RoadVitals

2002 Volvo S80 Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
42
Latest Oct 5, 2021
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Jan 30, 2003

What this page shows

Our database holds 42 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Volvo S80. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 42 · page 1 of 2

Airbags
Filed Oct 5, 2021

The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S80. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V681000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11435594
Incident
Feb 15, 2021
Electrical
Filed Jul 19, 2021

The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S80. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the odometer would go black. The contact stated that the electrical system of the vehicle would fail causing all of the functions to start flashing, the brakes to stutter, and the transmission to fail. The contact stated no warning lights would be illuminated as the control panel would go black. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to have it diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

NHTSA ID
11425499
Incident
Jan 14, 2018
Mileage
22,000 mi
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the instrument panel malfunctioned and failed to illuminate while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of an electrical failure that affected the brakes and the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact also mentioned that she had received NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V681000 (Air Bags) however, the part was not yet available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11422659
Incident
Apr 15, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 3, 2018

WHEN THE VEHICLE WARMS UP FROM START IT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE IT STARTED AT LIKE 30 MILES AND I PARKED THE CAR TILL I COULD GET IT FIXED NOW WHEN THE CAR JUST WARMS UP (NOT GETS HOT) IT WILL NOT ENGAGE TRANS I HAVE ON MORE SENSER TO CHECK BUT THE CAR WILL MOVE WHEN YOU FIRST START IT BOTH FORWARD AND BACK BUT WHEN IT WARMS UP IT STOPS

NHTSA ID
11145069
Incident
Oct 11, 2017
Mileage
180,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 16, 2017

WE HAVE A 2002 VOLVO S 80 THAT HAD A FUEL PUMP LEAK THAT LOOKS LIKE OUR MODEL HAD AN ISSUE WITH. WE HAD A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CAR. THERE'S A CAMPAIGN NUMBER TO IT... 09V483000. WE'RE STILL HAVING AN ISSUE WITH IT.

NHTSA ID
11046476
Incident
Dec 15, 2016
Fuel system
Filed Aug 26, 2017

FUEL PUMP FLANGE IS LEAKING FUEL, CAUSING FUEL SMELL THROUGHOUT CABIN OF VEHICLE. FUEL PUMP FLANGE RECALLED FOR DEFECTS DUE TO TEMPERATURE EXTREMES, THERMOCYCLING AND FUEL QUALITY,

NHTSA ID
11019910
Incident
Jul 28, 2017
Fuel system
Filed Jul 21, 2017

I HAD A GAS LEAK AT 141,000 MILES.. HAVE TO PAY $889.00 BUCKS TO REPAIR OR THE SAID I COULD CATCH FIRE.. PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL [XXX] THANKS.. IT'S HAPPENS WHEN I WAS DRIVING WAS THIS A RECALLED PART? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11010040
Incident
Jul 14, 2017
Mileage
141,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 15, 2017
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID
10995331
Incident
May 26, 2017
Mileage
160,000 mi
Filed May 25, 2017
Fire reported

MY VOLVO S80 SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHEN I WAS AWAY FROM HOME. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE (UNDER THE HOOD) AND BURNED.

NHTSA ID
10991593
Incident
May 23, 2017
Mileage
95,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO START WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 248,000.

NHTSA ID
10980093
Incident
Apr 23, 2017
Mileage
248,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 17, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL SMELL IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEHIND THE REAR SEATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL COULD BE HEARD SPLASHING AROUND IN THE TANK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN USE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLANGE WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

NHTSA ID
10836642
Incident
Jul 24, 2015
Mileage
112,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 26, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

NHTSA ID
10786103
Incident
Oct 1, 2015
Mileage
170,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 11, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE STRONG FUEL FUMES EMITTING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN

NHTSA ID
10715651
Incident
Sep 4, 2014
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINES RPMS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT POWERED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA ID
10682207
Incident
Feb 7, 2015
Mileage
147,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 19, 2014

WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED TACHOMETER DROPPED TO 900 RPM FROM ABOUT 3500 WITH AN 18 WHEELER NOT MORE THAN 6 CAR LENGTHS BEHIND ME, NEEDLESS TO SAY IF IT WEREN'T FOR DIVING ONTO THE SHOULDER AS IS DECELERATED RAPIDLY TO 20 MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. VOLVO HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON SOME OF THE ETMS TO 10 YEARS/200,000 MILES. WHEN I CALLED VOLVO TO ASK IF THIS MODEL WAS PART OF THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY TOLD ME THAT IT ONLY COVERED '99-01' AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AS " THINGS BREAK WHEN THEY GET OLD", AND THAT I SHOULD DRIVE IT TO THE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS, AT MY OWN PERIL. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME IT WOULD TAKE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TO CHANGE THIS. WHY SHOULD IT TAKE A LAWSUIT OR DEATH OF A WHOLE CAR FULL OF PEOPLE TO GET SOMEONE TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR USE OF SUBSTANDARD PARTS? I DROVE THE CAR HOME IN "LIMP MODE " AND PARKED IT. TODAY I WENT OUT TO SEE IF IT WOULD RUN AND DRIVE, TO MY AMAZEMENT IT DID, SO I TOOK IT FOR A LITTLE TEST <5 MILES, AND IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN, THIS TIME I WAS PREPARED. I CHECKED THE CODES AND IT HAD NONE IN THE SYSTEM. CALL ME FOR A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10614705
Incident
Jul 17, 2014
Mileage
223,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed May 4, 2012

THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS ADJUSTING ITSELF RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. HOWEVER, THE CONTROLS WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RE-ADJUST THE SEAT. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, THE BACKREST OF THE SEAT WOULD MOVE INTO A COMPLETELY HORIZONTAL POSITION. OTHER TIMES, THE ENTIRE SEAT (INCLUDING THE BACKREST) WOULD MOVE AS FAR FORWARD AS POSSIBLE, CREATING A MAJOR DRIVING HAZARD. I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER AND WAIT, REPEATEDLY ATTEMPTING TO RE-ADJUST THE SEAT UNTIL IT RANDOMLY STARTED TO RESPOND. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO A VOLVO DEALERSHIP, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE ANY REASON OR CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE POWER SEAT MODULE AT A COST OF $850 (PARTS & LABOR). THE DEALERSHIP UNPLUGGED THE MODULE AFTER ADJUSTING THE SEAT TO FIT ME, BUT THAT IS NOT A PROPER SOLUTION. A CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING A VEHICLE PART DUE TO FAULTY WIRING, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT CREATES A DRIVING HAZARD ON THE ROAD! *TR

NHTSA ID
10457499
Incident
Sep 1, 2011
Mileage
130,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 10, 2011

CAR SURGES AND HESITATES WHEN CHANGING GEARS, IT SLOWS DOWN AND ACCELERATES RANDOMLY WHEN I PUSH DOWN ON THE GAS. IT STICKS AND WON'T LET ME CHANGE GEARS IN MANUAL MODE AND IT STRUGGLES TO CHANGE GEARS IN AUTOMATIC MODE. THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS, IT WILL DECELERATE RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY BOTH WITH THE CRUISE ON AND OFF. *TR

NHTSA ID
10424583
Incident
Aug 17, 2011
Mileage
79,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 23, 2011
Crash reported

MY SON WAS DRIVING A 2002 VOLVO S80 WITH NO PASSENGERS WHEN HE WAS HIT IN THE LEFT FRONT BY ANOTHER CAR. HE WAS FORCED TO THE RIGHT AND STRUCK A LIGHT POLE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE LIGHT POLE IMPACT WAS MAYBE 2" RIGHT OF DEAD CENTER. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. ONLY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED FROM THE DASH. NONE OF THE OTHER SEVEN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE FACT THAT NONE OF THE DRIVERS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED APPEARS TO BE A FAULT. THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO PASSENGER AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID DEPLOY ALSO APPEARS TO BE A FAULT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10384118
Incident
Jan 7, 2011
Mileage
117,000 mi
BrakesEngineSuspension+1 more
Filed Jan 2, 2011

2002 VOLVO S80 TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 63,000 MILES, REPLACED WITH NEW VOLVO TRANSMISSION, LASTED 2 YEARS 1 MONTH, VOLVO STATES 2 YEARS IS THE WARRANTY, SO FAR WE HAVE 8900.00 IN REPAIRS TO THIS CAR IN THE LAST 3 YEARS,THIS CAR IS A REAL LEMON. *TR

NHTSA ID
10373785
Incident
Jul 19, 2008
Mileage
63,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Jul 27, 2010

