NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
187 reportsMileage unknown · Oct 15, 2003
Seats
WHILE MY WIFE PAULA WAS DRIVING ON THE NE EXTENSION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE, THE DRIVER'S POWER SEAT UNIT MOVED FORWARD ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING! SHE HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS CYCLE REPEATED ITSELF 3 MORE TIMES THAT DAY! AT THE TIME OUR DEAF 9-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT. THE DEALE…
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WHILE MY WIFE PAULA WAS DRIVING ON THE NE EXTENSION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE, THE DRIVER'S POWER SEAT UNIT MOVED FORWARD ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING! SHE HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS CYCLE REPEATED ITSELF 3 MORE TIMES THAT DAY! AT THE TIME OUR DEAF 9-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT. THE DEALER FROM WHICH WE BOUGHT THE CAR (WAS USED) 2 WEEKS PRIOR FOUND THE POWER SEAT UNIT TO BE DEFECTIVE AFTER WE BROUGHT IT BACK, AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR PAYMENT OF A REPLACEMENT. IN ORDER TO HAVE A SAFE CAR WE HAD TO PAY FOR IT OURSELVES. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10042947
55,000 miles · Sep 16, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANTI LOCK BRAKES CONTROL UNIT FAILED. A LIGHT INDICATED THAT THE ABS BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING, BUT THE CONSUMER HEARD AND FELT THE ABS BRAKES WERE WORKING WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10040107
71,000 miles · Sep 15, 2003
Service Brakes, Air
ABS/TRACKS SYSTEM FAILURE ON BOTH 1995, 850 AND 1998, V70. WHEN ABS/TRACK LIGHT(S) COMES ON, NO ABS/TRACK. LEFT FRONT WEEL MAY PULL WHEN BRAKING ON V70. VOLVO CORP. DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM... MADE SEVERAL CALLS, HAD INSPECTION/SERVICE DONE BY "CERTIFIED VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIAN," VOLVO WILL NOT ACCEPT PRO…
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ABS/TRACKS SYSTEM FAILURE ON BOTH 1995, 850 AND 1998, V70. WHEN ABS/TRACK LIGHT(S) COMES ON, NO ABS/TRACK. LEFT FRONT WEEL MAY PULL WHEN BRAKING ON V70. VOLVO CORP. DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM... MADE SEVERAL CALLS, HAD INSPECTION/SERVICE DONE BY "CERTIFIED VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIAN," VOLVO WILL NOT ACCEPT PROBLEM...
NHTSA ODI #10038933
75,000 miles · Sep 15, 2003
Electrical System
REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS CAN NOT BE OPENED MANUALLY OR ELECTRICALLY.*AK CONSUMER STATED THERE IS NO WAY HIS PARAPLEGIC SON CAN EXIT THE VEHICLE IF THERE WAS A FIRE OR COLLISION. LOCK MOTORS FAILED ONCE AND WERE REPLACED. MECHANIC HAD TO BREAK A PART IN THE DOOR TO RELEASE THE LOCK. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10034428
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE AIR MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND CODES WERE NOT CORRECT. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS THE COMPUTER CHIP ON THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO WOULDN'T REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER WAR…
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WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE AIR MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND CODES WERE NOT CORRECT. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS THE COMPUTER CHIP ON THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO WOULDN'T REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #8023724
62,500 miles · Aug 12, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES NOT FUNCTIONING. CAUSE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A DEFECTIVE ABS/TRACS MODULE, A KNOWN WEAK SPOT ON 1998 MODEL VOLVO S/V/C 70 SERIES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10032667
55,000 miles · Aug 7, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. BRAKING POWER HESITATED, WHICH CAUSED THE TO HAVE NO BRAKES.*AK THE BRAKES ACTIVATED WITHOUT DRIVER APPLICATION. YET, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THERE WAS A DELAY IN BRAKING. *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #10029344
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2003
Equipment
THE BRACKET BOLT BECAME LOOSE AND FELL OFF THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10031785
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2003
Service Brakes, AirService Brakes, Hydraulic
1998 VOLVO - (V70 AND OTHERS) ABS/TRAC CONTROL MODULE FAILS WITH 64,000 MILES ON CAR. SYMPTOMS ARE INTERMITTENT WARNING LIGHTS. WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ACCORDING TO DEALER AND OTHER OWNERS (SEE WWW.BRICKBOARD.COM) REPAIR IS NEARLY $700. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE SINCE ABS AND TRAC DO NOT WORK WHEN LIGHTS ARE ON AND MODULE FAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10030382
45,000 miles · Jul 16, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS / TRACTION CONTROL MODULE FAILED WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE WITH VOLVOS. ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE WRITER AT THE VOLVO THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. THE REPAIR IS ALSO NOT CHEAP AT APPROX. $650.00. EXCLUDED IN THE VOLVO INCREA…
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ABS / TRACTION CONTROL MODULE FAILED WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS IS A COMMON SAFETY ISSUE WITH VOLVOS. ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE WRITER AT THE VOLVO THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. THE REPAIR IS ALSO NOT CHEAP AT APPROX. $650.00. EXCLUDED IN THE VOLVO INCREASED PROTECTION (VIP) "LIMITED" EXTENDED WARRANTY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10028411
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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