Volvo S80 headlights problems

Filed Aug 17, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · PA

The headlight system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request. The low beam failure error occurred, which led to an inspection of the headlight system. The wiring inside the headlight assembly failed. The insulation on bulb wires is crumbling everywhere and causing short circuits from exposed wire conductors. This causes a safety issue because the bulbs stop functioning, impairing visibility of the car, visibility of the road, and disabling motion intent lights like the turn signals. Bare wires touching can also lead to overheating and fires or failures of the headlight electrical system. Humidity may damage the exposed wires and cause bulb failure or wire overheating. The wiring harnesses may also overheat. The wire insulation problem was confirmed by an independent service center on multiple cars of this model.

Filed Jun 23, 2022 · Driver assistance · NY

At night, when a direct strong light (headlight) from behind shines on the car, the BLIS system stop working. The only way to reset the system is to stop and restart the car, instead of turning the system button OFF and then back ON. This is unsafe since when you are on the highway, it is unsafe to do so. A simple fix is a software update that will RESET the system when you turn it OFF and then ON again

Filed Feb 14, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · NV

Warning light on dashboard indicated right front headlamp out. Repair shop removed and replaced original component with new component. Internal inspection of light assembly revealed missing insulation(photos attached) on wiring harness causing a short circuit which also ruined the headlight igniter and control module. Shop stated that this issue is NOT uncommon with Volvo lighting systems. The current concern is the same condition is present in the left(driver) headlight and could cause a short and fire within the headlight assembly. Correspondence with Volvo resulted in no resolution of the issue and lack of concern for the reliability of installed components or possible safety concern for their product.

Filed Jun 1, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 25 miles · LA

The passenger side head light while I was driving home from work bulb went out had message stating bulb failure replaced bulbs and within 2 days. Lights were out again and the wiring connected to head lights were frayed as if they had shorted out or had melted and the back side signal on passenger side stopped working the car was being driven at that time

Filed Mar 2, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 60,500 miles · PA

First the high beam headlights could not be dimmed and constantly remained on creating problems for oncoming drivers. Next the high beams could not be turned on creating visibility issues when driving the car. The component that failed is the central electronic module ( cem ) . When the cem failed it also burned out the turn signal board. Both the cem and the turn signal board needed to be replaced with new units.

Filed Dec 7, 2010 · Lights · 90,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo s80. The contact stated that both headlights would fail intermittently without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer advised that the igniters that were used to turn on the headlights had failed. The dealer advised that the headlights had their own igniter and the dealer advised that because the failure was common in his year, make and model, the repair would possibly only last for two years. Th vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2010 · Acceleration, Electrical · DC

1999 volvo s 80. Consumer states problems with the transmission and electrical problems *tgw the consumer stated while driving, the interior dashboard and overhead lights began to dim and then returned to normal light levels on a repeated basis. There were a couple of incidents, where the vehicle would lunge forward without applying pressure to the accelerator and at times would almost come to a complete stall. The consumer stated he also had problems accelerating as he entered the interstate on entrance ramps due to what appeared to be stalling of the engine. The vehicle completely stalled. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and it was determined the etm had failed and needed to be replaced. The repair shop informed the consumer about a recall and extended warranty. However, when the consumer contacted volvo, he was told his vehicle was updated in august 2008 and they wouldn't assist any further.

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 Jun 11, 2007 · Lights · 110,000 miles · VA

2001 s80 volvo, headlights gather moisture anytime it rains. Had to replace before passing inspection.

Filed Nov 28, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · 45,000 miles · MA

1. Following download of recall software performance has been vastly reduced and now only achieves 8.2 mpg. 2. The ABS control module functions intermittently and usually in the failure mode. Abs brakes do not function properly-replacement $950 3. While backing (cold engine), brakes fail to stop the car for several seconds (feet). 4. The vehicle stalls mostly on turns but on straight away. A. Car now shuts off approx 6-8 times while driving, dangerous while driving at interstate/highway speeds. It "surges" forward and the lights (dash and headlights) fade - vehicle stalls with no power steering or power brakes. 5. Cruise control fails ?? Up hills/down hills shuts down. Now is inoperable. 6. The electronic door locks malfunction intermittently. 7. Following error codes display and total mileage, trip 1 & 2 mileage displays default to ?? --------?? And mileage does not log on the odometer: a.brake failure stop asap b.coolant level low stop asap c.ABS failure / service required d.stc service required e.power steering failure - service required f.emission system service required g.stop safely and restart engine h.alarm system service required I.alarm triggered j.emission system service required k.no oil pressure stop asap l.check engine. *nm the ball joint, driver side window motor, sunroof switch were replaced. Numerous bulb replacements and replacement of mass flow sensor. The cooling fan malfunctioned. The ABS control module would function intermittently which would cause the ABS to not function. The power steering failed. The vehicle will completely shut off while driving. The cruise control was inconsistent, the vehicle would loose power with the cruise activated. The electronic doors malfunctioned, the fob does not always open the door and at times when closing the driver side door. Updated 12/15/06.