Volvo S80 slipping problems

Filed Apr 11, 2015 · Acceleration, Transmission · 48,000 miles · PA

When driving the transmission shift slams / bucks for 2nd to 3rd gear at the 20 to 30 miles per hour. The transmission revs and then bang?s into the next gear. This also happens when slowing down and coming to a stop, you can feel it bucking / jolt (as if it was slipping) as I apply the brake. I had reported this to the volvo dealer several times and they said that nothing came up on the codes or diagnostic equipment. I had the transmission overhauled too in april 2013 and it ran good for about 12 months and that back to same symptoms / issues. I also brought it back again around august/september 2014 time frame to have the software updated and explained the transmission shifting problem and again no fault codes. My concern is that when driving the vehicle it could be a hazard if trying to accelerate quickly or trying to stop quickly and it does not respond as it should and an accident occurs, and a possible fatality could result. I also did speak with volvo customer services and register a complaint with them. This is not my first volvo, I have owned volvos since 1988. Please advise of findings and resolution.

Filed May 3, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 80,435 miles · CA

We own a beautiful 2005 volvo s80 t6 top of the line (fully loaded, twin turbos,18" rims, metallic green paint & parking sensors) only 80,300 miles. It's a $46,000 car unfortunately it is not safe for the road and is a hazard to all. It cannot go over speed bumps without shaking everyone inside violently. When driving the car the transmission will slip and stutter at low speeds meaning we cannot merge into traffic! There is also coolant leaking everywhere and spilling to storm drains and sewers list of diagnosed problems: -transmission rebuild need (even after paid $150 for transmission software upgrade) -left side window comes up and goes down -check engine light comes and goes -water pump has leak -crankcase ventilation system is clogged. -car cannot hold alignment and veers off -control arms and bushings are bad car has been serviced at a small swede shop & volvo santa ana frequently and babied. It has new front struts, new belts, new brakes, new rear tires, new cabin filter, etc. Spent more than $2.5k in the last year already. Volvo corporate denied any assistance and said there were 800 fixes made in the model year 2004. Obviously the car is flawed.

Filed Jul 12, 2010 · Acceleration, Transmission · 109,000 miles · CA

2000 volvo s80. Transmission failure with only 109,000 miles. I have always done the required maintenance and service on the vehicle, which included a transmission flush in 2003. I had no prior warnings, no slipping, nothing. The transmission fluid is clean, at the level it is supposed to be at, no leaks, and no warning "check engine" or "transmission" lights came on. My mechanic said that due to the sudden failure with no warning, it is most likely something internal that just broke and that I have to get a new transmission.

Filed Aug 30, 2009 · Electrical, Transmission · 150,000 miles · CA

The cars automatic transmission will shift to the reverse position without giving any warning under the normal driving condition in its drive position. When it shifts to reverse by itself on the freeway I notice the nose of the car will drop lower and if my foot press on the gas paddle the car will act as braking and engine is making noise. I notice on the dashboard and shifter the gear sign indication is toggle in between 'd' and 'r', when I press on the gas paddle the sign will change to 'r' and as I release my foot off the gas paddle the sign will change back to 'd'. The car is completely out of control I almost got in a major accident, luckily I was trained on manual transmission for my driving lesson, so I put the car to 'n' and shift back to 'd' for the 1st 3 times I switch back to 'd' the gear indication sign is still show 'r' when I put to 'd' only on the 4th try its return back to normal condition. When all this happen I was claiming a hill on I-580 before I-680 junction just pass hayward, ca. Try to imaging driving at 65mph on a hill and transmission swift to reverse the car will drop from 65mph to 10mph very fast and the cars behind me almost crash into me. According to my mechanic the car suppose to switch to 'safe mode' and transmission should stay in 3rd gear. It is strange the car think its malfunction is normal and did not engage to 'safe mode'. My mechanic diagnoses the car and tells me the problem trace to a neutral switch (pnp switch) inside the transmission. And after contact nearest dealer fremont motor cars the parts department confirm that the pnp switch is build inside the transmission and would need a new transmission. The gm-sourced 4t65ev/gt transmissions usually show symptoms of failure by suddenly slipping while in gear. There has not been a recall for this issue, but the faults are widely known and documented. This car is still drivable it's not bad, if don't acted up. It still thinks it has no problem at all which is very dangers.

