Volvo S80 problems
The Volvo S80 is an executive car produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1998 to 2016 across two generations. It took the place of the rear-wheel-drive S90 as Volvo's flagship sedan.
The first generation (1998–2006) was made available for the 1999 model year. It has since been built at the Torslanda Works in Gothenburg, Sweden, with a few 1999 model year cars for the North American market built at Volvo's Halifax Assembly plant. Unlike most Volvo models, it did not have a station wagon version for its first generation.
The second generation (2006–2016) was released in 2006 as a model year 2007 car. It has an estate version, the third generation of the Volvo V70. In June 2007, the S80 scored the highest "good" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test performance for frontal, side, and rear impacts, earning it the IIHS Top Safety Pick.
The model was replaced by the second generation S90 in the later half of 2016.
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Volvo S80 model years
Common Volvo S80 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Volvo S80, several common problems have been reported:
- Engine Stalling and Fuel Odor:
- Owners have reported instances of the engine stalling regularly, accompanied by a strong fuel odor and fuel spots on the ground beneath the car. This issue is often caused by rapid wear of the fuel hose, leading to a fuel pipe crack. The recommended solution is to replace the fuel pipe, which can be easily sourced through parts suppliers or potentially repaired by Volvo.
- Front Control Arm Bushings Wear:
- A squeaking or knocking sound from the front of the car, along with the vehicle pulling to one side during straight driving, indicates potential issues with the front control arm bushings. These components are prone to premature wear and may require replacement to prevent alignment problems. If the car is pulling to one side, a full realignment overhaul may be necessary.
- Steering Wheel Module Failure:
- Failure of the steering wheel module (SWM) can result in the malfunction of turn signals, horn, audio buttons, and cruise control. The SWM is known to be temperamental and prone to complete failure. Replacing the module is the recommended solution, which can be a technical job but guided instructions are available online to assist with the replacement process.
- ABS Control Module Failure:
- The ABS control module in the first generation of the Volvo S80 is prone to failure, leading to the appearance of the ABS warning light on the dashboard. To address this issue, owners will need to replace the ABS control module to resolve the problem.
These common problems reported by Volvo S80 owners highlight various issues ranging from electrical components to engine-related concerns. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the Volvo S80.
Is the Volvo S80 a reliable car?
But beyond the luxury and innovation, certain vintages of the S80 have become well-known for their rock-solid reliability. According to RepairPal, the Volvo S80 has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars and is currently ranked 17th out of 32 car makers.
How long do Volvo S80s last?
The estimated lifespan of a Volvo S80 is 178,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy. Don't just buy it, VehicleScore it.
Are Volvo S80 expensive to maintain?
Average annual repair cost: $705
If the repair record is your top concern when buying a luxury full-size car, look at the Volvo S80 as you shop. Its annual average repair cost runs almost $300 less than the other models in the segment, and its reliability ranking of four easily beats the average of 2.5 out of 5.
Is the Volvo S80 a safe car?
The cars tested are evaluated in both a frontal crash test and in a side impact test. In July 1999, the Volvo S80 became the first car in the world to score full points for both driver and passenger protection in side-impact tests.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volvo S80 years
We have researched Volvo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volvo S80 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volvo S80 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volvo S80 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volvo S80 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volvo S80 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volvo S80 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volvo S80 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by S80 model years
A total of 49 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by S80 model years
There were a total of 24 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by S80 model years
There were a total of 43 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1009 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volvo S80 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volvo S80 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volvo S80 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-23
- VIN: YV140MAK3G1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I have a 2016Volvo S80. this is my 7th Volvo I have owned. 4 Months ago my car stalled in the middle of ther road. I had no power with the gas petal. Truck behind me trird not to hit me and our sides touched scapping my car and passenger mirrow. The police offier did not charge either of us. I thought I had bad gas?? Took into my mechanic who only works on volvos he di 75,000 service work and changed the oil. I told him about what happened. Two weeks ago My car light came on no oil pressure stop immediately again was like several months ago i had no power with gas petal. I pulled over light went off. My mechanic was closed at that time so I went to Advance Auto. I have no measure stick for oil you have to go through the car system to check oil level. It stated not low however we put in a quart of Synethic oil and I dropped it off at my mechant. He called me the next day. He stated their was no oil in my car at all and their was no leak. Changed oil new filter another $150.00. He did some research on my car. My car is a year included in a class action lawsuit for faulty engine pistons problem. This lawsuit was settled out of court so no one knows for how much. So I am risking my life with a car that will require a new engine appox $8000.00. Volvo has never recalled these cars. I am afraid to drive it now!!!! A 7 time Volvo owner. You see all kinds of stupid recalls but when your engine stops in the middle of the road this is very dangerous. My mechanic states I need to take to a dealership for this problem. Called Volvo Midlothian VA they can not even look at my car till September. I Have called the other dealership in Richmond VA and they are doing some research and get back to me. If you google this their are 100,s of owners having the same problems that my car has and not one recall.
