1998 Volvo V70 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 187 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Volvo V70, 6% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My wife was driving about 30 MPH on a local street when she felt a pull when turning left then she heard and felt a sound like the muffler was falling off and heard a grinding noise coming from the front wheels. She immediately turned into a shopping plaza and shut off the car. What we found was that the axle nut and part of the axle had broken off and fallen out of the right front rear wheel. The wheel could have potentially fallen off and luckily she was not on a highway moving fast. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142018, filed 2005-11, 99,000 miles“While driving at state speed limit left tire blewout. Tire was replaced with spare tire. Proceeded to drive under 50 MPH and without warning vehicle caught on fire. Dealer inspected vehicle, and stated that gearshift had malfunctioned consumer was at fault because of the speed vehicle was driven at.”
NHTSA complaint #8005823, filed 2002-03“Car exhibits a shudder in the drive train - more noticable at speeds under 55mph. A pronounced shudder occurs when coasting or in trailing throttle between 36-44 MPH. Dealership says it is just a 'characteristic' of the model. I am concerned that the vibration is caused by mis-assembled or imbalanced drive train components and will result in a catastrophic failure when being driven.”
NHTSA complaint #704558, filed 1999-03“Abs anf tracking system off warning lights come on. Sometimes at startup, while driving or braking. Dealer has serviced system with new sensors and resetting computer with no success on numerous occasions. They say it isn't important.”
NHTSA complaint #749935, filed 2001-08“The consumer's vehicle was tested and found to have high levels of carbon monoxide. Black smoke was belching out of the exhaust pipe. The transmission failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10091898, filed 2004-09Related service bulletins
- 10171679Jan 8, 2020This is a Technical Journal: In case of complaint of Noise, some "tools" have been created to help you to do a better and more precise fault tracing
- 10016108Nov 1, 2005Difficult to engage 1st and/or reverse gear.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 14% |
| 2006 | 2 | 10% |
| 2005 | 3 | 14% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 5 | 16% |
| 2002 | 17 | 22% |
| 2001 | 45 | 20% |
| 2000 | 8 | 9% |
| 1999 | 8 | 5% |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Volvo V70
49 complaintsExterior lighting
29 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSeat belts
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Volvo V70
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology