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1998 Volvo V70

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

57 reports with mileage · 130 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 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 24 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 reports7 fire reports14 injury reports

Power Train complaints

12 reports
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151,000 miles · May 19, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train

I JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO A 1998 VOLVO V70 USED ON 4/3/2014 FOR 3000.00 . THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WHILE I WAS RIDING ON I695 AND WAS GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR JERKED AND CUT OFF, MEANING BLINKING IN AND OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL SYS…

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I JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO A 1998 VOLVO V70 USED ON 4/3/2014 FOR 3000.00 . THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WHILE I WAS RIDING ON I695 AND WAS GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR JERKED AND CUT OFF, MEANING BLINKING IN AND OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE ENGINE AS I WAS PULLING OVER ON THE SHOULDER, WHICH IS TERRIBLY UNSAFE. I ASSUMED AND THOUGHT VOLVO'S WERE GREAT ON MILES AND TRANSMISSION SO I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM A FIRST TIME VOLVO PURCHASER AND HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND IT'S TO EXPENSIVE FOR ALL THE HASSLES. ALL OF THE MINOR ISSUES WERE EXPECTED BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE BEING A USED CAR. ALSO, I CANNOT EVEN CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS IN ORDER TO SEE IF ALL I NEED IS SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID, THE DIPSTICK THAT LEADS TO THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK, AS IN I HAVE TRIED PULLING, TWISTING AND TURNING BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER PURCHASING A 300 DOLLAR KEY PAD FROM THE DEALER I EXPECT MORE FROM THE MANUAL AND AT LEAST TO BE ABLE TO CHECK ALL FLUIDS ON THE VEHICLE. IF THESE MINOR ISSUES DIDN'T EVOLVE INTO MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY VOLVO VEHICLE I WOULD NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. YET THE PROBLEM IS THAT THESE MINOR ISSUES ARE INDEED CAUSING MAJOR REPAIRS WHICH IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE AND CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS THAT COULD INDEED AFFECT THE LIFE OF MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTEN AND HOPEFULLY DIRECTLY ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 12/8/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592530

99,000 miles · Nov 7, 2005
Power Train

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH ON A LOCAL STREET WHEN SHE FELT A PULL WHEN TURNING LEFT THEN SHE HEARD AND FELT A SOUND LIKE THE MUFFLER WAS FALLING OFF AND HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO A SHOPPING PLAZA AND SHUT OFF THE CAR. WHAT WE FOUND WAS THAT THE AXLE NUT AND PART OF T…

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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH ON A LOCAL STREET WHEN SHE FELT A PULL WHEN TURNING LEFT THEN SHE HEARD AND FELT A SOUND LIKE THE MUFFLER WAS FALLING OFF AND HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO A SHOPPING PLAZA AND SHUT OFF THE CAR. WHAT WE FOUND WAS THAT THE AXLE NUT AND PART OF THE AXLE HAD BROKEN OFF AND FALLEN OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT REAR WHEEL. THE WHEEL COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY FALLEN OFF AND LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY MOVING FAST. THE VOLVO DEALER BELIEVES THAT THE CV JOINT FOR SOME REASON (WHICH HAVE NOT YET EXPLAINED) SEIZED AND CAUSED THE AXLE TO BREAK. THE DEALER RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE CV JOINT AND BEARING AND THE AXLE. THE ROTOR WAS ALSO IRREPARABLY DAMAGED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WILL KEEP THE OLD PARTS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10142018

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS TESTED AND FOUND TO HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE. *NM BLACK SMOKE WAS BELCHING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. *SC THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10091898

71,000 miles · Jan 3, 2003
Latches/locks/linkagesPower Train

SHIFT LOCK ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF VOLVO V70 LOCKS OUT. TS

NHTSA ODI #10000498

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2002
Power TrainTiresFire

WHILE DRIVING AT STATE SPEED LIMIT LEFT TIRE BLEWOUT. TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH SPARE TIRE. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE UNDER 50 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND STATED THAT GEARSHIFT HAD MALFUNCTIONED CONSUMER WAS AT FAULT BECAUSE OF THE SPEED VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8005823

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2002
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING ABS/ TRACKING LIGHT ILLUMINATE ON DASHBOARD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8003740

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2001
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

ABS ANF TRACKING SYSTEM OFF WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. SOMETIMES AT STARTUP, WHILE DRIVING OR BRAKING. DEALER HAS SERVICED SYSTEM WITH NEW SENSORS AND RESETTING COMPUTER WITH NO SUCCESS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THEY SAY IT ISN'T IMPORTANT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #749935

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2001
Power Train

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #744175

Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2000
Power Train

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #737903

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2000
Power Train

2 TEETH ON DRIVESHAFT HAVE BROKEN OFF WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED THE RUNNING GEARS TO CEASE, AND WHEELS TO LOCKUP. DEALER CLAIMED THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.

NHTSA ODI #864390

Official recalls

5

04V504000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Oct 21, 2004

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.

00V405000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Dec 6, 2000

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.

99V235000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Aug 30, 1999

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.

99V236000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 30, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT GROUNDING.

98V254000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 14, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

5

RQ04004 · Headlight Failure

Opened Jun 8, 2004 · Closed Nov 5, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights; 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.

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.

PE99005 · Fuel Leakage

Opened Jan 15, 1999 · Closed Jun 30, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE98043 · Exhaust Pipe Burns

Opened Aug 5, 1998 · Closed Oct 21, 1998

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF CHILDREN RECEIVING BURNS ON THEIR LEG FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE WHILE EXITING 1998 MODEL YEAR V70 WAGONS VIA THE REAR LIFTGATE.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH A DEALER INSTALLED REAR FACING CHILDREN'S AUXILIARY SEAT (AUXILIARY SEAT).ENTRY TO ANDEXIT FROM THE AUXILIARY SEAT IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH THE REAR LIFTGATE.THE END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE, OR EXHAUST PIPE EXTENSION, ON THE V70 MODEL PROTUDES BEYOUND THE REAR BUNPER FASCIA THRUS INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD THAT AUXILIARY SEAT OCCUPANTS WILL BURN THEMSELVES WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE.ADDITIONALLY, A THIRD CHILD WAS ALSO BURNED ON IT'S LEG WHILE WALKING AROUND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.VOLVO'S ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE REVEALED 14 ADDITIONAL REPORTS RESULTING IN 18 INJURIES.VOLVO HAS AGREED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.ALL REGISTERED OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL NOTIFIED VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL, AS VOLVO CANNOT DETERMINE WHO MAY HAVE HAD AN AUXILIARY SEAT INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLE.THE NOTIFICATION TO ALL SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS WILL ALSO EFFCTIVELY INFORM THOSE OWNERS WHO MAY WISH TO HAVE AN AUXILIARY SEAT ADDED TO THEIR VEHICLES IN THE FUTURE.