Filed Sep 11, 2007 · Transmission · 61,146 miles · MI

I have a 2001 volvo s80 t6 with 61000 miles. Within the last two weeks it felt as though the car was "slipping" out of gear on several occasions... The rpms would flair then normalize. Yesterday the car just quit moving. It was towed to the volvo dealer and I was just told the transmission is shot and would cost $4000 to replace with a remanufactured one. My problem does not seem to be an isolated incident. I've found that its well known the transmission is a problem and since they tend to fail after 50000 miles, volvo's warranty is expired. Now I'm stuck with putting the same worthless transmission back into the vehicle only to expect it to fail again in the future. Volvo needs to recall the transmission or extend the warranty to at least 100000 miles.

Filed Jul 3, 2006 · Engine, Transmission · 90,000 miles · VA

Initially lack of acceleration and sputtering on acceleration, check engine light and emission system error message. Codes reset. Then problem recurred approximately one month later. Dealer provided etm software download. Approximately 3 weeks after download, check engine light on, weak acceleration, hesitation or slipping on shifting.

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 Oct 6, 2005 · Fuel system, Suspension · 135,000 miles · WI

3 independent issues: throttle module - vehicle suddenly and unpredictably surges forward, particularly during idle or low speeds while in forward or reverse either stopped or moving, causing potential safety problems. Transmission module - vehicle suddenly and unpredictably looses power, presenting the driving performance of a "slipping" transmission, causing unpredictable responsiveness to changing traffic conditions, and potential safety problems. Front suspension - "knocking" noise from front suspension component(s), causing lack of driving confidence and concerns of driving safety and performance. All 3 of these problems are widely reported as chronic design, performance, safety and reliability issues for the same model years by other volvo owners. In newer model years, volvo has made manufacturing changes to address these recognized issues, but has not as yet successfully addressed and responded to these safety issues. Further, these issues have been reported to the federal safety agency by other volvo owners.

Filed Aug 3, 2005 · Electrical · CA

Re:1999, s-80,t-6 volvo. Saw an ap article in my local paper today re complaint investigation. I experienced virtually all of the same problems cited in the article. Namely stall w/o warning, from a stop,step on gas and barely would move(like slipping clutch on a manual transmission) , had numerous incidents where I felt vulnerable and unsafe in traffic, loss of power steering etc. Sounds very much like these other complaints. At same time I had lots of incorrect "readouts" on dash panel. I complained to dealer who said this all could be related to the ABS control module which was replaced at cost of $825.00. Old part was not given back to me. Of note is that during the same repair a belt was replaced which they did give back to me, but not the module. Mileage was only 61,376. This module did solve the problem however I am now getting another goofy readout that dealer says could be a defective module. Current mileage is 61779. I did not think that failures of this type should occur at such low mileage. At the time I asked if there was a recall for this and was told no. I am not happy with this situation and ii do suspicion that a defect exists.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Transmission · 83,112 miles · MA

Replace main computer after computer registered "urgent, brake failure" code and volvo determined it was a faulty code. Three months later, I had transmission slippage while up shifting...getting extremely bad. Had transmission rebuilt at a reputable transmission shop and he told me the transmission (at 80,000m) failed because it was never serviced properly. I have all service receipts...all done at volvo dealerships through 50k warranty. Transmission shop said, my gm transmission, unlike earlier volvo transmission needs more servicing than a volvo transmission. Transmission shop said that my "transmission filter had never been changed!!!!"*ak contacted volvo consumer affairs and they basically laughed at me. I am thinking about filing a complaint in small claims court for 2k the cost of my rebuilt transmission. President of cars suggested that was a viable option.