1998 Volvo S90

Introduction

The 1998 Volvo S90 is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its safety, comfort, and performance. It was offered with a 2.9-liter inline-6 engine producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. People appreciate its spacious interior, well-equipped features, and high safety ratings. However, it has its share of issues that may impact its reliability and ownership experience.

Engine

• 2.9-liter Inline-6 Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks around the intake manifold, causing overheating and engine performance issues.
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Belt Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt snaps, causing catastrophic engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace timing belt and related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-speed Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips, stalls, or refuses to engage gears.
    • Solution: Replace torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or worn bushings cause excessive play and noise in the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or leaking rear shock absorbers result in poor ride quality and handling.
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical Wiring Harness Faults
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning lights, gauges, or accessories.
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected wiring harnesses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains prematurely due to a faulty alternator or parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Diagnose and fix the underlying cause.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Water condensation inside the headlight assemblies.
  • Solution: Replace or seal headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rust on Undercarriage
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion and rust on the underside of the vehicle, especially in areas like the exhaust system and suspension components.
  • Solution: Treat rust and apply protective coatings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of rust.

Interior

• Climate Control Fan Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control fan stops working, leading to poor ventilation and airflow.
  • Solution: Replace fan motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows become inoperable due to faulty motors.
  • Solution: Replace power window motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Volvo S90 is a comfortable and safe sedan, but it is not without its issues. The most severe problems include timing belt failure and torque converter failure, which can be costly to repair. Other common issues, such as suspension and electrical problems, are generally less expensive to address. Overall, the reliability of the S90 can vary depending on maintenance and repair history.