NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
187 reports139,000 miles · Aug 2, 2010
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT BELT BECAME LODGED AND COULD NOT BE USED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE HIMSELF BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND WOULD NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE SEAT BELT REMAINED LODGED FOR OVER T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT BELT BECAME LODGED AND COULD NOT BE USED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE HIMSELF BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND WOULD NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE SEAT BELT REMAINED LODGED FOR OVER THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
NHTSA ODI #10346742
100,000 miles · Nov 3, 2009
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO CROSS COUNTRY V70. TWICE WITHIN THE YEAR, THE RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPAIRED. AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN CONTINUED TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST REPAIR COST $1000.00. THE SECOND REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AT AN EXPENSE OF $14000.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100000 . THE CURRENT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO CROSS COUNTRY V70. TWICE WITHIN THE YEAR, THE RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPAIRED. AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN CONTINUED TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST REPAIR COST $1000.00. THE SECOND REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AT AN EXPENSE OF $14000.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100000 . THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115000.
NHTSA ODI #10290868
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury
WE HAD TONS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IMMED. AFTER PURCHASE-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALWAYS COMING ON,CAR STALLING,LIGHT COMING ON DASHBOARD,CAR NOISES, ENGINE LEAKS. THE CAR COULD NOT BE FIXED BY CARMAX AS FAR AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONCERNED SO WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO A VOLVO DEALER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIM…
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WE HAD TONS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IMMED. AFTER PURCHASE-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALWAYS COMING ON,CAR STALLING,LIGHT COMING ON DASHBOARD,CAR NOISES, ENGINE LEAKS. THE CAR COULD NOT BE FIXED BY CARMAX AS FAR AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONCERNED SO WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO A VOLVO DEALER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES YET STILL CAME BACK ON. I NEVER GOT ANY RECALL LETTERS CONCERNING FRONTAL AIRBAG ISSUES IN 1998 VOLVO. I ALWAYS HAD A FEAR THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS-DASHBOARD LIGHTS,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT-WOULD RESULT IN A SAFETY PROBLEM. I WANT TO KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS WERE CONNECTED AND IF THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN A WRECK. DID CARMAX CHECK TO SEE IF THE SRS SYSTEM WAS WORKING?*TR
NHTSA ODI #10251659
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2008
Tires
TIRES HAVE NOT FAILED. SIDEWALL CRACKS/DETERIORATION NOTICED DURING ROUTINE STOP FOR GAS. I PLAN TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES IMMEDIATELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10216170
60,000 miles · Dec 13, 2007
Air BagsCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. BOTH VEHICLES SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND WERE TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 03/06/0…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. BOTH VEHICLES SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND WERE TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 03/06/08. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10211834
22,000 miles · Oct 19, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-60 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED. THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE NOT APPLIED. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED NORMALLY. THE ABS CONTROL UNIT (PART NUMBER 8602…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-60 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED. THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE NOT APPLIED. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED NORMALLY. THE ABS CONTROL UNIT (PART NUMBER 860266) WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CEASED FOR 30,000 MILES BEFORE IT RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #10206298
124,000 miles · Jul 19, 2007
Tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDEWALL ON ONE OF HIS SUMITOMO TIRES COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE DOT NUMBER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,000. THE TIRE INFORMATION WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10196875
120,000 miles · Feb 5, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS / TRAC LIGHTS INTERMITTENT FAILURE, CAUSING OCCASIONAL LOSS OF BRAKING FOR 1-2 SECONDS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10181676
Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2006
Electronic Stability ControlService Brakes, Hydraulic
THE ABS / TRACTION CONTROL UNIT ON THESE CARS FAIL IN UNREASONABLY HIGH NUMBERS. IT'S SUCH A BIG BUSINESS, THAT MECHANICS SELL THOUSANDS OF REFURBISHED UNITS ON EBAY. VOLVO CHARGES OVER $700 FOR THE PARTS, AND IS AVOIDING REPAIRING THIS ITEM BECAUSE I'M SURE SOME ACTUARY TOLD THEM IT'S CHEAPER TO PAY CLAIMS AND DEFEND LAWSUITS…
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THE ABS / TRACTION CONTROL UNIT ON THESE CARS FAIL IN UNREASONABLY HIGH NUMBERS. IT'S SUCH A BIG BUSINESS, THAT MECHANICS SELL THOUSANDS OF REFURBISHED UNITS ON EBAY. VOLVO CHARGES OVER $700 FOR THE PARTS, AND IS AVOIDING REPAIRING THIS ITEM BECAUSE I'M SURE SOME ACTUARY TOLD THEM IT'S CHEAPER TO PAY CLAIMS AND DEFEND LAWSUITS THAN TO PROTECT THEIR CUSTOMERS. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT OR CRASH AS A RESULT, BUT I'M SURE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10172624
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2006
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10171494
Official recalls
5Oct 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
5RQ04004 · 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.
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