1998 Volvo WG Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 28, 2004 · 2 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other WG years
Not enough data 2nd of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Volvo WG. That ranks 2nd out of 8 WG model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (2 complaints, 100%), typically at around 64,000 miles. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1998 Volvo WG problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System2 · ~64,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~64,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System2100%64,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic150%64,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2003, with 1 complaints
2003: 1200312004: 120041

n = 2 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1998 Volvo WG recalls (6)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:tail lights:switchSep 9, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V238000 · 5,532 vehicles

Problem: Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the two tail lamps, back-up lamp,and license tag lamp were mounted on insufficiently rigid mounts.

Risk: It may not allow the driver of a rearward approaching vehicle to have full view of the lamps.

Fix: Dealers will attach the two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and the license tap lamp on stiffer brackets. Owner notification began october 31, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Service brakes, air:antilockAug 22, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V232003 · 18,362 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with bendix air abs with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ecu), there have been reports of unwanted abs activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed abs wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Risk: This condition could cause the abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

Parking brakeFeb 24, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V002002 · 13,516 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with haldex manifold dash valves (mdv) used in tractor and trailer parking brakes. These valves do not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 121, "air brake systems." a loss of the isolation of the two brake system circuits can result in the loss of service brakes when there is another failure of one of the two brake circuits.

Risk: The loss of service brakes can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the suspect valves.

Steering:linkagesNov 17, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V297000 · 25 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with a fal 8.0 front steer axle. The upper steering arm can fail without warning.

Risk: This condition can result in the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the upper steering arm and replace it, if required.

Suspension:front:springs:air suspension:lines and fittingsOct 14, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V255000 · 95,013 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The air suspension control valve supply line was not plumbed through an air pressure protection valve. In the event of a failure, there would be loss of air pressure in the 'b' system air reservoir that supplies air pressure for the front steer axle brakes.

Risk: This condition would result in increased stopping distances.

Fix: Dealers will install the necessary air pressure protection valve.

Wheels:rimMay 19, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V120001 · 3,065 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with aftermarket aluminum dual wheels, 22.5x8.25, one-piece, tubeless, supplied by accuride/akw. Certain design revisions combined with process conditions caused fatigue cracks in these wheels.

Risk: This condition can cause failure of these wheels.

Fix: Accuride/akw will replace these wheels.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

While driving brakes locked up, key was stuck in ignition, and electronic system was down. *ak

Electrical System · received Jul 28, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10083687

Consumer complained about problems with the whole wiring harnness for the engine compartment. Manufacturer was contacted, and they only gave the run around.also, dealer was contacted and stated that they would try to help consumer, but has not as of yetheard from him.*ak

Electrical System · received Sep 2, 2003 · NHTSA complaint 10038028

Other Volvo WG years

← 1997 WG · 1999 WG →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2002 WG01
2001 WG01
2000 WG25
1999 WG38
199826
1997 WG08
1996 WG06
1995 WG06

See all Volvo WG problems by year, every Volvo model, or the Volvo VIN decoder.

Similar Volvo models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo WG?

Owners most often report electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Volvo WG?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1998 Volvo WG a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other WG model years, the 1998 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.