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1999 Volvo S80 suspension problems

24 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
24
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
75,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Front
    10
  • Front: control arm
    6
  • Front: control arm: upper ball joint
    3
  • Front: wheel bearing
    1
  • Front: control arm: lower ball joint
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volvo S80 suspension problems in other years

199920052013

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Volvo S80 suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 18

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball jointReported August 24, 2000 · 49,488 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Over time, the ball joint between the front wheel king pin and the suspension link arm, can experience increased looseness.
Risk
This condition could affect the ball joint's durability and performance.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both front ball joints.

Recall number 00V238000 · Recall details

What 1999 Volvo S80 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 12, 2018 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MO

Ecm

Filed Nov 17, 2010 · Acceleration, Engine · 78,600 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. While accelerating from a stop, the contact felt a thump from the driver side wheel. The failure occurred whenever she accelerated from a stop or decelerated. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the insulation surrounding the wires in the engine compartment were degraded. The vehicle also displayed difficulty when shifting into fourth gear. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact could not shift out of third gear after attempting to accelerate from 40 MPH. The failure occurred intermittently and the check engine light began to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in recalls 00v238000 (suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint), 02v096000 (engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan), and 06v441000 (vehicle speed control). The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,600 and the current mileage was approximately 79,100.

Filed Jan 28, 2009 · Suspension · CA

Axle failed after doing a u turn at 5mph. Control arm bushings keep breaking and need to be epoxied often by mechanic. Coolant leak problems as well as transmission fluid leaks.

Filed Dec 11, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 60,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volvo s80. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to slow down and the ABS and engine indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the trollis system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred two weeks later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and they stated that the central module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle needed to be taken back to the dealer for further inspection. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 97,000. Updated 1/8/09 *cn the ball joint needed to be replaced, the heating system, throttle systems, engine cooling fan and the master cylinder all failed. The vehicle would accelerated on its own. The vehicle stalled on several occasions. The steering made a noise when it was turned. The dealer lubricated the steering. The dealer stated the vehicle needed an o2 sensor. The ignition switch was replaced. The inner tie rods were replaced. 01/14/09.

Filed Mar 4, 2008 · Lights, Suspension · 142,000 miles · TX

During normal driving conditions at night, the low beam (dipped beam) headlights failed while out of town with my wife and two daughters. I was able to drive to a safe location using the high beams. A check of headlamp bulbs and fuses showed that everything was in good working order and I was left scratching my head. The headlights are still not working three weeks later, and I finally know why. Volvo owners exchange information on various websites and on more than one I found people suggesting that the cem (main computer) used "shunts" for various components on the vehicle and they were proned to shorting out due to random overheating issues. I checked the area under the driver's side dash and sure enough, there is a shunt inserted into the cem with heavy charring around the terminals. The 1999 volvo s80 was the first year of my particular model, and the first year this type of wiring architecture was used on their vehicles. The shorting of a crucial circuit such as headlamps not only poses a grave danger when driving the vehicle at night, but could also cause a fire. I feel the failure in the design of the cem and the vehicles wiring architecture could also be responsible for the random electrical problems occurring with the s80 as well. There are several websites that mention the constant "check engine" light that comes on and dealers are claiming they repair the problem after each visit, which usually end up costing over $1,000.00. There's also several examples of customers , including myself, who lose the A/C compressor randomly, and the alternator indicating that it isn't charging correctly. Finally, there is also something inherently wrong with the design of the front suspension of the s80. I've paid for struts and ball joint repairs and have had them repaired through a manufacturer recall. Again, the dealer claims to have repaired the problem after each visit, yet the problem has recently come up again in my vehicle. Please contact me anytime.

Filed Jan 17, 2007 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · MA

I've replaced the struts and strut mounts twice; original owner replaced them once.... Sway bar replaced last year and whole front end has been re-built.... Now I have steering problems.. Replaced u-joint and rack....

Filed Jan 3, 2007 · Electrical, Suspension · 70,000 miles · IA

This car has several recurring problems that I have never seen on any car before. 1) electronic throttle has been replaced 2 times as well as oxygen sensors. 2) suspension parts replaced 3 times, ball joints, struts, strut mounts, frame bushings. The car still squeaks.

Filed Dec 12, 2006 · Suspension · 83,300 miles · IL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60mph on the highway, the vehicle skidded, and pulled to the right without warning. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to side of the road. Upon initial inspection by the contact, the right front tire was partially separated and turned perpendicular from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the tie rod assembly, as well as the entire front suspension needed to be replaced. A the federal safety agency recall, #00v238000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the front suspension however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed May 22, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 75,000 miles · MD

Transmission problems causing dangerous driving conditions. The transmission slips when going between 2nd and 3rd. Also had issues with the engine going to 700 rpms when going 65 MPH. This is just one of the many problems. The solenoid went out in the transmission about 13000 miles ago. Currently I have three different error codes "transmission service urgent", low oil pressure stop engine asap", and "emission service required". I have read many other people have the same problems I have had. Nm

Filed Mar 15, 2006 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

1999 volvo s80 t6 3/08/06 replaced transmission ( 75,000 miles) ( $4,800) 08/05 replace radiator 08/05 replaced etm 04 - replaced front suspension / sway bars / struts/ etc.. Volvo under engineered the front end of this car and if you go to web blogs it is in almost every 1999 - 2000 s-80 vehicle... Its disgusting that this car is allowed to continue or ford/ volvo isn't held liable...

Questions about the 1999 Volvo S80 suspension

Does the 1999 Volvo S80 have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Volvo S80, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Volvo S80 suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Volvo S80 suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V238000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volvo S80 have bad suspension?

The Volvo S80 model years with the most suspension complaints are 2000 (29 complaints) and 1999 (24 complaints).

Other 1999 Volvo S80 problems

Acceleration 53Engine 38Electrical 35Fuel system 29Brakes 19Steering 16Transmission 15Airbags 10Visibility 8Body 6Lights 5Seat belts 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 2Seats 2Tires 2

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