RoadVitals

1998 Volvo V70 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
187
Latest Oct 11, 2016
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
17

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Volvo V70, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE ROTOR HAD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. MA 10/25/15

NHTSA ID 10746645 · filed Aug 6, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-60 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED. THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE NOT APPLIED. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED NORMALLY. THE ABS CONTROL UNIT (PART NUMBER 860266) WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CEASED FOR 30,000 MILES BEFORE IT RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ID 10206298 · filed Oct 19, 2007
All 50 reports naming brakes

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING, BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. FUSES ARE GOOD AND BULBS ARE GOOD AS WELL! BRAKES HAVEN'T WORKED SINCE THE DRIVE HOME HEADLIGHTS GO IN AND OUT. COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT! *TR

NHTSA ID 10386483 · filed Mar 4, 2011

THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. *NM

NHTSA ID 10171494 · filed Oct 21, 2006
All 29 reports naming exterior lighting

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO A 1998 VOLVO V70 USED ON 4/3/2014 FOR 3000.00 . THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WHILE I WAS RIDING ON I695 AND WAS GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR JERKED AND CUT OFF, MEANING BLINKING IN AND OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE ENGINE AS I WAS PULLING OVER ON THE SHOULDER, WHICH IS TERRIBLY UNSAFE. I ASSUMED AND THOUGHT VOLVO'S WERE GREAT ON MILES AND TRANSMISSION SO I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM A FIRST TIME VOLVO PURCHASER AND HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND IT'S TO EXPENSIVE FOR ALL THE HASSLES. ALL OF THE MINOR ISSUES WERE EXPECTED BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE BEING A USED CAR. ALSO, I CANNOT EVEN CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS IN ORDER TO SEE IF ALL I NEED IS SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID, THE DIPSTICK THAT LEADS TO THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK, AS IN I HAVE TRIED PULLING, TWISTING AND TURNING BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER PURCHASING A 300 DOLLAR KEY PAD FROM THE DEALER I EXPECT MORE FROM THE MANUAL AND AT LEAST TO BE ABLE TO CHECK ALL FLUIDS ON THE VEHICLE. IF THESE MINOR ISSUES DIDN'T EVOLVE INTO MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY VOLVO VEHICLE I WOULD NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. YET THE PROBLEM IS THAT THESE MINOR ISSUES ARE INDEED CAUSING MAJOR REPAIRS WHICH IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE AND CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS THAT COULD INDEED AFFECT THE LIFE OF MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTEN AND HOPEFULLY DIRECTLY ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 12/8/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10592530 · filed May 19, 2014

THE TIMING BELT HOLDER BROKE ON MY 1998 VOLVO WHILE ON DRIVING ON US ROUTE 40 IN CHAPEL HILL NORTH CAROLINA. THIS CAUSED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. FORTUNATELY WE WERE IN THE RIGHT LANE AND WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. *JB

NHTSA ID 10151274 · filed Feb 27, 2006
All 25 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE IS A VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL OUTSIDE THE CAR AND WHEN STOPPED INSIDE CAR. THE ENGINE CODE IS FOR A GROSS EVAP LEAK.I CAN SEE FUEL UNDER GAS TANK COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. I REMOVED FUEL PUMP ACCSESS DOOR AND CAN SEE FUEL BUBBLING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND OVERFLOWING THE AREA. THERE IS A VISABLE CRACK ON THE TOP OF THE PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10650283 · filed Oct 27, 2014

THE FUEL TANK ON MY 1998 VOLVO V70 HAS FAILED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. AFTER REPLACING ALMOST MY ENTIRE FUEL EVAP SYSTEM, VOLVO DETERMINED MY FUEL TANK HAD A LEAK. I REQUESTED THAT VOLVO REPLACE MY FUEL TANK AT THEIR EXPENSE, BECAUSE I FEEL THAT A FUEL TANK SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO LAST MORE THAN 8 YEARS. VOLVO HAS REFUSED TO RECALL THE TANK AND HAS ABSOLVED THEMSELVES OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10160830 · filed Jun 26, 2006
All 15 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE IGNITION SWITCH FREQUENTLY JAMS, LOCKED, IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THE KEY CAN BE INSERTED, BUT THE IGNITION LOCK WILL NOT TURN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO START AND OPERATE THE VEHICLE OR TURN ON ACCESSORIES OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, RENDERING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION, IT CAN BE TURNED OFF WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. WHEN IT IS "OFF," HOWEVER, IT FREQUENTLY CAN NOT BE TURNED "ON". A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT THIS IS A RATHER COMMON PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 10884834 · filed Jul 14, 2016

