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1998 Volvo V70XC problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Volvo V70XC is brakes. It has 6.2 times the complaints of a typical V70XC model year.

Typical year6.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
32
Worst area
Brakes
Typical repair
$675

The worst 1998 Volvo V70XC 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.

  • Brakes
    8
  • Engine
    6
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Volvo V70XC

ABS 8

Recalls 1

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

See all 1 recalls for the 1998 Volvo V70XC

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Volvo V70XC 32

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 32 bulletins for the 1998 Volvo V70XC

What 1998 Volvo V70XC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 6, 2017 · Fuel system · AZ

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.

Filed Jul 29, 2010 · Driver assistance · 104,000 miles · TX

On a large number of volvos the ABS computer fails resulting in loss of proper braking. Normal use causes this, in this all to common failure, and volvo is aware of their short comings in this problem, thus far refusing to correct a highly dangerous condition that may have already resulted in injury and death. The replacement computers from volvo are of the same lack of reliability. This has been a major problem for years and certainly represents a serious failure in a critical system to the automobile. In addition to being a serious failure, volvo has made it a very expensive (hence profitable) repair. Estimates ranging from $500.00 to $850.00 for the repair are the norm. The part itself is around $500.00, so volvo makes a nice profit from each one replaced and is guaranteed another replacement further down the road since they have not even addressed the problem with their replacement units. To do so would be acknowledging a problem they are well aware of, so they wont. If ever a government mandated recall was appropriate this is it. It would seem that a car company as proud of their safety ratings as volvo is would be willing to correct this potentially fatal flaw. As they seem not to be it should be demanded of them. They should be mandated to recall all models prone to this failure and to be required to reimburse consumers that can produce receipts proving they had to have this repair done. There are rebuilders that can make the old unit stronger, more reliable, if you send it to them, so volvo could do it as well.

Filed Oct 31, 2008 · Transmission · CT

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.

Filed Sep 27, 2007 · Airbags · 107,100 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jul 16, 2007 · Brakes · WA

Since owning the vehicle (purchased used) I have had issues with the ABS and tracs systems. I noticed if the car was "cold" in a cold climate, the ABS/tracs system appeared to be functioning properly, if only for a few minutes. Otherwise, the ABS/tracs system failed to function altogether. The brakes would fail completely when the ABS module would transfer from functioning to non-functioning. The volvo mechanic stated this was a common problem and that the ABS module would need replacement at a cost of $700. My question is, if it's such a common problem concerning a vital safty part(the brakes) why has there not been a recall? This is one in a myriad of functional issues with this vehicle.

Filed Jun 5, 2007 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · NJ

65,000 miles - transmission failure on a regularly dealer serviced vehicle.

Filed Apr 24, 2007 · Engine · 120,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70xc. While driving 45 MPH the serpentine belt detached and the engine shut off without any warning lights illuminating. However, after the failure occurred, all of the lights on the dashboard illuminated. The vehicle was towed, and the mechanic stated that when the timing belt detached the pistons stopped moving on one side , and on the other side the pistons continued to move although the engine shut off. The cost to replace the engine was $6,000. The contact stated that regular maintenance checks were always performed on the vehicle as authorized by the volvo dealer. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 120,000.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Fuel system · 118,042 miles · NY · fire

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.

Filed May 3, 2006 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · CT

A few weeks ago, I have noticed a strong gas fuel smell from my 98 volvo v70 cross country awd from the gas tank area. The smell comes from the area in front of the rr wheel, on top of the plastic panel which covers the fuel tank. The leak is noticeable when the tank is full. The only way for me to keep the smell from popping out is to not fill up the tank more than 8 or 10 gallons. The car is no longer safe to be parked in the garage as the fuel smell it releases is so strong that I can fill the house with it through my vents. I want the federal safety agency to look at this problem as this seems to be a common failure on the v70 awd. Many volvo internet boards have mentioned possible failure with the gas tank/expansion valve/fuel pump area. Can you please take a look, thanks. Let me know if you have questions.

Filed Mar 22, 2006 · Electrical · 92,000 miles · VA

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.

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Questions about the 1998 Volvo V70XC

Is the 1998 Volvo V70XC reliable?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 1998 Volvo V70XC, 6.2 times a typical V70XC model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Volvo V70XC?

Brakes, with 8 complaints. Next is engine (6).

How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo V70XC have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

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