Model year guide

1998 Volvo S70

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Volvo S70 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 61 on record.

1998 Volvo S70 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Volvo S70 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints249
Combined19–21 mpg
Typical price$1,002

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1998 Volvo S70 recalls 4

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch NHTSA Campaign #04V504000 · manufacturer #142/94 · 21/10/2004

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.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal NHTSA Campaign #00V405000 · manufacturer #101 · 06/12/2000

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB AND SOCKET.

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch NHTSA Campaign #99V235000 · manufacturer #94 · 30/08/1999

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.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #99V236000 · manufacturer #96 · 30/08/1999

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 S70 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

1998 Volvo S70 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 1998 Volvo S70 4-DR. w/SABFrontal crash test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1998 Volvo S70 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1998 Volvo S70 MPG & running costs

Combined19–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,120
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume98 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$8,600 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1998 Volvo S70 worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,002
High
$1,100

From 23 comparable 1998 Volvo S70 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Volvo S70 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,600
Fuel only$20,600
Per mile$0.27

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

Length
185.8 in
Width
69.3 in
Height
55.1 in
Wheelbase
105.1 in
Curb weight
3,155–3,214 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
57.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Volvo S70 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

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 2004

TURN SIGNAL Closed

NHTSA #PE00031 · Exterior Lighting · opened Aug 2000 · closed Dec 2000

INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT Closed

NHTSA #PE99040 · Air Bags · opened Jun 1999 · closed Oct 1999

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 228

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 228.

COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.

Bulletin C00009 · Electronic Stability Control (esc) · Jul 2023

Rubber cushion

Bulletin TJ3656330 · Jun 2023

The 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 2022

ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations

Bulletin Service Manager · Equipment · May 2022

VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App

Bulletin 356EN01 · Equipment · Feb 2022

Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)

Bulletin Service Manager · Electrical System, Equipment · Feb 2022

Mandatory 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 2020

This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder

Bulletin SMB00-006-2020-0 · Electrical System · Aug 2020

This 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 2020

This 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 2020

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the S70. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo S70. 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 2004

Lights 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 2001

Lights 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 1999

Seats 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 1999

Emissions

On certain vehicles, the "Vehicle Emission Control Information" label may be incorrect. The label originally affixed incorrectly states that the vehicle conforms to EPA and California requirements. Correction: Replacement label and installation instructions will be sent to owners of affected vehicles.

Transport Canada #1999007 · Jan 1999

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Volvo S70

The Volvo S70 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2000. The S70 was essentially a facelifted 850 saloon. The S70 was replaced with the Volvo S60.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1998 Volvo S70 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · GLT · T5
Engines
2.4L 5-cyl · 2.3L 5-cyl

1998 Volvo S70 vehicles on record

Other Volvo S70 model years

1998 Volvo S70 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Volvo S70 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo S70. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo S70?

Across all 249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting.

What is the 1998 Volvo S70 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1998 Volvo S70 crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Volvo S70 get?

The 1998 Volvo S70 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

How much is a 1998 Volvo S70 worth?

Comparable 1998 Volvo S70 listings run roughly $600–$1,100, typically around $1,002 (from 23 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.