1998 Volvo V70XC
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volvo › V70XC › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Volvo V70XC. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Volvo V70XC. Newest first.
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
31 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
This particular model has a problem with fuel tanks cracking. it isn't happening to the ones that aren't all wheel drive. I need mine replaced. people are apprehensive about pulling a used tank from a yard because it might also be cracked. I was told the all wheel drive system built around it IS putting pressure on it.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Traction control system
On a large number of volvos the ABS computer fails resulting in loss of proper braking. Normal use causes this, in this all to common failure, and volvo IS aware of their short comings in this problem, thus far refusing to correct a highly dangerous condition that may have already resulted in…
On a large number of volvos the ABS computer fails resulting in loss of proper braking. Normal use causes this, in this all to common failure, and volvo IS aware of their short comings in this problem, thus far refusing to correct a highly dangerous condition that may have already resulted in injury and death. The replacement computers from volvo are of the same lack of reliability. This has been a major problem for years and certainly represents a serious failure in a critical system to the automobile. In addition to being a serious failure, volvo has made it a very expensive (hence profitable) repair. Estimates ranging from $500.00 to $850.00 for the repair are the norm. The part itself IS around $500.00, so volvo makes a nice profit from each one replaced and IS guaranteed another replacement further down the road since they have not even addressed the problem with their replacement units. To do so would be acknowledging a problem they are well aware of, so they wont. If ever a government mandated recall was appropriate this IS it. It would seem that a car company as proud of their safety ratings as volvo IS would be willing to correct this potentially fatal flaw. As they seem not to be it should be demanded of them. They should be mandated to recall all models prone to this failure and to be required to reimburse consumers that can produce receipts proving they had to have this repair done. There are rebuilders that can make the old unit stronger, more reliable, if you send it to them, so volvo could do it as well. *Tr
- Power train › Driveline
The complaint that I have with my 98 V70 XC AWD IS with a recent tire rotation with my oil change a week after it started to sound as if my muffler was dragging and it also sounded like rear tires are dragging. my mechanic think it may possibly be the drive shaft and from the internet what I've…
The complaint that I have with my 98 V70 XC AWD IS with a recent tire rotation with my oil change a week after it started to sound as if my muffler was dragging and it also sounded like rear tires are dragging. my mechanic think it may possibly be the drive shaft and from the internet what I've this seems to be a consistent problem. I would like to know why isn't volvo taking accountability to fix this problem. the more I also keep reading on my year, make and model of my vehicle it should be recalled just fro the number of ongoing issues it has especially if volvo would like to stand by it's customers. *Tr
- Air bags › Side/window
Driver side air bag deployed when door was shut and car was off. volvo n.a. Was contacted and requested that their specialist look at vehicle. they claim that something was stuck in the door, which caused the deployment. this was not the case. volvo claims that a mark on the door IS proof.…
Driver side air bag deployed when door was shut and car was off. volvo n.a. Was contacted and requested that their specialist look at vehicle. they claim that something was stuck in the door, which caused the deployment. this was not the case. volvo claims that a mark on the door IS proof. however, jim downy from nationwide insurance took pictures and investigated my claim and failed to find this supposed mark. the deployment occurred from no impact or accident. the car wasn't even on at the time. this was nothing more than a malfunction of the vehicle's safety equipment and volvo should be held liable to fix the airbag and damage to the leather seat caused by the deployment. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Since owning the vehicle (purchased used) I have had issues with the ABS and tracs systems. I noticed if the car was "cold" in a cold climate, the abs/tracs system appeared to be functioning properly, if only for a few minutes. otherwise, the abs/tracs system failed to function altogether. The…
Since owning the vehicle (purchased used) I have had issues with the ABS and tracs systems. I noticed if the car was "cold" in a cold climate, the abs/tracs system appeared to be functioning properly, if only for a few minutes. otherwise, the abs/tracs system failed to function altogether. The brakes would fail completely when the ABS module would transfer from functioning to non-functioning. the volvo mechanic stated this was a common problem and that the ABS module would need replacement at a cost of $700. my question IS, if it's such a common problem concerning a vital safty part(the brakes) why has there not been a recall? this IS one in a myriad of functional issues with this vehicle. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
