VehicleVerdict

1999 Volvo S80 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 288 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.3 times the median S80 year — the 1999 model ranks #2 of 18 S80 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (53), electrical system (39), and engine (39), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

288

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other S80 years?

S80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted442 complaints1999: 288 complaints2000: 442 complaints2001: 218 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 30 complaints2004: 63 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 32 complaints2008: 37 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 36 complaints2011: 8 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 7 complaints
S80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S80 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Volvo S80 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control5318%
Engine3914%
Electrical System3914%
Fuel System3010%
Suspension259%
Brakes197%
Steering186%
Transmission166%
Airbags114%
Visibility & Wipers93%
Body & Structure62%
Lighting62%
Other52%
Tires & Wheels52%
Seat Belts41%
Seats21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 1999 Volvo S80 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E023000BrakesMarch 29, 2007 · 13,128 units

Defect

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

06V441000Speed ControlNovember 15, 2006 · 170,099 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR IRREGULARITIES, A DIRTY THROTTLE HOUSING, AND/OR INEFFICIENT SOFTWARE CALIBRATION MAY CAUSE A WARNING LAMP TO LIGHT AND THE SUBSEQUENT ONSET OF LIMP HOME MODES.

Consequence

THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH NUMBER OF VEHICLES GOING INTO THE LIMP HOME MODE WITHOUT NEED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CURRENT SOFTWARE UPGRADE ONTO THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

04V451000EngineSeptember 13, 2004 · 149,799 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, SOME ELECTRIC COOLING FANS MAY OVERHEAT POTENTIALLY CAUSING HEAT DAMAGE AND, IN RARE INSTANCES, A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COOLING FAN. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

02V096000EngineApril 7, 2002 · 25,876 units

Defect

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN ELECTRIC COOLING FANS COULD BE INADEQUATE IN A HOT CLIMATE. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN COMPONENTS COULD OVERHEAT AND CAUSE THE MELTING OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND ADJACENT COMPONENTS, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

00V238000SuspensionAugust 24, 2000 · 49,488 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OVER TIME, THE BALL JOINT BETWEEN THE FRONT WHEEL KING PIN AND THE SUSPENSION LINK ARM, CAN EXPERIENCE INCREASED LOOSENESS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT THE BALL JOINT'S DURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING HEARD NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. SUDDENLY VEHICLE LURCHED TO RIGHT, AND HIT A PARKED CAR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 17, 2002 · crash

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL (02V-096) NOTICE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BURNT. *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 1, 2000 · fire

“CAR WAS PARKED. FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD. APPEARS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. CAR WAS CONSIDERED A "TOTAL" BY THE INSURANCE CO.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 13, 2000 · fire

“DEALER ADVISED CAR HAD A DEFECTIVE STEERING RACK, WHICH WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH ASSOCIATED "O" RINGS. ELEVEN DAYS AFTER WARRANTY WORK WAS COMPLETED, OWNER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO A "CRIMPED" O-RING. DEALER REPLACED THE O-RING AND HAS BEEN TEST DRIVING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 11, 2000 · fire

“1999 VOLVO S80 T6 3/08/06 REPLACED TRANSMISSION ( 75,000 MILES) ( $4,800) 08/05 REPLACE RADIATOR 08/05 REPLACED ETM 04 - REPLACED FRONT SUSPENSION / SWAY BARS / STRUTS/ ETC.. VOLVO UNDER ENGINEERED THE FRONT END OF THIS CAR AND IF YOU GO TO WEB BLOGS IT IS IN ALMOST EVERY 1999 - 2000 S-80…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 13, 2006

1999 Volvo S80 — common questions

Is the 1999 Volvo S80 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 288 complaints put the 1999 model at #2 of 18 S80 years. It is one of the S80 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 S80 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (53 complaints), electrical system (39 complaints), engine (39 complaints).

Does the 1999 Volvo S80 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Volvo S80. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Volvo S80 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo S80 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S80 years to avoid are 2000, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2002. The cleanest record among S80 years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.