1999 Volvo S80 from North America - Comments

My throttle body went out at 60,000 miles.

The check engine light started appearing at 6,000 miles and still makes periodic appearances.

The ABS system is gone. It conked out at about 100 thousand miles. It is joined by the STC system. This leads to loud screeching sounds that leave the car shaking as if it's having some sort of automotive seizuer.

My transmission went out at 85 thousand miles.

The electrical door locks and automatic windows fail occasionally without warning.

The air conditioning system has an annual freon letting. I just have it recharged rather than get the expensive leak fixed.

I committed the car buyers cardinal sin... I feel in love with the model before I ever made it to the car lot. When I finally got there, it was like Volvo heaven, a paradise of Swedish wonders for the taking.

But that honeymoon quickly ended, as the list of service nightmares grew longer and longer.

I had always said I would never buy anything but a Volvo. Now I can honestly say I will never, ever, ever buy another Volvo. Like most folks, I can't afford a monthly car service bill that is larger than the car payment!

I'm now in a race against time to find a Toyota or Lexus before I suffer another major S-80 malfunction. At this point, I think a Saturn might be a great alternative!

Hi.

I bought the 99' S-80 brand new and have had extreme difficulties with the car from the first day...

For starters, the transmission went out at 3,000 miles. The emission light and check engine light have required countless trips and service expense for malfunctions. In 4.5 years, the braking systems, fuel tanks, emission system, transmission, door/window assembly (driver), tire and wheel base (s), most of the oil and engine components and computer "brains" for various systems have been replaced. Most of it was NOT covered by a warranty.

I must say that the service personnel were not always the most sympathetic in Florida where I bought the car, but in Alpharetta, Georgia... the team at Northpoint and my <smile> service guy was truly outstanding. He/They bent over backwards to tow the car, cover rentals, discount services, explain the issues and resolution to same and much more. Even after I had long passed the warranty deadline, they helped because of the history of the car. If I had not experienced such a gross extreme set of circumstances, I would buy another Volvo for this service dept alone. I am certain I will not receive the same level of attention elsewhere. But alas, I will be buying something else this week as soon as I pick the car up from the shop for the oil pressure loss (2nd time) along with other engine light issues.

To be fair, I have been in the service area and have heard others with the same year model report some of the same problems. I have also heard many people with 2000 and above year models say they love the car. SO, my experience may be isolated. I do know that I was cautioned by people involved to trade the car a year ago (at 80,000 miles) but due to financial loss for the trade-in-value, I waited. I can easily say that I have spent well above any amount I would've lost for the trade-in and perhaps saved myself the headaches.

I should add in closing that many people at work drive the S-40 and S-60 models and have zero issues. It's really too bad because Volvo is a safe car above all competition in it's class.

Hi.

I own a Volvo S80 1999 model.

This car is definately the luxury nightmare from HELL!

At 60,000 miles I have had a massive list of problems

which have nearly cost me $8000.00 in service alone.

I don't think I need to say anymore about the car as one should realise that buying a Volvo S80 means preparing an open cheque book!!!

This marriage started like many, great looking body, lots of oomf and a sophisticated, stylish sex-appeal. Couple that with a good family name and it looked like Paris Hilton and I were getting hitched.

My '99 Volvo S80 was the second sold in SE Michigan. What a joy to be with, cornering, handling, speed and a great sound system.

Then the honeymoon ended. I started out simple with the halogen headlights burning out after 2,000 miles (both burned out at the same time having to drive over 200 miles with the high-beams) then it got ugly:

Check Engine Light on and off - 6K (No problems detected - Software reload)

Rear Passenger Door Lock sticking - 7K

Front Passenger Door Electrical Failure - 10K

Moon Roof Rattle - 10K

Steering Column Tree Failure - 10K

Melted front turn-signal bezel (twice) - 7K & 10K

AM Radio Ground - 7K (repaired five times and still not working)

Rotary Information Switch Failure - 12K (Failed again at 35K)

Ball Joints Recalled - 12K

Lower Control Arm - 25K

Cooling Fan Replacement Recall - 25K

Check Engine Light on and off - 35K - Replaced O2 Sensor and ECM

ABS Light - 35K - Replace ABS ECM

Front End Rattle and Squeak - 40K - Replace Strut Bushings

Front End Rattle and Squeak - 60K - Replace all Front Suspension Bushings & Struts.

It now has 100K and is falling apart. I've put more than $6K into it and feel trapped at dealer prices for any electronics issues since Volvo won't release the software. I bought a Volvo for longevity and reliability (got neither). I never figured it to be a High Maintenance Wife. This marriage will end in a bitter divorce. Next time, I think I will pick a resident spouse and forget about looking to the European gold-diggers.

I own a 1999 s80. Looks great even runs great sometimes. I have been blessed with multiple systems failures layered like an atomic cake!the dealership gets 100.00 an hour for poor service.A safe vehicle as long as it stays out of limp mode... good luck.

Keep it simple and have the dealership keep your credit card number on file, and ask for a key to the service department so you can drop it off at night for faster service each week. be sure to lock up when you leave.

Worthless trade in value. the ultimate money-pit flagship of volvo needs to be labeled a lemon. The government should enforce a safety law to buy back every s80 from 1999 and 2000 from the owners.

Nissan has done for their mini van and look how far they have come.

Gm tranny, company now under ford motorcompany...ironic, that makes me giggle, and I dont giggle!

The 1999 was the test bed for the new computer controlled fly by wire vehicle of the future. Great idea, but released too early. The fix for this car should be the responsibility of the dealership and paid for by Volvo corp. I will not see it happen in my lifetime. Yay!!!

The sad part to this story is I love Volvo... but I hate the s80. At least the one I own. stay away from the 1999 and the 2000.