Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
20–25K
925–50K
1450–75K
1275–100K
14100–150K
6150K+
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
What owners actually said
187 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 1998
Seat Belts
THE SEATBELTS DO NOT APPEAR TO RETRACT PROPERLY. THERE IS A SMALL LIGHT IN THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN BROKEN ON 3 OCCASSIONS BECAUSE THE SEATBELT DID NOT RETRACT PRIOR TO THE DOOR CLOSING. THE DEALER DID REPAIR THIS AND MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS DEFECT BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. ALSO …
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THE SEATBELTS DO NOT APPEAR TO RETRACT PROPERLY. THERE IS A SMALL LIGHT IN THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN BROKEN ON 3 OCCASSIONS BECAUSE THE SEATBELT DID NOT RETRACT PRIOR TO THE DOOR CLOSING. THE DEALER DID REPAIR THIS AND MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS DEFECT BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. ALSO IF THE SEATBELT BECOMES LOOSE BECAUSE OF DRIVER/PASSENGER MOVEMENT IT DOES NOT RETRACT OR BECOME TIGHT AROUND THE WAIST AGAIN. TO TRY TO CLARIFY THIS, IF AFTER INITIALLY SETTING THE BELTS WHEN YOU GET IN TO THE VEHICLE AND YOU HAVE MOVEMENT THAT ALLOWS THE SEATBELT TO EXPAND AROUND YOUR WAIST THE SEATBELT REMAINS EXPANDED. SO IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO ARISE YOU WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED. BEST REGARDS, RANDY GIBSON
NHTSA ODI #700462
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 1998
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CATALITIC CONVERTER SMELLS INSIDE THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT I HAD WITH A PREVIOUS V70. AFTER NUMERUS COMPLAINTS TO VOLVO THEY REPLACED THE CAR WITH A SIMILAR CAR. NOW I FACE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. IT IS NOT AS BAD WHEN I USE THE HIGHEST OCTANE AVAILABLE AND ADD OCTANE BOOST. I CONSIDER THESE ODORS DANGEROU…
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THE CATALITIC CONVERTER SMELLS INSIDE THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT I HAD WITH A PREVIOUS V70. AFTER NUMERUS COMPLAINTS TO VOLVO THEY REPLACED THE CAR WITH A SIMILAR CAR. NOW I FACE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. IT IS NOT AS BAD WHEN I USE THE HIGHEST OCTANE AVAILABLE AND ADD OCTANE BOOST. I CONSIDER THESE ODORS DANGEROUS BECOUSE I GET HEADACHES AND BURNING EYES WHILE DRIVING. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS COMPLAINT. THANKYOU.
NHTSA ODI #700425
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 1998
Fuel System, Gasoline
CAR LOST TOTAL ENGINE POWER AT FREEWAY SPEED WHEN OPERATING AT NORMAL TEMPERATURE. WOULD RESTART ON BERM UPON SLIGHT COOLING, THEN FAILURE RECURRED BACK ON FREEWAY. CAR WAS FLATABEDED TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. DEALER FIRST IDENTIFIED FUEL PUMP FAILURE, THEN SAID WIRING TO FUEL PUMP WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED. SO FAR, DEALER'S REPAIR…
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CAR LOST TOTAL ENGINE POWER AT FREEWAY SPEED WHEN OPERATING AT NORMAL TEMPERATURE. WOULD RESTART ON BERM UPON SLIGHT COOLING, THEN FAILURE RECURRED BACK ON FREEWAY. CAR WAS FLATABEDED TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. DEALER FIRST IDENTIFIED FUEL PUMP FAILURE, THEN SAID WIRING TO FUEL PUMP WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED. SO FAR, DEALER'S REPAIR SATISFACTORY.
NHTSA ODI #700413
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury
MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SUFFERED A SECOND DEGREE BURN ON HER LEG BY COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE TIP AT THE REAR BUMPER OF THE CAR BY THE LIFT GATE. THE EXHAUST ON THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY HOT, SUBJECTILY, IT FEELS MUCH HOTTER THAN OTHER VEHICLES THAT I OWN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A PE UNDERWAY BY NHTSA FOR THIS PRO…
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MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SUFFERED A SECOND DEGREE BURN ON HER LEG BY COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE TIP AT THE REAR BUMPER OF THE CAR BY THE LIFT GATE. THE EXHAUST ON THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY HOT, SUBJECTILY, IT FEELS MUCH HOTTER THAN OTHER VEHICLES THAT I OWN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A PE UNDERWAY BY NHTSA FOR THIS PROBLEM AND JUST WANTED TO SUPPLY SOME DATA. MY DAUGHTER IS FINE AND HAS RECOVERED COMPLETELY AND I DON'T EXPECT TO TAKE ANY ACTION AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER. THEY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BY NOW.
NHTSA ODI #700353
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury
HAD PARKED VEHICLE & GOT OUT W/CHILD. CHILD WENT BEHIND VEHICLE & WAS BURNED BY TAIL PIPE WHICH WAS STILL HOT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #829982
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 1998
Fuel System, Gasoline
AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK, FUEL WAS FOUND TO BE DRIPPING UNDER THE CAR. IT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE EXPANSION TANK OR ITS HOSES. THE DEALER NEEDS TO DROP THE REAR SUSPENSION TO GET A BETTER LOOK, AND THEN ORDER PARTS. I'VE HAVE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM INVOLVING OTHER V70S.
NHTSA ODI #700233
Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 1998
Exterior Lighting
DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY CANCEL UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED PASSED THE NEUTRAL POSITION CONTINUING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE TURN.
NHTSA ODI #781520
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 1998
Fuel System, Gasoline
LEAKY FUEL TANK.
NHTSA ODI #540446
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury
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. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #825944
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury
CHILD EXITING VEHICLE BURNED ON THE TAILPIPE DUE TO LOCATION.
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.
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 ↗
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.
1998 Volvo V70 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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