1998 Volvo V70
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 1998 Volvo V70. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
5 recalls name the 1998 Volvo V70. Newest first.
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
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.
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.
This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle IS turning and could lead to a crash.
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.
Driver's could experience a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the headlight switch.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the frontal passenger air bag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharge.
This could possibly cause an inadvertent deployment.
Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding.
Vehicle description: station wagons equipped with third seats. users of the third seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe.
Contact with the tailpipe can result in personal injury.
Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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: 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
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.
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.
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
Tires have not failed. sidewall cracks/deterioration noticed during routine stop for gas. I plan to replace all 4 tires immediately. *tr
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
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.
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.
ABS / trac lights intermittent failure, causing occasional loss of braking for 1-2 seconds. *Jb
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
The headlight switch malfunctioned. *nm
Dt*: the contact stated while parked in the driveway for one day, smoke was noticed coming from under the hood. the fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the wiring harness caused the fire. the wiring harness was replaced. the dealer was not notified. updated 10/18/2006 - the vehicle was last driven about 14 hours prior to the vehicle catching on fire. the service dealer replaced the harness to the ABS control unit. *nm
Dt*: the contact stated the pads and calipers came into contact with the rotors. the rear pads, rotors and calipers were replaced three times. the front pads, rotors and calipers were replaced twice. prior to each replacement, the brakes made a loud squeaking sound and the front and rear end shook when the brakes were applied. currently the brakes made a loud squeaking noise and the front end shook when the brakes were applied. the dealership was notified.
The fuel tank on my 1998 volvo V70 has failed. the check engine light came on in my car about 6 months ago. after replacing almost my entire fuel evap system, volvo determined my fuel tank had a leak. I requested that volvo replace my fuel tank at their expense, because I feel that a fuel tank should be expected to last more than 8 years. volvo has refused to recall the tank and has absolved themselves of any responsibility for the failure. *nm
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 mph the rear hatchback opened without warning dumping the cargo onto the highway. a crash was avoided and the police were not contacted. the vehicle was seen by a dealer who determined the hatchback lock was inoperable and needed to be replaced. the hatchback lock was replaced once before due to a similar incident. updated 05/04/06. *Jb
The timing belt holder broke on my 1998 volvo while on driving on us route 40 in chapel hill north carolina. This caused a complete loss of acceleration. Fortunately we were in the right lane and were able to pull off the road. *Jb
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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.
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
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.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.