Vehicles / Volvo / S80 / 1999

1999 Volvo S80

199 federal complaints (288 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 216 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 18 model years of the Volvo S80 →
Engine
2.8L 6-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
16 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
199
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Speed control
53
Engine & cooling
39
Electrical system
36
Fuel system
30
Suspension
25
Brakes
19
Steering
18
Power train
16
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 7 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 6 complaints3 years old: 9 complaints4 years old: 22 complaints5 years old: 22 complaints56 years old: 43 complaints7 years old: 20 complaints8 years old: 3 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 3 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 185 of 199 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 3 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 4 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 17 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 30 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 19 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 17 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 13 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 8 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 117 of 199 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Speed control

53 complaint records2 crash reports
"1999 S80 LOSS POWER WHILE DRIVING, SERVICE URGENT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *TS THE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

39 complaint records3 fire reports
"THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL (02V-096) NOTICE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BURNT. *YH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

36 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"CAR WAS PARKED. FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD. APPEARS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. CAR WAS CONSIDERED A "TOTAL" BY THE INSURANCE CO...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA05021
opened Dec 2005
closed Dec 2006Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTION - led to recall 06V441000
ON NOVEMBER 14, 2006 VOLVO SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING ETM FAILURES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2001 VOLVO MODELS (NOT INCLUDING THE S40 AND V40), MY 2002 S60 AND V70 WITH NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINES AND MY 2002...
PE05041
opened Jul 2005
closed Dec 2005Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
PE05-041 WAS OPENED ON JULY, 26, 2005, BASED ON 136 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGING THROTTLE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI HAS NOW RECEIVED 591 COMPLAINTS OF ETM FAILURES WHICH ALLEGE SYMPTOMS WITH POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
06V441000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE SUBSEQUENT ONSET OF...Normally free
04V451000Engine And Engine CoolingON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, SOME ELECTRIC COOLING FANS MAY OVERHEAT POTENTIALLY CAUSING HEAT DAMAGE AND, IN RARE INSTANCES, A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.Normally free
02V096000Engine And Engine CoolingON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN ELECTRIC COOLING FANS COULD BE INADEQUATE IN A HOT CLIMATE. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED.Normally free
00V238000SuspensionVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OVER TIME, THE BALL JOINT BETWEEN THE FRONT WHEEL KING PIN AND THE SUSPENSION LINK ARM, CAN EXPERIENCE INCREASED LOOSENESS.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2006311
2006-11-14
Other24,706On certain vehicles, a combination of throttle position sensor (TPS) irregularities, a dirty throttle housing, and/or inefficient software calibration, may cause a warning lamp to illuminate and the subsequent onset of "limp home" mode.
2004334
2004-09-14
Electrical9,238On certain vehicles, the electric cooling fan may overheat, potentially causing heat damage and, in rare instances, a fire in the engine compartment. Correction: Dealers will replace the cooling fan with an improved version.
2002039
2002-03-05
Electrical1,761On certain vehicles the electric cooling fan can overheat in a hot climate. Correction: Dealers will replace the cooling fan with a modified design.
2000187
2000-09-14
Suspension2,794On certain vehicles, the ball joint, between the front wheel king pin and the suspension link arm, may experience increased play which could affect durability and performance. This could result in reduced driver control.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
C00009
Jul 2023
Unknown Or OtherCOMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.
TJ3656330
Jun 2023
Unknown Or OtherRubber cushion
Special Tools Bu
May 2022
Unknown Or OtherThe Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
Service Manager
May 2022
Unknown Or OtherICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
356EN01
Feb 2022
EquipmentVIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
Service Manager
Feb 2022
EquipmentShipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
SMB00-288-2021-0
Feb 2021
EquipmentVolvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time.
ST-001-2020-09-1
Sep 2020
EquipmentMandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner.
SMB00-006-2020-0
Aug 2020
Electrical SystemThis is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
SMB31-001-2020-0
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemThis is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
ST-001-2020-06-2
Jul 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityMandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner.
TJ26745.13.5-202
Jun 2020
