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Volvo S80Model year report

1999 Volvo S80 Problems

Complaints
199filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
81,656miles, 120 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
20 mpgcombined, 2.9L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 25 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Volvo S80 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe an electronic throttle problem that shows up as stalling, surging idle, or sudden loss of power that drops the car into a reduced-power mode; many report repeat replacement of the throttle module. Secondary themes are electrical faults (warning lights, control modules, no-start issues), front suspension wear, and fuel leaks near the tank or pump fittings.

  1. Vehicle speed control

    Electronic throttle failure: stalling, surging, limp-home

    • 100 complaints (50%)
    • median 84,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (73 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 19 quotes)
    • filed 2000–2021

    Complaints describe the engine losing power or stalling without warning, an idle that bounces at stops, and sudden lurching forward. Several report the car dropping into limp-home mode and not accelerating past about 20 mph until restarted; some had the throttle module cleaned or replaced, sometimes more than once, and the symptom returned. Dealers reportedly replaced the electronic throttle module and downloaded software, and in several cases could not reproduce the fault or found no stored codes. Spread broadly from under 50,000 to over 160,000 miles, with many reports in the 70,000-120,000 range.

    Recall 06V441000

    What to check: Ask whether the throttle module and its software have been replaced or updated, and whether warning lamps or reduced-power events have been logged. A test drive with attention to idle quality, hesitation, and any message about engine system service is worthwhile.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased a 1999 Volvo S80 on august 30, 2005. Within 2 weeks of ownership, the car would race at a stop sign, while I applied the brakes. The next day, it ran rough in my drive way while it idled. I took it directly to the Volvo dealer in memphis. They told me I needed a etm and air flow meter. These were replaced at a cost to me of $848.21 parts and labor.”

    NHTSA complaint #10136510, filed 2005-09, 50,605 miles

    “I just purchased a used 99 Volvo, I am a mom of 4 and had heard Volvo to be very safe reliable car. The car ran great for about 2 days, then the lights started coming on, engine system service required, and the vehicle would also stall for no reason. I took it to local Volvo dealer, they say there was a recall on the message board, but if the light came on again it would need a new throttle module, cost of 1100. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10286770, filed 2009-10, 127,500 miles
  2. Brakes

    ABS and brake system warning lights

    • 16 complaints (8%)
    • median 80,200 mi at 7.4 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • filed 2000–2020

    Owners describe intermittent ABS, brake failure, and stability-control warning messages, sometimes alongside high or low idle and a lurch when lifting off the accelerator. Some were told the ABS control module was worn and sending false signals; others report a brake booster that stopped providing power assist, making the pedal hard. Repairs commonly involved replacing the ABS module or the booster, and in a few cases the dealer could not find the cause. Mostly between about 60,000 and 125,000 miles, and intermittent rather than constant.

    What to check: Look for any stored ABS or stability-control codes, and ask whether the ABS module or brake booster has been replaced. Check that the pedal feels firm and that warning messages stay off during a longer drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The information panel gives the following warnings: brake failure stop safely asap (t2 goes to ------) stc service required' when this happens the cruise control doesn't work. We have called the dealer to find out what to do. He says to bring the car in when the message is showing. The message comes and goes and isn't consistent enough to be able to take it to the dealer when it is on. We were told that the brakes should work without the ABS feature. The dealer has moved to 45 miles from our house. We believe that this is a false warning.”

    NHTSA complaint #10168924, filed 2006-09, 50,000 miles

    “When im driving and have to come to a slow stop im hearing the master cylinder sound like its rubbing against something loudly even with the appropriate brake fluid and measure is filled within it, also the air conditioner blows hot air during the summer causing the car to fail during hot weather”

    NHTSA complaint #11373727, filed 2020-11, 128,855 miles
  3. Engine cooling

    Cooling fan and overheating concerns; oil in cooling system

    • 26 complaints (13%)
    • median 75,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (19 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2011

    Complaints in this group center on engine cooling, with owners describing overheating symptoms, fan issues, and cooling-system leaks. Some reports mention oil contamination appearing in the coolant, and Volvo service information includes a method for cleaning the cooling system after oil enters it. Repairs ranged from coolant and hose repairs to cooling fan work. Commonly reported between about 70,000 and 130,000 miles, occasionally after hot-weather driving.

