1998 Volvo V70: common problems and reliability
236 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about service brakes. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 V70?The 1998 Volvo V70 has 236 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 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 V70 vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the V70?
Across the 15 V70 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1996) to 365 (2001). With 236 complaints, the 1998 V70 sits above the model's median of 24.
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 V70
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.
Show 1 more recall
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Campaign 98V254000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by deep affection and loyalty.
Owner insights cover all generations of the V70. See the full V70 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used V70 listings typically run $3,498–$6,800 across 1998 to 2010 model years.
Other V70 model years
Compare every V70 year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the V70 against its rivals
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