Electrical SystemEffective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300). The VIDA test is still available but no longer required.
Service Manager
Jun 2020
Electrical SystemBattery Charger/maintainer requirement
SMB00-013-2020-0
Jun 2020
EquipmentService Manager Bulletin: Vehicle Type and Platform Information
SMB00-006-2020-0
Mar 2020
Electrical SystemThis is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
ST-001-2020-01-2
Jan 2020
EquipmentMandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner.
SMB00-325-2019-1
Dec 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityService Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY...
TJ31946.1.2-2019
Nov 2019
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle.
TJ31946.1.1-2019
Nov 2019
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle.
SMB00-438-2019-1
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments
TJ26745.13.1-201
Nov 2019
Electrical SystemEffective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300). The VIDA test is still available but no longer required.
SMB00-006-2019-1
Nov 2019
Electrical SystemSoftware Installation Policy changes.
TJ31543.9.0-2019
Nov 2019
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be...
ST-001-2019-10-1
Oct 2019
EquipmentMandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner.
TJ21965.7.0-2019
Oct 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
SMB00 438 2019-0
Aug 2019
EquipmentThis is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments
SMB00 108C 2019-
Aug 2019
EquipmentRetailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments.
SMB00 108 2019-0
Aug 2019
EquipmentRetailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments.
SMB00 006 2019-0
Aug 2019
Electrical SystemSoftware Installation Policy changes.
SMB84 001 2019-0
Aug 2019
VisibilityThis is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield replacement products.
SPJ34864 2 0-201
Jun 2019
Electrical SystemThis is a Service Product Journal: Information Notice. We process the personal data that you provide in connection with the creation of your VIDA account.
TJ26745.13.3-201
Mar 2019
Electrical SystemEffective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300). The VIDA test is still available but no longer required.
TJ26745.13.1-201
Feb 2019
Electrical SystemEffective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300). The VIDA test is still available but no longer required.
ST-231-2019-02-1
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis is a Special Tool Bulletin: Newsletter 81 Mandatory Tools
TJ28941-4-0-2019
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation from external sources, either of these two documents should be filled in and attached to the affected...
PB00-013-2019-02
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis is a Parts Bulletin: Hazmat Return Transportation Documentation and requirements
SMB00-437-2019-0
Feb 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Special Tool Warranty Coverage and Claims Process
TJ21965-5-0-2019
Feb 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
SMB88-001A-2018-
Dec 2018
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin is a service manager bulletin. Seat Belt Extender.
ST-001-2018-11-2
Dec 2018
EquipmentMandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner.
ST-002-2018-08-1
Aug 2018
EquipmentThis is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier
ST-227-2018-08-1
Aug 2018
EquipmentRoad Force wheel balancing is the proper tool for diagnosing and repairing such issues and all of our retailers need to be prepared for these issues.
TJ34013-1-2-2018
Aug 2018
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: Vehicle Key Not Found
ST002
Jul 2018
EquipmentThis is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier
TJ31543 4 6-2018
May 2018
EquipmentThis is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be...
TJ31543-4-6
May 2018
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be...
SMB00-071-2018-0
May 2018
EquipmentDescription of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines.
SMB00-071
May 2018
EquipmentDescription of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines.
TJ19245114
May 2018
StructureVOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform identification REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 19245 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2014...
PB77-017-2018-03
Mar 2018
EquipmentThis is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size.
SMB00-006-2018-0
Mar 2018
EquipmentSoftware Installation Policy changes.
SMB00-006C-2018-
Mar 2018
EquipmentSoftware Installation Policy changes - Canada
TJ27316-7-2-2018
Mar 2018
StructureTechnical Journal TITLE : Keyless Drive receiver issues ( short remote control range , key messages ) REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 27316 - PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2013 03 13 FUNC GROUP :...
TJ31543-4-5-2018
Mar 2018
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attached checklists can be...
SPJ33554-1-0-201
Mar 2018
Electrical SystemThis is a Service Product Journal: Software Purchase Failed - General error occured - VDS / SPA / CMA cars. Download software fix
ST-111A
Nov 2017
EquipmentMIDTRONICS PSC-550S and PSC-700 VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY information
SPJ33152
Nov 2017
EquipmentThis is a Service Product Journal:
SMB00-337-2017-1
Oct 2017
CommunicationVOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Workshop Systems Requirements and Guidelines VIDA in 2015 , Peer - to - Peer Infrastructure GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada 00 337 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : YEAR...
SMB00-325-2017-1
Oct 2017
Seat BeltsService Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY...
ST-001-2017-10-0
Oct 2017
Back Over PreventionMandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner.

Showing 60 of 216 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Volvo S80 →