Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 5910 | 01/09/2003 | 5910 | 10000866 | Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) body control module (bcm) 0103 with electronic control module (ecm) 9400. *tt | 04/02/2003 |
| 5910 | 01/21/2004 | 5910 | 10000304 | Combination of diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) bcm 0103 and ecm 9400 could be caused by a faulty pedal position sensor. *tt this bulletin replaces previous versions dated 10/21/2002 and 6/23/03. *tt | 02/21/2003 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||||
| 3202 | 05/09/2005 | 10016648 | Alternator charging problems. *sc | 09/26/2005 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 01/07/2013 | 229000 | 1 | |
| While driving in the dark, power to the electronics listed below were lost inevitably and many warning lights/messages appeared on the dash (also listed below under symptoms). there were no warning signs that this was about to happen nor is there any explanation for why it happened. i was driving on a dark road and i lost complete vision of the road due to headlight failure (both low and high beams). this scenario is a common safety issue associated with many other similar volvo years and models. i had to stop the car immediately to avoid crashing and call someone to pick me up. all symptoms from this blackout did not and have not disappeared since it happened, making the car undrivable. these symptoms are suspect to be the result of a cem failure, which also controls emissions. as stated previously, this exact scenario has caused thousands of similar volvo years and models to be recalled/repaired on volvo's behalf. unfortunately, my vehicle model has not been placed under recall for this extremely, dangerous safety defect. i would like to see action taken against volvo and repair costs covered on their behalf. symptoms: brake failure stop safely warning message engine system service required warning message srs airbag service urgent warning message low beam headlights not working high beams headlights not working check engine light on abs light on traction control light on odometer not working radio not working power seats & heated seats not working 12v sockets (front & rear) not working trip odometer not working clock reset. *tr | |||
| 10/12/2012 | 42000 | 1 | |
| The vehicle would not start. there was full battery power and the computer stated it was the immobilizer check manual. several attempts were made and car sat overnight.the volvo s60 restarted in the morning. the car ran fine for a day and would not start again. dealership stated that the antenna ring or key chip might be bad. the antenna ring was changed and the car would not start a week later again. the car was taken to dealer ship and placed on scanner. the car function normally for two weeks and did not start again. several blogs concerning this matter have been set up without any answers for the consumer. the dealerships scanned the vehicle and changed parts and the problem still persists. in my case the dealership stated that it did show a problem. yet the problem is not fixed. consumers are being stranded or in my case stranded several times for hours until the vehicle starts later. *tr | |||
| 10/12/2012 | 42000 | ||
| The vehicle would not start. there was full battery power and the computer stated it was the immobilizer check manual. several attempts were made and car sat overnight.the volvo s60 restarted in the morning. the car ran fine for a day and would not start again. dealership stated that the antenna ring or key chip might be bad. the antenna ring was changed and the car would not start a week later again. the car was taken to dealer ship and placed on scanner. the car function normally for two weeks and did not start again. several blogs concerning this matter have been set up without any answers for the consumer. the dealerships scanned the vehicle and changed parts and the problem still persists. in my case the dealership stated that it did show a problem. yet the problem is not fixed. consumers are being stranded or in my case stranded several times for hours until the vehicle starts later. | |||
| 09/05/2012 | 140000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 volvo s60. the contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the throttle failed. the contact stated that she tried to engage the accelerator pedal but the vehicle would not move. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnose that the electronic throttle module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that although the vehicle was included in recall nhtsa campaign id number: 06v441000 (vehicle speed control) it was no longer eligible since the vehicle had surpassed the statue of limitation. the failure mileage was 140,000. pmb | |||
| 09/05/2012 | 140000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 volvo s60. the contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the throttle failed. the contact stated that she tried to press the accelerator pedal harder but the vehicle would not move. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the electronic throttle module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was included in recall nhtsa campaign id number: 06v441000(vehicle speed control) but was out of warranty. the failure mileage was 140,000. ap | |||
