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Volvo V70Model year report

1998 Volvo V70 Problems

Complaints
187filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
77,500miles, 57 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
20 mpgcombined, 2.4L 5-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Volvo V70 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 1998 Volvo V70 most often write about brake-system problems, especially the ABS/traction control module and warning lights, and about exterior lighting failures. Complaints also cover the engine cooling system, fuel leaks around the tank and pump area, and electrical faults. Many reports arrive between roughly 50,000 and 110,000 miles, with some lighting and ABS problems showing up much earlier.

  1. Brakes

    ABS/traction control module failure and warning light

    • 35 complaints (19%)
    • median 71,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (19 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $700 (median of 8 quotes)
    • filed 2001–2007

    Complaints describe the ABS and TRACS warning lights coming on, sometimes intermittently and sometimes staying lit, after which anti-lock braking and traction control are said not to work. Several owners report the ABS control module was replaced at their own expense, and some say the brakes felt inconsistent, with the pedal hesitating or travel increasing after the light appeared. A few describe the ABS engaging on its own or during a stop, and one reports a skid during a hard stop. Owners often say mechanics told them the module fails often on these cars. Reported from as low as about 25,000 miles up to roughly 130,000, with many clustered between 45,000 and 100,000 miles.

    What to check: Ask whether the ABS control module has been replaced and whether the ABS/TRACS light comes on during a test drive or after hitting a bump. Have the ABS and traction systems scanned for stored codes before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a 1998 Volvo v70r awd and both the ABS/trac warning lights had been going on and off for the past couple months. The light would come on for a few minutes then go off. I understand that this is a common problem with the vehicle and have now had the control unit replaced. The cost to replace the ABS control unit was approximately $563.60.”

    NHTSA complaint #10008469, filed 2003-03, 86,000 miles

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #10028411, filed 2003-07, 45,000 miles
  2. Exterior lighting

    Headlights and exterior lights failing or cutting out

    • 38 complaints (20%)
    • median 74,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (15 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1998–2011

    Owners describe headlights going out or flickering while driving, brake lights and turn signals not working, and repeated bulb replacement without a clear cause. Several point to the headlight switch itself breaking or falling apart, and some note that a related recall did not cover their vehicle by VIN. Some also link fast turn-signal blinking or a battery draining to the lighting circuit. Reported from under 50,000 miles to about 160,000, with several cases in the 60,000 to 100,000 range.

    Recall 04V504000Recall 00V405000Recall 99V235000

    What to check: Check that the headlight switch feels solid and that all exterior lights, including brake and turn signals, work. Ask whether the headlight switch recalls were performed and confirm coverage against the specific VIN.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “For our 1998 Volvo V70 xc awd, there was a recall in nov 1999 (99v235/Volvo recall no. 94). When our headlight switch suddenly disassembled on the interstate at night in mid-september, leaving the car without a single visible light, I had to reassemble it and hold it together to reach home. We checked with our dealer the next day. The computer records showed that the switch recall had already been done for our car, so I bought another switch. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10045438, filed 2003-11, 79,000 miles

    “Headlight switch for exterior lights does not work as it should. There is a recall for this switch to be replaced , but the dealer states that this vehicle does not have the right VIN number for replacement. The VIN numbers are not shown on the recall.”

    NHTSA complaint #10063786, filed 2004-03, 60,000 miles
  3. Fuel system

    Fuel smell and leaks around tank or fuel pump

    • 9 complaints (5%)
    • median 99,000 mi at 8.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 1997–2014

    Complaints describe a strong gasoline smell after filling up, fuel visible dripping under the car, and a check-engine light for an evaporative-system leak. Owners report the source as the top of the fuel pump, its hoses, or the tank itself, with one noting a visible crack at the pump top. In some cases the dealer needed to lower the rear suspension to inspect and then order parts. Mostly reported between about 82,000 and 130,000 miles; a few cases appear at lower mileage after refueling.

