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Volvo · Known Issues

1998 Volvo S70 Problems: 4 Known Issues

1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

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.

In This Article

  • S70 Transmission1
  • S70 Cooling1
  • S70 Engine1
  • S70 Electrical1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Cooling1
  • Engine1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS200019991998

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.

Common Symptoms

  • Harsh shifting
  • Transmission slipping
  • Delayed engagement from park
  • Check engine light with transmission codes
  • Shudder on acceleration

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Volvo 1161621 Dexron III automatic-transmission fluid, four liters

    correct fluid for a controlled service on a diagnosed, still-serviceable transmission branch Fitment/availability: 1998-2000 Volvo S70 AW50-42 and other VIN-confirmed transmissions specifying Dexron III/Mercon; not for a unit specifying …

    FCP Euro

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

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.

Common Symptoms

  • Sweet smell in cabin
  • Windshield fogs from inside
  • Wet passenger carpet
  • Coolant level drops
  • Greasy film on windshield

How to Fix

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.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Nissens 9144221 Volvo P80 heater core

    replace a pressure-test-confirmed leaking S70 heater core Fitment/availability: 1998-2000 Volvo S70 P80; catalog also lists 850, C70 and V70, and new heater-core connection O-rings should be installed Fitment/availability: In stock with …

    FCP Euro

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,200

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

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.

Common Symptoms

  • Oil leaks from valve cover
  • Oil consumption increase
  • Oil residue around turbo
  • Whistling noise from engine
  • Rough idle

How to Fix

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.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • IPD 124712 early P80 turbo PCV breather system kit

    complete oil-trap and breather-hose service for the 1998 turbo branch Fitment/availability: 1998 Volvo S70 GLT/T5 turbo P80 with ME4.4; includes alternate inlet elbow for the early or revised turbo inlet tube Fitment/availability: In sto…

    IPD USA
  • Genuine Volvo 114832 1998 non-turbo PCV breather system kit

    complete PCV service for the distinct 1998 non-turbo routing Fitment/availability: 1998 Volvo S70 non-turbo B5254FS P80 with ME4.4, automatic or manual Fitment/availability: In stock with Add to Cart live when reviewed

    IPD USA
  • Genuine Volvo V70T100 late P80 turbo PCV breather system kit

    complete PCV service for the 1999-2000 turbo configuration Fitment/availability: 1999-2000 Volvo S70 turbo P80 branch; validate the exact VIN, engine and installed routing before ordering Fitment/availability: In stock with Add to Cart a…

    FCP Euro
  • Genuine Volvo KIT-516300 late P80 non-turbo PCV breather system kit

    complete PCV service for the 1999-2000 non-turbo configuration Fitment/availability: 1999-2000 Volvo S70 non-turbo P80 branch; validate VIN and installed hose routing before ordering Fitment/availability: In stock with Add to Cart and Bu…

    FCP Euro

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

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.

Common Symptoms

  • Window drops into door
  • Snapping noise from door
  • Window won't go up
  • Window moves unevenly

How to Fix

Replace the window regulator assembly. Use OEM or quality aftermarket. Lubricate the window channel tracks during installation.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $350

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
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.

Campaign #07E02300029/03/2007

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.

Campaign #00V40500006/12/2000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY CEASE TO FUNCTION.

Campaign #04V50400021/10/2004
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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, Heater Core Leak, PCV System Clogging and Oil Leaks. 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 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 PCV System Clogging and Oil Leaks?

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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

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.

Campaign #99V03500025/02/1999

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.

Campaign #99V23500030/08/1999

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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 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.