Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-66
3 service visits in 5 weeks - all for different items! This is on a 2000 S80 T6 with 48000 miles. At one time I called this car the "Volvo Valdez", since it leaked oil so badly. Almost every seal in the oil system was replaced, after 3 trips to the dealer. The ABS module was replaced about 2 weeks ago, front strut mounting were replaced, etc... etc... etc...
And the dealers don't have a clue about service. Volvo of Dallas is closer to my house, but after terrible experiences, I won't go there. Point West is much better, but it's a 35 mile drive. Overall, I get better service from my local Ford dealer.
The sad thing is my wife loves this car. It's been her favorite car. But with the warranty about to expire, we can't afford to keep it running. So I'm shopping for a replacement. Anyone want a Volvo?
Hi.
Am am the owner of a 1999 S80-T6. Literally quite from the day we purchased it, it has been a horrible vehicle. Its greatest assets are the safety (never tested, thankfully) and strength of the structure (doors, etc). After all these years the doors still shut nice. The upgraded stereo is probably the best I've ever heard.
However, build quality is abysmal. If I were to list everything broken, repaired (or not) it would probably get this email denied due to size :)
We've had every possible thing break. Electric seats, radio, center channel speaker, interior trim, roof trim, windows, window trim, suspension front and rear, dashboard pieces, exterior gas door fell off, etc., etc... The engine has had serious problems, oil leaks, turbo problems, throttle body replaced multiple times. The tranny has had problems (many, but never caused it to be changed) and I understand this tranny is updated in the newer models (more gears, etc).
The car has left us stranded in the middle of nowhere multiple times. The dealership suffers from a perpetual inability to either diagnose and resolve problems, or simply the attention to detail to implement fixes either correctly or without causing other problems.
These are, but a short list. While we remain attracted to the design (as above), I think we're idiots for continuing our ownership of this car. Compared to an Audi A6 or BMW 530 (equivalent prices), this car's resale is way out of whack. Additionally, (and where we went wrong) don't fall in love with this car without driving others. It has tremendous torque steer, sloppy suspension, etc. A6 and 530 (and I'm sure Lexus) drive circles around it.
I purchased this car coming from a family where we owned generation after generation of Volvo. I'm done. This single car has destroyed any owner loyalty I had. I've had many storybook-horrible dealer experiences. I will never, ever, purchase a Volvo again and seriously recommend you research your purchase before committing to this brand. They are NOT the same manufacturer that they used to be.
Very interesting thread. I'm the unhappy owner of a 1999 T6, with only 93,000 km (approx. 58,000 miles) and while I haven't (thankfully) suffered some of the problems I see listed here, I can certainly verify the existence of ONGOING FRONT-END PROBLEMS:
At approx. 59,000 km, replaced two front link rods.
At approx. 65,000 km, replaced power steering pump.
At approx. 78,000 km, replaced two front shock absorbers.
At approx. 83,000 km, replaced link rod, inner tie-rod end, engine mounts.
At approx. 92,000 km, replaced lower right front ball joint.
And today, about 1,000 km later, the steering is making the sorts of noises that tell me it's time to take it back in for another look-see! At this point, I only hope that nothing catastrophic occurs while I'm at speed: Not, I suspect, the kind of thoughts that Volvo would like going through its owners' heads!
Add a battery replacement at 24,000 km, a new ABS module at 60,000 km, a new power-steering fluid reservoir, and the fact that I've basically given up on the AM radio reception in any city...
... and you've got someone who's going back to an Acura or Toyota product as soon as my extended warranty expires! Previous to this one Volvo experience, I had an Acura and - before that - 4 Toyotas... all of which ran, basically without any major problems, until their bodies rusted out!
I tell people if they're going to buy a Ford-made Volvo, they need to buy two, so one's always available while the other is being puzzled over at the shop!