65,000 miles - transmission failure on a regularly dealer serviced vehicle. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70xc. while driving 45 mph the serpentine belt detached and the engine shut off without any warning lights illuminating. however, after the failure occurred, all of the lights on the dashboard illuminated. the vehicle was towed, and the mechanic stated that…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70xc. while driving 45 mph the serpentine belt detached and the engine shut off without any warning lights illuminating. however, after the failure occurred, all of the lights on the dashboard illuminated. the vehicle was towed, and the mechanic stated that when the timing belt detached the pistons stopped moving on one side , and on the other side the pistons continued to move although the engine shut off. the cost to replace the engine was $6,000. the contact stated that regular maintenance checks were always performed on the vehicle as authorized by the volvo dealer. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the current and failure mileages were 120,000. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Dt*: the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle cranked but would not start. upon inspection, the fuse to the fuel pump was observed to be blown. the fuse was changed, and the vehicle was started. later, while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle began to shudder and…
Dt*: the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle cranked but would not start. upon inspection, the fuse to the fuel pump was observed to be blown. the fuse was changed, and the vehicle was started. later, while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle began to shudder and lose power. when the vehicle was pulled over, an odor of something burning appeared. upon further inspection, the bottom of the fuel tank was smoldering, and then caught on fire. a police report was filed, and the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic shop. The mechanic shop determined the fuel pump short-circuited.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
A few weeks ago, I have noticed a strong gas fuel smell from my 98 volvo V70 cross country AWD from the gas tank area. the smell comes from the area in front of the rr wheel, on top of the plastic panel which covers the fuel tank. the leak IS noticeable when the tank IS full. the only way for me…
A few weeks ago, I have noticed a strong gas fuel smell from my 98 volvo V70 cross country AWD from the gas tank area. the smell comes from the area in front of the rr wheel, on top of the plastic panel which covers the fuel tank. the leak IS noticeable when the tank IS full. the only way for me to keep the smell from popping out IS to not fill up the tank more than 8 or 10 gallons. the car IS no longer safe to be parked in the garage as the fuel smell it releases IS so strong that I can fill the house with it through my vents. I want the nhtsa to look at this problem as this seems to be a common failure on the V70 AWD. many volvo internet boards have mentioned possible failure with the gas tank/expansion valve/fuel pump area. can you please take a look, thanks. let me know if you have questions. *nm
- Electrical system
While running slowly my volvo 98 XC just slowed up and stopped. I was able to restart after about a half minute and 3 tries. when it did not start, there was no sound of "turnover" occurring. No damage happened, since I was driving slowly within a parking garage. the first failure (that…
While running slowly my volvo 98 XC just slowed up and stopped. I was able to restart after about a half minute and 3 tries. when it did not start, there was no sound of "turnover" occurring. No damage happened, since I was driving slowly within a parking garage. the first failure (that mirrored the most recent) was about a month ago while driving slowly down a residential street. the dealer could not find a defect following the first failure, so I have been driving the car since then. the dealer did no repairs after the first failure. the weather has been cool (30-50f) and dry. *nm
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Suspension
I have a volvo V70 XC, AWD, 1998. I brought the car to a volvo dealer, smythe volvo, for a routine repair of clunking noise I heard. They said it was due to a strut problem, but also found several un-related repair items. All together, they spent two days on repair and charged me $1700 for it. on…
I have a volvo V70 XC, AWD, 1998. I brought the car to a volvo dealer, smythe volvo, for a routine repair of clunking noise I heard. They said it was due to a strut problem, but also found several un-related repair items. All together, they spent two days on repair and charged me $1700 for it. on the same night that I got the car back, the engine died on the freeway without any warning before, during, and after the incidence. I almost got killed on the freeway. I was able to slide it out of the freeway ramp and had the car towed back to the dealer. on the 3RD day, the dealer said it was an engine sensor failure but had no explanation of why there was no warning signal to user, and why they couldn't pick up any sign from the prior two days of repair. If what they said was true, there IS a very serious safety issue here that could impact the lives of millions of drivers out there. please clarify for me if this issue was known to the nhtsa and what volvo as a company should do or have done about it. I'm afraid to drive the car under the circumstances and would like to see this issue got answered quickly. *nm
- Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch
The tailgate lock mechanism on my 1998 v70xc wagon often fails to latch in cold weather. this as not been too big a problem here in arizona - typically occurring if the tailgate IS opened in the occasional cold mornings - as the day warms up the mechanism usually always latchs correctly. usually…
The tailgate lock mechanism on my 1998 v70xc wagon often fails to latch in cold weather. this as not been too big a problem here in arizona - typically occurring if the tailgate IS opened in the occasional cold mornings - as the day warms up the mechanism usually always latchs correctly. usually when it begins not to latch a little cleaning and lubricant would cure it for a while. this solution IS now producing limited results, and not wanting to drive the kids to school with the possibility of their backpacks falling out of the back of the vehicle, I have decided to replace the latch. while searching the internet for replacement information, I came across numerous owner reports of occurrences of this failure, as well as a recall of the model year 2000 version of this vehicle for the same issue. I made a close inspection of the mechanical part of the latch, and it appears that the two rotating elements that form the catch & lock assembly are not well aligned (are not moving in the same plane), possibly due to the poor forming and/or assembly of the stamped and folded steel housing in which these two pieces are located. this mechanical problem IS likely the reason that the cleaning/lubrication solution has always produced limited results. in all other functions (power lock/unlock, latch release, child lock, etc.) the assembly works correctly, it IS just the balky rotation of the locking catch that appears to be keeping the latch from operating properly. I called volvo customer care to see if the 2000 model year recall for this problem had been extended to my year vehicle, but was told no. I believe the failure IS due to an apparent design and/or manufacturing deficiency and not from just wear and tear. due to the safety issue, I have replaced the latch assembly, though I will not be able to determine if this has corrected the problem until colder weather.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Idling in a lot the car cut out, drove it to the volvo dealer to check, nothing found to be wrong. several months later, the power diminished while driving, took it to a mechanic who checked everything and could find no problem, but heard for the first time....there could be an air mix…
Idling in a lot the car cut out, drove it to the volvo dealer to check, nothing found to be wrong. several months later, the power diminished while driving, took it to a mechanic who checked everything and could find no problem, but heard for the first time....there could be an air mix problem...with no check engine light, can't really know. Drove the car back to va. From mass. Where problem started and had no further problems until april or may of this year (2005) when turning into my driveway, the engine totally cut out. I had it towed to don beyer volvo in falls church, va, where no problem could be found. I insisted they keep the car until they found the problem, and was given a loaner. the service rep. Said he would drive the car to see if he could replicate the situation. they kept the car for 2-3 weeks with no success. I picked the car up with a friend, who drove it off the lot. not on the highway five minutes when the car lost power, the check engine light appeared, we drove back to the dealer. They found this time it was the air flow meter, which they replaced. Although I still feel no confidence in the vehicle, the problem has not occurred again. The information below IS all encompassing of the events but the incident date reflects the date which they found the air flow meter problem exactly. *Jb
- Suspension
Dt: the consumer purchased her vehicle over two years ago. the steering wheel shakes and it will not hold a balance. the dealership has not been able to fix the problem, but they are currently telling her it IS fixed. the steering wheel IS still shaking. this problem has been occurring since…
Dt: the consumer purchased her vehicle over two years ago. the steering wheel shakes and it will not hold a balance. the dealership has not been able to fix the problem, but they are currently telling her it IS fixed. the steering wheel IS still shaking. this problem has been occurring since purchase. volvo of north america and the dealership are both telling her that the problem has been fixed. she replaced the tires when the vehicle was first purchased, they went bad and she's had to put on 2 more sets of tires. they recommended she use high end michelin tires and it has made no difference. a representative from volvo has looked at the vehicle twice, once last summer and last week. consumer states she has complained about the problem since she had a warranty and has a letter stating that if it IS not the tires, they will resolve the issue under the warranty. the volvo representative stated there was a bolt loose in the fender and the mud flap was missing and the tires were wearing unevenly. the problem only occurs at highway speeds. the mechanic did notice the vibration at 35 mph. the local volvo dealer, a different one, did ride with the consumer and stated he did feel the vibration, but wrote on the receipt it needed a balance. *Jb
- Parking brake
