NHTSA vehicle safety data

1998 Volvo V70 Recalls & Complaints

The 1998 Volvo V70 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 187 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volvo dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Volvo V70. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1998 Volvo V70 owner complaints

Owners have filed 187 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Volvo V70, describing incidents dated July 7, 1997 to October 10, 2016.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 49 complaints
Exterior Lighting 29 complaints
Engine 24 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 14 complaints
Power Train 12 complaints
Seat Belts 12 complaints

Of the 187 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 187 complaints, owners report 15 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10915178 · Filed October 11, 2016
SEVERE TIRE SIDEWALL BUBBLES ON ALL FOUR TIRES AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS OF NORMAL USE. TIRE BRAND AND TYPE: DUNLOP 195/60R15 888 H SIGNATURE II.
ODI #10884834 · Filed July 14, 2016
THE IGNITION SWITCH FREQUENTLY JAMS, LOCKED, IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THE KEY CAN BE INSERTED, BUT THE IGNITION LOCK WILL NOT TURN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO START AND OPERATE THE VEHICLE OR TURN ON ACCESSORIES OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, RENDERING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. WHEN THE IGNITION…
ODI #10824366 · Filed February 4, 2016
I WAS ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TO I-94 WHEN THE ACCELERATOR STOMPED FLUSH TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE REVVED UNCONTROLLABLY AND I TRIED TO CLUTCH IT DOWN BUT KEPT ON ACCELERATING. AT THIS POINT I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION BUT THAT DID NO GOOD. ALL THE INSTRUMENTATION TURNED OFF BUT THE ENGINE WAS MAXED OUT…

Read all 187 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1998 Volvo V70 in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ04-004: HEADLIGHT FAILURE
Closed November 5, 2004
- Recall 04V-504
Preliminary Evaluation PE00-031: TURN SIGNAL
Closed December 22, 2000
- Recall 00V-405
Preliminary Evaluation PE99-040: INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
Closed October 27, 1999
Preliminary Evaluation PE99-005: FUEL LEAKAGE
Closed June 30, 1999
Preliminary Evaluation PE98-043: EXHAUST PIPE BURNS
Closed October 21, 1998
- Recall 98V-254

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

VOLVO/HEADLIGHT SWITCH

NHTSA #04V504000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported October 21, 2004 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Potentially affected: 97,000 vehicles

Volvo campaign 142/94 · Owners notified January 24, 2005 · Vehicles built June 5, 1997 – June 8, 1999 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. 142.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO/TURN SIGNAL

NHTSA #00V405000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported December 6, 2000 · VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.

Potentially affected: 245,894 vehicles

Volvo campaign 101 · Owners notified March 19, 2001 · Vehicles built January 1, 1997 – November 30, 2000 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN AN APPROACHING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2001.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-283-0117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO/PASSENGER AIR BAG

NHTSA #99V236000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported August 30, 1999 · VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.

Potentially affected: 124,381 vehicles

Volvo campaign 96 · Owners notified September 15, 1999 · Vehicles built January 1, 1997 – August 1, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 15, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO/HEADLIGHT SWITCH

NHTSA #99V235000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported August 30, 1999 · VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.

Potentially affected: 139,588 vehicles

Volvo campaign 94 · Owners notified September 15, 1999 · Vehicles built January 1, 1997 – February 28, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.

Safety consequence

DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 15, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO/TAILPIPE BURNING

NHTSA #98V254000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · NHTSA notice

Reported October 14, 1998 · VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.

Potentially affected: 50,835 vehicles

Owners notified November 16, 1998 · Vehicles built January 1, 1997 – October 31, 1998 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 16, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 1998 Volvo V70. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

187 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Volvo V70.

Tires

ODI #10915178

Incident: October 10, 2016 · Filed: October 11, 2016

SEVERE TIRE SIDEWALL BUBBLES ON ALL FOUR TIRES AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS OF NORMAL USE. TIRE BRAND AND TYPE: DUNLOP 195/60R15 888 H SIGNATURE II.

Electrical System

ODI #10884834

Incident: August 12, 2015 · Filed: July 14, 2016

THE IGNITION SWITCH FREQUENTLY JAMS, LOCKED, IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THE KEY CAN BE INSERTED, BUT THE IGNITION LOCK WILL NOT TURN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO START AND OPERATE THE VEHICLE OR TURN ON ACCESSORIES OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, RENDERING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION, IT CAN BE TURNED OFF WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. WHEN IT IS "OFF," HOWEVER, IT FREQUENTLY CAN NOT BE TURNED "ON". A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT THIS IS A RATHER COMMON PROBLEM.

