1998 Volvo V70: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Volvo V70: 5 recalls, 187 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V254000 · 1998 · 50,835 vehicles
What's wrong: Users of the third seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe.
Why it matters: Contact with the tailpipe can result in personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, repair the tailpipe.
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. 7 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (40): the most common themes are warning light on (8), brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Exterior lights (29): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (2), fire / smoke (2), electrical failure (2).
- Engine & cooling (24): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), fire / smoke (3), leaks (2).
- Fuel system (14): the most common themes are leaks (5), stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (3).
The 1998 Volvo V70 has 187 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 21 V70 model years for complaints (4.2× the average V70 year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (41 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 77,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (169 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.4 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 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 |
| 2.3 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
| 2.4 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 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 V70.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Volvo V70 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Volvo V70. 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 V70 problems?
Owners have filed 187 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (40), exterior lights (29), engine & cooling (24).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Volvo V70 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Volvo V70 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.