10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

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problem #3

Jan 182002

S80

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Lafayette, CA, USA

problem #2

Oct 131999

S80

  • miles
In October 1999, I began noticing a clunking noise eminating from beneath the driver's-side footwell, when the vehicle is placed in reverse, occasionally when accelerating, braking and when the vehicle is driven over rougher road surfaces. The clunking noise is also heard when approaching an incline and cresting a hill as well. I reported this clunking noise problem to ramsey Volvo (selling/servicing dealer) on 10/13/1999. The dealer replaced the left-rear subframe mount and secured it using jb weld, per Volvo service bulletin. Almost immediately after the repair, the clunking noise returned. On 10/18/1999, ramsey Volvo again replaced the left-rear subframe bushing, this time using a different adhesive, as recommended by Volvo cars of North America. The dealer also replaced a defective sway bar end link. The clunking noise returned a week later. On 10/26/1999, I alerted Volvo cars of North America of this recurring problem and requested that they assist in the the repair of this vehicle. My request for assistance went unanswered for several months. On February 3, 2000 Volvo cars of North America recommended I again bring my vehicle to ramsey Volvo for repair of the clunking noise. I brought the vehicle in on March 16, 2000, the dealer claims that the clunking noise heard when placing the vehicle in reverse, was caused by the front brake calipers and is considered to be "normal" and did not any other clunking noises while driving the vehicle. I again contacted Volvo cars and requested the vehicle repaired or replaced if the noise problem cannot be eliminated. On March 30, 2000, the vehicle was road-tested by the Volvo cars of North America factory representative. Volvo cars of North America concluded that the clunking noise heard when placing the vehicle in reverse was a normal characteristic of the S80. However, the Volvo represetative claims he did not hear any clunking noise from the front-end of the vehicle when driving. This conclusion is false.

- Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA

problem #1

Dec 211999

S80

  • miles
This model Volvo has a well documented subframe bushing problem. The front subframe bushings were replaced at nils sefeldt Volvo in dallas. The mechanic that replaced these bushings cut the subframe. Bushings were installed, the car was badly out of alignment, was realigned at autobahn Volvo in fort worth - a few weeks later - the vehicle was back at autobahn Volvo for maintenance and brake noise problems when it was discovered that the subframe was cut by the mechanic at nils sefeldt - Volvo ordered the subframe replaced. At the very least any other S80 that underwent a subframe bushing replacement at nils sefeldt, especially by the mechanic that "repaired" mine - should be investigated. The steering was "squirrelly" and I sustained very minimal property damage when contact was made with a minivan in a highway driving incident prior to the replacement of the subframe. In addition, on about a dozen occasions, when I'm turning the car off, the message "SRS airbag service urgent" appears in the message display. The message does not store and the computer does not retain it. Neither nils sefeldt or autobahn have been able to duplicate the problem or correct it. I'm concerned that the airbag system - very complex on this particular car - front, side and side curtains may deploy. I have requested assistance from Volvo to replace the vehicle, not engage in a buyback at this time, but Volvo refuses to consider that as an option. It took 16 months to correct a nuisance problem with the brakes as well.

- Arlington, TX, USA