| 09/01/2012 | 133000 | 1 | |
| There were four occupants in the vehicle. as we were driving home from the mall, we noticed a brief interruption in the lights and radio. a few miles down the road, there was an electrical failure and the car shut off in the middle of the road, but we were able to get it cranked back up in less than a minute. we drove approximately two more miles and pulled into our driveway and shut the car off. we heard a sound like an alarm, but it was so faint; before we had time to think about it further, the cab began to fill with blackish grey smoke into the backseat area. we all got out quickly and walked to the back of the car. i noticed flames behind the driver side tail light (where the battery is located) and told my husband. he opened the trunk (burning his fingertips), and flames shot up into the air. i immediately called 911 because the flames were high and fast-moving. the 911 dispatcher instructed us to stay away from the car and not try to put the fire out due to the obvious dangers of a fast-moving car fire. the fire department arrived within five minutes and began putting the fire out; however, the car was a total loss up to the engine, which was not burned. after inspection, the fire department deemed it a loss due to an electrical fire. i have contacted volvo, but they have not responded to me as of yet. there have been several recalls on this particular vehicle, and we are worried that volvo may have missed one. for the safety of others, i am reporting this safety hazard. the car remains in our driveway awaiting insurance adjustment; however, i am hopeful that either volvo or someone who does safety inspections would claim the car to investigate the cause of the fire further. *tr | |||
| 09/01/2012 | 133000 | ||
| There were four occupants in the vehicle. as we were driving home from the mall, we noticed a brief interruption in the lights and radio. a few miles down the road, there was an electrical failure and the car shut off in the middle of the road, but we were able to get it cranked back up in less than a minute. we drove approximately two more miles and pulled into our driveway and shut the car off. we heard a sound like an alarm, but it was so faint; before we had time to think about it further, the cab began to fill with blackish grey smoke into the backseat area. we all got out quickly and walked to the back of the car. i noticed flames behind the driver side tail light (where the battery is located) and told my husband. he opened the trunk (burning his fingertips), and flames shot up into the air. i immediately called 911 because the flames were high and fast-moving. the 911 dispatcher instructed us to stay away from the car and not try to put the fire out due to the obvious dangers of a fast-moving car fire. the fire department arrived within five minutes and began putting the fire out; however, the car was a total loss up to the engine, which was not burned. after inspection, the fire department deemed it a loss due to an electrical fire. i have contacted volvo, but they have not responded to me as of yet. there have been several recalls on this particular vehicle, and we are worried that volvo may have missed one. for the safety of others, i am reporting this safety hazard. the car remains in our driveway awaiting insurance adjustment; however, i am hopeful that either volvo or someone who does safety inspections would claim the car to investigate the cause of the fire further. | |||
| 02/17/2012 | 147021 | 1 | |
| Purchased used s60 in november 2011 with 137,000 miles. a few weeks later various problems manifested: scrambled letters in dashboard message, driver door locks intermittently worked, radio self tuned to different station, speedometer giving false readings or stuck at current speed or reading zero, fuel gauge malfunction, all instruments on panel flickered, all instruments went dark while driving. at first restarting car would clear problem. then frequency between failures increased. just before complete failure - car needed to be cold for instruments to work - with instruments failing once engine warmed. finally in february 2012 at about 147,021 miles the panel completely failed while driving - giving driver no readings (speed, fuel, temp, mileage, or warning indicators) and would not reset. internet forums of volvo owners suggested it was a driver information module failure. owners forums pinpointed 3 probable causes of a dim failure - 1. loose connection of the motorola microchip, 2. loose capacitor/resistor 3. lack of protection from heat/heat transfer to individual prongs in microchip or between capacitor/resistor and the circuit board. some electrically savvy owners fixed by reflowing/resoldering/heat protecting said components. our local volvo dealer confirmed dim failure and quoted aprox. $1500 for a new instrument cluster and 3 hrs. labor. we chose to send dim/instrument cluster out for a refurbishment to baa remanufacturing inc. on reinstallation warning message read sra/airbag-service urgent. asked dealer to clear dim code first, then from srs module per baa-reman instructions. dealer job description/receipt stated they cleared codes dim 0001, 0003, 0005, 0006, e003, srs 00d4, e003. no problems with locks/radio/instrument cluster since remanufacture in the last 10,000 miles/5 months. volvo's original dim circuit board poorly designed/assembled. *tr | |||
