IllustrationVEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A POWER LOSS AND HAS HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET IT TO START, DEALER CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *SLC
1998 Volvo V70
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all V70 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
20–25K
925–50K
1450–75K
1275–100K
14100–150K
6150K+
57 reports with mileage · 130 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports7 fire reports14 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
24 reportsHAD DRIVEN VEHICLE .AFTER ROUTINE SERVICE WHEN ENGINE STOPPED COLD, TRIED STARTING, BUT NOTHING. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA WITHOUT WARNING RIGHT AFTER BEING SERVICED BY A DEALER. PRIOR TO THIS VEHICLE STALLED ONCE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE.
STRONG ODOR (SULPHUR?) ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS/CHILDREN HAVE BECOME NAUSEOUS AND PULLED OVER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. VOLVO CLAIMS IT IS A GASOLINE PROBLEM, BUT ALL INSTRUCTIONS RELATED TO THE GASOLINE TYPE HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED. VOLVO REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT THIS HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM.
DAILY EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE CAR WHEN DRIVER OR PASSENGER WINDOW IS OPENED A LITTLE. THIS IS A HEALTH HAZARD. IT HAPPENS WHEN THERE ARE NO OTHER CARS AROUND AS WELL, SO I KNOW IT IS NOT COMING FROM OTHER CARS. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED IN ANY OTHER CAR WE HAVE HAD. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED WHEN I DRIVE A LOANER VOLVO (WHEN MY CAR IS BEI…
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DAILY EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE CAR WHEN DRIVER OR PASSENGER WINDOW IS OPENED A LITTLE. THIS IS A HEALTH HAZARD. IT HAPPENS WHEN THERE ARE NO OTHER CARS AROUND AS WELL, SO I KNOW IT IS NOT COMING FROM OTHER CARS. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED IN ANY OTHER CAR WE HAVE HAD. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED WHEN I DRIVE A LOANER VOLVO (WHEN MY CAR IS BEING SERVICED). DEALER HAS CHECKED THIS OUT SEVERAL TIMES AND CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE ON ONE THING OR ANOTHER EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. SHOULD I CONTACT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SINCE THIS COULD AFFECT OUR HEALTH? WE HAVE TO KEEP THE AIR CIRCULATION BUTTON ON INSIDE AIR OR EXHAUST COMES IN FROM OTHER CARS. IS THIS CAR A LEMON? DO WE HAVE ANY OPTIONS BESIDES BUYING A DIFFERENT CAR? THIS COMPLAINT DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE AIRBAGS. I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO CHANGE THAT INFORMATION AFTER I REVIEWED ALL OF THE INFORMATION. SORRY. *AK
TAIL PIPE CAUSED 3RD DEGREE BURN, DESIGN IS TOO EXPOSED. YH
TAIL PIPE FAILED. YH
THE DEFECTIVE EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAKS INTO THE CABIN. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
THE CATALITIC CONVERTER SMELLS INSIDE THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT I HAD WITH A PREVIOUS V70. AFTER NUMERUS COMPLAINTS TO VOLVO THEY REPLACED THE CAR WITH A SIMILAR CAR. NOW I FACE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. IT IS NOT AS BAD WHEN I USE THE HIGHEST OCTANE AVAILABLE AND ADD OCTANE BOOST. I CONSIDER THESE ODORS DANGEROU…
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THE CATALITIC CONVERTER SMELLS INSIDE THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT I HAD WITH A PREVIOUS V70. AFTER NUMERUS COMPLAINTS TO VOLVO THEY REPLACED THE CAR WITH A SIMILAR CAR. NOW I FACE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. IT IS NOT AS BAD WHEN I USE THE HIGHEST OCTANE AVAILABLE AND ADD OCTANE BOOST. I CONSIDER THESE ODORS DANGEROUS BECOUSE I GET HEADACHES AND BURNING EYES WHILE DRIVING. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE FOLLOW UP ON THIS COMPLAINT. THANKYOU.
MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SUFFERED A SECOND DEGREE BURN ON HER LEG BY COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE TIP AT THE REAR BUMPER OF THE CAR BY THE LIFT GATE. THE EXHAUST ON THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY HOT, SUBJECTILY, IT FEELS MUCH HOTTER THAN OTHER VEHICLES THAT I OWN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A PE UNDERWAY BY NHTSA FOR THIS PRO…
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MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SUFFERED A SECOND DEGREE BURN ON HER LEG BY COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE TIP AT THE REAR BUMPER OF THE CAR BY THE LIFT GATE. THE EXHAUST ON THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY HOT, SUBJECTILY, IT FEELS MUCH HOTTER THAN OTHER VEHICLES THAT I OWN. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A PE UNDERWAY BY NHTSA FOR THIS PROBLEM AND JUST WANTED TO SUPPLY SOME DATA. MY DAUGHTER IS FINE AND HAS RECOVERED COMPLETELY AND I DON'T EXPECT TO TAKE ANY ACTION AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER. THEY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BY NOW.
