Owners have filed 80 complaints
about the 1998 Volvo 770 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2004.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 41
Against the median year of the Volvo 770. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 13
2.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
AIR Conditioner
420.0%
Interior/Under Dash
420.0%
Front
420.0%
Labels
210.0%
Gasoline
210.0%
Frame AND Members
210.0%
Shaft Pitman
15.0%
Clutch Assembly
15.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2000peak 20Mar 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Volvo 770
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02021Opened 6 Sep 2002Closed 6 Nov 2003SUSPENSION
FRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS LOOSEN OR BREAK
ODI'SINVESTIGATION DID NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE THAT LOOSE OR BROKENFRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS HAVE CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO ANY CRASHES OR NEAR MISS EVENTS.SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSISREPORT FOR FULL TECHNICAL DETAILS.* 1996/1997 BUILT VEHICLES ARE DESIGNATED BY VOLVO AS 1998 MODEL YEAR.
PE01040Opened 3 Dec 2001Closed 26 Mar 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SLEEPER BERTH FIRES
PE01041Opened 3 Dec 2001Closed 14 Jun 2002STEERING
STEERING GEARBOX OR U-JOINT
PE01042Opened 3 Dec 2001Closed 6 Sep 2002STEERING
STEERING AXLE U-BOLT
DP01005Opened 9 Aug 2001Closed 3 Oct 2001UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MULTIPLE DEFECTS
ALLEGE THAT THE WIA MODEL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BLOWER FAN MALFUNCTION AND THE 770 VNL STEERING DIFFICULTIES AND INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTION
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Clear Lake, SD1 injured
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD NOT ENGAGE AS DESIGNED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT FAILED. TWICE IN TRAFFIC AND ONE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. USED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO ENGAGE, FOR IT WOULD ENGAGE AFTER REPEATED STOMPING ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL. HOWEVER, THE LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE, I USED BOTH FEET TOO ENGAGE IT, HOPING THAT THE FOR TO MENTIONED WOULD OCCUR, IT DID NOT. THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PLATE ON THE FIRE WALL BROKE. THIS LED TO THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE PEDAL WHICH SLAMMED INTO THE FLOOR AND SNAPPED BOTH KNEES AND BUCKLED MY LEFT HIP WHICH I NOW HAVE RECURRING INJURIES WHICH HAS NOW FORCED ME TO LEAVE THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY. THE SHOP SUPERVISOR EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL VOLVO TRUCKS AND HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THEM FOR THE CYLINDER THAT CONTROLS THE CLUTCH LEVER RODS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH RUST AND OTHER CONTAINMENTS WHICH CAN CAUSE THE LEVEL ROD THAT CONTROL THE CLUTCH PEDAL TOO FREEZE UP, WHICH STOPS THE CLUTCH FROM ENGAGING. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE CYLINDER HAVING TOO MUCH OPEN SPACE ON THE TOP BEFORE A RUBBER SEAL WHICH IS LOWER INSIDE TO STOP THE RUST, WATER, AND CONTANIMENTS FROM CAUSEING PROBLEMS WITH CLUTCH OPERATION. VOLVO HAS A REPLACEMENT FOR THIS AND DID IN FACT REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER CORRECTED CYLINDER AT THE TIME OF MY INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10060442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapol, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THE DASH CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO DEFECT IN THE DIMMER SWITCH WIRING SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM IS INSTALLED WITH 30 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER WHICH WILL OVERHEAT WIRES. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #559853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Clear Lake, SD1 injured
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD NOT ENGAGE AS DESIGNED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT FAILED. TWICE IN TRAFFIC AND ONE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. USED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO ENGAGE, FOR IT WOULD ENGAGE AFTER REPEATED STOMPING ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL. HOWEVER, THE LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE, I USED BOTH FEET TOO ENGAGE IT, HOPING THAT THE FOR TO MENTIONED WOULD OCCUR, IT DID NOT. THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PLATE ON THE FIRE WALL BROKE. THIS LED TO THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE PEDAL WHICH SLAMMED INTO THE FLOOR AND SNAPPED BOTH KNEES AND BUCKLED MY LEFT HIP WHICH I NOW HAVE RECURRING INJURIES WHICH HAS NOW FORCED ME TO LEAVE THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY. THE SHOP SUPERVISOR EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL VOLVO TRUCKS AND HE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THEM FOR THE CYLINDER THAT CONTROLS THE CLUTCH LEVER RODS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH RUST AND OTHER CONTAINMENTS WHICH CAN CAUSE THE LEVEL ROD THAT CONTROL THE CLUTCH PEDAL TOO FREEZE UP, WHICH STOPS THE CLUTCH FROM ENGAGING. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE CYLINDER HAVING TOO MUCH OPEN SPACE ON THE TOP BEFORE A RUBBER SEAL WHICH IS LOWER INSIDE TO STOP THE RUST, WATER, AND CONTANIMENTS FROM CAUSEING PROBLEMS WITH CLUTCH OPERATION. VOLVO HAS A REPLACEMENT FOR THIS AND DID IN FACT REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER CORRECTED CYLINDER AT THE TIME OF MY INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10060442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indiana, 00
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
STATE INSPECTION REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #565613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8019653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coast Mesa, CA
SUSPENSION
THE OWNER REPORTS POOR MILEAGE AND DURABILITY OF THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH EXCESIVE STEER AXLE WEIGHT, FUEL TANKS AND 5TH WHEEL RAILS MOVE AFT BUT STEER AXLE WEIGHT RUNS ABOUT 13,140 LBS (CUMMINS ENGINE)(REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER). NLM
NHTSA complaint #567301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CD
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES THE U-BOLT FAILED, HOWEVER IS UNSURE AS TO IF IT FAILED BEFORE OR AS THE RESULT OF VEHICLE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #567046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
STEERING
OWNER REPORTS REGULAR OCCURRENCE OF STEERING WHEEL "LOCK-UP". REPORTS THAT WHEEL FREQUENTLY LOCK AFTER 1/2-3/4 REVOLUTION OF STEER WHEEL WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHILE ACCELERATING FROM STOP.UPON LOCKING, STEERING WHEEL MUST BE FORCE TO REGAIN MOVEMENT .
NHTSA complaint #566792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenfield, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE BAFFLE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK CAME LOOSE AND IS FLOATING INSIDE THE TANK AND MAKING NOISE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #565367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenfield, IN
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
A/C FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. NLM
NHTSA complaint #565367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
SEATS
CONSUMER STATED THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATING ON THE DASH, THE DASH PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE ARM REST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WOULD NOT ADJUST.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
POWER TRAIN
CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHEATING OVER 300 DEGREES, THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A TRANSMISSON LEAK, ALSO THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WAS LEAKING AND THE CLUTCH BRAKE ON TRANSMISSION WAS ADJUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE LAMP ASSEMBLY FOR THE MARKER LIGHT WAS REPLACED, THE TCH LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, DEALER REPLACED THE FUSE BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEER TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED 6 TIMES AND SOME DUE TO TIRE BLOW OUTS, ALSO THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED, THE 5TH WHEEL HAD TO BE MOVED BACK DUE TO VEHICLE BEING OVERWEIGHT AND ALSO CAUSING THE STEER TIRES TO WEAR, THE RIGHT FRONT HUB WAS LEAKING, VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING SEVERE FRONT END PROBLEMS, THERE WAS A SERIOUS AIR LEAK, THE STEER AXLE WAS LEAKING, THE LOWER SKIRT WAS CRACKING, THERE WERE VALVE AND AIR DRYER PROBLEMS, AND THE WHEEL SEAL WAS LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT SHOWING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL, THERE WAS A BLOWN FUEL LINE IN THE BACK OF THE MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
CONSUMER STATED THE HOOD WAS NOT ALIGNED WITH THE CAB, AND ALSO THE HOOD WOULD NOT RELEASE.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY
CONSUMER STATED THE ROOF WAS LEAKING, THE CAB SITS CROOKED ON THE FRAME, AND THE BODY OF THE TRUCK CONTAINS CRACKS.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
CONSUMER STATED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS EXPEREINCING NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE FUSES IN THE DASH WERE CONTINUOUSLY BLOWING BECAUSE OF A LOOSE WIRE ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THERE WERE KEY SWITCH PROBLEMS, AND THE TRAILER POWER CORD WAS INOPERATIVE, DEALER REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENING COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKS AND ENGINE LEAKS.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED ON THE TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEER TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED 6 TIMES AND SOME DUE TO TIRE BLOW OUTS, ALSO THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED, THE 5TH WHEEL HAD TO BE MOVED BACK DUE TO VEHICLE BEING OVERWEIGHT AND ALSO CAUSING THE STEER TIRES TO WEAR, THE RIGHT FRONT HUB WAS LEAKING, VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING SEVERE FRONT END PROBLEMS, THERE WAS A SERIOUS AIR LEAK, THE STEER AXLE WAS LEAKING, THE LOWER SKIRT WAS CRACKING, THERE WERE VALVE AND AIR DRYER PROBLEMS, AND THE WHEEL SEAL WAS LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER STATED THE ROOF WAS LEAKING, THE CAB SITS CROOKED ON THE FRAME, AND THE BODY OF THE TRUCK CONTAINS CRACKS.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
VISIBILITY
THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED, THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR WAS RATTLING, THE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR WOULD NOT GO UP, THE RUBBER AROUND THE SUNROOF WAS PEELING OFF, AND THE SLEEPER WINDOW WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #565918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mosheim, TN
SUSPENSION
EXPERIENCING HEAVY FRONT END, VEHICLE IS ON FOURTH SET OF STEER TIRES, CAB ALIGNMENT THREE TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #565665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Mansfield, TX
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING VARIOUS FRONT END PROBLEMS. NEW SPINDLE AND SPRINGS WERE INSTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #565666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, UN
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES THE TRUCK HAD BROKEN SUSPENSION BOLT.
NHTSA complaint #565911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.