    What to check: After a fill-up, check for a gasoline smell and look under the rear of the car for drips around the tank and pump area. Ask whether the fuel tank, pump, or evaporative system has been repaired.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving about 40 MPH, when I ran over a piece of metal that was about the size of a ruler. I heard a loud bang, and then I got home, found that gas was pouring out of the gas tank. It had been punctured. Obviously, we all could have been killed if there was a spark. I would not have expected a gas tank to so easily punctured. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****744064”

    NHTSA complaint #10006396, filed 2001-04, 44,800 miles

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #10650283, filed 2014-10, 130,000 miles
  4. Engine cooling

    Timing belt tensioner failure and engine stalling

    • 11 complaints (6%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 1998–2008

    Owners describe the timing belt tensioner or belt holder breaking, the belt coming off, and sudden loss of power while driving. In some cases repairs extended to the belt, valves, and head gasket. Other complaints in this group describe the engine stalling at speed with loss of power steering, and a mass air flow sensor or intake hose being replaced to address it. Reported between roughly 58,000 and 135,000 miles, often during highway driving.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for the timing belt and tensioner service history and when the belt was last replaced. During a test drive, watch for hesitation or stalling and ask whether the air flow sensor or intake hoses have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #10151274, filed 2006-02, 135,000 miles

    “Vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. Engine shut-down with loss of power steering control. Disabled vehicle with groceries and small children inside on a 90+ degree (very hot!!)afternoon in mid-july. $322 for replacement of air flow device (meter or sensor?) to correct problem. Approx. $50, loss of perishable food.”

    NHTSA complaint #10131699, filed 2005-08, 77,251 miles

Buying note. On a 1998 V70, focus on the brake and ABS systems, all exterior lighting, and any fuel smell around the tank or pump, since these come up most in owner complaints. A pre-purchase inspection with an ABS scan and a check of the timing belt service history will tell you more than mileage alone.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 187 consumer complaints for the 1998 Volvo V70. 57 of the complaints include a mileage, and 19% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,500 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 15 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 151 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (7), Other or unknown (6), Equipment (5), Seats (4), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Steering (3), Electronic stability control (2), Interior lighting (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Engine (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “I bought this car used with less than 35k miles in feb 2002. Problem was a frozen right front brake caliper and a faulty right rear wheel speed sensor which engages the ABS unnecessarily/randomly. This did not happen for about a year after owning the car. I have been told by my mechanic that the rear wheel speed sensor failure appears to be quite common because he has seen it in many of the same cars. The part that is used to replace it is also a different part number which leads me to believe that Volvo is most likely aware of this problem as well but have never issued a recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #10017100, filed 2003-05, 45,000 miles

Exterior lighting: “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!”

NHTSA complaint #10386483, filed 2011-03, 159,000 miles

Engine cooling: “The camshaft belt tensioner broke which caused the belt to come off and the vehicle to lost power while driving 70 MPH. The owner has contacted the manufacturer who refused to do anything about this. Timing belt tensioner, belt and valves and head gasket needed to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10111369, filed 2005-03, 101,000 miles

Fuel system: “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.”

NHTSA complaint #10160830, filed 2006-06, 99,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

19% of the 57 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 120,000 miles.

0%0–104%10–2516%25–5025%50–7521%75–10025%100–15011%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (57 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 77,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’9742’00’03’06’09’13’16
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1998 Volvo V70 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
V70 FWD2.3L 5-cyl4-speed automatic162319$4,350
V70 FWD2.3L 5-cyl5-speed manual172319$4,350
V70 FWD2.4L 5-cyl4-speed automatic182621$3,900
V70 FWD2.4L 5-cyl5-speed manual172721$3,900
V70 FWD2.4L 5-cyl4-speed automatic172420$4,100

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1998 Volvo V70 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 151 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 151 bulletins →

Other model years of the Volvo V70

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200811115,0004—19—Not enough data
2007726,1622—21—Not enough data
20062144,0003—21—Stable
20052164,7193—21—Falling
20048484,5005—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20033262,8885—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200276100,0006—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200122180,7658—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20009378,5645—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199916980,0004—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199818777,5005—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Volvo V70 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo V70?

Owners of the 1998 Volvo V70 most often write about brake-system problems, especially the ABS/traction control module and warning lights, and about exterior lighting failures. The issues reported most often: ABS/traction control module failure and warning light; Headlights and exterior lights failing or cutting out; Fuel smell and leaks around tank or fuel pump.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Volvo V70 have?

NHTSA recorded 187 consumer complaints for the 1998 Volvo V70 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1998 Volvo V70 is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 49 complaints (26% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 29.

Has the 1998 Volvo V70 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Volvo V70 get?

The EPA rates the 1998 Volvo V70 (V70 FWD, 2.4L 5-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Volvo V70 reported?

Among the 57 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,500 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 120,000 miles; 19% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.