1998 Volvo WAH
Introduction
The 1998 Volvo WAH is a luxury compact sedan that was sold from 1996 to 2000. It is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-five engine that produces 170 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. The WAH is available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. It is known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and impressive safety features. However, it has also been plagued by a number of issues, which are detailed below.
Engine
- 2.5-liter inline-five engine
- Intake manifold gasket failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating, poor performance
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR valve failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idle, decreased fuel economy
- Solution: Replace EGR valve
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from engine, low oil level
- Solution: Replace oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, or valve cover gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake manifold gasket failure
Transmission
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Clutch failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
- Solution: Replace clutch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Clutch failure
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Transmission slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power
- Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque converter failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, loss of power
- Solution: Replace torque converter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission slipping
Suspension
- Front strut failure
- Description/Symptoms: Noise from suspension, poor handling
- Solution: Replace front struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear shock absorber failure
- Description/Symptoms: Noise from suspension, poor handling
- Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, loss of electrical power
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery failure
- Description/Symptoms: Car won’t start, dim headlights
- Solution: Replace battery
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Electrical short
- Description/Symptoms: Blown fuses, flickering lights, loss of electrical power
- Solution: Repair or replace faulty wiring
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering headlights
- Solution: Replace headlight bulbs
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard rattle
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noise from dashboard
- Solution: Tighten loose screws or replace dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1998 Volvo WAH has a number of potential issues, including engine oil leaks, transmission slipping, suspension noise, and electrical problems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the extent of the damage. Overall, the WAH is a reliable car, but it is important to be aware of the potential problems before purchasing one.