11th Feb 2007, 09:00

I work at a Volvo dealership that will remain unnamed, I can tell you from experience that the Volvo S80 keeps us busy. They seem to be very poorly designed. For those of you with throttle module problems, there is a recall in effect that covers most throttle module repairs up to 200,000 miles. I have also heard a rumour that Volvo will be forced to recall all cars with throttle modules again by the NHTSA. I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle unless it is a newer model with the 5 cylinder engine. The six cylinder twin turbo model was dropped in 2005 due to the use of a GM 4T65 transmission, which Ford did not like. This also goes for the XC90. The six cylinder, naturally aspirated model was also dropped for that reason. Volvos in general are not bad vehicles, if you know what you need to look for. I recommend staying away from any 2004 down six cylinder however.

11th Feb 2007, 19:01

To the last message.

Out of all of the last 10 years' Volvo's, which models DO you recommend?

I know to avoid the 99 S80's like the plague, and the S/V50 are overall very cheaply assembled from my personal inspection.

Thanks in advance.

22nd Sep 2007, 21:23

I am looking at buying a 1999 Volvo S80 for $4750, and I was planning to do so because it seemed to be a great bargain. I noticed that the tag-line for this thread is T6, are the issues described limited to the T6 or do they also affect the naturally aspirated S80?

23rd Sep 2007, 15:28

For the 1999 model year, there is the T6 as well as the NA engines I beleive.

Personally I'd strongly recommend you go for a post 01 S80 if you're determined on getting an S80/ Hoards of quality problems plague these cars unfortunately.

4th Nov 2007, 12:48

My service manager told me that 99, 00 and 01 S80's are not worth buying... and I'm ready to rid myself of my 2000 S80 and go back to Nissan. So don't waste you money.

3rd Jan 2008, 17:56

I have a 2002 S80 T6 that I bought with 71k on it, it now has 114K, and the only thing I've had to replace so far are warped front rotors. It has sprung an oil leak, not too severe, but I'm guessing it's one of the turbos. Has anyone else had a turbo leak oil?

31st May 2008, 15:24

I purchased a 2000 T6, and have had to replace the tranny with 122,000 miles on it. Mind you, it wasn't three weeks after I bought this car, that this happened. Also, in repairing the tranny they found the rotors and brakes were all bad and had to be replaced, as well as a cracked starter. Total bill was $4000. I loved the look, drive, and sound system, however, I would highly suggest staying away from this model.

31st May 2008, 22:25

I am an auto technician and I have worked in two dealerships in the last year on the so called "super quality" Japanese imports, Honda and Nissan, and I can assure you that these reliable vehicles have nightmare problems and issues as well. (before you crack on my abilities for changing jobs, do know that I left both dealerships on MY terms)

For a number of years there, Honda could not make a decent transmission. I worked for Honda for 2 months and replaced 9 transmissions via goodwill and or warranty. Every Nissan made in America will have to have both front seats rebuilt a number of times due to poor craftsmanship and noises. Just think of the Altima sub frames that were cracking and all the 2.5 4cyl that were being replaced due to oil consumption. My list could go on and on about issues. My wife is a service adviser for a Toyota dealership in the area, and day to day has a number of major warranty issues dealing with Toyota's that are going to be very costly in the future, and troublesome to consumers as well. Think of all of the Tacoma's being recalled due to the frame rusting away!!

For the point, if you come to a site like this, then you have a problem with an S80 or are looking for issues that may come up before a purchase. Also realize that there are numerous websites for Honda issues, Toyota issues, Nissan issues and GM's all mighty dexcool mistake. We even have people like you printing this crap off before it even happens to your car or is noted as an issue, and ask us to repair something that's not broken!!!

So again, look at this website for information, but don't let it weigh too much on your decision to not look at one or not purchase one.

As for me, I own a 96 960 with 230k that will not die, as well as a 2001 S80 T6 with 99k. I couldn't be more happy with my Volvo's, and I'll continue to buy them and drive them. as a technician I realize the importance of regular maintenance and the wonders it will do for your car. And then when problems do arise, I'll realize that vehicles are plastic, steel and rubber and will break and need repairs, and then I'll keep it to myself so I don't make everyone with a PC avoid the car like a plague.

And for the record I do not work for a Volvo dealership, nor will I ever work for a dealership again unless the economy pushes aftermarket repair facilities underwater, and I have no choice but to do so.

25th Jul 2008, 20:29

I am a used car dealer, and in all the years of selling used cars, I have never come across a car with as many problems as the Volvo S-80. Every one I have had has been a nightmare. Every time I have something fixed on one, the car does not make it back to my shop without another problem coming up. I have never seen a car that has so many things go wrong with it, especially lights coming on constantly on the dash and transmission, and oil leaks.

I would like to warn all the readers of this forum out there to stay far away from the Volvo S-80; these cars are truly everyone's worst nightmare. They are in the shop more than they are on the road, and considering their high cost when new, they have very little resale value. Most dealers and wholesalers do not want them unless they are buying them for half of the wholesale value!!!

20th Sep 2008, 13:17

We own a 99 standard Volvo S80 with 133k miles and a 97 Toyota Camry with 233k miles. While we've not made any major repair to the Camry, other than changing the alternator, the Volvo has been a nightmare! I've a chronicles of faults and repair after fault and repairs made on the Volvo. It’s falling apart bit by bit and we're playing catch up with it.

We've replaced the transmission, both corner lights assembly, the left side headlight assembly; twice, both side marker assembly, the dash board vent controls have all falling off, arm rest is peeling off, front interior moldings falling off, front struts replaced, the brake makes a sheeeeeesssh sound on stepping on it like air is leaking from it, I can't remember how the dash board looks like without the "check engine" light on or service light on, the gas tank fails and we had to manually open it from inside the trunk, break light is currently gone and the driver seat belt won't work now and when I finished this comment, I'm off to the dealership to find out what's wrong with it.

We've tried trading off the car but the asking price is so ridiculous that we'll still owe after trade. We've decided to keep it because we're almost through with the note (about $800 left). No doubt the built of the car is pretty good and we love it, but too much problems with it for the price tag and acclaimed prestige it carries.