Unknown or Other

ODI #10824366

Incident: January 29, 2016 · Filed: February 4, 2016

I WAS ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TO I-94 WHEN THE ACCELERATOR STOMPED FLUSH TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE REVVED UNCONTROLLABLY AND I TRIED TO CLUTCH IT DOWN BUT KEPT ON ACCELERATING. AT THIS POINT I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION BUT THAT DID NO GOOD. ALL THE INSTRUMENTATION TURNED OFF BUT THE ENGINE WAS MAXED OUT AND WAS GOING BERSERK. I HAD A CLUTCH SO I PUSHED IT INTO NEUTRAL BUT THE RPMS WENT TO THE 7,000S. WITH THE KEYS OFF, I PULLED OF THE INTERSTATE DESPERATELY TRYING TO SLOW DOWN THE RPMS BUT NOTHING WORKED. I FINALLY PUT IT INTO GEAR TO TRY AND STOP IT AND IT LITERALLY 'BLEW UP'. IT'S TOTALED. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS IF THIS HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY KIND OF RECALL ON THIS. VOLVO WOULDN'T ANSWER ANY OF MY QUESTIONS. IT WAS A GREAT CAR BUT IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET ANY ANSWERS ABOUT. IT APPARENTLY WAS SOME KIND OF A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION AS A MECHANICAL FAILURE WOULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED BY TURNING THE KEY 'OFF'! I WANT TO LODGE A COMPLAINT BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START.

Service Brakes

ODI #10746645

Incident: August 3, 2015 · Filed: August 6, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE ROTOR HAD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. MA 10/25/15

Seats

ODI #10704931

Incident: April 9, 2015 · Filed: April 10, 2015

PURCHASED THIS CAR THIS MONTH FOR MY SON FOR HIM TO COMMUTE TO SCHOOL. MY SON TOLD ME THAT THE SEAT MOVES TO DIFFERENT POSITION WHEN THE CAR HIT THE POT HOLE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE DRIVER HAS SHORT LEGS. THERE IS PRESET POSITION FOR THE SEAT. NO SURE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10650283

Incident: October 26, 2014 · Filed: October 27, 2014

AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE IS A VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WHEN STOPPED INSIDE CAR. THE ENGINE CODE IS FOR A GROSS EVAP LEAK.I CAN SEE FUEL UNDER GAS TANK COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. I REMOVED FUEL PUMP ACCSESS DOOR AND CAN SEE FUEL BUBBLING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND OVERFLOWING THE AREA. THERE IS A VISABLE CRACK ON THE TOP OF THE PUMP. *TR

Suspension; Power Train; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Engine

ODI #10592530

Incident: May 12, 2014 · Filed: May 19, 2014

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

Structure

ODI #10544051

Incident: September 2, 2013 · Filed: September 17, 2013

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HINGE/STRAP FAILED CAUSING DOOR TO BREAK FROM FRAME AND BECOME DYSFUNCTIONAL. AS IT WORSENED OVER A FEW DAYS THE DOOR BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO OPEN WHERE IT BECAME A SAFETY CONCERN. VOLVO MECHANIC REFERRED TO AUTO METAL SERVICE SHOP WHICH REPLACED/REPAIRED DOOR STRAP AND WELDED DOOR BACK TO FRAME AND CONFIRMED THIS WAS A KNOWN "WORKMANSHIP" DEFECT WITH A NUMBER OF VOLVO MODELS AND YEARS. VOLVO N.A. WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS 9/13/13 AND WAS INTERESTED TO SEE THE REPAIR INVOICE, WHICH WAS PROVIDED TO THEM, BUT IN THE END THEY DECLINED TO REIMBURSE FOR THIS FLAW STATING THE CAR WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY A MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BECOMES DYSFUNCTIONAL FROM FAULTY WORKMANSHIP THAT INDICATES A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD "MAN UP" AND REPAIR/RECALL OR REIMBURSE THE OWNER FOR, REGARDLESS IF THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. DOORS SHOULDN'T JUST BREAK OFF FROM THE FRAME UNDER NORMAL USE. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR ABUSE INVOLVED WITH THIS DOOR. IT JUST BROKE LIKE A CHEAP, INFERIOR PRODUCT. *TR

Unknown or Other

ODI #10412811

Incident: December 15, 2009 · Filed: July 13, 2011

IGNITION KEY CYLINDER MALFUNCTIONING. INSERT KEY TO START CAR, KEY ROTATES 360 DEGREES WITHOUT ENGAGING. TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE KEY TO NOT ROTATE AND ACTUALLY START THE CAR. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE THREADS ON FORUMS THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND IT SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING THAT OCCURS AFTER 100,000 MILES. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS $600 - TO $800.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #10386483

Incident: March 1, 2011 · Filed: March 4, 2011

EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING, BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. FUSES ARE GOOD AND BULBS ARE GOOD AS WELL! BRAKES HAVEN'T WORKED SINCE THE DRIVE HOME HEADLIGHTS GO IN AND OUT. COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT! *TR

Other Volvo V70 model years

Check your 1998 Volvo V70 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volvo V70 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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