Wow! Reading all of these comments has really been an eye-opener since I was beginning to wonder if I was being overly sensitive to my Volvo's problems. I bought a 1999 S80 2.9 when they first came out and was truly happy until I hit the 60K mark. The styling was great, the radio was superb, and the seats were the most comfortable of any car I had owned. To date I have replaced the front struts, the sway bar, parts of the A-frame, the ball joints, sunroof motor, door lock control, and more bulbs than I care to remember. In addition my car required $500 worth of engine work to replace a 50 cent gasket that failed between the oil pump and engine block. I'm now at almost 100K miles and the idle is rougher than before and very erratic, and the transmission is doing some funny things. It's really a shame that I still love the look and comfort of this car, but I will have to give it up soon. No wonder people flock to Lexus, even though they are not as exciting to look at. I have decided that the waiting room at my Volvo dealer isn't exciting to look at either, so I may have to sacrifice some style for reliability.
Jim Hinsdale, IL.
I have a 1999, S80 T6.
I bought the car with 35,000 miles. The car now has 90,000 miles.
The vehicle is serviced by a Volvo Dealer every 3000 to 3500 miles.
The replacement tally is as follows:
Steering hoses replaced to correct leaks.
Turbo oil returns replaced to correct leaks.
Front rotors replaced @ 37,000 along with front and rear brake job.
CD player replaced at 38,000.
Headlight Hi/Low beam switch replaced at 80,000.
Comments: I love this car, but am worried as the transmission clunks and whines now, but the dealership is in no hurry to repair it.
This car reminds me of the AUDI's in the late seventies. You either got a great one, or a maintenance nightmare.
Compared to other owner reports, I feel fairly lucky.
I wish I had found this site two years ago, but at least I know that my love - hate relationship with my 1999, Volvo S80 T6 is not unusual.
I bought the car with about 75,000 kms (46,000 miles) in November 2002, and the first six months would attest to the other person's comments about buying 2 Ford made Volvos at once. The tranny was reprogrammed 3 times before they found a leak in the intake manifold which caused a lag in the engine. Front end ball joints replaced - twice. Brake booster replaced ($900). Front bumper keeps coming unattached from the clips in the wheel wells. AM radio - does it actually exist on this car? Not in Toronto.
Currently the car needs suspension work - again.
And the warning sensors can drive one crazy. My emission light has been on almost for the full 2 years I have owned the car, and the dealer just keeps turning it off. BUT my dealer has gone above and beyond for everything.
Sad really, no car compares in comfort. Great back seat for 3 kids. Sound system is terrific.
So service has been great, but the reliability of the car is lacking.
Toronto.
2000 S80 T6.
I Just purchased this vehicle, and I have to say is that the interior and the horsepower and torque are amazing. Next to that will have to be the safety of this car. Beside that this car is a piece of expensive junk. I drove it from the dealer back to my house which is roughly about 25 miles. Then guess what; I saw my first warning light, which stated position light needs to be replaced. Then I drove it to my insurance company to add it to my policy the second message popped up along with the service light. It stated transmission service. Took it back to the dealer and ran a diagnostic which cost me 155.00. The result came back as the transmission failed already. I personally have owned from Honda to Toyota to Acura, and even a Ford. This has to be one of the most disappointing cars I have ever owned especially for its price tag. I strongly recommend that you skip Volvo and make your decision wisely.
Andy
Oakland, CA.
I currently own a 2000 Volvo S80 T6. I will agree with most that the comfort is unbeatable. I have owned it for just about a year and am now starting to see the little things, suspension, alternator, steering, brakes, turbo oil leak. The suspension, I replaced the shocks and springs along with the ball joints, and have not had a problem since. The turbo leaks I also fixed, major pain in the rear, but should not leak any more. Brakes, well I drive like a race car driver so oh well. The steering does not seem to be right, I plan on putting a different pump (non Volvo/Ford) to see if that helps. The downfall to all this is, this car (when working correctly) drives better than any other car in its class. I have driven the BMW 528, Lexus, Acura and Mercedes. The Volvo is far more comfortable and roomy. However, even though I do love this car, it is time to look elsewhere. The new 2004 Acura TL is a pretty cool car.
I own a 2000 S 80 Volvo with 60,000 miles on it. It is the worst car I have ever owned. My family has owned only Volvos for the past 25 years. I have had to replace the coolant fan, the ABS unit, the mounts, the radio, all the electrical systems, the engine seals, the automatic door locks, and now my transmission is slipping. I am enraged with the Volvo company. I would like to know how the company can get away with such defective workmanship. My sister and brother own the same car and they are having the same problems. I will never buy another Volvo and I am telling as many people to get the word out to the public.
Hello All.
