1998 Volvo C70

Introduction

The 1998 Volvo C70 is a luxury grand tourer available with 2 engine and transmission options. The 2.3-liter high-pressure turbocharged inline-5 engine produces 236 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-5 engine produces 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

The C70 is praised for its distinctive styling, luxurious interior, and strong performance. However, it has been plagued by a number of issues that can impact its reliability and ownership experience.

Engine

2.3-liter High-Pressure Turbocharged Inline-5 Engine

• Crankshaft Seal Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the rear of the engine, often leading to smoke and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacement of the crankshaft seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling or ticking noise, loss of power, and eventual engine failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing belt tensioner and timing belt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VVT Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idle, and poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the VVT solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4-liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-5 Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak, rough idle, and decreased performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idle, and reduced power.
  • Solution: Replacement of the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Filter Housing Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the oil filter housing, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing gasket or the entire housing assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchro Mesh Problems:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, particularly from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd.
  • Solution: Replacement of the synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed gear shifting, and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replacement of the TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough shifting, slipping, and premature transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced handling, poor ride quality, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, reduced handling, and premature tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, loss of electrical power, and charging system warning light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Discharge:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the electrical system to identify the source of the discharge.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the top, torn or leaking top material.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the convertible top components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiper Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Wiper blades not operating or operating intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the wiper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on the dashboard surface, particularly around the vents.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Panel Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Buttons not responding, incorrect temperature settings, and malfunctioning A/C or heating system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the climate control panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Volvo C70 is a stylish and luxurious grand tourer, but it has been plagued by a number of issues that can impact its reliability and ownership experience. Some of the more severe and costly issues include crankshaft seal failure, timing belt tensioner failure, and transmission control module (TCM) failure. While some of these issues are less severe and less expensive to fix, they can still be frustrating and time-consuming for owners to deal with.