Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
725–50K
1450–75K
2375–100K
15100–150K
5150K+
70 reports with mileage · 145 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
215 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2000
Air BagsCrash
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. OTHER VEHICLE HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BUMPER, AND CAUSED CONSUMER TO HIT A TREE. THEN, BOUNCED OFF INTO A RETAINING WALL WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. WINDOWS WERE BUSTED OUT THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS DAMAGED, AND NEITHER AIR…
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WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. OTHER VEHICLE HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BUMPER, AND CAUSED CONSUMER TO HIT A TREE. THEN, BOUNCED OFF INTO A RETAINING WALL WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. WINDOWS WERE BUSTED OUT THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS DAMAGED, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #865013
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2000
Electrical System
DUE TO A PROBLEM WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHTS/TAIL LIGHTS AND SIGNAL LIGHTS PREMATURELY BLEW OUT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #862031
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2000
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGTHS BURNED OUT FREQUENTLY, AND THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES OVER 2YRS. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT WASN'T UNCOMMON. RECALL 99V235000. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #857695
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2000
Latches/locks/linkagesSuspension
1ST PROBLEM WITH CAR, DOOR WOULD NOT STAY CLOSED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SLAM DOOR WOULD BOUNCE OFF DOOR FRAME. 2ND PROBLEM STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE GRINDING NOISE WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS ONLY WHICH WOULD RESULT IN STIFFNESS OF LEFT TURN. 3RD PROBLEM , 1ST WINTER THAT I HAD THE CAR, THE MOLDING AT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WOULD B…
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1ST PROBLEM WITH CAR, DOOR WOULD NOT STAY CLOSED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SLAM DOOR WOULD BOUNCE OFF DOOR FRAME. 2ND PROBLEM STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE GRINDING NOISE WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS ONLY WHICH WOULD RESULT IN STIFFNESS OF LEFT TURN. 3RD PROBLEM , 1ST WINTER THAT I HAD THE CAR, THE MOLDING AT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WOULD BE OFF OF THE WINDOW BEFORE ANY ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SNOW, THE DEALER REPLACED MOLDING. 2ND WINTER CAME ALONG, FRONT WINDSHIELD MOLDING OFF OF THE WINDOW. THE DEALER STATED I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT, AND STATED THAT IT WAS BECAUSE I HIT MOLDING WITH ICE SCRAPER, I EXPLAINED MOLDING WAS ALREADY OFF BEFORE ICE & SNOW REMOVAL. DEALER/OWNER ASKED WHERE IS THE MOLDING I TOLD HIM I DO NOT KNOW, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT IT WAS NO LONGER THERE. SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT SINCE I HIT MOLDING WITH ICE SCRAPER THAT AIR GOT UNDER MOLDING AND WHEN DRIVING CAME OFF. BUT BOTH TIMES MOLDING OFF WINDOW PRIOR TO ANY ATTEMPT OF ICE & SNOW REMOVAL. THEREFORE, I WILL HAVE TO PAY $50.00. THANK YOU. *AK
NHTSA ODI #718879
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2000
Seat Belts
ROUTINELY, WHEN SEAT BELT IS DISENGAGED, IT DOES NOT WITHDRAW COMPLETELY AND CATCHES IN DOOR JAM OF DOOR (DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER). *AK
NHTSA ODI #717635
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2000
Exterior Lighting
THERE HAVE BEEN REPEATED FAILURES OF LIGHT BULBS (TURN SIGNAL, BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, ETC.)-- 12 DOCUMENTED FROM DEALER, ANOTHER 4-6 NOT DOCUMENTED BECAUSE FIXED "INFORMALLY" . THE DEALER CLAIMS THE FAILURES ARE DUE TO CHEAP HALOGEN BULBS NOW USED BY VOLVO RATHER THAN AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. I NOTICE THAT MANY OF THE…
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THERE HAVE BEEN REPEATED FAILURES OF LIGHT BULBS (TURN SIGNAL, BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, ETC.)-- 12 DOCUMENTED FROM DEALER, ANOTHER 4-6 NOT DOCUMENTED BECAUSE FIXED "INFORMALLY" . THE DEALER CLAIMS THE FAILURES ARE DUE TO CHEAP HALOGEN BULBS NOW USED BY VOLVO RATHER THAN AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. I NOTICE THAT MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED ON THIS MAKE/MODEL INVOLVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. WHETHER THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OR THE BULBS ARE AT FAULT, THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #717100
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 1999
Exterior Lighting
VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE FAILURE RATE OF HEADLIGHTS FOR A LONG TIME (3 BURNED OUT IN 1 YEAR ON MY CAR!)BUT THEY MAKE OWNERS PAY FOR REPLACEMENTS AS "A MAINTENANCE ITEM". LIGHT BULBS SHOULD LAST AT LEAST AS LONG AS THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY (E.G. 10,000 HOURS) UNDER THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF "REASONABLE EXPECTATION". C'M…
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VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE FAILURE RATE OF HEADLIGHTS FOR A LONG TIME (3 BURNED OUT IN 1 YEAR ON MY CAR!)BUT THEY MAKE OWNERS PAY FOR REPLACEMENTS AS "A MAINTENANCE ITEM". LIGHT BULBS SHOULD LAST AT LEAST AS LONG AS THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY (E.G. 10,000 HOURS) UNDER THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF "REASONABLE EXPECTATION". C'MON, VOLVO, 'FESS UP!
NHTSA ODI #714689
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
ENGINE FAILED.*ET
NHTSA ODI #784268
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 1999
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING AND UPON USING THE FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL THE BULB BLEW, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BURN OUT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #851608
Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 1999
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND KEEP BURNING OUT, AND THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE LIGHT BULBS EIGHT OR NINE TIMES. *AK
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
ON AUGUST 23, 1999, VOLVO NOTIFIED NHTSA 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
ON AUGUST 23, 1999, VOLVO NOTIFIED NHTSA 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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
ON AUGUST 23, 1999, VOLVO NOTIFIED NHTSA 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.
PE00031 · Turn Signal
Opened Aug 15, 2000 · Closed Dec 22, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
PE99040 · Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment
Opened Jun 7, 1999 · Closed Oct 27, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
No summary supplied.
1998 Volvo S70 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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