The 1998 Volvo V70xc has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 97,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. Last updated July 6, 2026.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Complaints by component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
2
SUSPENSION
2
AIR BAGS
1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
1
1crashes1injuries
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
1
Total complaints35
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“Driver side air bag deployed when door was shut and car was off. Volvo n.a. Was contacted and requested that their specialist look at vehicle. They claim that something was stuck in the door, which caused the deployment. This was not the case. Volvo claims that a mark on the door is proof.…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 volvo v70xc. While driving 45 mph the serpentine belt detached and the engine shut off without any warning lights illuminating. However, after the failure occurred, all of the lights on the dashboard illuminated. The vehicle was towed, and the mechanic stated that when…”
“Dt*: the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle cranked but would not start. Upon inspection, the fuse to the fuel pump was observed to be blown. The fuse was changed, and the vehicle was started. Later, while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle began to shudder and lose…”
“A few weeks ago, I have noticed a strong gas fuel smell from my 98 volvo v70 cross country awd from the gas tank area. The smell comes from the area in front of the rr wheel, on top of the plastic panel which covers the fuel tank. The leak is noticeable when the tank is full. The only way for me…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 Volvo V70xc as of
July 6, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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