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.
The worst 1998 Volvo V70 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes49
- Lights30
- Engine25
- Fuel system15
- Electrical14
- Seat belts13
- Body12
- Transmission12
- Airbags10
- Tires9
- Suspension7
- Seats4
- Locks3
- Steering3
- Acceleration2
- Driver assistance2
- Visibility2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Volvo V70
ABS 33Headlights 16Stalling 8Door locks 7Brake failure 6Check engine light 6Seat belt 6Fire or smoke 5Loss of power 5
Recalls 5
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
- 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 signal
- 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: switch
- 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
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The frontal passenger air bag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharge.
- Risk
- This could possibly cause an inadvertent deployment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding.
Recall number 99V236000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: station wagons equipped with third seats. Users of the third seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe.
- Risk
- Contact with the tailpipe can result in personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.
Recall number 98V254000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 1998 Volvo V70
Defect investigations
Headlight failure
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 signal
There is no summary currently available
PE00031
Inadvertent side air bag deployment
PE99040
Fuel leakage
There is no summary currently available
PE99005
Exhaust pipe burns
Odi opened this investigation based on two reports of children receiving burns on their leg from the hot exhaust pipe while exiting 1998 model year v70 wagons via the rear liftgate.these vehicles were equipped with a dealer installed rear facing children's auxiliary seat (auxiliary seat).entry to andexit from the auxiliary seat is only available through the rear liftgate.the end of the exhaust pipe, or exhaust pipe extension, on the v70 model protudes beyound the rear bunper fascia thrus increasing the likelihood that auxiliary seat occupants will burn themselves when exiting the vehicle.additionally, a third child was also burned on it's leg while walking around the rear of the vehicle.volvo's analysis of this issue revealed 14 additional reports resulting in 18 injuries.volvo has agreed to conduct a safety recall on the affected vehicles.all registered owners of the subject vehicles will notified via first class mail, as volvo cannot determine who may have had an auxiliary seat installed in their vehicle.the notification to all subject vehicle owners will also effctively inform those owners who may wish to have an auxiliary seat added to their vehicles in the future.
PE98043
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Volvo V70 241
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Complimentary upgrade C00009 description.
- Rubber cushion
- The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as...
- ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
- Vida qr
- Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer...
- Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly...
- This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo...
- Effective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300)
1998 Volvo V70 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 5‑cyl | FWD | 17-18 | 24-27 | 20-21 |
| 2.3L 5‑cyl | FWD | 16-17 | 23 | 19 |
| 2.3L 5‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 19 |
| 2.4L 5‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 |
What 1998 Volvo V70 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
I was on the entrance ramp to I-94 when the accelerator stomped flush to the floor. The engine revved uncontrollably and I tried to clutch it down but kept on accelerating. At this point I turned off the ignition but that did no good. All the instrumentation turned off but the engine was maxed out and was going berserk. I had a clutch so I pushed it into neutral but the rpms went to the 7,000s. With the keys off, I pulled of the interstate desperately trying to slow down the rpms but nothing worked. I finally put it into gear to try and stop it and it literally 'blew up'. It's totaled. What I want to know is if this has been previously reported, if there has been any kind of recall on this. Volvo wouldn't answer any of my questions. It was a great car but it was a very dangerous situation that I haven't been able to get any answers about. It apparently was some kind of a computer malfunction as a mechanical failure would have been solved by turning the key 'off'! I want to lodge a complaint but don't know where to start.
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
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.
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.
I just purchased about 2 months ago a 1998 volvo v70 used on 4/3/2014 for 3000.00 . The vehicle drove just fine up until two weeks ago where the transmission seems to be slipping. While I was riding on i695 and was going about sixty miles per hour when the car jerked and cut off, meaning blinking in and out of the electrical system along with the engine as I was pulling over on the shoulder, which is terribly unsafe. I assumed and thought volvo's were great on miles and transmission so I didn't expect it to be having these type of issues. I am a first time volvo purchaser and highly disappointed and it's to expensive for all the hassles. All of the minor issues were expected because of the vehicle being a used car. Also, I cannot even check the transmission fluid levels in order to see if all I need is some transmission fluid, the dipstick that leads to the transmission is stuck, as in I have tried pulling, twisting and turning but to no avail. After purchasing a 300 dollar key pad from the dealer I expect more from the manual and at least to be able to check all fluids on the vehicle. If these minor issues didn't evolve into major issues with my volvo vehicle I would not have an issue. Yet the problem is that these minor issues are indeed causing major repairs which is simply unacceptable and causing unsafe driving hazardous situations that could indeed affect the life of myself and other drivers. Thank you very much for listen and hopefully directly addressing my concerns. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr updated 12/8/2014
Drivers side door hinge/strap failed causing door to break from frame and become dysfunctional. As it worsened over a few days the door became increasingly difficult to open where it became a safety concern. Volvo mechanic referred to auto metal service shop which replaced/repaired door strap and welded door back to frame and confirmed this was a known "workmanship" defect with a number of volvo models and years. Volvo n.a. Was notified of this 9/13/13 and was interested to see the repair invoice, which was provided to them, but in the end they declined to reimburse for this flaw stating the car was no longer covered by a manufacturer's warranty. When the drivers side door becomes dysfunctional from faulty workmanship that indicates a safety issue that the manufacturer should "man up" and repair/recall or reimburse the owner for, regardless if the vehicle is no longer under manufacturer's warranty. Doors shouldn't just break off from the frame under normal use. There was no crash or abuse involved with this door. It just broke like a cheap, inferior product.
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.
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!
Compare the 1998 Volvo V70
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Questions about the 1998 Volvo V70
Is the 1998 Volvo V70 reliable?
Owners have filed 187 complaints about the 1998 Volvo V70, 8.9 times a typical V70 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Volvo V70?
Brakes, with 49 complaints, typically around 74,000 miles. Next is lights (30).
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo V70 have?
5 recalls, covering exterior lighting, air bags and engine and engine cooling.
What year does the Volvo V70 have bad brakes?
The Volvo V70 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1998 (49 complaints), 1999 (13 complaints) and 2001 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volvo V70 get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Volvo V70 range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 17-18 city and 24-27 highway.
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