1998 Volvo S90
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 25 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
12 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
5 of 25 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
WINDOW SURFACES APPEAR ETCHED MAKING VISIBILITY POOR AT NIGHT AND DURING RAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981218
4 of 25 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE BACKING INTO MY GARAGE ON 2/6/2010, MY 1998 VOLVO S90 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS SPEEDING AND I APPLIED THE BRAKE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS GOING SO FAST THAT IT CRASHED INTO A WOODEN PLATFORM IN MY GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100315
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO S90. THE GEAR SHIFT BECAME STUCK WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. SHE PRESSED THE GEAR RELEASE BUTTON AND PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080104
4 of 25 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner and radio/tape deck/cd etc..
3 of 25 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing universal joint and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Volvo S90 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1998 Volvo S90 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo S90?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo S90 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.