1999 Volvo S80: ball joint or control arm failure

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 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 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 Feb 28, 2004 · Acceleration, Lights · 4,000 miles · FL

Vehicle message center displayes: ABS system failure/servicing transmission system service power steering service emissions control service also, there is an engine oil leak and a tie rod replacement/four wheel alignment was required cruise control is intermittent directional signal inop headlights come on when not commanded etc. Incident date--throughout ownership .

Filed Sep 9, 2002 · Suspension · WA

While driving front driver's side wheel came off as a result of ball joint failure. Consumer had vehicle fixed under previous ball joint recall 00v238000. Since recall repairs, consumer has had to replace front ball joints twice.

Filed Apr 11, 2002 · Suspension · PA

I have had the front control arm bushings replaced three times in a little over two years. Also the front ball joints twice (once through a recall). My tires need replaced for the second time and the dealer is not willing to accept any blame for the rapid wear of the tires despite the continual steering problems. They did realign it when they replaced the transmission and bushings in dec. Of 01. But did not do so again when the ball joints were replaced in march 02. Now they say my alignment is poor because of my unevenly worn front tires.

Filed Jan 3, 2002 · Wheels · CA · crash

Front right wheel collapsed and folded under car resting on the outside rim. Police were summoned but made no report because no other property damage occurred and there was no evidence of negligence. I demanded that farmers insurance have the car inspected by their engineering firm. The engineer said damage was consistent with hitting a pothole at 30-40 MPH and there was no evidence of existing metal fatigue. There was no pothole and speed was 12 MPH (while slowing on a steep downhill for a red traffic light). There was no "impact damage" to aluminum tire rim (as you would expect if you hit an object hard enough to cause the wheel to fold). Engineer was "unable to explain the cause of the failure." I continue to pursue with farmers insurance because I believe a ball-joint failure caused the accident. I see many complaints about ball joints on the federal safety agency's site and I see that there was a recall in sep 2000 for ball joint replacements. I never received a letter about the recall. Either my car was not affected or volvo failed to deliver the letter to me. I would appreciate any information you have that would help to clarify the cause of the right-wheel failure.

Filed Dec 14, 2001 · Body, Brakes · CA

While driving 55-60 MPH, brakes were pulsating, after applying brakes again noticed brakes were fading. Consumer pulled over and noticed rotors were red hot. Dealer replaced front rotors and pads.*ak the gas tank had a defect that would cause a vacuum leak. The front suspension makes a cracking noise when turning due to ball joint failure. The gear shifter switch makes loud clicking noise. The rear passenger door handle could not be opened from outside. Automatic transmission had slippage and shudder while up shifting, creating a vehicle loss of control. Passenger side rear seat backrest cushion makes noise due to loose clips. The front passenger window developed a wind noise due to defective window seals. Due to design fault, the upper torque mount bushing cracked. The driver side front headlight lens broke. The consumer is asking for a full refund of the actual price paid for the vehicle or for it to be replaced with a new equally equipped vehicle.