1999 Volvo S80 from North America - Comments

Constant electronic/mechanical problems.

Struts replaced @ 73,000 miles

Throttle body replaced @ 74,000 miles

Alternator replaced @ 75,000 miles

Oxygen sensor on the horizon.

This vehicle was suppose to be our "reliable" car. We both own cars from the 60's & 80's & bought this modern luxury based on the reputation of Volvo & their "high mileage" club thinking it could be our "road trip" car . As it turns out, it is the least reliable car I've ever owned & fits better into a "high cost of owning" club. We have spent more on this car in the last 10 month than both the other cars we own in the last 2 years! There is constantly a warning light of some sort on in the vehicle regardless of whether or not we have it serviced at the dealer or specialist.

We purchased a brand new Volvo S80 from a Volvo dealer in May, 1999. We have had the following problems with the car.

1. At about 10,000 miles, the right front wheel bearing failed. It was replaced under warranty.

2. Just before the conclusion of the warranty (30,000 miles) the engine started to miss fire and run rough. The car was serviced under warranty, (a coil was replaced) but the car had to be returned for further service because the problem reoccurred. The service performed was the replacement of an injector.. The problem resurfaced a few hundred miles later and the warranty had expired. Because the problem was a preexisting one, the dealer agreed to continue working to solve the problem. After about three days, the car was returned to us and the engine has been performing well. The repair was to move the cables in the ignition harness. The car was in the shop a total of 5 days to resolve this problem.

3. At about 40,000 miles, a severe thumping sound developed when the car was riding on a bumpy surface. Various suspension parts had failed and replaced at a cost of over $800.

4. An ABS warning light comes on occasionally. The service manager advised us that this indication was for a failure in the ABS system and would not affect normal braking. He suggested that, unless the warning appeared frequently, we should not undertake any repair because the replacement of the ABS unit would be very expensive.

5. At about 50,800 miles the turn signals stopped operating. The steering wheel module had to be replaced at a cost of $340.

I own a 99 S80 T-6 and it has also been a nightmare. I have owned 8 Volvo's before this one and they were great! This one (when running) is a true blast to drive. Lots or power and sails down the highway. However, in the last 25 days it's been drivable 6 days. A cam sensor put it out first, had to be ordered. Two days later the throttle sensor (gas pedal) went, had to be ordered. Next day the battery shorted, had in stock, Great news! 2 days later O2 sensor failed, they had it in stock also. Next day the throttle body failed, has to be ordered.

What has happened to the Volvo? Did the Ford thing kill them? It seems they don't much care about the people that have been with them for years. I am really bothered that I will have to think hard before I buy another one.

1999 Volvo S80, buying this car was one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made. Constant repairs that costs thousands of dollars over the past 5 years. Currently as I write this it is in the shop getting the throttle module replaced for $600. and $300. labor! At a book value of $6K it doesn't make sense, but who would take it for a trade in sputtering in with messages flashing. I have absolutely had it with Volvo. JB.

I own a 2000 S80 T6. Bought it with 41,000 miles certified. The warranty ran out at 100,000 miles. I am currently approaching 119,000 miles. I cannot even recall how many times the car was serviced under warranty. My car was serviced so many times by the dealership that Volvo would require that a factory representative inspect the vehicle and approve the warranty service before allowing the dealer to fix the problem. The car is currently stalling. The dealer tells me that the O2 sensors need replacing. The cost is going to be around $750. You can tell that I drive a lot. That's why I bought a Volvo. It's reputation for quality and reliability was the main selling point for me. This has been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. I will never buy another Volvo and will discourage everyone I know from buying a Volvo. I previously owned a Lexus and I traded it in for my Volvo with 114,000 miles. I never had any problem with my Lexus. Stay away from this brand.

My husband bought a 1999 Volvo S80 a couple of years ago and has had the most ridiculous problems crop up. The moon roof shattered about a month ago, two different lights have fallen off and hang by the wiring and countless other problems that are manufacturing defects. Just recently Volvo fixed the moon roof, but the roof was rolling back and forth very slowly, probably due to glass in the track, we initially paid for a new moon roof to be installed now they want $1100 to take the roof off and do the job right. What are your thoughts?