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ONE DAY, SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSED THE FIRE. THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/18/2006 - THE VEHICLE WAS LAST DRIVEN ABOUT 14 HOURS PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE HARNESS TO THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. *NM

NHTSA ID 10168235 · filed Sep 14, 2006
All 14 reports naming electrical

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT BELT BECAME LODGED AND COULD NOT BE USED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE HIMSELF BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND WOULD NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE SEAT BELT REMAINED LODGED FOR OVER THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

NHTSA ID 10346742 · filed Aug 2, 2010

IN LATE FEBRUARY 2005, MY WIFE NOTICED THAT THE CHILD SEATS IN OUR 1998 VOLVO V70 WOULD LOOSEN UP WHEN OUR CHILDREN WOULD GET IN OR MOVE IN THEIR SEATS. THESE CHILD SEATS WERE OF THE STATIONARY TYPE AND OF DIFFERENT MAKES. AS ONE OF THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AT NO CHARGE FOR A SIMILAR CONCERN IN JUNE 2003, WE VISITED OUR REGIONAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE ISSUE. NEW BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE ORDERED AND ON MARCH 15TH OF THIS YEAR, BOTH OUTER REAR SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED. THIS TIME, SINCE WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, I RETRIEVED THE FAILED PARTS. EXAMINATION OF BOTH SEAT BELTS BUCKLES SEEM TO SUGGEST THAT THE FAILURE OF THE BELTS' CHILD SEAT LOCKING TAB, WHICH IS PART OF THE BUCKLE, PREVENTED THE CHILD SEAT FROM STAYING SECURELY HELD IN POSITION. THESE ASSEMBLIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO ANALYZE AND DRAW AN EXPERT CONCLUSION. WE REQUESTED A REVIEW OF THE PROBLEM BY THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER AND FILED AN E-MAIL COMPLAINT WITH VOLVO'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER. THE VIN OF THE CAR IS [XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 10137158 · filed Sep 21, 2005
All 13 reports naming seat belts

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HINGE/STRAP FAILED CAUSING DOOR TO BREAK FROM FRAME AND BECOME DYSFUNCTIONAL. AS IT WORSENED OVER A FEW DAYS THE DOOR BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO OPEN WHERE IT BECAME A SAFETY CONCERN. VOLVO MECHANIC REFERRED TO AUTO METAL SERVICE SHOP WHICH REPLACED/REPAIRED DOOR STRAP AND WELDED DOOR BACK TO FRAME AND CONFIRMED THIS WAS A KNOWN "WORKMANSHIP" DEFECT WITH A NUMBER OF VOLVO MODELS AND YEARS. VOLVO N.A. WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS 9/13/13 AND WAS INTERESTED TO SEE THE REPAIR INVOICE, WHICH WAS PROVIDED TO THEM, BUT IN THE END THEY DECLINED TO REIMBURSE FOR THIS FLAW STATING THE CAR WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY A MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BECOMES DYSFUNCTIONAL FROM FAULTY WORKMANSHIP THAT INDICATES A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD "MAN UP" AND REPAIR/RECALL OR REIMBURSE THE OWNER FOR, REGARDLESS IF THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. DOORS SHOULDN'T JUST BREAK OFF FROM THE FRAME UNDER NORMAL USE. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR ABUSE INVOLVED WITH THIS DOOR. IT JUST BROKE LIKE A CHEAP, INFERIOR PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10544051 · filed Sep 17, 2013

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE REAR HATCHBACK OPENED WITHOUT WARNING DUMPING THE CARGO ONTO THE HIGHWAY. A CRASH WAS AVOIDED AND THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE HATCHBACK LOCK WAS INOPERABLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HATCHBACK LOCK WAS REPLACED ONCE BEFORE DUE TO A SIMILAR INCIDENT. UPDATED 05/04/06. *JB

NHTSA ID 10155301 · filed Apr 13, 2006
All 12 reports naming body & structure

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE HAD TONS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IMMED. AFTER PURCHASE-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALWAYS COMING ON,CAR STALLING,LIGHT COMING ON DASHBOARD,CAR NOISES, ENGINE LEAKS. THE CAR COULD NOT BE FIXED BY CARMAX AS FAR AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONCERNED SO WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO A VOLVO DEALER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES YET STILL CAME BACK ON. I NEVER GOT ANY RECALL LETTERS CONCERNING FRONTAL AIRBAG ISSUES IN 1998 VOLVO. I ALWAYS HAD A FEAR THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS-DASHBOARD LIGHTS,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT-WOULD RESULT IN A SAFETY PROBLEM. I WANT TO KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS WERE CONNECTED AND IF THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN A WRECK. DID CARMAX CHECK TO SEE IF THE SRS SYSTEM WAS WORKING?*TR