| 02/17/2012 | 147021 | ||
| Purchased used s60 in november 2011 with 137,000 miles. a few weeks later various problems manifested: scrambled letters in dashboard message, driver door locks intermittently worked, radio self tuned to different station, speedometer giving false readings or stuck at current speed or reading zero, fuel gauge malfunction, all instruments on panel flickered, all instruments went dark while driving. at first restarting car would clear problem. then frequency between failures increased. just before complete failure - car needed to be cold for instruments to work - with instruments failing once engine warmed. finally in february 2012 at about 147,021 miles the panel completely failed while driving - giving driver no readings (speed, fuel, temp, mileage, or warning indicators) and would not reset. internet forums of volvo owners suggested it was a driver information module failure. owners forums pinpointed 3 probable causes of a dim failure - 1. loose connection of the motorola microchip, 2. loose capacitor/resistor 3. lack of protection from heat/heat transfer to individual prongs in microchip or between capacitor/resistor and the circuit board. some electrically savvy owners fixed by reflowing/resoldering/heat protecting said components. our local volvo dealer confirmed dim failure and quoted aprox. $1500 for a new instrument cluster and 3 hrs. labor. we chose to send dim/instrument cluster out for a refurbishment to baa remanufacturing inc. on reinstallation warning message read sra/airbag-service urgent. asked dealer to clear dim code first, then from srs module per baa-reman instructions. dealer job description/receipt stated they cleared codes dim 0001, 0003, 0005, 0006, e003, srs 00d4, e003. no problems with locks/radio/instrument cluster since remanufacture in the last 10,000 miles/5 months. volvo's original dim circuit board poorly designed/assembled. | |||
| 07/01/2011 | 80000 | 1 | |
| Electrical panel fails (gas gauge says empty), passenger and rear door locks, fuel door, and trunk opening also fails. incredibly dangerous as cannot open the doors unless pulling the door lock up manually from inside the car so therefore can't get to children in the backseat without crawling through the front seat and manually unlocking their door. have no idea how much gas is in the car because gas gauge fails and cannot get fuel door to open consitently making it difficult to refuel. car alarm went off in the middle of the night and could not open the car doors to turn it off because of electrical failure and therefore battery drained. it is really dangerous to not be able to lock and unlock the car doors. a child could get trapped in the vehicle or someone could get into the car for fear of locking doors and not being able to get them unlocked. this problem is all over the internet -rear electrical module failure and volvo needs to address as is a safety hazard. *tr | |||
| 07/01/2011 | 80000 | ||
| Electrical panel fails (gas gauge says empty), passenger and rear door locks, fuel door, and trunk opening also fails. incredibly dangerous as cannot open the doors unless pulling the door lock up manually from inside the car so therefore can't get to children in the backseat without crawling through the front seat and manually unlocking their door. have no idea how much gas is in the car because gas gauge fails and cannot get fuel door to open consitently making it difficult to refuel. car alarm went off in the middle of the night and could not open the car doors to turn it off because of electrical failure and therefore battery drained. it is really dangerous to not be able to lock and unlock the car doors. a child could get trapped in the vehicle or someone could get into the car for fear of locking doors and not being able to get them unlocked. this problem is all over the internet -rear electrical module failure and volvo needs to address as is a safety hazard. | |||
| 11/03/2011 | 145821 | ||
| Instrument cluster (known as driver information module) completely died while driving. checked volvo forums online and see that this is a common problem. replacement is the only option. $1500. many people are driving without knowing their speed or fuel level. me included. can't afford $1500 repair bill. this should be a recall item. | |||
| 01/15/2011 | 115000 | ||
| On a 2002 volvo s60, the driver's information module intermittantly blanks out rendering the vehicle with no speedometer and fuel gauge. the speedometer (and whole module) might not work for days. | |||
