1998 Volvo V70
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 187 |
| 1999 | 169 |
| 2000 | 93 |
| 2001 | 221 |
| 2002 | 76 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 83 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
ABS/ TRACTION COMPUTER FAILURE, PREMATURE BRAKE FAILURE, SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FALSELY (VOLVO V 70 AWD CROSS COUNTRY). *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030321
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTER A ONE HOUR DRIVE. THERE IS A THIRD SEAT IN THE CAR. CHILD CLIMBED OUT OF BACK AND BURNED THE CALF ON THE TAIL PIPE. THE SECOND CHILD WAS WALKING AROUND THE CAR, AND BURNED THIGH ON THE TAIL PIPE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980728
CONSUMER'S SON WAS EXITING FROM THE REAR DOOR. WHEN HE STEPPED DOWN HIS LEG WAS RIGHT UP AGAINST THE TAIL PIPE, HE SUFFERED 2ND DEGREE BURNS. CONSUMER WAS TAKEN TO DOCTOR AND WAS PRESCRIBED ANTI-BIOTICS FOR INFECTION DUE TO BURN.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980518
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
EXHAUST PIPE BURNS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.
Campaign 98V254000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LEAKAGE
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
Campaign 99V235000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT GROUNDING.
Campaign 99V236000 — check if this car was fixed
TURN SIGNAL
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.
Campaign 00V405000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
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. TH
Campaign 04V504000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Volvo V70 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V254000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V235000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V236000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V405000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V504000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Volvo V70 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Volvo V70 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo V70?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo V70 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.