1999 Volvo S80 SE from UK and Ireland - Comments

The main complaint has been the on board computer which, from 60,000 miles onwards, has consistently produced a range of faults none of which have had any bearing on the actual mechanical condition of the vehicle. The false readings on the computer have, however, affected the performance. A fault on the computer noted that there was a brake failure. This was incorrect, but the computer then automatically cut the engine which created dangerous driving conditions. The cost to repair the computer fault was almost £400. Then the computer showed that there was an emission service problem. This again was incorrect and there was nothing wrong mechanically. Currently there is a computer fault noting that an urgent transmission service is necessary. Again there is nothing wrong mechanically, but the computer is now influencing the acceleration so that the engine is running at a thousand revs higher than it should. The costs to repair the computer are expected to be another £500! I have lost all interest in the car and cannot wait to get rid of it particularly as all service costs are high and regular repairs are necessary and expensive.

The main plus of the car is comfort although the suspension has become more bumpy and noisy despite replacement of track rods.

I have a Volvo S80 2.9 with 80,000 miles plus and have very similar problems. This issue has also been reported in US Volvo User websites and it is the fact the computer occasionally cuts power to the engine when the Red Brake Failure warning is on that is the most worrying. I have had amber warnings for Transmission, Exhaust, STS, and ABS. However, it is the ‘Brake Failure Stop Safely,’ that is the most worrying even though the brakes have been checked and are fine.