1998 Volvo S70 Problems: 4 Known Issues
1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum 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 with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
1998 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls
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.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Volvo Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo S70 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Volvo S70 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AW50-42 Automatic Transmission Failure, PCV System Clogging and Oil Leaks, Heater Core Leak. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Volvo S70 reliable?
The 1998 Volvo S70 has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Volvo S70 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.
What is the 1998-2000 Volvo S70 AW50-42 Automatic Transmission Failure?
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.
What is the 1998-2000 Volvo S70 PCV System Clogging and Oil Leaks?
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.
What is the 1998-2000 Volvo S70 Heater Core Leak?
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.
What is the 1998-2000 Volvo S70 Power Window Regulator Cable Failure?
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.