| 03/15/2010 | 90000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 volvo s60. while the vehicle was stopped as he accelerated to go forward the vehicle went into limb home mode. the contact stated the vehicle could only be driven at 5 mph. the contact pulled over to the side of the road turn the vehicle off and restarted it. the vehicle started as normal. the failure has occured 4 times. the vehicle has been taken to the dealer 3 times. the dealer has performed a software update, replaced the throttle modular, and replaced the mass air flow(s). the contact referenced recall 06v441000, vehicle speed control and was advised by the dealer that her vehicle was not part of the recall. the contact stated she paid for the repairs. the vehicle has been repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage 98,000. vwb | |||
| 10/10/2009 | 152000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 volvo s60. while driving approximately 45 mph the air conditioner was on and it stopped working. she stated the air conditioner started blowing outside air. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. the dealer advised her that the compressor and receiver dryer needs replacing. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vehicle was purchased used in october 2009. the approximate failure mileage was 152,000 and the approximate current mileage was 170,000. vwb | |||
| 04/19/2008 | 44445 | 1 | 08/10/2006 |
| On a car that is driven 7,500 miles per year, i just spent $1,068 to replace an alternator and $157.18 for a new battery because volvo refused to have a recall or cover their known failing alternators. this cause my car to fail on the 101 freeway and left me stranded in traffic on milbrae avenue. *tr | |||
| 09/29/2006 | 67644 | 2 | 12/01/2003 |
| Sep 29,2006 my wife was driving home and the car shut off as she was making a turn. she also noted the signal lights and dash lights were acting erratically. come monday we are scheduling a visit to the dealership. this appears to be a safety issue the reason being suppose she had been in highway traffic. *jb | |||
| 01/21/2006 | 58604 | 3 | 01/21/2006 |
| We purchased a 2002 volvo s60 1/21/06 at 1:30pm with 58542 miles on it and 62 miles later at 6:54pm we were having problems with the accelerator pedal not responding, the engine accelerating wildly and then no control over the engine as it has gone into a limp mode. we shut the car off for 10 minutes and started the car up and it drove normally so we could get home. upon getting home and shutting the car off, the problems occurred again and the computer dispalyed no codes when plugged into diagnostic equipment. the problem happened again 1/22/06 and we called the used car dealer to have them pick the car up and they took the vehicle to their garage and i was informed 1/23/06 that there is nothing in the computer and the car is running fine right now. i informed them of the etm warranty which should be a recall and they are going to contact langhorne volvo to see if the parts can be replaced free of charge. this is a safety issue that needs a permanent resolution and not an extended warranty.*ak | |||
| 10/19/2005 | 23477 | 5 | 08/31/2002 |
| My 2002 volvo s60 stalled about 3 times in the period of a few months during the spring of 2005. it occurred only while i was driving in stop and go traffic. i was able to restart the car. i took it into the volvo dealership. they ran all kinds of tests, but could find nothing wrong. they replaced the mass airflow sensor anyway on may 10, 2005 and the problem seemed to go away - until oct 6. it stalled again while i was at a stop light. on october 19, six driving days later (i travel out of town a lot for my job), it stalled again in stop and go traffic on the freeway. i know that you have had similar complaints about this, but not for a 2002 model. i thought that it was important to tell you about my problem as well. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2005 | 1 | ||
| Thought you may be interested in my volvo s60 story ... my volvo dealer returned my s60 12 months before the lease was up because of a recurring problem where my car would not accelerate and then it would stop completely. i lost count of the number of times this happened but when my 19 year old had this happen in the middle of a downtown area i could not live with this car any longer. the dealer tried to fix the vehicle to no avail. *nm | |||
| 07/13/2005 | 72000 | 6 | |
| Car stalls on deceleration. *jb | |||
| 08/02/2005 | 20000 | 1 | 06/05/2005 |
| Recently purchased 2002 volvo s60 for my daughter, certified used. she was driving and the car just stopped running, it died in the middle of the road. just read your article about 1999-2001 and thought you should check into all years. volvo said it is fixed, we pick it up tomorrow, however i am very concerned that this will happen to her again. purchased a volvo for safety, now i am very worried. *nm | |||
| 4 | 03/02/2003 | ||
| While driving at high speeds, the rear of the vehicle would spin if the vehicle was turned too far in either direction. the dealer could not determine the problem, but there was a lack of stability in the rear of the vehicle. *ak the control arm bushing was replaced. the consumer stated that the vehicle lost control,the console had failed, the locks had become inoperative, grinding noises would occur on sharp turns, and the vehicle would lose traction. *scc *jb | |||
| 08/15/2002 | 1 | 11/17/2001 | |
| 1) driver's seat shifts rearward on acceleration and shifts forward on braking. dealer has attempted to fix this problem 3 or more times, but it re-ppears shortly after repair. this is a safety issue.*ak 2) vehicle difficult to shift gears (manual transmission). gear changes are very 'jerky', the vehicle cannot be shifted smoothly. volvo recommends letting the clutch slip more, but this only masks the problem. 3) volvo acknowledges an electromagnetic radiation problem with this vehicle, but refuses to fix it. this is a safety issue. | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 12800 | 1 | 05/01/2002 |
| 2002 volvo s60 suddenly stopped on a busy two-lane highway/complete electrical power system failure/unable to re-start car/car towed to dealer/dealer able to restart car after car sat untouched on lot for several days/two different volvo dealerships looked at car and were unable to explain why failure occurred/(car also had to have brake sensor pad replaced because of intermitant cruise control failure and shifting column lock up; still experience poor am radio reception while recharging cell phone) | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 05/14/2002 | 2 | 05/01/2002 | |
| I purchased a 2002 volvo 2.4t at the volvo of cerritos in california on may 11, 2002. three days after i purchased the vehicle, the car began making a loud rattling noise in the mornings.i recorded the noise and took the car in to the volvo of cerritos. i spoke to the service department and explained the problem my car had been experiencing. after a few days they called and told me that the car had a defective alternator pulley. they replaced the part and returned the car to me after six days. on saturday, june 8th, the noise returned. i contacted the dealership and was instructed to bring my car in to the service department on monday, june 10th. i spoke to the general manager jaki warren and explained my situation to her again and requested that she look in to getting me a new vehicle since it had been at the service department two times in less than 30 days for the same defective reason. she said she would contact someone at the volvo corporation and get back to me. the general manager has not returned my call as she agreed to do so earlier this week on monday. i left the car there and did not receive a call from the service department regarding the status of my car until 3 1/2 days later, thursday, 3:00pm.the service director stated he had not been able to hear the noise but had ordered some parts for what he thought the problem might be. i found this hard to believe being that i had heard the noise on saturday, sunday, and monday. today he calls me at 5:00pm and tells me that he replaced the power steering pump! he said he heard the noise, yet it was not as loud as the first time. they thought that the power steering pump was causing the problem this time! this is absolutely absurd! my family's and my safety is at risk. yet this matter seems to be given no sense of urgency. i should not have to be experiencing this problem with a new 2002 vehicle under 300 miles.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 09/22/2004 | 2 | ||
| The vehicle's ignition fan remained lit after the vehicle was stopped. *bf the vehicle has been taken to the dealer but the found noting wrong. *nm | |||
| 01/09/2004 | 1 | ||
| Steering wheel froze and vehicle could not accelerate. towed to the dealer who found out that the cause was a defect in the axle. *la when the consumer managed to pull over and placed the vehicle into park, the vehicle continued to move. on a separate occasion, the ignition chip had to be changed because the vehicle would not start. | |||
| 01/09/2004 | 18700 | 1 | 10/11/2002 |
| The vehicle experienced problems with it's steering and gas pedal. when the vehicle was placed in park it continued to move. please provide any additional information. *nm the ignition chip had to be replaced, because the vehicle failed to start. while driving, the consumer was unable to control the vehicle, the vehicle would accelerate, the steering wheel was frozen and the windows were uncontrollably moving upward and downward, when the consumer placed the gear into park, the vehicle continued to move. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that there was a defect with the axle. *jb | |||
| 12/04/2003 | 1500 | 1 | 02/06/2001 |
| I have had many problems with the transmission, car will stall in traffic, car would not start at all. this car has been in service many many times. the problems persist. i have sent 9 emails to their head quarters since 12/5, no reply. *la | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 01/05/2003 | 11000 | 2 | |
| Bulb position failure error message. i have brought in the vehicle for service of this problem and was told that no bulbs were out and that they checked all of the connections and everything seemed fine. two weeks later the same error message is displaying again. seems many other people are having the same problem and volvo seems to be just brushing off the issue instead of trying to correc it. either there is an elecrical problem or a wiring harness problem. | |||