Volvo S80 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1952AS7C1
- Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: A batch of metal used for the steering wheel trim prematurely wears down at the base of the steering wheel in 2 locations out of sight with normal use and becomes razor sharp. When turning the wheel, the spinning razor edge can cause the driver to lose control due to sudden pain due to slicing into the fingers. The metal slices into the skin drawing blood much like that of a papercut. I have experienced sudden cuts in turning on 2 separate occasions recently having to re-grab the steering wheel due to involuntary pain reflex release to prevent total loss of control and the problem has not been confirmed by the dealer. There is no prior warning when this issue suddenly occurs.
Volvo S80 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-12
- VIN: YV1902MM8F1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: Most concerning: Front driver door latch quit working while driving leaving door to swing open during traffic. This is a known issue that led to recalls of other Volvo models (2011 - 2017), but the S80 was excluded. It was a terrifying ordeal that has now happened twice (during freezing conditions here in Colorado). Less concerning to me but a problem: The blindspot monitoring system malfunctions and keeps on blinking even when there's nothing in the blindspot - which betrays the reason it exists.
Volvo S80 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-05
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
Volvo S80 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-17
- VIN: YV1902AHXD1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: My drivers side door latch will no longer open from the inside or the outside. I have to climb across to the passenger side and go out the opposite door. I am reporting this because this vehicle is part of the volvo "P3" platform which includes the S60, and they had a huge recall to replace all the door latch mechanisms for this exact reason.
Volvo S80 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-17
- VIN: YV1AH852671
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Volvo S80. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle during a rainstorm; rainwater leaked into the vehicle from the top section of the driver's side of the windshield, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Volvo S80 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-24
- VIN: YV1960AS1A1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The air bag warning randomly popped up on my screen. They will not deploy if I get into a wreck. Non working air bag. I also have issues that come and go with the electrical component. Sometimes my door won't open, sometimes my seats won't move, and my license plate light is out due to something electrical. My gas tank spits gas back at me and makes weird noises sometimes.
Volvo S80 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-12
- VIN: YV1992AH3A1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I was driving down the road at 60mph, and my car started to wobble a little bit. I pulled over to see if something was obviously wrong and I didn't notice anything. At this point I thought that maybe I needed a new rear shock, but when I got back on the road, the wobble was so bad that I couldn't drive 25mph. I drove about 20mph until I could get to a safe place to pull over which was only about a mile. I took the wheel off and this was the moment that I noticed the tire had swelled up to the point that it wouldn't stand upright. It just fell over. I bought the tire (Riken Raptor) brand new 11 months ago. There is still a lot of tread on the tire. I had the presence of mind to pull over as soon as I noticed something wasn't right. I fear that if I had been on an interstate highway going 70mph, then something really bad may have happened.
Volvo S80 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-10
- VIN: YV1TS91Z731
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: In Tank Fuel Pump, problem was leaking at top of pump @ the inlet at the outlet & return valve, crack in the plastic mold. Was giving off fumes, totally unhealthy and waitin for someone to light up a cigarette for a total car explosion and death for all occupants. I have replaced the pump myself. Local Dealer wanted 1100 plus to replace out of my budget This in my view it should have been done by recall, local Jim Volvo of Portland, Oregon said no, out of warranty period. I disagree, If unrepaired, I would have been risking me and my family or occupants in the vehicle at the time. There are still many of these cars and other models & years that I found my research on the web that has had this same problem. I have a 1998 Volvo s70 that appears to be developing the same issue. I had come to like my 2003 S80, it will be my last Volvo My cost so far About $150, and 1st pump I installed was defective, had to start over [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Volvo S80 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-19
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-28
- VIN: YV1960AS0A1
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Leaking windshield. Notice Glass loose from top of windshield.Water leaking down into car on passenger and driver side. Floors soak and wet. Unable to drive in rain car smells due to wet floors. This windshield never was changed, it is the original. This is a Safety issue. This should be a recall. Made an appointment with Volvo dealership on 5/22/2023, they confirmed the windshield leak, water coming in from the top of the windshield. Advise to reseal or replace was told glass will continue to come loose if not taken care of. The windshield can cause an injury or accident if it comes a part while I'm driving. Many volvo's owners have this defective windshield. The leak is due to poor sealing during manufacturing of the vehicle's. This issue should be on the recall list and repairs done for free. All owners who had to pay for this repair should be reimbursed.The floor rugs should also be included in the recall, because it can cause health issue like mold, which is unhealthy. Safety for your customers should always come first.
