On 98s:

Headlights on some cars burned out quick (within 12 months). Volvo issued
a recall (although it sure took a long time).

Turn signal bulb sockets would arc and turn signal bulb life would
be short (left turn signal typical problem since we sit longer waiting
to make left turns). Headlight recall includes a new socket design.

Door window switchs can fail.

Some headlight switches would fail. Recall issued.

CD players had problems with PCB board glue causing switch to stick that
resulted in CD not ejecting. Dealer replaced mine for this issue.

Air bag was not properly grounded on passenger side (technically, an
electrical problem). Recall issued for affected vehicles.

I've also seen problems reported with power locks.

Sometimes the dash light indicating a bulb is out will come on even
though no bulb is burned out (I've seen that reported here and have
experienced it on my 98).

OEM battery good for no more then 3 years.


Major electrical components seem pretty good. Alternator, ECU, ABS
component problems are not as common on 98s.