1998 Volvo S70

Introduction: The 1998 Volvo S70 was a midsize sedan that offered a combination of safety, luxury, and performance. It was available with multiple engine and transmission options, including a 2.4-liter inline-5, a 2.5-liter inline-5, and a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-5. The 2.4-liter engine produced 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.5-liter engine produced 190 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter turbocharged engine was the most powerful, producing 225 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic. Owners praised the S70’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and high safety ratings. However, some common issues with the S70 have been reported.

Engine:

• 2.4-liter Inline-5:
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak from the intake manifold gasket, causing overheating and performance issues.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.5-liter Inline-5:
  • Timing Belt Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt snaps, causing catastrophic engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt and associated components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.3-liter Turbocharged Inline-5:
  • Turbocharger Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger fails, resulting in reduced power and performance.
    • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission:

• 5-speed Manual:
  • Shifter Bushing Wear:
    • Description/Symptoms: The shifter bushings wear out, causing difficulty shifting gears.
    • Solution: Replace the shifter bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-speed Automatic:
  • Transmission Fluid Leak:
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid leaks from the transmission pan or seals, causing slipping or rough shifting.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the leaking components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 5-speed Automatic:
  • Valve Body Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The valve body fails, leading to erratic shifting or transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replace the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension:

• Front/Rear Suspension Components:
  • Strut/Shock Absorber Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The struts or shock absorbers fail, causing a rough ride or poor handling.
    • Solution: Replace the struts or shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per axle
    • Recalls: None Found
• Front Sway Bar Links:
  • Sway Bar Link Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links fail, resulting in clunking noises or reduced stability.
    • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical:

• Battery:
  • Battery Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery fails, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
    • Solution: Replace the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator:
  • Alternator Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to stall.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• Starter:
  • Starter Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The starter fails, preventing the vehicle from starting.
    • Solution: Replace the starter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior:

• Plastic Exterior Components:
  • Fading Plastic Trim:
    • Description/Symptoms: The plastic trim on the bumpers, side skirts, and other exterior components fades or discolors over time.
    • Solution: Replace or paint the affected components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior:

• Climate Control:
  • Climate Control Malfunction:
    • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system fails to regulate temperature or airflow properly.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the climate control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Power Windows:
  • Power Window Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: One or more power windows fail to operate.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the window motor or switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Other:

• ABS Control Module:
  • ABS Control Module Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The ABS control module fails, disabling the ABS system.
    • Solution: Replace the ABS control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
    • Recalls: None Found
• SRS Airbag Module:
  • SRS Airbag Module Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: The SRS airbag module fails to deploy the airbags in a collision.
    • Solution: Replace the SRS airbag module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: 143

Summary: Overall, the 1998 Volvo S70 is a reliable and well-engineered vehicle that offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and high safety ratings. However, certain issues can occur with the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior components. The severity of the issues varies, with some being minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be more costly and require major repairs. It’s important to factor in the potential maintenance and repair expenses when considering the purchase of a used 1998 Volvo S70.