Volvo S80 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-28
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-28
- VIN: YV1AH852571
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: These generation of Volvo p3 platform cars had a defective windshield seal that was not the best from the factory. Many cars of this generation (S60, S80, XC90, etc) have had the seals break, causing extreme water leakage as mine has had. And the possibility of the windshield falling out. Mine is bad enough that pushing it lightly from the inside to create a significant gap in the window and the frame of the A pillar. There are many forums and reports of this exact problem and Volvo has yet to voluntarily recall these cars. Many people have reported it to many dealers, but all say they cant replace them. This problem definitely puts the driver and other people in the cabin in danger. And no warning lights go off in relation to the problem. I appreciate your consideration.
Volvo S80 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-02
- VIN: YV1AS982191
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: For the last several years I’ve been complaining about my TPMS ALWAYS reflecting a “Low Tire Pressure “ response. Recently I went in for a oil change but indicated the my tire pressure light was on again. I take the Volvo to a shop I trust. Global AutoWorks in GrandHaven. They took care of my previous owned BMW without any issues. I put in Volvo S80’s recall site and found that there was a recall on 10/07/2010. The vehicle was a private purchase made in January 8, 2018 from the original owner. Upon purchase I made the decision to put new tires on the vehicle to see if that would fix the problem. $1200.00 later and the problem was not resolved. I do not feel that I should pay for safety issue that the company knew about. I spoke to the previous owner and she did not receive a letter from Volvo. The Volvo is in very good condition with low mileage for a 14 year old car. 69,815. Second issue: Seat belt issue. Reason for recall: Volvo car investigations have identified a problem regarding the front seat fastening. All I can tell you if I lean forward abruptly the seat belt will not tighten or secure itself. Recall R10029 Again we have safety issue. I would like Volvo to fix both issues At Their Expense not mine. Both owners have maintained this vehicle in beautiful condition and these issues were not the result of the owners.They are Volvos issues. I would greatly appreciate someone at Volvo looking into these issues and bringing forward a resolution.
Volvo S80 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-28
- VIN: YV1960AS9A1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: The warning, charging failure service urgent is displayed the service engine light comes on. Several mechanics have not be able to repair. The front passenger seat belt is not stable to fasten properly. The TMPS has yet another warning, inoperable
Volvo S80 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-08
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-08
- VIN: YV140MAM6G1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2016 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the engine auto Start/Stop function was not operating as needed and the vehicle had a delay to start automatically upon releasing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and driving over a pothole, the check engine warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil of cylinder #1 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Volvo S80 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-08
- VIN: YV1TS592561
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SAFETY RECALL R10125 for this vehicle has not been performed as of this date; received Safety Recall Notice letter from Volvo Car USA LLC 29 NOV 2021; have contacted dealer once immediately upon receipt of letter; Volvo Corporation 4 to 6 times telephonic and email with the last response (Volvo is looking into it) on 15 DEC 2022 upon which I have again responded with an email for a status check. My perception is that this VIN number has a three spoke steering wheel which would have to be manufactured (not four and requires different airbag) and that is not going to happen (last unoffical response from Volvo dealer in Jan 2022). Request assitance from NHTSA. Phone no is 5302647381 home or 7573282950 I could not find a way to report this failure to perform safety recall on your website
Latest 5 recalls Volvo S80
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 81 recalls for different components of the Volvo S80.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volvo S80 2004
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-30
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.
- Model: Volvo S80 2001
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-30
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.
- Model: Volvo S80 2006
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-30
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.
- Model: Volvo S80 2005
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-30
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.
- Model: Volvo S80 2003
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-30
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.
Latest negative Volvo S80 car reviews
Latest positive Volvo S80 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2007
I bought the S80 because it had better styling, luxury, fuel economy and safety than the competition. Three months later, I'm still very pleased. I was pleasantly surprised to get 31.3 mpg on a recent 300 mile trip, even with the air conditioning on! That's better than many so-called economy cars. The car feels as solid as a bank-vault, and definitely has that luxurious ambience.
