looking for a physical leak, which I later found out there is no physical indiciation of a problem. I returned the car on two more occassions to the dealership for the same problem. After the warranty expired, I was told that the A/C had a leak and I had to pay $1,400 to have repaired. I explained to the suburban dealer that I felt I should not have to pay for the repairs because the car was sold to me with a leak. To further add to the story, I had taken the car in to be repaired for a recall on the lights. I am not sure if the recall was for the headlights or tailights. While in the shop, I inquired about the headlight wipers not working. I was told I needed to purchase a headlight motor at a cost of about 4 or 5 hundred dollars because the car had been in an accident. I was told no it had not been in an accident. I found out later (after the tire rod broke while being driven) that the tire rod had been damaged in an accident. I had repaired at a cost of 800.00 which I paid. Is there any type of relief for me since the car had been in an accident prior to me purchasing the vehicle? The A/C is not working, the check engine light constantly comes on, the driver side window doesnt work at all, the headlight wipers don't work at all. The A/C and headlight wipers have never worked properly since I purchased in february 2001. I have written the owner of the dealership and volvo of north america (vna). The dealership never responded. Volvo of north america did respond and told me there was nothing they could do. Vna shared I had to work it out with the dealership. Have been reading that the check engine is an ongoing problem with some volvos. The electrical system is presenting problems also. Do I have any recourse after owning the car since 2001?

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Lights · 40,000 miles · NJ

While driving 25 MPH, the headlights went out. The dealer determined that the headlight switch needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

Filed Aug 31, 2003 · Lights · 73,000 miles · IL

Volvo customer relations re: VIN [xxx], 1998 s70 sir or madam my wife and I purchased a pre-owned 1998 volvo s70 in 2000. Two nights ago as we were driving on a 30-mile rural-stretch home, our headlight switch began to malfunction. With the switch in the on position, the dashboard lights were off and the headlights and taillights would intermittently go out. We pulled off the road and discovered that by pushing the switch inward toward the dash, the dashboard lights, headlights and taillights would stay lit, so long as you were constantly pushing in the switch. Yesterday I searched the internet and discovered that this is a problem that has been addressed by the federal safety agency recall no. 99v235/volvo recall no. 94. I immediately started making phone calls to get this part replaced. Volvo of lisle retrieved my cars information and informed me that the switch had already been replaced under the recall on 051799, prior to our purchase of the vehicle. They also informed me that because the original switch had already been replaced according to their records, I would be required to pay for the repair. The recall on the switch was issued by the federal safety agency because the problem put the driver at risk of having an accident. Obviously, the problem still exists, and to my dismay I am forced to pay for it. I feel that volvo is always responsible for fixing the design, regardless of how many times the part under recall breaks. I expect the federal safety agency to investigate this issue, as I am sending them a copy of this letter. I kept the broken switch and I would like a name and address in your warranty department to send it to. I expect to be refunded the costs I incurred for this repair, as well as receiving a new switch installed free of charge, once this problem is fixed. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Cc: the federal safety agency. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 15, 2003 · Lights · 67,002 miles · GA

The traction and ABS lights on the dashboard works intermittently. Ph

Filed Oct 1, 2002 · Lights · CA

99 v 235 000/headlight switch: consumer states that the head lights went out while driving at night. A recall is on this make & model, but the dealer and the manufacturer informed that the vehicle VIN# was not cover under that recall. Nlm

Filed Aug 7, 2002 · Lights · MA

Headlights will go out while consumer is driving, and the only way to keep headlights on is to hold switch in the on position. Contacted dealer.

Filed Feb 25, 2002 · Lights · TX

Without warning rear brake lights do not function. Had brake lights replaced. Indicator on dashboard illuminated after service was rendered to vehicle.

Filed Nov 29, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · NH

Over maximum "30" second period, vehicle bucked, then interior lights came on and began blinking, then throttle stuck in "full" position, then brakes failed completely while black smoke emerged from under hood and wheel wells, then flames visible from from grill over hood of car, then vehicle finally brought to stop using emergency brakes at which time flames were two-three feet high from grill and wheel well(s) area of car - exited immediately - car total loss ..... Have since been made aware of "another" '98 s70 fire with very similar sequence of failure events and result - volvo contacted and claims evidence of animal nest under hood (assistance denied) - cinncinati insurance (my carrier) hired & conducted professional/independent fire investigation with results pending ...... Have full set of photos - general comment: if there were an elderly person, diabled person or child strapped in childseat riding in vehicle, unable to react/move so quickly, results could have been catastrophic!!!!!

Filed Sep 28, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · AL

I purchased the car jan.26 2001. Two days later I had it in for repeated oil leaks. Dealer stated they were unable to locate any leaks. Also the headlight was out, the foglight was out, the car had mismatched tires, the fuel cap was not attached properly and was tied on with a wire. A month later the o2 sensor went out in the car and was also making a winding noise. Dealer came out and told me that the hub was bad and needed to be replaced. The car continued to have oil leaks. Dealer stated they could not find anythihg. Approx. 1 month later the rear passenger window switch went out. The air guide was also replaced on the car. Oil continued to leak. I took it to an outside source an dthey were able to find three oil leaks in a matter of two hours. They reccomended the turbo unit be replaced that it was bad. On vacation this summer the check engine light once more cam on and dealer stated a fuel gasket needed replacing. August this year the fan began to make a noise. I took it to the dealer and was told they could not get it to duplicate the noise so they could not tell me what was wrong. Sept. 24 2001, I went to get into the car and it woul dnot turn over. The ignition system had gone out. Meanwhile the leather has detached from the intereior of the door as well.

Questions about the 1998 Volvo S70 lights

Does the 1998 Volvo S70 have lights problems?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Volvo S70, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Volvo S70 lights problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Volvo S70 lights?

Yes, 3 recalls: 04V504000, 00V405000, 99V235000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 1998 Volvo S70 problems

Brakes 76Electrical 31Engine 24Airbags 13Body 13Locks 11Suspension 11Acceleration 9Seat belts 8Tires 8Transmission 8Wheels 6Seats 5Fuel system 4Visibility 4Driver assistance 1Steering 1

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