1999 Volvo S80: fuel pump failure

Filed Nov 23, 2011 · Fuel system · 105,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. While the vehicle was parked the contact smelled a strong fuel odor in the vehicle. The smell was coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the fuel pump was fractured and had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2011 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. While driving approximately 60 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact stated the fuel gauge did not read empty at the time the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 8/29/11 *cn the consumer stated a recall was issued regarding defective fuel pumps. However, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer was unable to determine what caused the vehicle to stall. Updated 09/28/11

Filed Apr 4, 2011 · Fuel system · 90,326 miles · MD

Hello, I recently purchased used "99 volvo s80 t6 - VIN [xxx]. A friend was standing next to my parked car last week, started to light a cigarette, and I stopped him because I smelled a strong gasoline vapor. Looking under the car, there was what looked to be about 2 cups of raw gas about 1/2' in and in front of the passenger rear tire. Aside from the obvious loss of a vehicle, we could very easily have become a burn statistic or worse, and that likely would extend to all of the he other people who were standing nearby. At the time. An internet search for "volvo s80 fuel leak" that evening yielded multiple results that indicated this is commonly reported problem on all s-80 models, and that a recall was in effect for 2002 and newer vehicles to replace the fuel pump due to failure with hairline cracks in the nozzle connecting to the return line, causing a lot of fuel to spray under the car below the rear seat, since the return line is under high pressure at all times. Here is but one link on this safety problem and recall - http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=25517. Upon opening the access panel to view the top of the fuel pump, it was clearly evident that my car has the exact same problem as described in the recall notice. I called volvo customer service (800 458 1552) and was told there are no active recalls matching my VIN. I pushed about the recall and they finally agreed it is a well known problem but the recall doesn't apply to 99-01 models, even though they also agreed that they use exactly the same pump and configuration. I was also told that volvo doesn't have a phone number for the federal safety agency! Someone is going to get seriously injured or killed because of this catastrophic fuel system failure, so please, please, please, expand this recall for all years and models of volvo that use this known defective component. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 6, 2008 · Fuel system · 100,031 miles · NC

Investigated gasoline odor in/around car. Resulting inspection found significant gas leak on top side of fuel tank - passenger side. Further inspection by repair shop revealed cracked fuel pump fitting that when powered sprayed fuel on underside of vehicle. Fuel spray / vapors were reaching close to if not in contact with hot exhaust components. In addition to dangers (to vehicle occupants) related to inhalation of gas fumes this failure resulting in a critical and potentially catastrophic risk or fire/explosion. Repair involved replacement of fuel pump assembly, approximately $700. Bottom line - this is a completely unacceptable failure at any mileage and could have resulted in injury or loss of life. Further, it appears that this is not an isolated issue (from reading other complaints filed with the federal safety agency) and one that must be immediately addressed to prevent further failure(s) with significant potential for loss of life. Old part is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Oct 14, 2005 · Fuel system · 62,208 miles · NC

Fuel odor in vehicle, and fuel leaking under vehicle. Fuel pump assembly has stress cracked at fuel pressure line. Fuel pump assembly required to repair leak. Replaced fuel pump.

Filed Jul 13, 2005 · Fuel system · NC

Dt: consumer stated he is a certified mechanic and has two separate vehicles that are the same make and model with the same problem. The combination unit of the fuel pump assembly has a massive leak. There is a crack in the fuel pump assembly that is caused by stress from the fuel line. With enough pressure over time it will cause this crack. The fuel pump assembly will have to be replaced.

Filed Jul 13, 2005 · Fuel system · NC

Dt: consumer states he is a certified mechanic and has two separate vehicles that are the same make and model with the same problem. The combination unit of the fuel pump assembly has a massive leak. There is a crack in the fuel pump assembly that is caused by the stress from the fuel line. With enough pressure over time it will cause this crack. The fuel pump assembly will have to be replaced.

Filed Nov 11, 2004 · Fuel system · 37,100 miles · NC

Fuel pump crack causing gas to be sprayed on underside of auto when ignition is on. Gas fumes in garage following parking of auto. Major risk of fire/explosion possible caused by defective fuel pump. Auto is five + years old with 37,100 miles. Volvo dealer replaced fuel pump at charge of $592.

Filed Sep 1, 2004 · Fuel system · 76,000 miles · DE

Major safety problems and possible fire hazard: the 1999 is hard to start and has to be cranked for about a minute before it starts, and we also smell gas when we stopped the car (by the fuel filler).*ak I took the car to union park spent $300. Thinking it needed a tune up. Still the problem exists. I took the car back to union park and I was advised that the problem is a leak in the vent tube off the gas tank. When the key is turned on, the electric fuel pump primes the line. However, since there is a leak in the vent tube this sucks in air and prevents the gas from going to the fuel injectors, then the fumes exit out the vent. I was advised that the vent tube is not a replaceable part and that I will have to buy a new gas tank with vent tube at the cost of $1,081.30. I feel that this is a design problem and should be paid for by volvo. Other vehicles have this as a two piece unit and the tube can be replaced at a lower expense, less than $150.00. I also feel that this is a safety problem; if some one was smoking near the rear of the car a fire could start. I have reported this to the national dot safety board. Front end parts, stearing I have also had problems with the front end parts, ball joints replaced, upper strut bushing replaced and now they tell me that the sway bar links need to be replaced at a cost of $192.04, I feel that this car is a lemon. In the past two years I have spent $3000. To fix items which should not have broken with normal driving usage. I always bought volvo's because they were reliable.this car is a major headache. The electrical system has one problem after another. The door locks need fixing or replacement for the third time. The problem with the fuel valve is a design problem and a huge safety concern. Since ford took over volvo, the car has gone from an extremely safe and reliable means of transportation to a constant worry about safety and maintenance and a money pit.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Fuel system · DE

While driving at any speed vehicle stalled, and then won't start again. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. Floor manager indicated, a pipe on the fuel rail broke and needed to be replaced at consumer's expense of $1200. Consumer indicated the fuel tank/fuel pump, and fuel rail was just one unit.

Filed Aug 24, 2000 · Fuel system, Steering · CA

When vehicle turns left steering wheel binds up. Steering wheel does not allow vehicle to make a full left turn. While attempting to turn left, vehicle will go half way, and consumer is forced to reverse and move straight. Dealership is unable to reproduce problem, and issue a remedy. Also, consumer attempted to fill the gas tank w/ fuel when it was 3/4 of a way empty. Gas nozzle would not pump the gas as if the tank was full. So consumer pulled the fuel pump out, and fuel started to squirt out on consumer, and a puddle on the floor.