1998 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 1998 Volvo S70 has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is AW50-42 Automatic Transmission Failure ($1,500-$3,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1998-2000 Volvo S70, like the 850, the S70 shares the Aisin-Warner AW50-42 automatic transmission that develops internal failures. The valve body, solenoids, and torque converter are common failure points, especially in turbocharged models.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1998-2000 Volvo S70, the heater core develops a leak causing sweet coolant smell inside the cabin, fogging windshield, and wet passenger-side carpet. The heater core is buried deep behind the dashboard making replacement labor-intensive.
Replace the heater core. Expect significant labor time for dashboard removal. Flush the cooling system and replace coolant. Inspect heater hoses at the firewall connections.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1998-2000 Volvo S70 5-cylinder, the Volvo S70 turbo and non-turbo 5-cylinder engines develop PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system blockage. The breather box/flame trap clogs, causing excessive crankcase pressure that pushes oil past gaskets and seals.
Diagnose the PCV system by checking for excessive crankcase pressure at the oil filler cap or dipstick tube, then inspect the breather box/oil trap, flame trap fittings, and all related vacuum hoses under the intake manifold for sludge blockage or collapse. The proper repair is a full PCV service kit installation—typically replacing the oil trap, banjo fittings, hoses, intake manifold gasket, and cleaning the ports in the block and manifold; on turbo models, also inspect and clean the turbo oil return area and replace any leaking cam, valve cover, or rear main seals only after crankcase ventilation is restored. If oil leaks have been present for a while, recheck for residual seepage after the PCV repair before replacing seals unnecessarily. Typical cost is about $250-$450 in parts and 4-7 labor hours, for a total of roughly $700-$1,400 depending on engine configuration and how many oil leaks need follow-up repair.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1998-2000 Volvo S70, the cable-driven window regulators snap, allowing the window to drop into the door. The cable system uses small pulleys that wear and eventually cause the cable to fray and break. Driver side is most common.
Replace the window regulator assembly. Use OEM or quality aftermarket. Lubricate the window channel tracks during installation.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE SEDANS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL FILTER BRACKET CONFIGURATION MARGINS ARE INSUFFICIENT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 1998-1998 Volvo S70 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AW50-42 Automatic Transmission Failure, Heater Core Leak, PCV System Clogging and Oil Leaks. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1998-1998 Volvo S70 has 4 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: AW50-42 Automatic Transmission Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Volvo S70 issues range from $100 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AW50-42 Automatic Transmission Failure, typically costs $1,500-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Like the 850, the S70 shares the Aisin-Warner AW50-42 automatic transmission that develops internal failures. The valve body, solenoids, and torque converter are common failure points, especially in turbocharged models. Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
The heater core develops a leak causing sweet coolant smell inside the cabin, fogging windshield, and wet passenger-side carpet. The heater core is buried deep behind the dashboard making replacement labor-intensive. Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.
The Volvo S70 turbo and non-turbo 5-cylinder engines develop PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system blockage. The breather box/flame trap clogs, causing excessive crankcase pressure that pushes oil past gaskets and seals. Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: medium.
The cable-driven window regulators snap, allowing the window to drop into the door. The cable system uses small pulleys that wear and eventually cause the cable to fray and break. Driver side is most common. Repairs typically run $150-$350. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
