1998 Volvo V70XC problems & reliability
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Volvo V70XC, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (2 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | 19% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 | 19% |
| Power Train | 4 | 13% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 10% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 10% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 6% |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 3% |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“This particular model has a problem with fuel tanks cracking. It isn't happening to the ones that aren't all wheel drive. I need mine replaced. People are apprehensive about pulling a used tank from a yard because it might also be cracked. I was told the all wheel drive system built around it is putting pressure on it.”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Jun 6, 2017
“On a large number of volvos the abs computer fails resulting in loss of proper braking. Normal use causes this, in this all to common failure, and volvo is aware of their short comings in this problem, thus far refusing to correct a highly dangerous condition that may have already resulted in injury and death. The…”
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · filed Jul 29, 2010
“The complaint that I have with my 98 v70 xc awd is with a recent tire rotation with my oil change a week after it started to sound as if my muffler was dragging and it also sounded like rear tires are dragging. My mechanic think it may possibly be the drive shaft and from the internet what I've this seems to be a…”
Power Train · filed Oct 31, 2008
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
32 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Volvo V70XC. The 10 most recent:
Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
C00009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2023
Rubber cushion
TJ3656330 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 12, 2023
The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
Special Tools Bu · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 12, 2022
ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
Service Manager · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 6, 2022
VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
356EN01 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 9, 2022
Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
Service Manager · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 3, 2022
Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
Service Manager · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2020
Warranty, customer pay and/or internal repairs performed must be verified by a punched time flag on the back of the repair order hard copy. Each repair line must have a separate and identifiable time punch for the…
SMB00-354 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 7, 2016
This is a service product journal : the previously reported issue with vida 2015 and battery testing has been resolved. Vida 2015 battery testing is the only approved method for producing battery test codes. The use of…
SPJ3070120160419 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 19, 2016
Electrically operated seat, minimizing lateral movement. *yd
0013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2001
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1998 Volvo V70XC has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1998 Volvo V70XC?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.