1998 Volvo V70 problems
Owners have filed 242 complaints about the 1998 Volvo V70 with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 18.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of exterior lighting at 14.9%.
Complaints242
Crashes20
Fires9
Injuries15
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 18.6% · 45
Exterior lighting 14.9% · 36
Engine and engine cooling 9.9% · 24
Electrical system 5.8% · 14
Fuel system, gasoline 5.8% · 14
Power train 5.4% · 13
Seat belts 5.4% · 13
Structure 5.0% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 20 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire, 15 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Volvo V70 in this data, 1998 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2001 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 10 in the last three years against 4 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 78,582 miles.
In owners' own words
Abs / traction control module failed which resulted in loss of abs and traction control. It has come to my attention that this is a common safety issue with volvos. According to my service writer at the Volvo this is a common problem with this model. The repair is also not cheap at approx. $650.00. Excluded in the Volvo increased protection (VIP) "limited" extended warranty. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 45,000 miles
Abs / traction control module failed which resulted in loss of abs and traction control. It has come to my attention that this is a common safety issue with volvos. My mechanic from pro Volvo (tele# 732-303-0770)claims he changes 2 abs modules every week. The dealership even stocks 14 of these modules in its inventory. The repair is also not cheap at approx. $650.00. Mr Service brakes, hydraulic
I have a 1998 Volvo v70r awd and both the abs/trac warning lights had been going on and off for the past couple months. The light would come on for a few minutes then go off. I understand that this is a common problem with the vehicle and have now had the control unit replaced. The cost to replace the abs control unit was approximately $563.60. Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 86,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…