Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 3724 | 10/22/2002 | 3724 | 10000306 | Cem fault tracing. *tt | 02/21/2003 |
| 250023 | 07/01/2001 | 620880 | This service bulletin describes how to clean the electronic throttle module (etm) bore. *tt | 09/04/2001 | |
| 390025 | 07/01/2001 | 390025 | 620884 | This service bulletin explains how to fault trace sources electrical interference with the am radio for 2001 v70, xc70 and 1999 s80 model vehicles. *tt | 09/04/2001 |
| 1713 | 02/24/2000 | 610432 | This bulletin mentions that several changes have been to the electrical system on some vehicles as well as different terminology used to describe the various production week changes. *tt | 04/28/2000 | |
| 3370007 | 10/01/1999 | 6089474 | Experiencing possible diagnostic trouble code for misfire; tachometer needle fluctuates; engine difficult to start. *tt | 02/03/2000 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||||
| 3202 | 05/09/2005 | 10016648 | Alternator charging problems. *sc | 09/26/2005 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES | |||||
| 0007 | 10/01/2001 | 280011 | 626972 | Positive battery cable, new routing. *yd | 02/04/2002 |
| 3370007 | 10/01/2001 | 011099 | 626807 | Subject regarding new routing for positive battery cable. *slc | 12/18/2001 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER | |||||
| 6405 | 10/22/1998 | 603041 | Subject on key lock cable inspection / connect. *yc | 01/27/1999 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| 2280011 | 10/01/2001 | 626912 | Information regarding long cranking/tach jumping/misfire dtc. *yh | 12/19/2001 | |
| 2823 | 08/17/2001 | 2823 | 626280 | Information regarding oscillating torque during acceleration. *yh | 12/13/2001 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||||
| 8721 | 10/22/1998 | 604459 | Subject regarding ecc software upgrade - function id: 207. *tt | 06/27/2000 | |
| 3403 | 12/10/1998 | 604587 | Service campaign - regarding software download procedures. *tt | 06/27/2000 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 1999 volvo s 80. consumer states problems with the transmission and electrical problems *tgw the consumer stated while driving, the interior dashboard and overhead lights began to dim and then returned to normal light levels on a repeated basis. there were a couple of incidents, where the vehicle would lunge forward without applying pressure to the accelerator and at times would almost come to a complete stall. the consumer stated he also had problems accelerating as he entered the interstate on entrance ramps due to what appeared to be stalling of the engine. the vehicle completely stalled. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop and it was determined the etm had failed and needed to be replaced. the repair shop informed the consumer about a recall and extended warranty. however, when the consumer contacted volvo, he was told his vehicle was updated in august 2008 and they wouldn't assist any further. *jb | |||
| 01/29/2004 | 57242 | 1 | |
| Volvo s80 1999 - i have had 3 instances of the car lurching forward for no apparent reason when i am coming to a stop. in all 3 cases the throttle body assembly required replacement. each time i thought the problem was corrected for good. the first occurrence was in 04, then 05, and now again in 09. i was lead to believe that the design had been changed and the problem corrected. i have been fortunate that when this happened i did not hit anyone or crash into anything. i feel that this is a serious problem and no effort has been made by volvo to correct the problem. *tr | |||
| 03/23/2009 | 118000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. the vehicle shut off in the middle of the road while traveling at an unknown speed. there was no power and the vehicle failed to move when the accelerator pedal was depressed. the contact must wait for a couple of minutes and then depress the accelerator pedal before the vehicle would start. the dealer stated that the failure was due to the electronic throttle system software. the volvo manufacturer stated that they would not repair the vehicle because it was out of warranty. the failure mileage was 118,000. | |||
| 12/04/2004 | 60000 | 4 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to slow down and the abs and engine indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the trollis system needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred two weeks later. the vehicle was taken to the dealer again and they stated that the central module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle needed to be taken back to the dealer for further inspection. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 97,000. updated 1/8/09 *cn the ball joint needed to be replaced, the heating system, throttle systems, engine cooling fan and the master cylinder all failed. the vehicle would accelerated on its own. the vehicle stalled on several occasions. the steering made a noise when it was turned. the dealer lubricated the steering. the dealer stated the vehicle needed an o2 sensor. the ignition switch was replaced. the inner tie rods were replaced. 01/14/09. *jb | |||
| 03/20/2007 | 99769 | 1 | 10/01/1999 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. while driving 55 mph, the check engine light illuminated with a message stating transmission service urgent. the dealer stated that the valve body was faulty and there was mechanical failure with the transmission. the vehicle has not been repaired and the check engine light remains illuminated. the contact felt there may be a defect with the software. the current mileage is 100,255 and failure mileage was 99,769. | |||
| 01/03/2007 | 70000 | 8 | |
| This car has several recurring problems that i have never seen on any car before. 1) electronic throttle has been replaced 2 times as well as oxygen sensors. 2) suspension parts replaced 3 times, ball joints, struts, strut mounts, frame bushings. the car still squeaks. *jb | |||
| 03/28/2006 | 2 | ||
| I was driving on i95, i was in the middle lane and my car started losing power. i had to get all the way to the break down lane and shut off my car for a few minutes. i started the car up and it seemed to be fine but about 5 minutes later it did it to me again and completely lost power. i called my mom and told her about what happened and she told me that the same thing happened to her when she was on her way home from work the day before and when she went on the highway as well. luckily i wasn't in heavy traffic so it was easy for me to get into the breakdown lane if not i would have been stuck in the middle lane or god forbid gotten into an accident. i called the volvo dealership next to my house and made an appointment for tuesday morning i told him my problem and he told me that i have to bring in the car for a diagnostic check. i'm pretty sure my car will be covered under that new extended warranty of 10 years/200,000 miles but i'll have to wait and see. *jb | |||
| 11/02/2005 | 71129 | 1 | |
| Vehicle defect make: volvo year: 1999 model: s80 nature of problem: check engine light is on and volvo technician diagnoses the problem as a defective electronic throttle control module which i found later to be a common problem with volvos. the dealership estimated the repair to be $850 plus the cost of the diagnosis ($82.00). i refused to authorize the repair and sought alternatives. presently, the car's check engine light is still on and the car idles roughly and suffers from poor gas mileage but continues to start and run. as this is an apparent problem with volvos as i was told by other mechanics, i felt that this defect should be the responsibility of volvo rather than myself. *jb | |||
| 10/16/2005 | 110000 | 10 | 08/01/2005 |
| Car has on numerous occasion lost complete power and will basically just idle. this has happened both will starting from a dead stop as well as at highway speeds. this on several occasions has almost resulted in accidents due to high traffic volume at the time of failure. car is currently at shop for repair with estimate over $1000. *jb | |||
| 09/02/2005 | 50605 | 2 | 08/26/2005 |
| I purchased a 1999 volvo s80 on august 30, 2005. within 2 weeks of ownership, the car would race at a stop sign, while i applied the brakes. the next day, it ran rough in my drive way while it idled. i took it directly to the volvo dealer in memphis. they told me i needed a etm and air flow meter. these were replaced at a cost to me of $848.21 parts and labor. *nm | |||
| 09/02/2005 | 3 | ||
| Faulty electronic throttle module (etm) on 1999 volvo s80 t6 on a replacement part. car has stalled numerous times on open highway result in a severe safety situation. the mileage on the car is only 43,000 despite being a 6 year old vehicle. the original etm was determined faulty and a replacement unit was put in on september 19, 2002. independent volvo repair dealer has determined that the replacement unit has failed again despite only having 17,000 miles put on the car since being replaced in 2002. *jb | |||
| 08/30/2005 | 60 | 2 | 08/14/2004 |
| On two separate occasions my vehicle engine has lost speed and engine has stalled without warning. car has been repaired by local car dealership once and is once again in the shop for possibly the same problem. while driving at 60 mph on the freeway with my 3 children in cabin there was a very strong odor of gas followed my a sudden engine shutdown today. i am very grateful and blessed i wasn't hit from the back this would have been very, very disastrous to my family.*jb | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 9999 | ||
| The abs module has failed in my car and according to my mechanic and all over the internet the modules continually break and cost around 700 dollars to repair each time. when this module does not work is causes problems with steering power, transmission shifting (will not down shift and causes car to stall), brake failure warnings, and no abs. the problem is intermittent while driving, but there is always one system not working or more. | |||
| 08/02/2005 | 91000 | 10 | 08/15/2000 |
| Initial problem occurred after vehicle was running for about 15 minutes. after stopping at a traffic light, vehicle would only accelerate to 20 mph. only after turning off the engine for 5-10 minutes would vehicle resume normal performance - then would repeat problem after running a few minutes. dealer service has replaced a computer module which controls this function. i have learned this is a common problem in volvos. mine is a 1999 s80. *jb | |||
| 04/12/2004 | 1 | 09/15/2002 | |
| 1999 volvo s80 t6-multiple failures of etm (5 failures, replaced 4 etms total). car would go into limp home mode, check engine light would go on. very dangerous and frustrating. the etm also has failed on wife's 2001 v70 xc one time around 80k miles. i no longer own the s80; too unreliable, a complete joke givens volvo's reputation for safety!*jb | |||
| 10/19/2004 | 63777 | 1 | 04/12/2000 |
| 1999 volvo s80-t6 has had a multitude of problems latest event the engine quit while driving down the highway. was able to get car to side of the road. could not be restarted. transported vehicle 150 miles to dealer. because we had had so may problems with the vehicle - $3000.00 within a three month period culminating in this event, the dealer gave us the parts and labor ($1500.00 in this case.) *jb | |||
| 07/31/2005 | 79000 | 12 | 10/27/2002 |
| Dt : when attempting to accelerate the tachometer will jump up and drop down, it looses power when trying to increase speed. this started on july 31, 2005. took vehicle to a volvo mechanic ,and could not pinpoint the problem. however, thought it had something to do with the air intakes. *ak the electronic throttle module was replaced. the consumer also has trouble accelerating onto the highway. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2004 | 50000 | 2 | 11/01/2001 |
| Etm problem was diagnosed by dealer after surging engine at idle and then engine failure. we paid $850 to replace this and now 13 months and 13000 miles later the new part has also failed. they will not cover the part because it has been over 12 months since repair. i have no confidence in spending another (now $950) for another etm that is destined to fail again risking accident/death for my family depending on when it decides to fail. | |||
| 08/26/2003 | 4600 | 4 | 11/30/1998 |
| 1999 volvo s80 engine cut out on highway first 6 mos of new vehicle ownership. ongoing problems with service engine light, numerous attempts by lee volvo to repair, engine has cut out three additional times over last three months despite $1400 spent with lee volvo. this car was to have a new fan recall notice 02v096/volvo recall no. 110. *nlm | |||
| 02/10/2003 | |||
| When vehicle is idling all lighting on the vehicle(interior and exterior) slightly dims every couple seconds. an annoyance the dealer(annapolis volvo) says is an anomaly that is inherent in this model and cannot be fixed. i disagree and am confident that a $38k car can be made without flickering lighting. dealer refuses to address this further. calls to volvo usa went unreturned. all of the 6 other cars i've owned don't have flickering lighting. | |||
| 04/03/2001 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced a no start condition due to a faulty battery, the sensor in the vehicle is also faulty and as a result, the vehicle main computer is not working and is causing messages on the message board to display in error. nlm | |||
| 1 | 07/01/1999 | ||
| Electrical system malfunctioned, causing lighting on dash/ windshield wipers and power windows to be inoperable.*ak the vehicle had bent brake calipers failure, head light failure, broken mirror switch. the door remote failed. the consumer wants the dealer to take the vehicle back at no cost. *yh | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 02/10/2003 | |||
| When vehicle is idling all lighting on the vehicle(interior and exterior) slightly dims every couple seconds. an annoyance the dealer(annapolis volvo) says is an anomaly that is inherent in this model and cannot be fixed. i disagree and am confident that a $38k car can be made without flickering lighting. dealer refuses to address this further. calls to volvo usa went unreturned. all of the 6 other cars i've owned don't have flickering lighting. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 11/25/2002 | 61189 | 2 | 09/07/2001 |
| While driving, i suddenly lost power/acceleration in my vehicle. my check engine light also came on. i turned the car off, but could not restart it. my vehicle was towed to my local volvo dealership. diagnosis - replace throttle body and download software (etm). because my vehicle was past the original manufacturer's warranty, i had to pay for the reparis since the extended warranty did not specifically list these defects . . . $815 parts and labor. approximately 1 year 3 months later, i began experiencing the same problems as in 2002 which volvo diagnosed as a throttle body failure; however i have have been able to start my car, but with some trouble. non-warranty repairs are covered for only 1 year. i called the warranty company to see if they could help me out. the warranty company knew of the defect from previous other complaints, and they told me to try to work out a deal with volvo (which didn't happen). on september 11, 2002, i took my vehicle into volvo because my engine fluctuated while idling. the interior lights flickered as the idle surged. volvo diagnosed the problem as an ignition coil failure. parts and labor cost me $250. i took the car in again on september 16, 2002 (5 days later) with the same problem. i requested a fuel filter check/replacement, but volvo diagnosed the problem with the throttle body. the checked and cleaned the throttle body. this happened, of course, just 2 months before complete failure of the throttle body. i've spent over $1000 for mis-diagnosis and an defective part that volvo and their warranty company have known about for several years. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 07/12/2003 | 1 | ||
| Had taken my s80 to the volvo dealership a number of times complaining of engine hesitation and stalling. volvos diagnostic computer system vadis output codes clearly showed default codes indicating a faulty module. the service manager at this steadfastly refused to replace the module due to cost. i warned him of the potential consequences of trying to operate this vehicle with unreliable engine firing and the associated stalling that occurs without warning. i expressed my concerns to him about the danger that this problem presented for me and other vehicles which i had experienced during previous stallings. unfortunately, after tremendous research and a number of phone calls before i could bring this info to bear to force the dealership to honor their warranty i experienced a stalling event while driving on the expressway which lead to a single car accident,resulting in a total loss of my car. *nm | |||
| 09/24/2005 | 66000 | 4 | 08/12/2005 |
| Vehicle surges in rpm while driving,vehicle started by no acceleration warning light on engine malfunction. shut off while driving. *nm | |||
| 06/10/2005 | 1 | 03/07/1999 | |
| Re:1999, s-80,t-6 volvo. saw an ap article in my local paper today re complaint investigation. i experienced virtually all of the same problems cited in the article. namely stall w/o warning, from a stop,step on gas and barely would move(like slipping clutch on a manual transmission) , had numerous incidents where i felt vulnerable and unsafe in traffic, loss of power steering etc. sounds very much like these other complaints. at same time i had lots of incorrect readouts on dash panel. i complained to dealer who said this all could be related to the abs control module which was replaced at cost of $825.00. old part was not given back to me. of note is that during the same repair a belt was replaced which they did give back to me, but not the module. mileage was only 61,376. this module did solve the problem however i am now getting another goofy readout that dealer says could be a defective module. current mileage is 61779. i did not think that failures of this type should occur at such low mileage. at the time i asked if there was a recall for this and was told no. i am not happy with this situation and ii do suspicion that a defect exists. *jb | |||
| 09/02/2002 | |||
| Computer failed excessively resulting in intermittent working of sunroof/ air conditioning, and power windows. also vehicle stalled frequently.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 09/08/2005 | 147000 | 1 | 02/02/1999 |
| 1,2) volvo s80 stalled while my wife was driving 60 mph in rush hour interstate highway traffic. car lost power, would not accelerate, power steering lost; she got the car to the side of the road just in time before a one-lane construction barrier; otherwise, traffic would have been backed up for miles for a long time (there was no turn around available for tow-truck in this part of the interstate, the tow-truck would have had to back up the highway or try to make it up the grassy divider embankment to get to her stalled car. luck was on her side; no injuries, and no blocked traffic-this time. 3) car towed to volvo dealer, where it restarted. the dealer service department could not find the source of the problem, reset sensors and replaced a vacuum hose. i am concerned that this car has a defective etm valve and that the car is still a danger to drive.*jb | |||
| 09/13/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1998 | |
| Engine wiring harness was cracking and falling apart, leaving wires unprotected against engine and raditor. dealership replaced all of the plastic wiring harness parts. *ak *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 01/10/2006 | 75000 | 1 | 07/02/2003 |
| Transmission problems causing dangerous driving conditions. the transmission slips when going between 2nd and 3rd. also had issues with the engine going to 700 rpms when going 65 mph. this is just one of the many problems. the solenoid went out in the transmission about 13000 miles ago. currently i have three different error codes transmission service urgent, low oil pressure stop engine asap, and emission service required. i have read many other people have the same problems i have had. nm | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1999 | |
| Underhood wiring harness is protected from heat/elements by a convoluted tubing. the convoluted tubing has become very brittle, turned to powder and fallen off the harness leaving the harness unprotected. volvo is apparently using a tubing plastic underhood that cannot withstand heat! the wiring harness on my car is now left unprotected and will likely suffer premature failure similar to every other major system on this car. | |||
| 08/13/2000 | 02/01/1999 | ||
| Car was parked. fire started under hood. appears to be an electrical short. car was considered a total by the insurance co. | |||