While the vehicle was parked on an incline it rolled back, and crashed into a house. consumer took vehicle to a garage for inspection. however, the cause had not been determined at this time. *ak *bf *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Failure of ABS control unit on 1998 volvo XC70 automobile. according to dealers, it IS a common failure and happens all the time. it renders the traction control and ABS system as not-working and it IS an intermittent problem that causes the tracs and ABS systems to fail without any warning. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
1998 volvo v70xc, replacement of mechanical timing belt tensioner not specific as to mileage for such replacement, replaced timing belt at 70,000 miles as required, tensioner appeared good on inspection, no volvo tsb advising replacement, tensioner failed at 84,000 miles, volvo warranty rejected…
1998 volvo v70xc, replacement of mechanical timing belt tensioner not specific as to mileage for such replacement, replaced timing belt at 70,000 miles as required, tensioner appeared good on inspection, no volvo tsb advising replacement, tensioner failed at 84,000 miles, volvo warranty rejected repair claim for tensioner, valve damage, timing belt replacement approx. $2,400.00 no response from volvo customer care to email for review of claim. Had I been on the turnpike loss of power may have resulted in a crash since all powered systems would not have worked. Volvo does not participate in arbitration dispute through the bbb. My only resource IS a government agency investigating the problem and notifying volvo of a manufacturer defect or failure to advise this consumer that correct service should have included replacement of the tensioner at a specified mileage. Since this tensioner failure also affects fuel delivery, emissions controls, valves etc. I sent an inquiry to the epa website.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Prior to dealer visit for 60,000 mile service, the ABS and tracs lights began coming on periodically. dealer checked and found codes abs-314 & 324 set in system. dealer stated that module replacement would cost approximately $675. dealer said that although the lights indicated loss of ABS…
Prior to dealer visit for 60,000 mile service, the ABS and tracs lights began coming on periodically. dealer checked and found codes abs-314 & 324 set in system. dealer stated that module replacement would cost approximately $675. dealer said that although the lights indicated loss of ABS, braking ability should not be compromised. at that time I declined the repair. since that service visit, the lights have continued to go on and off periodically; on several occasions, it occured during braking and it felt as though the brakes were not going to grab appropriately, if only momentarily. I am now wondering if this IS a safe condition, especially with the onset of winter driving. when I saw the number of other complaints on the same issue at the nhtsa website, I decided I should include my own. my suggestions for remediation range from: 1) have the manufacturer investigate the issue further, 2) have the manufacturer replace all modules that are reported to have this problem, or 3) at least have the manufacturer assist the customer by paying a portion of the replacement cost. *ak
- Air bags · Seat belts
I have a 1998 volvo V70 XC. the srs light keeps coming on- I have it tested and 2 or 3 times I was told everything checks out ok it just needs to be reset but within a few days or weeks it IS back on again. other times the sensor codes indicated the rear seat belt sensor was bad, the drivers…
I have a 1998 volvo V70 XC. the srs light keeps coming on- I have it tested and 2 or 3 times I was told everything checks out ok it just needs to be reset but within a few days or weeks it IS back on again. other times the sensor codes indicated the rear seat belt sensor was bad, the drivers entire seatbelt mechanism was bad and they were replaced. but again the light comes back on within a short period of time. my understanding IS that if the srs light IS on the airbags will not deploy - IS this correct? I have been told it may be that the main computer for the airbag system that IS bad. if that IS the case, IS it possible that all fo the other error codes /replacements were incorrect/unnecessary? I have been told by my mechanic that he has ha a lot of similar problems with volvos especially V70 in this model year range, but that there has been no recall.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS brakes activated under normal driving conditions, tracs off, rear wheel spin in slippery conditions even with the tracks on. took to the dealer and they replace the ABS control module (over $600). car was behaving in an unsafe manner as the ABS brakes would activate and prevent car from stopping for a few seconds until the ABS system switched off.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
The hood on the driver's side does not open on cold days. because of that I cannot fill the windshield fluid and when the windshield gets dirty from the vehicles in front, my wife can barely see her way.*ak I complaint to the dealer about it since the first winter, we got the car in 1998. this…
The hood on the driver's side does not open on cold days. because of that I cannot fill the windshield fluid and when the windshield gets dirty from the vehicles in front, my wife can barely see her way.*ak I complaint to the dealer about it since the first winter, we got the car in 1998. this year I went to the dealer maybe 3 times with this problem but they could not replicate the problem and therefore could not fix it. I complained to volvo headquarters but they referred me back to the dealer.
