1998 Volvo V70XC
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 31 |
| 1999 | 79 |
| 2000 | 103 |
| 2001 | 144 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2007 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and emission control.
Show complaint excerpts
THERE IS A TOXIC SULFUR DIOXIDE SMELL COMING FROM EXHAUST, CAUSING CONSUMER TO BECOME SICK. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIX DEFECT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010518
13% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE MAY BE A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRACTION CONTROL WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SKID, WITH LESS THAN 1/2 INCH OF SNOW ON THE GROUND, AND CRASH INTO A POLE . NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20000717
10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060705
FUEL TANK IS LEAKING FUEL. TANK IS CRACKED, SO THERE IS ALWAYS PUDDLES OF FUEL IN THE CONSUMER'S GARAGE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT IT APPEARS TO BE AN EMISSION PROBLEM, ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM AND A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20020411
10% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND THEN HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT HER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE WERE CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURE SENT A TECHNICIAN OUT TO SEE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030527
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 V70XC — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V504000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Volvo V70XC 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 V70XC?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo V70XC have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.