Model year guide

1998 Volvo V90

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Volvo V90 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1998 Volvo V90 — representative photo
Representative photo

1998 Volvo V90 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints27
Combined18 mpg

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

1998 Volvo V90 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1998 Volvo V90.

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 V90 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
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.

1998 Volvo V90 MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,550
EPA size classSmall Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume92 cu ft
Cargo volume36 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$10,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Volvo V90 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,750
Fuel only$22,750
Per mile$0.30

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
191.3 in
Width
68.9 in
Height
57.1 in
Wheelbase
109.1 in
Curb weight
3,547 lb
Front track
59.1 in
Rear track
59.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Volvo V90. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

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 137

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 137.

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

Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time. By setting clear performance expectations and…

Bulletin SMB00-288-2021-0 · Equipment · Feb 2021

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

Battery Charger/maintainer requirement

Bulletin Service Manager · Electrical System · Jun 2020

Service Manager Bulletin: Vehicle Type and Platform Information

Bulletin SMB00-013-2020-0 · Equipment · Jun 2020

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the V90. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1998 Volvo V90 vehicles on record

1998 Volvo V90 1998 Volvo V90YV1965956W1050815

Other Volvo V90 model years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2011 1997

1998 Volvo V90 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Volvo V90 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo V90. 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 V90?

Across all 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, structure, wheels.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Volvo V90 get?

The 1998 Volvo V90 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway).

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