1998 Volvo S70: common problems and reliability
249 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about service brakes. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 S70?The 1998 Volvo S70 has 249 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Volvo S70 vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the S70?
Across the 4 S70 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (1997) to 249 (1998). With 249 complaints, the 1998 S70 sits about the same as the model's median of 218.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 S70
exterior lighting:headlights:switch
Campaign 04V504000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
air bags:frontal
Campaign 99V236000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.
exterior lighting:headlights:switch
Campaign 99V235000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
exterior lighting:turn signal
Campaign 00V405000VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment among long-term owners is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep affection and high praise for the vehicle's durability, safety, and driving character.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S70. See the full S70 owner picture and every model year.
Other S70 model years
Compare every S70 year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S70 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy