This is common on 1998's & 1999's. It is the result of the glue used at that time. They have since used much better glues. There is a kit you can buy (see archives) to do it yourself. BUT unless you are some kind of expert at stretching thin plastic sheets over non-flat surfaces, and at putting down the glue perfectly smooth, etc., many other posts have strongly advised against do-it-yourself. Evidently it can turn out looking worse that before the fix. However, if you find the right person at the Volvo dealership to do it (mine allows only one person at the shop to do it) the fix will look perfect and not fail again. Luckly our V70 was still unter warranty.

Good luck.

The same thing happened on our 98 V70 within 6 months of our arrival in hot, humid Tennessee. We had come from Germany where the heat isn't near so bad. The car was about 2 years old when it happened. First it was the front two doors, then the back ones must have gotten jealous because two weeks later the went too. Luckily it was under warranty. The dealer told us that Volvo uses some enviromentally friendly water-based glue to hold the panels together.

But I must admit, the doors have not done it since we had them repaired.

-Chris
--
88 245 DL (185k miles) | 98 S90 (75k miles) | 98 V70 AWD (86k miles)

It happened to my friends V70 AWD 1999 - she left it alone - was not that bad...

I bought my V70 T5 from Volvo dealer and it had it worse on the front doors - but on all 4x doors.
Dealer fixed it to close the deal - they claimed it was worth 800.00.
Not sure of a cheap / simple fix. It seems they replace the entire panel with new ones.
It looks perfect after being done - except that it makes a slight crackling noise when you lean against the lip - I guess from the adhesive thats dried out that they use.
Dealer friend told me it happens " all the time"
If it's not too bad - I would try and live with it.
That slight noise thing really bugs me.