- The problem
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
- The risk
- The head lights may not operate properly which could result in intermittent or no headlight function. This could impair a driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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 safety record
1998 Volvo C70 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1998 Volvo C70 with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (2) and the brakes (2). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in October 2004 for the switch. For comparison, the 1999 has 23.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical C70 year, for its age
#188 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Volvo C70 problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Volvo C70 recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This would fail to warn an approaching driver that the vehicle is turning and could lead to a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the left and right front turn signal bulb and socket.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The frontal passenger air bag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharge.
- The risk
- This could possibly cause an inadvertent deployment.
- The fix
- Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.
- The risk
- Driver's could experience a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
What owners say
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7 complaints about the 1998 Volvo C70
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Car has been at a recognized auto repair facility and has been having maintenance work performed. It was seen that the car had suffered a complete failure of the power steering rack with the housing fracturing, and all of the power steering fluid being lost. There was no impact and the housing appears crystalline at the break. There was no impact causing this damage, which had the failure occurred at highway speeds could have had severe consequences
Dt*: the contact stated the passenger and driver's side front doors suddenly became inoperable from the inside of the vehicle. The contact has to roll the window down and open the doors from the outside. Within two weeks of the passenger side failing, the driver's side also failed. The contact is concerned this could lead to entrapment if an accident were to occur. The contact stated there were no problems with the doors prior to the failure. The dealership has not been notified.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the abs and traction control lamps illuminated. This has been a regular occurrence for the past 2 years. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership for inspection. The dealership determined the abs module needed replaced to repair the problem. The dealership offered to repair the vehicle. The contact has not had the vehicle repaired.
Dt: contact stated vehicle stalled while driving in traffic at 45 mph. . This happened about 8-12 months ago. This was the second time it happened. Contact had not reported it to the dealer or the manufacturer. Also, lost power steering when this happened. It took about 30-60 seconds for the vehicle to start again. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem and could not find anything wrong.*Ak
1998 Volvo c70 passenger door latch failure - have replaced mechanism twice in past 2 years. No injury but 2nd failure prevented opening door from inside car creating safety risk. Thank you. *La
The abs system malfunctioned, causing the sensor light to stay on. *Ak
While traveling at 70 mph on open highway, driver side font tire tread separated and tire desintegrated causing vehicle to turn left almost running off the road. Tire type bf goodrich comp t/a, 225/45zr-17. Tire came apart completely. The road conditions were good surface, even pavement, ambient temperature 46 degrees, dry surface and calm winds.
Volvo C70: every year compared
All C70 years1998 Volvo C70 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Volvo C70 | 7 | 4 | C | |
| 1998 Volvo 770 | 39 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Volvo 660 | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Volvo 700 | 3 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Volvo 940 | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Volvo 740 | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Volvo Acl | 1 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Volvo C70 Convertible | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Volvo C70
Does the 1998 Volvo C70 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1998 Volvo C70: switch (October 2004); turn signal (December 2000); frontal (August 1999); switch (August 1999). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo C70?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (2), brakes (2), acceleration & cruise control (1).
How many complaints has the 1998 Volvo C70 had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 27, 2002 and the latest on June 25, 2011. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Volvo C70 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Volvo C70 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo C70 years have the most complaints?
2000 (26), 1999 (23), 2012 (23). See every Volvo C70 year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Volvo C70 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data