Official recalls
504V504000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Oct 21, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
00V405000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
Dec 6, 2000
VEHICLE 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN AN APPROACHING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.
99V235000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Aug 30, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
99V236000 · Air Bags:frontal
Aug 30, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT GROUNDING.
98V254000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Oct 14, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5RQ04004 · Headlight Failure
Opened Jun 8, 2004 · Closed Nov 5, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
ON AUGUST 23, 1999, VOLVO NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (99V235) ON CERTAIN 1997 MODEL YEAR (MY) 850 VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 1998 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THE DEFECT REPORT STATED IN PART: OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.VOLVO'S REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL WAS TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THIS RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 8, 2004, BASED ON 13 REPORTS OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE ON 1998 AND 1999 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE EARLIER RECALL.BY LETTER OF OCTOBER 18, 2004, VOLVO HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL NOW CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF AN ADDITIONAL 97,000 MY 1998 THROUGH 2000 S70/V70/V70XC AND C70 VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE 5, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 11, 2000. VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MASTER LIGHT SWITCH WITH ONE OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN. SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V504 FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
ON AUGUST 23, 1999, VOLVO NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (99V235) ON CERTAIN 1997 MODEL YEAR (MY) 850 VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 1998 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THE DEFECT REPORT STATED IN PART: OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.VOLVO'S REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL WAS TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THIS RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 8, 2004, BASED ON 13 REPORTS OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE ON 1998 AND 1999 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE EARLIER RECALL.BY LETTER OF OCTOBER 18, 2004, VOLVO HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL NOW CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF AN ADDITIONAL 97,000 MY 1998 THROUGH 2000 S70/V70/V70XC AND C70 VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE 5, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 11, 2000. VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MASTER LIGHT SWITCH WITH ONE OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN. SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V504 FOR DETAILS.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
ON AUGUST 23, 1999, VOLVO NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (99V235) ON CERTAIN 1997 MODEL YEAR (MY) 850 VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 1998 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THE DEFECT REPORT STATED IN PART: OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.VOLVO'S REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL WAS TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THIS RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 8, 2004, BASED ON 13 REPORTS OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE ON 1998 AND 1999 S/V/C 70 SERIES VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE EARLIER RECALL.BY LETTER OF OCTOBER 18, 2004, VOLVO HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL NOW CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF AN ADDITIONAL 97,000 MY 1998 THROUGH 2000 S70/V70/V70XC AND C70 VEHICLES BUILT FROM JUNE 5, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 11, 2000. VOLVO DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MASTER LIGHT SWITCH WITH ONE OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN. SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V504 FOR DETAILS.
PE00031 · Turn Signal
Opened Aug 15, 2000 · Closed Dec 22, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
PE99040 · Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment
Opened Jun 7, 1999 · Closed Oct 27, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
No summary supplied.
PE99005 · Fuel Leakage
Opened Jan 15, 1999 · Closed Jun 30, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE98043 · Exhaust Pipe Burns
Opened Aug 5, 1998 · Closed Oct 21, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF CHILDREN RECEIVING BURNS ON THEIR LEG FROM THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE WHILE EXITING 1998 MODEL YEAR V70 WAGONS VIA THE REAR LIFTGATE.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH A DEALER INSTALLED REAR FACING CHILDREN'S AUXILIARY SEAT (AUXILIARY SEAT).ENTRY TO ANDEXIT FROM THE AUXILIARY SEAT IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH THE REAR LIFTGATE.THE END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE, OR EXHAUST PIPE EXTENSION, ON THE V70 MODEL PROTUDES BEYOUND THE REAR BUNPER FASCIA THRUS INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD THAT AUXILIARY SEAT OCCUPANTS WILL BURN THEMSELVES WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE.ADDITIONALLY, A THIRD CHILD WAS ALSO BURNED ON IT'S LEG WHILE WALKING AROUND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.VOLVO'S ANALYSIS OF THIS ISSUE REVEALED 14 ADDITIONAL REPORTS RESULTING IN 18 INJURIES.VOLVO HAS AGREED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.ALL REGISTERED OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL NOTIFIED VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL, AS VOLVO CANNOT DETERMINE WHO MAY HAVE HAD AN AUXILIARY SEAT INSTALLED IN THEIR VEHICLE.THE NOTIFICATION TO ALL SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS WILL ALSO EFFCTIVELY INFORM THOSE OWNERS WHO MAY WISH TO HAVE AN AUXILIARY SEAT ADDED TO THEIR VEHICLES IN THE FUTURE.