Faults:

While under warranty we had problems with the on board electronic system. This is the system that controls all of the idiot lights and monitoring. I continually got "check engine" lights/emission and other random lights. It was in the shop multiple time while under warranty. One time it was in the shop for 6 weeks and the dealer couldn't figure out what the problem was with the on-board electronics and replaced the unit. I picked it up and immediately had problems again. We've had multiple (and expensive) problems with the exhaust system, ball joints (2001), brakes (2004), fuel injection (2007). It went into "limp mode" in February of 2003. The dealer (Winter Volvo, Sacramento, CA) wanted us to replace the transmission (cost > $3500.) We asked to have the idiot light/limp mode reset and haven't had a transmission problem again (more than 4 1/2 years.) That leads me to believe it wasn't the transmission, but the electronics again. Now it won't pass smog in California because of the "check engine" light. After replacing the oxygen sensors the dealer doesn't know what the problem is, but it will cost us more than $1500 in diagnostics (after spending >$800 now) to diagnose the problem, never mind fixing the problem.

General Comments:

This is a terrible vehicle and Volvo's support is very disappointing. I belive Volvo should have some responsibility for not adequately servicing their vehicle while it was under warranty. But, Volvo doesn't care "for life". I went from being an extremely loyal Volvo customer to being an extremely disloyal former customer.

Faults:

Gasket leak on the turbo.

Key bob failed (not replaced at $250).

Ignition Switch (car laid up for 10 days while the switch was returned to place of manufacture).

Struts replaced.

Tie rods replaced.

Cloth roof post covers coming loose require recovering.

Brake pads and rotors replaced (worn out).

Brake master cylinder and booster replaced (high pitched whistle).

Emissions hose replaced (leaking).

Sun roof not closing tight anymore.

Window gaskets cracking.

Leather drivers seat wearing badly.

Light bulbs (Low beam head lamp and brake light) have to be replaced frequently.

Red light mounted in the back of the driver's door came loose preventing the door from opening.

Replaced the timing belt and water pump as preventive maintenance.

General Comments:

When we bought the car it seemed to be a bargain. It has been very costly to maintain.

It is a great driving car. Handles and rides much better than our '94 940.

Facts:

1) This is the last Volvo we will ever buy.

2) We will still have the 940 long after the S80 has been replaced.

3) Our next car will probably come from folks who live on the other side of a different ocean.

Faults:

I had this car for about 9 months with no problems. Then, it was just one thing after another.

First, there were problems with the suspension. The car made knocking sounds like it was going to break every time I made a sharp turn. The tie rods needed to be replaced, and caused the tires to wear down very quickly.

Then the coolant started leaking, but the container just needed to be replaced, so was not a big deal.

Next, I started getting all kind of error messages regarding the engine. The car would not start at one point, and had to be taken to the dealer for a recall. The service from the dealer was very poor, but after the recall was done, the car was running again. However, it was running very rough and would shake every time I accelerated.

It was then taken to another Volvo dealership (which had much better service than the first) for another recall that was issued for the ETM, which of course did not solve this problem. The car needed the coil packs replaced. To make a long story short, this car is nothing but problems and I don't recommend it at all.

General Comments:

This is a very nice looking car inside and out, and drives nice when it is not having mechanical problems.

However, it is always having mechanical problems!

This is the first model year of the car, so maybe newer models are better, but after this experience I will never buy a Volvo again.