PULLING INTO TRAFFIC CAR WAS HESITATING, STARTING AND STOPPING UNCONTROLLABLY. SLIPPAGE IN THE TRANSMISSION FROM FIRST GEAR TO SECOND, HARD TO GET UP TO SPEED. HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SERIOUS ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE HESITATIONS. NO INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS AT THE BEGINNING OF TRANSMISSION ISSUES, DANGEROUS. NOW TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS ON, VEHICLE ONLY HAS 104K MILES. GOING IN TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10345577
Incident
Jul 26, 2010
Mileage
104,445 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 15, 2010

VOLVO S80 2002 -PA .WHILE REVERSING REAR WHEEL LOCKED AND CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN.PARKING BRAKE NOT ENGAGED. CAR TOWED TO VOLVO DEALER. ON ASSESSMENT DEALER INDICATED THAT PARKING SHOES FROZE UP AND DELAMINATED CAUSING COLLATERAL DAMAGE. ANOTHER POSSIBILITY WAS THAT PARKING CABLE FROZE UP AND PARKING SHOES DELAMINATED. CAR HAD APPROX 85000 MILES. EITHER WAY THIS IS A DEFECT IF OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY WOULD HAVE HAD DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCE. IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE OF CAR CABLE CANNOT FREEZE. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY DEALER. ALL MAINTENANCE DONE BY DEALER AS RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER. CAR UNDERWENT SPRING INSPECTION AROUND MONTH AGO. SO QUALITY OF PARKING SHOES NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED OR PARKING BRAKE CABLE INSPECTION SHOULD BE ADDED. AGREED WITH DEALER TO REPLACE AND REPAIR DEFECT AS I NEED THE CAR. REQUESTED THEM TO KEEP THE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY NHTSA IF NECESSARY. COST APPROX $2000.00 WHICH IS SIGNIFICANT. SAFETY ISSUE IF THIS HAD OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10336366
Incident
Jun 12, 2010
Mileage
85,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 25, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80. WHENEVER THE CONTACT WOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A RATTLING SOUND IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

NHTSA ID
10314378
Incident
Mar 17, 2008
Mileage
150,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 22, 2010

IN THE PAST MONTH WHEN I DRIVE THERE IS SURGING AND HESITATION. WHEN I STOP THEN ACCELERATE THERE IS NO POWER, SYMPTOMS OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY AND DAILY. I TOOK IT TO DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THINKING IT WAS A RECALL FOR THE EMS. DEALER SAYS NO CODES CAME UP IT WAS EMS PROBLEM THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. METAL IN TRANS. FLUID. I PURCHASED IN OCT. 2008 WITH 30 DAY WARRANTY AND IT ONLY HAS 79,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10312839
Incident
Feb 1, 2010
Mileage
79,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 2010

I PURCHASED A 2002 VOLVO S80 IN MARCH OF 2009 AND STATED HEARING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR & WHEN I WENT & GOT IT CHECKED THE MECHANIC SAID THAT I NEEDED NEW STRUTS SO I GOT THE STRUTS FIXED FOR A WARPING $600 BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED 3 TIMES SINCE THE REPAIR,I HAVE HAD IT REPAIR 2 TIMES BY THE SAME SHOP BUT SINCE THEY TRIED TO CHARGE ME LABOR ON THE LAST VISIT I'M DONE,THE MECHANIC ALSO SAID THAT I NEEDED FRONT CONTROL ARMS WHICH ARE ALSO EXPENSIVE.I CHECKED ONLINE TO SEE IF MAYBE VOLVO HAD ANY RECALLS ON THIS MATTER & THEY DID ON 1999,2000,2001 VOLVO S80 BUT NOT 2002 WHICH IS MY VEHICLE. THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN REPORTED AS A SAFETY ISSUE IN VOLVO S80 99-2001 SO IM JUST WONDERING WHY HAVEN'T IT REACHED THE 2002 BECAUSE I WENT TO THE COMPLAINTS ONLINE & MORE PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING THAN MYSELF. MY STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTERED,MY CAR SHIFTS WHEN I HIT BUMPS IN THE ROAD & MY TRACTION IS NOT AS GOOD AS IT WAS WHEN I 1ST BOUGHT IT. ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS MY FRONT END IS REALLY SCREWED UP & IT'S NOT MY FAULT SO CAN ANYONE DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME OUT. THANKS A MILLION!!!! *TR

NHTSA ID
10308146
Incident
Apr 22, 2009
Mileage
117,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S80 T6. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOWER SPEEDS TO INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS HESITATION AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES. THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSIS DID NOT LIST ANY FAILURE CODES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106000.

NHTSA ID
10302384
Incident
Nov 14, 2009
Mileage
105,000 mi

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