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Vehicle year: 2004
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with you. A few months ago, I leased a new S80 and I was pleasantly surprised with the deal I got. I had leased an S80 before this one for $500 a month, but this time I was able to get a new one for only $390 a month! I had considered other options like the Acura RL, Lexus GS, and Audi A6, but I found that the Volvo offered the best value for my money. The T6 engine is amazing and the car is incredibly comfortable. Although I didn't think it was worth the extra $150 a month. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 2012
This is my 2nd S80 in leasing. The package is really competitive and impressive. The service in Volvo of Princeton, NJ is very good. The Volvo S80 is an absolutely valued luxury car! It is better than the BMW 5 and Audi A6 overall. Why pay $10k more for the same level car? I highly recommend purchasing or leasing a Volvo S80. It is excellent in terms of interior and exterior appearance, handling, and safety. The drive is very smooth and quiet, and the performance is great. The seats are also very comfortable.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I recently purchased the S80 V8 AWD with the executive package and I couldn't be happier. In my 26 years of owning 25 cars, this one takes the cake. The ride is comparable to my old Mercedes 420SEL and the massaging seats are a wonderful bonus. The power is impressive, the handling is good enough, and it provides hours of comfort on my 5-hour weekend drives. As someone with a bad back, I find that BMW, Audi, and Mercedes are too stiff, while Cadillac and Lincoln are too glitzy. The understated beauty of this car is what I love the most, and the seats are the most comfortable I've ever experienced.
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Vehicle year: 2001
I recently purchased this car from my dad as a second vehicle. Despite its age and mileage, it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Over the past 12 years, we have not had to do any major mechanical repairs, except for replacing the heater core. It amazes me how smoothly this car drives, even at 80 mph. My friends, who are also in their twenties, compliment this car! As many others have mentioned, this car has the GM transmission, which does concern me, but it's still original at 250,000 miles, so I guess it can't be that bad! I plan on keeping this car for as long as possible...
Are you having problems with your Volvo S80?
Walter Lesch 2025-06-03
Vehicle year: 1999
I bought a car last year, but unfortunately it has been a big vacuum due to all the repairs. From the transmission, to the airbags, to the suspension, everything went wrong. It stalled on me several times. I bought it because of the Volvo safety reputation, but it turned out to not be worth it. I've heard that the later versions are markedly better, but I'm staying away from this car.
Nicolas Stanton 2025-05-21
Vehicle year: 2001
I purchased this car in March 2005 with 69k miles. Unfortunately, I experienced some issues with the transmission just three days later, which required a complete rebuild. Additionally, I had to replace the upper and lower tie rod ends a month later. During a routine fuel stop, the gas tank lid hinge broke, and I had to replace two power door lock actuators. Recently, the car failed on 4th of July weekend while turning left at an intersection, which was quite scary. Thankfully, I was driving and not my wife, and we were able to safely limp to the shop for repairs. The mechanic informed me that the air mass meter and throttle body needed to be replaced for $1400. While it has been a frustrating experience, I am hopeful that these repairs will get the car back on track.
Alek Roob 2025-05-20
Vehicle year: 2016
The car has good performance and a stylish interior and exterior. The seats are very comfortable, and fuel economy is reasonable for this class of car. However, there is an odd quirk where you have to pull twice on the door handle to get the door to open. Despite this, the car has some great tech features, such as adaptive cruise control, which is my personal favorite. Although, it's worth noting that if you come to a complete stop, it disengages after a couple of seconds. The infotainment system, including navigation, has been a bit of a letdown for me. The moving map has few road labels, and the inputs are not intuitive. Unfortunately, there is no touch screen, so the controls can be a bit clunky. Even the menus for settings were hard for the sales reps and service people to figure out. Voice commands are slow and plodding, and the navigation update installed an incorrect database with incorrect information on road accessibility, including major freeway intersections. Navigation updates have to be done with the car running and at a stop, which takes several hours. Additionally, the infotainment system turns off after a few minutes, even though the energy required to listen to music is relatively small. Smart phone connectivity is also unreliable. It's a shame that the infotainment system is so backward, considering how good the rest of the car is.
Jackson Swift 2025-05-20
Vehicle year: 1999
I owned a '93 850 and absolutely loved it. It had very few problems. However, when I bought this car as a 'Volvo Certified' used car, I have had a lot of issues with it. It has been in the shop almost monthly. I have had to replace bushings, engine mounts, and the electronic throttle module (which unfortunately was not covered by the extended warranty). Warning lights have been going off all the time, and it makes an annoying squeak when I release the brakes, but the dealer has not been able to find anything wrong. I am disappointed with this flagship car and am planning to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Colt Breitenberg 2025-05-15
Vehicle year: 2000
I purchased this car back in 2010 with 160k miles on it, and it was sold to me AS-IS. However, the dealership was kind enough to provide me with a new battery since the old one was dead. I got a fantastic deal on it, especially considering the mileage. For the first year, I had no issues with it, but then the AC stopped working. I was able to replace the radiator myself for only $90, and I also replaced two ignition coils, which cost me $80 each. I later found out from the Volvo dealer that I needed a new ETM, which would cost $1200 to install. Although I haven't replaced it yet, I have noticed some surging while driving. I also changed both axles, which was a bit challenging. I make sure to do oil changes every 6k miles. Currently, the car has 220k miles and needs a timing belt, which would cost $800 to replace. Overall, it's a great car if you don't mind investing some money into it.