NHTSA ID 10251659 · filed Dec 13, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. BOTH VEHICLES SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND WERE TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 03/06/08. *LJ

NHTSA ID 10211834 · filed Dec 13, 2007
All 10 reports naming airbags

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SEVERE TIRE SIDEWALL BUBBLES ON ALL FOUR TIRES AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS OF NORMAL USE. TIRE BRAND AND TYPE: DUNLOP 195/60R15 888 H SIGNATURE II.

NHTSA ID 10915178 · filed Oct 11, 2016

TIRES HAVE NOT FAILED. SIDEWALL CRACKS/DETERIORATION NOTICED DURING ROUTINE STOP FOR GAS. I PLAN TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10216170 · filed Jan 26, 2008
All 9 reports naming tires & wheels

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED THIS CAR THIS MONTH FOR MY SON FOR HIM TO COMMUTE TO SCHOOL. MY SON TOLD ME THAT THE SEAT MOVES TO DIFFERENT POSITION WHEN THE CAR HIT THE POT HOLE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE DRIVER HAS SHORT LEGS. THERE IS PRESET POSITION FOR THE SEAT. NO SURE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10704931 · filed Apr 10, 2015

I OWN A 1998 VOLVO V70 THAT HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR LOCKS. THE CAR WILL LOCK BUT TWO DOORS DO NOT UNLOCK WHEN THE MASTER OR REMOTE SWITCHES ARE ACTIVATED. ONE HAS TO MANUALLY LIFT THE UNLOCKING KNOB FIRST. MY CONCERN IS THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR THE NEED TO LEAVE THE CAR QUICKLY, A YOUNG CHILD OR SOMEONE WHO IS INFIRM MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR AND SOMEONE FROM THE OUTSIDE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO UNLOCK THE CAR DOOR EITHER TO HELP THEM. FOR THE FRONT DOOR, IT IS EASY ENOUGH TO LEAN OVER FROM THE OTHER SIDE AND LIFT THE KNOB TO UNLOCK THE DOOR BUT FOR THE REAR DOOR, THE KNOB IS PLACED TOO FAR BACK TO REACH FROM THE FRONT, HENCE THE CONCERN. FROM OPENING THE LOCK, IT APPEARS THAT A SMALL (3 MM) PIECE OF RED PLASTIC IN THE LOCK MECHANISM HAS SNAPPED OFF. FROM SEARCHING THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL BUT THAT THE DESIGN FAULT WAS FIXED ON LATER MODELS. ALSO, APPARENTLY THE BREAKAGE APPEARS TO OCCUR WHEN SOMEONE TRIES TO OPEN THE LOCKED DOOR WHILE SOMEONE IS TRYING TO UNLOCK IT  A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLVO BUT THEY TELL ME THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND SIMPLY WEAR AND TEAR. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.*AK

NHTSA ID 10072599 · filed May 14, 2004
All 8 reports naming interior & seats

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO A 1998 VOLVO V70 USED ON 4/3/2014 FOR 3000.00 . THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WHILE I WAS RIDING ON I695 AND WAS GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR JERKED AND CUT OFF, MEANING BLINKING IN AND OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE ENGINE AS I WAS PULLING OVER ON THE SHOULDER, WHICH IS TERRIBLY UNSAFE. I ASSUMED AND THOUGHT VOLVO'S WERE GREAT ON MILES AND TRANSMISSION SO I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM A FIRST TIME VOLVO PURCHASER AND HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND IT'S TO EXPENSIVE FOR ALL THE HASSLES. ALL OF THE MINOR ISSUES WERE EXPECTED BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE BEING A USED CAR. ALSO, I CANNOT EVEN CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS IN ORDER TO SEE IF ALL I NEED IS SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID, THE DIPSTICK THAT LEADS TO THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK, AS IN I HAVE TRIED PULLING, TWISTING AND TURNING BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER PURCHASING A 300 DOLLAR KEY PAD FROM THE DEALER I EXPECT MORE FROM THE MANUAL AND AT LEAST TO BE ABLE TO CHECK ALL FLUIDS ON THE VEHICLE. IF THESE MINOR ISSUES DIDN'T EVOLVE INTO MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY VOLVO VEHICLE I WOULD NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. YET THE PROBLEM IS THAT THESE MINOR ISSUES ARE INDEED CAUSING MAJOR REPAIRS WHICH IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE AND CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS THAT COULD INDEED AFFECT THE LIFE OF MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTEN AND HOPEFULLY DIRECTLY ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 12/8/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10592530 · filed May 19, 2014