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Control unit/module
ABS control module faulty at 55,000 -- ABS non-functional-- very common problem for this model and year. *la
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Headlight switch fell apart causing us to loose lights while on highway. though a recall IS listed for this year and this problem, volvo refuses to acknowledge it applies to this vehicle or do the repair per the recall. recall campaign # 99v235000. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Coming down a hill in valley center ca. The timing belt on my volvo XC 1998, vin # [xxx], broke causing the engine to destruct and loss of hydraulics to power the brakes and steering, nearly veered into a canyon. The owners manual recommends replacement of the timing belt at 70,000 miles. The volvo…
Coming down a hill in valley center ca. The timing belt on my volvo XC 1998, vin # [xxx], broke causing the engine to destruct and loss of hydraulics to power the brakes and steering, nearly veered into a canyon. The owners manual recommends replacement of the timing belt at 70,000 miles. The volvo has 61,000 miles and was very well maintained at an authorized volvo dealer in houston texas. There was almost a major cash both rear end and frontal when the car almost crossed over the highway. Contacted volvo of n. America and was told car was out of warranty and I bought it "as IS" and they are not to blame. I now have to replace the engine because of extensive damage. Thank god my family was not in the car or my wife was not driving the car, this could have caused a fatality if it was the freeway or if by luck the car did not go over the canyon wall. I had only owned the car for two weeks. It was inspected before it came to me from texas and was shipped not driven.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
The consumer's vehicle was rear ended and then hit the vehicle in front her and the air bags did not deploy. Dealer and manufacture were contacted and the manufacture sent a technician out to see the vehicle. The consumer did not know what the results were. *ak ph. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10241661Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
- 10241651Rubber cushion
- 10213885The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
- 10213883ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
- 10213882Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
- 10212892Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- 10212891VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
- 10088374Warranty, customer pay and/or internal repairs performed must be verified by a punched time flag on the back of the repair order hard copy. Each repair line must have a separate and identifiable time punch for the respective repair for all repair types, i.e., warranty, customer pay, and internal.
- 10087107This IS a service product journal : the previously reported issue with vida 2015 and battery testing has been resolved. Vida 2015 battery testing IS the only approved method for producing battery test codes. The use of vida classic or other measuring tools IS not considered acceptable when submitting warranty claims.
- 6089479Subject regarding rails and load arches modification.
- 6089476Procedures for replacing door locks.
- 6089475Information describing how to adjust the opening angle of the tailgate.
- 626955Electrically operated seat, minimizing lateral movement.
- 626948Subject regarding rear windshield, alarm wire, and repair.
- 626899Information regarding rear windshield, alarm wire, repair.
- 621829Customer complaint regarding transmission lockup engagement / disengagement while driving at cruising speeds (90 - 100 km/h / 55 - 60 mph) may be due to coolant contaminated, degraded or overheated transmission fluid.
- 620108This service campaign no. 101A involves headlight wiper arm adjustment and stop lug replacement for certain vehicles with inadequate clearance.
- 619104On certain vehicles, there may be inadequate contact between the front turn signal bulbs and the sockets.
- 619103On certain vehicles there may be inadequate clearance between the headlight wiper blade and the stop lug.
- 616755This service bulletin contains information to ensure that the all-wheel drive (AWD) system IS not damaged when servicing wheels and tires. It also contains information about checking the freewheel and viscous coupling for the all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
- 613430Subject regarding installation of protective cover for the door locks.
- 612379Information regarding the installation of the door lock protective cover. *Mjs
- 610599Experiencing a squeaking noise coming from the rear suspension between the rear spring, bump stop and the spring seat.
- 610596Some customers may complain regarding transmission lockup engagement / disengagement while driving at cruising speeds (55 - 60 mph) due to worn, overheated transmission fluid.
- 610436Some vehicles may exhibit a whining noise from the rear axle (final drive) between 80 and 95 km/h (50 - 60 mph).
- 610418Experiencing a whining sound from the rear axle (final drive) between 80 and 120 km/h (50-75 mph).
- 610391Information on installing protective cover for door locks.
- 608255Information describing how to replace the power switch(s) in the door panel without removing the door panel from the door.
- 608250On some vehicles, a sound may be heard from the rear suspension when driving on uneven surface.
- 608044This service bulletin describes how to install the new style height adjuster knob for the front seats.
- 606231Vehicles experiencing a whining sound from the rear axle.
- 605965Information describing how to install a damper on the drive shaft.
Every Volvo V70XC model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.