1998 Volvo C70: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Volvo C70: 4 recalls, 7 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V235000 · 1999 · 139,588 vehicles
What's wrong: Operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.
Why it matters: Driver's could experience a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlight switch.
Airbags Vehicle recall #99V236000 · 1999 · 124,381 vehicles
What's wrong: The frontal passenger air bag May be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharge.
Why it matters: This could possibly cause an inadvertent deployment.
The fix: Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V405000 · 2000 · 245,894 vehicles
What's wrong: There could be inadequate contact between the bulb and socket which could cause the front turn signal not to function as designed.
Why it matters: This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle is turning and could lead to a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V504000 · 2004 · 97,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch May cease to function.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Latches & locks (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 Volvo C70 has 7 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 15 C70 model years for complaints (well below the 13 average). Complaints peaked in 2003 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 83,600 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (23 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.3 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
| 2.3 L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Volvo C70.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Volvo C70 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Volvo C70. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Volvo C70 problems?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (2), tires (1), latches & locks (1).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volvo C70 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Volvo C70 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.