RoadVitals

2002 Volvo S80 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Volvo S80, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Transmission712.7%
  • Engine610.9%
  • Driver assistance59.1%
  • Brakes59.1%
  • Powertrain (other)47.3%
  • Electrical47.3%
  • Suspension47.3%
  • Airbags35.5%
  • Seat belts23.6%
  • Exterior lighting11.8%
  • Interior & seats11.8%
  • Body & structure11.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 16, 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 · filed Aug 26, 2017
All 12 reports naming fuel system

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 2, 2011

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 · filed Jul 27, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 15, 2017

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 · filed Feb 9, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 3, 2018

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 · filed Jul 19, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 28, 2021

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 · filed Jan 2, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 28, 2021

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 · filed Nov 3, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 19, 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 · filed Jun 28, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 2, 2011

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 · filed Feb 25, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 5, 2021

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 · filed Feb 23, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS RECALLED DUE TO FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 225. VOLVO STATED THEY COULD NOT RETROFIT THE ANCHORAGE SYSTEM INTO THIS VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10054066 · filed Jan 14, 2004

ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, I ATTEMPTED TO INSTALL A CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN MY 2002 VOLVO S-80. IN ORDER TO DO THE JOB PROPERLY, I LOOKED IN MY OWNERS MANUAL FOR THE LOCATION OF THE LOWER ANCHORAGE SYSTEM. ON PAGE 12 WAS THE ILLUSTRATION AND LOCATION OF THE ANCHORS, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO FIND THEM IN THE CAR. THE NEXT MONDAY I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT SOMETIMES VOLVO DIDN'T INSTALL THIS PART. I WAS TOLD TO LOOK IN THE WHEEL-WELL IN THE TRUNK. THE PART WAS NOT THERE. SO, I WAS TOLD TO STOP BY THE DEALARSHIP AND THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC COULDN'T FIND THE ANCHOR EITHER. SOME DISCUSION TRANSPIRED, AFTER WHICH I WAS TOLD THAT MY OWNERS MANUAL WAS IN ERROR, AND THAT MY CAR DID NOT COME WITH THE LOWER ANCHORAGE SYSTEM. IT WAS GOING TO COST ABOUT $100 TO ORDER AND INSTALL THE PART. I WAS ANGRY. AFTERALL, MY OWNERS MANUAL SHOWED THE LOCATION OF THIS SYSTEM. HOW COULD VOLVO MAKE SUCH AN ERROR? I CALLED VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE TO COMPLAIN. I WAS READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT, "VOLVO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE MODEL CHANGES AT ANY TIME, OR TO CHANGE SPECIFICATIONS OR DESIGN, WITHOUT NOTICE AND INCURRING OBLIGATION." AS A RESULT OF THIS STATEMENT THE COMPANY CONFIRMED THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION UNLESS I PAID FOR IT, SINCE THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENTS OF THEIR OWNERS MANUAL. I LEASED THIS CAR IN MAY, 2002, MORE THAN HALFWAY THROUGH THE MODEL YEAR. I SEEMS TO ME THAT VOLVO HAS THE OBLIGATION TO SEE THAT ITS OWNERS MANUAL IS CURRENT AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY. VOLVO IS A BRAND THAT HAS EARNED ITS REPUTATION THROUGH SAFETY. I OBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY DODGE THEIR RESPONSIBILTY FOR SAFETY BY HIDING BEHIND SOME LEGALIZE. IT IS THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO THE CONSUMER TO SEE THAT EITHER THEIR CAR IS DELIVERED AS STATED, OR TO SEE THAT ANY ERRONEOUS STATEMENT AND ILLUSTRATIONS ARE REMOVED FROM THE MANUAL. *AK

NHTSA ID 10025509 · filed Jul 7, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TAIL LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT FIVE TIMES SINCE SEPTEMBER, 2003. DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES, BUT COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM

NHTSA ID 10072207 · filed Jul 19, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 4, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DASH BOARD WAS TOO LIGHT IN COLOR, WHICH CAUSED A BLINDING GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD. *JB CONSUMER STATED WHEN ENTERING A DARK AREA (TUNNEL, GARAGE ETC.) THE DASHBOARD WOULD REFLECT ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONSUMER HAD NUMBEROUS NEAR COLLISIONS DUE TO THIS DISTRACTION. CONSUMER FEELS THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO WEAR POLARIZED SUN GLASSES. *PH

NHTSA ID 10015829 · filed Sep 2, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .