Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
04V451000VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.from 01/08/1998 to 05/12/1999V (Vehicle)14979911/29/2004MFRVOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.09/13/200409/20/2004
Defect SummaryOn certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, some electric cooling fans may overheat potentially causing heat damage and, in rare instances, a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence SummaryA fire in the engine compartment could occur.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the cooling fan. the recall began on november 29, 2004. customers should contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
NotesVolvo recall no. 141.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
02V096000VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.from 04/01/1998 to 05/31/1999V (Vehicle)2587604/01/2002MFRVOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.04/07/200204/15/2002
Defect SummaryOn some passenger vehicles, certain electric cooling fans could be inadequate in a hot climate. under certain circumstances, excessive heat could be generated.
Consequence SummaryShould this occur, the engine cooling fan components could overheat and cause the melting of electrical connections and adjacent components, increasing the likelihood of a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the engine cooling fan. owner notification began april 1, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
NotesCustomers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
25149C02/20/200625149C10019763Cleaning the crankcase ventilation. *ak04/26/2006
25149B02/20/200625149B10019762Checking crankcase ventilation system. *ak04/26/2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
14101/01/200510013850Excessive heat may be generated by the running of cooling fan. recall campaign 141 to inspect/replace engine cooling fan control module (efcm) and cooling fan assembly. *tt04/26/2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
004707/01/200210006112Oil pump attachment screws, copper washer installation. *tt04/16/2004
282408/21/2003282410003548Rough cold start. *tt10/23/2003
232210/15/200210000301Crank no start, no fuel pressure. *tt02/21/2003
225002509/01/2001010301626266Subject regarding oil delivery pipe, replacement. *yh12/13/2001
211404/11/2001619536Information on oil leakage from flywheel / flexplate, rear crankshaft. *tt06/14/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
874010/05/2001626901Subject regarding ,all model years, climate control module recirculation timer function. *yd12/19/2001
25002509/01/2001623985Subject regarding oil delivery pipe, replacement. *yd10/31/2001
282502/05/20012825620143Subject regarding b6304s / b6294s rough coldstart. *tt07/19/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - TURBO-CHARGER
25002503/01/2001619520Information regarding oil delivery pipe replacement for the turbocharger. *tt06/14/2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
282905/24/20012829621847Subject regarding mass air flow sensor replacement. *tt10/03/2001
282902/27/2001620144Subject regarding mass air flow sensor replacement. when replacing a mass air flow sensor (maf), especially when diagnostic trouble codes have been logged in memory, it is important to reset the engine management control unit (ecm) adapt07/19/2001
225001812/01/1999610419Information on replacing heated oxygen sensor (ho2s). *tt04/27/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
003111/01/200310005275New bracket in the sub-frame for mounting the catalytic converter. *tt02/18/2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV)
14902/20/2006149D10018801Warranty coverage should a customer epxerience a defect wit the etm system beyond the terms of the normal new car warranty. *tt troubleshooting electronic throttle system (ets). *tt checking crankcase ventilation system. *tt cleani01/17/2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
231408/14/20012314626098Information regarding purge valve, diagnostic information. *yh12/12/2001

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
06/06/2011186585
 Tl-the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. the contact stated the vehicle engine does not start. the vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous for the failure. the dealer replaced the battery, and the wiring harness. the repair did not correct the failure. the vehicle engine would not start. the failure mileage was 186,585 and the current mileage was 187, 642. li
11/01/201078600
 Tl-the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. while accelerating from a stop she felt a thump coming from the front drivers side wheel. the failure recurred whenever she accelerated from a stop or decelerated to a stop. she also stated while the vehicle was parked she examined the engine and noticed the insulation surrounding all of the wires was severely degraded. the vehicle was exhibiting a final failure in which it would intermittently have trouble shifting into 4th gear. while driving approximately 70 mph she decelerated to approximately 40 mph. once she attempted to again accelerate back to approximately 70 mph the vehicle would not shift out of 3rd gear. this failure recurred intermittently and the check engine light began to illuminate on the dashboard. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where she was informed her vehicle was not included in the recalls associated with nhtsa campaign id numbers 00v238000, suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint, 02v096000, engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan, and 06v441000, vehicle speed control. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 78,600 and the current mileage was 79,100. sm.
10/08/20091275001
 I just purchased a used 99 volvo, i am a mom of 4 and had heard volvo to be very safe reliable car. the car ran great for about 2 days, then the lights started coming on, engine system service required, and the vehicle would also stall for no reason. i took it to local volvo dealer, they say there was a recall on the message board, but if the light came on again it would need a new throttle module, cost of 1100. i left and came home and did some research, i have since found that the etm has been recalled on that year vehicle and they extended the warranty to 200,000 miles. i am very disappointed in the dealership that they would not inform me first hand and try to charge me. i have since contacted volvo llc and am awaiting a response. i have also learned that the stalling is considered limp home mode, which is suppose to be a safety feature, however i did not feel safe when the vehicle did it today driving on i285, in the center lane at 65 mph with my 2 year old in the car. after that experience i do not think i would ever recommend a volvo to anyone. *tr
04/26/20091780001
 I was driving on the highway and i felt a loss of power. i pulled over and the car shut down. i tried starting it but it backfired and stalled. it took me a while to find out what was going wrong. finally i unplugged the maf (mass air flow sensor) and drove back home with an extremely weak and dangerous car. i drove it like that for a few days. i had no choice because i had no other way to go to school. i changed the maf sensor but it didn't do much. i went to a local shop and had the throttle body cleaned. i could now drive with my maf plugged in but it wouldn't drive properly and would occasionally stall. i learned that volvo had alot of etm (electronic throttle module/body) failures on their s80's. so they issued a recall that they apparently have a hard time respecting. i went to a volvo dealership (volvo laval) one of the worst dealerships i've been through, by the way. the service manager didn't want to know nothing about my car and simply told me my warranty was over (although it was supposed to expire may 26th, it was actually may 19th that day, so i had a week left). he didn't want to know nothing about my situation and cut short and asked me and my friend to leave after insulting us. now my car stalls occasionally and has a rough idle. the dealership didn't even want to diagnose the car for free although it is a design mistake by volvo. i now have the choice of either spending 1600$+ on a throttle module or just drive my car and deal with the stalling. *tr
04/15/2009950001
 Volvo 1999 s80 - car went from 60 mph to 20 mph on freeway. told it was the electronic throttle body. also told it was a month out of the extended warranty. *tr
03/24/20091
 I own an 1999 volvo s80 (t6 turbo) several months ago the car developed a rough idle and engine surge when the rpms were below about 1200. i have had the car looked at by a volvo dealer and independent mechanics. no one has found the problem. the error codes that are being generated are inaccurate. replacing the indicated parts does not solve the problem. the most dangerous aspect of this problem is that when in reverse there is a significant engine surge at times. this creates a very unsafe situation because the surge is not predictable. significantly increased pressure on the brake pedal is required to keep the car under control while in reverse when this surge occurs. i strongly urge you to investigate this defect in the volvo s80 and take action to require a recall of these vehicles. *tr
12/04/2004600004
 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
01/10/200675000107/02/2003
 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
09/29/2005640001
 Engine miss firing and emission light on. later engine running good but cruise control would not work and text message 'engine system fix next service' with orange warning light on. took to volvo dealer and they replaced the etm for no charge. they kept the old part because they had replaced the original one. *nm
02/14/200353000301/29/2002
 Dt:the contact owns a volvo s80 vehicle. it intermittently stalled/ died, and lost power. the electronic throttle module failed and was cleaned three times. *ak the line seal and gasket were replaced due to an oil leak. the top engine torque arm was cracked. *jb
08/17/2004169836607/17/2002
 I own a 1999 volvo s80 which i drive for business purposes. on august 17, 2004 the vehicle stalled at highway speed. would barely run, even with full throttle. had vehicle towed to nearest volvo dealer, volvo of louisville, ky. they replaced throttle body . approx. 2 weeks later, had same occurrence. car stalled at highway speed. had vehicle towed to local dealer, century volvo huntsville, al. they examined it and could not find any problem. it was not malfunctioning for them. they kept vehicle for several days trying to duplicate problem. i had a similar occurrence again approx. 5 days later. instead of having vehicle towed again, the service rep suggested that the car might reset if left for 2-3 hours. i left car on roadside overnight and had my wife come pick me up. the next day i went back and the car drove fine. i had another occurrence at highway speeds on october 26, 2004. vehicle towed to royal volvo in birmingham. by the time they examined it, vehicle was no longer malfunctioning. they kept it running under load for several hours. there were no computer fault codes found that could have contributed to the problem. this is the same information that centrury volvo had found and advised me of earlier. i continued to drive the car with a lot of concern through the winter. it went several months with no problems. i had another occurrence in may 2005. i was able to make it home by allowing the car to sit for 20-30 minutes and then it would drive for a short distance before going bad again. at this time i parked the car and began driving my secondary vehicle (a 94 volvo 960). unfortunately, i was involved in an accident with this vehicle on july 29, 2005 which forced me to drive the 99 s80 again. it stalled out again today (second day driven). i've had it towed to century volvo in huntsville again. my salesman showed me an article in today's newspaper regarding this problem. *jb
08/02/200593780103/12/2005
 My 1999 s-80 volvo lost power temporarily while my wife was driving the vehicle in traffic. several of the cars warning lights came on including the transmission service required and brake service required immediately type messages. the volvo dealer just replace the abs module and several coil packets and spark plugs. a couple of old parts were left in the inside of the vehicle. we are not sure what the parts are. *jb
07/14/20051000001
 Car is stalling and idling irregularly. *jb
01/06/20056483210/24/2001
 Volvo s80 t6 1999. defective etm (throttle module or throttle unit). this module failed at only 64,000 miles and is not covered under volvo warranty. i understand this is happening to almosy every owner of this model year. i'm asking for volvo to cover the replacement cost (parts and labor). the failure of this unit could cause severe injury and/or death as the vehicle engine will die at any speed and anywhere without notice. the dealership replacement cost is over $1000.
12/15/200257000
 I purchased this volvo s 80 car as a second owner when it had 35,500 miles with 19,500 miles remaining on the 50,000 new car warrenty. the car had been serviced faithfully. at 57,00 miles the serpentine belt failed and the car quit. the car was towed to byers volvo,columbus,oh. the serpentine belt caused the timing belt to get out of time which caused all the intake valves to be be bent. i was advised that the serpentine belt was scheduled to be replaced at 60,000 miles and that since the car was out of warranty, that i should contact volvo of america. again i was told that even though the belt was not due to be replaced until 60,000 miles , the car was still out of warranty and since i did not purchase it from the volvo dealer, there was nothing they could do. i took the car to an independent garage and had the car repaired. i again contacted volvo and received the same response. i feel that since the belt that caused the problem was not supposed to be replaced for another 30000 miles that there was an implied warrenty and volvo should be held responsible.
12/15/19984000
 Car dies without warning at high speeds and low speeds, apparently volvo knows that there is a bad computer chip in many of the cars but does not admit to it because it costs $800 to replace the chip. i found this out from another volvo driver!
10/21/2003310003
 After stopping at a light or sign with foot on the brakes vehicle jumped forward several feet. also, when trying to pass another vehicle on the highway vehicle decelerated instead of accelerating, nearly causing an accident. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
04/01/2000109/01/2000
 The vehicle caught fire and burnt due to overheating. the consumer received recall (02v-096) notice after the vehicle had burnt. *yh
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
03/13/2006104/01/2004
 1999 volvo s80 t6 3/08/06 replaced transmission ( 75,000 miles) ( $4,800) 08/05 replace radiator 08/05 replaced etm 04 - replaced front suspension / sway bars / struts/ etc.. volvo under engineered the front end of this car and if you go to web blogs it is in almost every 1999 - 2000 s-80 vehicle... its disgusting that this car is allowed to continue or ford/ volvo isn't held liable...*jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
02/01/20081030001
 Twin turbo had to be replaced in february 2008. not cheap. but ever since then, there has been a lack of power and very sluggish on take off and when trying to pass on the highway. had the control valve replaced just recently, helped some, but still very sluggish. think the volvo dealer here have morons for service tech's. *tr
05/14/2006312/16/2001
 For the past year my check engine and urgent light have been popping on. i have to go to my machanic (who is volvo certified) to have them turn off. but the check engine light comes on more frequent now. for the past 6 months, when i start the car, it hesitates and runs rough, like it is going to stall. the first time this happened my machanic said it needed a tune up. today 10/19/06 i brought it to my macanic again, and they told me it was the throttle module and the 1999 s80 's are having all the same problems, and that i need to take it to an authorized dealer, before it gets worse. *nm
01/13/2006700005002/28/1999
 Dt*: the contact stated the abs, traction control, check engine, and total brake failure lights illuminate at different times. there is a noise that sounds as if the abs is activating. the vehicle has not been seen by the dealership or an independent repair shop. *nm
09/09/200575700102/20/2002
 On september 10, 2005 at approximately 2:30 pm, my engine abruptly stalled while traveling at highway speeds with cruise control engaged. i pulled the car off to the side of the road. it would not restart. upon each attempt to restart, the engine would actually run roughly for 1-2 seconds and then stall. i had the car towed about 35 miles to my volvo dealer. when it arrived, it started. this is the second time this has happened. the last time, the dealer found no problem. i am aware that volvo suspects the throttle body in these matters. mine has already been replaced! *nm
12/07/200334000205/24/1999
 My 1999 volvo s-80 t-6 suffers from a design flaw associated with the throttle body and engine warning light. the light is on all of the time. servicing does not clear the light, so i have begun to simply ignore the light. the throttle body has a problem where the engine runs properly for 20,000 then begins to oscillate upand down by 200-300 rmps at idle. this seems minor, but it almost caused a major accident yesterday. when slowing to a stop at a major intersection, the engine slowed to idle and then sped up just as i was about to come to a stop. the higher rpm caused the car to move into the intersection. if another car had been approaching, it would have struck my car. i asked my wife (this is her primary car)if she had experienced the same problem and she said she had several times. i went on the web and found that many volvo owners are experiencing the same rpm and engine light problems. i do not know if they have had the same near accident i did, but i must assume they have. have you received other complaints about this problem and has volvo been notified? i contacted volvo and they denied any problem. the words on the internet tell me they are mistaken. some one could get killed by this design flaw. *ak
09/12/20011
 The vehicle experienced low oil pressure, the dealer replaced the o-ring from the oil pump and oil pan top. the motor mount failed. nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
06/04/200573000102/20/2002
 Sudden loss of power and stalling of engine at highway speed. pulled car safely off road. car restarted. brought car to volvo dealer who could not find any problem. *nm
4002/01/2000
 Engine suffers complete shutdown at 30-40mph. occurs 3-4 times a week and has been happening for last 3-4 months. dealer can find no problem and has never heard of such a problem however i see several references to this exact problem at this database and also www.carreview.com. engine will restart with no problem however obviously when engine stops all power to braking and steering system is lost. always happens when coasting, typically down low grade, and taking a corner. i believe issue is tied to power steering, climate control and low rpm (or combo thereof) as at this speed the tachometer swings wildly between 400 and 1200 rpm though speed is steady (possible emission control issue).*ak
01/18/2002508/01/2099
 I have had several problems with this car. frame, engine, transmission and drive shaft, steering, and power locks. i have had the transmission replaced twice. i took it in for service 6 times before they repaired the problem. i have taken the car in with 8 bulb position light complaints, 3 steering complaints, 4 complaints regarding the check engine light coming on, and the most recent problem, the engine just quits while driving. i have been without this car for over 7 weeks this year alone. i am stuck between the dealer and the manufacturer. volvo has responded to my complaint that i filed with the new motor vehicle board by say, a volvo technical specialist and lawrence volvo's service tech have driven the estes' 1999 volvo s80 in excess of 500 miles and determined that no non-conformities exist. in an effort to demonstrate that we value the estes' as our customers, lawrence volvo will contact them to make a very fair offer to trade them into a new vehicle. i don't want another volvo. i want mine fixed or volvo can adjust the purchase price or buy it back. i recently received a recall notice on the car and now fear even more problems.*ak
 While backing into a parking space noticed vehicle was on fire. please provide further information.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
10/01/200620499201/20/1999
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds (15-75 mph) on normal road conditions with the cruise control engaged and after an extended ride from 45 to 90 minutes, all warning lights illuminated. the cruise control disengaged by it self and the engine hesitated. the vehicle was taken to the dealership twice, who performed a nhtsa recall #06v41000 which entailed upgrading the current software. however, the problem was not corrected either time, the lurch/stall problem continued. the dealership and the manufacturer coincided the replacement of the air flow control and the abs control unit was not covered by the vehicle's extended warranty, eventhough those replacement corrected the problem. the contact was very concerned because the recall did not solve the dangerous problem. updated 12/28/2006 - *nm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
12/01/2006201/20/1999
 1999 s80 stalled/surged at 20,000 miles at the time. *ts the consumer stated whenever the stalling occurred, the cruise control would go out, and at highway speeds the engine would start to run in an uneven/hesitation mode. the problem was much worse at lower speeds. the dealer installed two software updates at different times which did not fix the problem. finally, the problem was fixed when the airflow sensor and the abs control unit was replaced. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV)
07/29/200551928105/19/2005
 Dt;vehicle stalled/lost power, and operated on reduced speed. pcv failed and was replaced. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
12/04/2004600004
 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
07/08/2005142000111/01/2002
 Dt: contact states: on 7-8-05 while driving at 25 mph the consumer heard a sputtering, and all of a sudden there was a burst of black smoke coming from the fuel pipe. had vehicle towed to the dealer., who could not duplicate the problem. *ak