10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 0 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
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
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
- Lafayette, CA, USA