I have a nightmare! I own the Volvo s80 2.9 for the past two years. Like most of you I purchased it when it had 38000 miles on it. I heard some serious knocking on the right side of my car took it to the dealer they told me it was the brakes. They replaced the brakes for 400.00 two weeks late the noise was back again this time they told me it was the wheel bearings another 350.00. Guess what this is the third time now they say it's the struts. $600.00 But they aren't sure if that will get rid of the loud noise that I hear when I'm driving down the road. The bad part of this story it's only one Volvo dealer in the Indianapolis Area.
I would like to thank all who have added comments on the S80
I too had fallen in love with it's looks, power and handling.
Lucky for me I found this site before I bought it.
Thanks again.
Keith.
My 2000 S80 2.9 Volvo with 56K has an emission light and check engine light on for the past 6 months. They've replaced my temperature sensor gauge and the throttle module, around $1200.00. O2 sensors test OK (another pricey item). I went to 3 different mechanics looking for a solution. The last mechanic went to the Volvo dealership and was told the car is a piece of junk, the year 2000 and below have many electrical/computer problems and cannot find the resolution to these problems. While sitting in the dealership waiting area everyone seems to have the same problem and everyone replaces the same parts without finding a resolution. I too would like to know how the dealerships and manufacturer can go without finding a solution to our problem. This car needs a serious recall. I've owned Volvo's and other foreign cars in the past and I will definitely not buy another Volvo again. I've made it a point to tell everyone I come in contact with about all my problems with Volvo. I guess I'll be going back to a BMW.
I too am a owner of 2000 s80 t6 have had nothing, but problems.Of course everything it states in the 8 year warranty is not covered when it comes time to fix it. Hate the car. Sure its safe because you can't drive it anywhere.
I have a 1999 Volvo S80 T6 it's all about problems this car never, but I like this junk because you end up fixing it for big $$$$ and you'll never find a solution about the problems on this car. The throttle body is not good and they can not find the problem's on this car.
We're not talking about a few isolated cases with the S80. The deficiencies arise from design, build, and parts quality issues. The President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, Mr. Hans-Olov Olsson freely acknowledged, “the Volvo S80 - which we did have problems with in the US”, and further "the fact is that we lost concentration - our concentration on quality. Instead we focused on short-term profitability, which had a serious impact on our quality results". When the president of a company makes such statements in official releases, it is solely because the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.
Of even more significance than the reliability and quality gaps that occurred with this model was Volvo's response to customer problems with the cars in the field. Volvo clearly understood that there were serious and significant defects in design, build, and parts for this car, and had the opportunity to conduct a dealer service campaign to upgrade and repair known problems as is routinely done by responsible manufacturers to safety-net customers from the manufacturer's mistakes. To do so would have inflicted an even more severe blow to short-term profitability, and they apparently decided that they would save more money by losing customers who paid $40-45K to buy Volvo’s flagship model, than the return on investment from repeat purchase revenue from those customers. No customer looking to buy an upscale car should be encouraged to do business with a manufacturer that makes business decisions like this.
If owning this car is a bad dream, then trying to get out from under it is a bloody nightmare. No Volvo dealer will touch one of these cars because they can't get rid of the new ones let alone a used one. The 45K paragon of virtues the dealer sold me, turned into a 5K, "sorry, but the word is out on the S80, so we won't put it on our lot", when I tried to get out of it. Two other dealers offered the same advice.
Folks the only thing that we can do as consumers is to tell absolutely anyone who will listen, the tale of the poor quality and non-existent product support Volvo offers.
I carry copies of a summary of my car's service history along with original service repair orders, and copies of consumer reviews like this one. When people inquire about my license plate frame that reads "My Volvo is Garbage", it provides me the opportunity to share my ownership experience. Invariably the folks who inquire, do so because they are actively considering the purchase of a Volvo vehicle. I'm pleased to report that I've managed to actively dissuaded twenty three people to date who were grateful and relieved to get information from someone who actually owned the car and helped them to avoid making the same mistake.
Most of the early purchasers of S80's were lifelong Volvo owners like me. Not cross-over customers that were coming out of a BMW or an Audi.
Suffering in silence only confirms to Volvo that their decision to not fix these cars and abandon their most loyal customers was the right decision.