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH ON A LOCAL STREET WHEN SHE FELT A PULL WHEN TURNING LEFT THEN SHE HEARD AND FELT A SOUND LIKE THE MUFFLER WAS FALLING OFF AND HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. SHE IMMEDIATELY TURNED INTO A SHOPPING PLAZA AND SHUT OFF THE CAR. WHAT WE FOUND WAS THAT THE AXLE NUT AND PART OF THE AXLE HAD BROKEN OFF AND FALLEN OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT REAR WHEEL. THE WHEEL COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY FALLEN OFF AND LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY MOVING FAST. THE VOLVO DEALER BELIEVES THAT THE CV JOINT FOR SOME REASON (WHICH HAVE NOT YET EXPLAINED) SEIZED AND CAUSED THE AXLE TO BREAK. THE DEALER RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE CV JOINT AND BEARING AND THE AXLE. THE ROTOR WAS ALSO IRREPARABLY DAMAGED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I WILL KEEP THE OLD PARTS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10142018 · filed Nov 7, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO A 1998 VOLVO V70 USED ON 4/3/2014 FOR 3000.00 . THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WHILE I WAS RIDING ON I695 AND WAS GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR JERKED AND CUT OFF, MEANING BLINKING IN AND OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE ENGINE AS I WAS PULLING OVER ON THE SHOULDER, WHICH IS TERRIBLY UNSAFE. I ASSUMED AND THOUGHT VOLVO'S WERE GREAT ON MILES AND TRANSMISSION SO I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM A FIRST TIME VOLVO PURCHASER AND HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND IT'S TO EXPENSIVE FOR ALL THE HASSLES. ALL OF THE MINOR ISSUES WERE EXPECTED BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE BEING A USED CAR. ALSO, I CANNOT EVEN CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS IN ORDER TO SEE IF ALL I NEED IS SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID, THE DIPSTICK THAT LEADS TO THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK, AS IN I HAVE TRIED PULLING, TWISTING AND TURNING BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER PURCHASING A 300 DOLLAR KEY PAD FROM THE DEALER I EXPECT MORE FROM THE MANUAL AND AT LEAST TO BE ABLE TO CHECK ALL FLUIDS ON THE VEHICLE. IF THESE MINOR ISSUES DIDN'T EVOLVE INTO MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY VOLVO VEHICLE I WOULD NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. YET THE PROBLEM IS THAT THESE MINOR ISSUES ARE INDEED CAUSING MAJOR REPAIRS WHICH IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE AND CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS THAT COULD INDEED AFFECT THE LIFE OF MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTEN AND HOPEFULLY DIRECTLY ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 12/8/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10592530 · filed May 19, 2014

BOTH FRONT STRUTS WERE LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *YD

NHTSA ID 563864 · filed Dec 12, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CAR IS A 1998 VOLVO V70 T5 WITH 75,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AT ABOUT 7PM ON DECEMBER 28TH, 2005, I MOVED THE CAR FROM MY DRIVEWAY OUT ONTO THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, IN ORDER TO ALLOW A SECOND TANDEM-PARKED CAR OUT. THE VOLVO REMAINED PARKED ON THE STREET, DOORS LOCKED AND WINDOWS UP, UNTIL ABOUT 10PM. AT 10PM I WENT TO MOVE IT BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY, ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE INTERIOR HAD CAUGHT FIRE - THE FIRE WAS NO LONGER BURNING. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS BURNT DOWN TO THE FRAME, AND SOME OF THE SURROUNDING TRIM ON THE DOOR, DASH AND CENTER CONSOLE WAS BURNED AND MELTED. THE REST OF THE INTERIOR WAS NOT BURNED BUT WAS COVERED WITH SOOT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY - COMMERCE INSURANCE OF MASSACHUSETTS - APPRAISED THE CAR AND DECLARED IT TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. I CAN'T SAY CONCLUSIVELY, BUT, IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. I NOTE THAT FOR MODEL YEARS 1996 AND 1997 THERE WAS A RECALL AGAINST VOLVO 850 SEAT HEATERS RELATED TO A FIRE HAZARD, BUT THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO 1998 MODELS. PERHAPS THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO LATER MODELS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10147056 · filed Jan 6, 2006

AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATING HEAT EXCHANGER FAILED DUE TO A REFRIGERANT LEAK. *SCC

NHTSA ID 567794 · filed Oct 28, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SHIFT LOCK ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF VOLVO V70 LOCKS OUT. TS

NHTSA ID 10000498 · filed Jan 3, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT STATE SPEED LIMIT LEFT TIRE BLEWOUT. TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH SPARE TIRE. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE UNDER 50 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND STATED THAT GEARSHIFT HAD MALFUNCTIONED CONSUMER WAS AT FAULT BECAUSE OF THE SPEED VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT.*AK

NHTSA ID 8005823 · filed Mar 18, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I JUST PURCHASED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO A 1998 VOLVO V70 USED ON 4/3/2014 FOR 3000.00 . THE VEHICLE DROVE JUST FINE UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS AGO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. WHILE I WAS RIDING ON I695 AND WAS GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR JERKED AND CUT OFF, MEANING BLINKING IN AND OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE ENGINE AS I WAS PULLING OVER ON THE SHOULDER, WHICH IS TERRIBLY UNSAFE. I ASSUMED AND THOUGHT VOLVO'S WERE GREAT ON MILES AND TRANSMISSION SO I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM A FIRST TIME VOLVO PURCHASER AND HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND IT'S TO EXPENSIVE FOR ALL THE HASSLES. ALL OF THE MINOR ISSUES WERE EXPECTED BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE BEING A USED CAR. ALSO, I CANNOT EVEN CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS IN ORDER TO SEE IF ALL I NEED IS SOME TRANSMISSION FLUID, THE DIPSTICK THAT LEADS TO THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK, AS IN I HAVE TRIED PULLING, TWISTING AND TURNING BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER PURCHASING A 300 DOLLAR KEY PAD FROM THE DEALER I EXPECT MORE FROM THE MANUAL AND AT LEAST TO BE ABLE TO CHECK ALL FLUIDS ON THE VEHICLE. IF THESE MINOR ISSUES DIDN'T EVOLVE INTO MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY VOLVO VEHICLE I WOULD NOT HAVE AN ISSUE. YET THE PROBLEM IS THAT THESE MINOR ISSUES ARE INDEED CAUSING MAJOR REPAIRS WHICH IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE AND CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS THAT COULD INDEED AFFECT THE LIFE OF MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTEN AND HOPEFULLY DIRECTLY ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 12/8/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10592530 · filed May 19, 2014

THE ABS / TRACTION CONTROL UNIT ON THESE CARS FAIL IN UNREASONABLY HIGH NUMBERS. IT'S SUCH A BIG BUSINESS, THAT MECHANICS SELL THOUSANDS OF REFURBISHED UNITS ON EBAY. VOLVO CHARGES OVER $700 FOR THE PARTS, AND IS AVOIDING REPAIRING THIS ITEM BECAUSE I'M SURE SOME ACTUARY TOLD THEM IT'S CHEAPER TO PAY CLAIMS AND DEFEND LAWSUITS THAN TO PROTECT THEIR CUSTOMERS. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT OR CRASH AS A RESULT, BUT I'M SURE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10172624 · filed Nov 4, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO CROSS COUNTRY V70. TWICE WITHIN THE YEAR, THE RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPAIRED. AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN CONTINUED TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE FIRST REPAIR COST $1000.00. THE SECOND REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AT AN EXPENSE OF $14000.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100000 . THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115000.

NHTSA ID 10290868 · filed Nov 3, 2009

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UNDER ORDINARY USE AND IGNITION KEY COULD NOT BE REINSERTED INTO IGNITION. PH

NHTSA ID 10007547 · filed Feb 15, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE ROTORS WARPED IN LESS THAN 23,000 MILES SEE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED FROM THE INTERNET MULTIPLE INSTANCES REPORTED BY OTHERS AS WELL.

NHTSA ID 545965 · filed Jun 1, 1999

MIRROR SWITCH FAILED. *YC

NHTSA ID 606193 · filed Feb 1, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BRACKET BOLT BECAME LOOSE AND FELL OFF THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *PH

NHTSA ID 10031785 · filed Jul 31, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .