Model year guide

1998 Volvo V70

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Volvo V70 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 18 on record.

1998 Volvo V70 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Volvo V70 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints199
Typical price$963

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Volvo V70 recalls 5

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch NHTSA Campaign #04V504000 · 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.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #99V236000 · 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.

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch NHTSA Campaign #99V235000 · 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.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal NHTSA Campaign #00V405000 · 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe NHTSA Campaign #98V254000 · 14/10/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH THIRD SEATS. USERS OF THE THIRD SEAT, WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TAILPIPE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE'S TAILPIPE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE TAILPIPE.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Volvo V70 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

What's a 1998 Volvo V70 worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$963
High
$1,400

From 12 comparable 1998 Volvo V70 listings.

1998 Volvo V70 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · XC · GLT
Engines
2.4L 5-cyl

1998 Volvo V70 vehicles on record

Other Volvo V70 model years

1998 Volvo V70 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Volvo V70 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 1998 Volvo V70. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo V70?

Based on 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are tires, air bags, electrical system.

How much is a 1998 Volvo V70 worth?

Comparable 1998 Volvo V70 listings run roughly $500–$1,400, typically around $963 (from 12 vehicles).

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