1998 Volvo C70
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Volvo C70 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.
1998 Volvo C70 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1998 Volvo C70 recalls 4
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
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.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE OVERLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT GROUNDING.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1998 Volvo C70 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1998 Volvo C70 MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Volvo C70 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Volvo C70 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
HEADLIGHT FAILURE Closed
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 HE…
NHTSA #RQ04004 · Exterior Lighting · opened Jun 2004 · closed Nov 2004An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 214
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 214.
COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.
Bulletin C00009 · Electronic Stability Control (esc) · Jul 2023Rubber cushion
Bulletin TJ3656330 · Jun 2023The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
Bulletin Special Tools Bu · May 2022ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
Bulletin Service Manager · Equipment · May 2022VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
Bulletin 356EN01 · Equipment · Feb 2022Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
Bulletin Service Manager · Electrical System, Equipment · Feb 2022Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely…
Bulletin ST-001-2020-09-1 · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Sep 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
Bulletin SMB00-006-2020-0 · Electrical System · Aug 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
Bulletin SMB31-001-2020-0 · Electrical System · Jul 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
Bulletin SMB31-001-2020-0 · Electrical System · Jul 2020Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the C70. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo C70. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the Master Light Switch may cease to function. If this occurs, the headlights will not function and a loss of visibility will occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the Master Light Switch.
Transport Canada #2004374 · Oct 2004Lights And Instruments
On certain Volvo C70, C70 convertible, C70 coupe, S70 and V70, inadequate contact between the bulb and socket could cause the front turn signal not to function as designed. This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle is turning and could lead to a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.
Transport Canada #2001101 · May 2001Lights And Instruments
On certain Volvo 850, C70, S70 and V70, the connections in the headlight switch may deteriorate. If this occurs, the headlights will not function and a loss of visibility will occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Correction: Headlight switch will be replaced.
Transport Canada #1999194 · Oct 1999Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the frontal passenger air bag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharges. This could cause the possibility of inadvertent air bag deployment. Correction: An extra ground wire will be installed on the passenger-side front airbag system on affected vehicles.
Transport Canada #1999163 · Sep 1999Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volvo C70
The Volvo C70 is a two-door car which was manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2013 across two generations.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.