    Recall 04V451000Recall 02V0960003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check coolant condition and level, look for oily residue in the expansion tank, and confirm the electric cooling fan runs when the engine is hot. Ask whether the cooling-fan recall work was completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On september 10, 2005 at approximately 2:30 pm, my engine abruptly stalled while traveling at highway speeds with cruise control engaged. I pulled the car off to the side of the road. It would not restart. Upon each attempt to restart, the engine would actually run roughly for 1-2 seconds and then stall. I had the car towed about 35 miles to my Volvo dealer. When it arrived, it started. This is the second time this has happened. The last time, the dealer found no problem. I am aware that Volvo suspects the throttle body in these matters. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10136123, filed 2005-09, 75,700 miles

    “I own a 1999 Volvo S80 which I drive for business purposes. On august 17, 2004 the vehicle stalled at highway speed. Would barely run, even with full throttle. Had vehicle towed to nearest Volvo dealer, Volvo of louisville, ky. They replaced throttle body . Approx. 2 weeks later, had same occurrence. Car stalled at highway speed. Had vehicle towed to local dealer, century Volvo huntsville, al. They examined it and could not find any problem. It was not malfunctioning for them. They kept vehicle for several days trying to duplicate problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10131203, filed 2005-08, 169,836 miles
  4. Fuel system

    Fuel odor and leaks at the tank or pump fitting

    • 23 complaints (12%)
    • median 76,000 mi at 6.8 yrs old (15 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $925 (median of 10 quotes)
    • filed 2000–2011

    Owners describe a strong gasoline smell around the car and, in some cases, visible fuel pooling under the rear of the vehicle. Inspections found leaks at the top of the fuel tank and a cracked fitting at the fuel pump, with fuel reaching the underside of the body. Other complaints report stalling at speed with a fuel gauge that did not read empty, and rough idling traced to a mass air flow sensor. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 140,000 miles.

    What to check: Smell for fuel near the rear wheels and under the tank, and inspect the tank top and pump fittings for seepage. Ask whether the fuel pump and its seal or fitting have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 1999 vovlo S80 engine began surging when coming to a stop. The idle would bounce up and down by itself from 500 - 1500rpm. The car finaly set dheck engine codes that indicated that the mass air flow sensor had failed. Replacing maf corrected the issue, however the car has been showing signs of the same failure again. First maf unit was replaced on august 28, 2003 with 63,935 miles, now at 104,380 the same issues have begun to re-appear. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10133631, filed 2005-08, 63,935 miles

    “Investigated gasoline odor in/around car. Resulting inspection found significant gas leak on top side of fuel tank - passenger side. Further inspection by repair shop revealed cracked fuel pump fitting that when powered sprayed fuel on underside of vehicle. Fuel spray / vapors were reaching close to if not in contact with hot exhaust components. In addition to dangers (to vehicle occupants) related to inhalation of gas fumes this failure resulting in a critical and potentially catastrophic risk or fire/explosion. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10230174, filed 2008-06, 100,031 miles
  5. Suspension

    Front suspension wear and noise

    • 23 complaints (12%)
    • median 72,500 mi at 8.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2010

    Complaints describe front-end clunks and squeaks, repeated replacement of struts, strut mounts, and ball joints, and in one case a tie rod and front suspension overhaul after the car pulled to one side. Owners often report the noise returning after repairs, and several mention the front suspension recall for the upper ball joint. Generally reported from about 60,000 miles upward, with repeat repairs over several years.

    Recall 00V238000

    What to check: Ask whether the front upper ball joint recall was performed, and have the front end inspected for play in ball joints, tie rods, and strut mounts. Listen for clunks over bumps during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I've replaced the struts and strut mounts twice; original owner replaced them once.... Sway bar replaced last year and whole front end has been re-built.... Now I have steering problems.. Replaced u-joint and rack....”

    NHTSA complaint #10178947, filed 2007-01, 65,000 miles

    “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”

    NHTSA complaint #10158043, filed 2006-05, 75,000 miles

Buying note. This model year has known patterns around the electronic throttle, brake/ABS electronics, cooling system, fuel fittings, and front suspension, so a pre-purchase inspection that reads stored codes and checks those areas is worthwhile. Ask for service records showing what has already been replaced or updated, and confirm any open recall work was completed.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 199 consumer complaints for the 1999 Volvo S80. 120 of the complaints include a mileage, and 13% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 81,656 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 162 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Body and structure (6), Engine (5), Exterior lighting (5), Equipment (4), Seat belts (4), Other or unknown (3), Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seats (2), Tires (2).

Example complaints

Vehicle speed control: “I am writing you today in regard of a recall for my 1999 Volvo S80's etm (electronic throttle module). In 2006, there was a class action lawsuit in which Volvo agreed to extend the warranty of the etm to 10 years or 200,000 miles. I have owned the car for about a year and bought the car from my father. My father owned the car since 2007, and had frustratingly spent a total of approximately $7,000 in (documented) repairs. …”

NHTSA complaint #10402818, filed 2011-05, 125,850 miles

Electrical system: “I've had this problem for months now. The car shuts down and won't restart! I been taking off the battery and letting it sit over night, then putting cables back on to get it to restart! Today I drove it for a mile and parked it and while it was running it shut down again! Most of the time it shuts down when I'm driving and I lose brake control!”

NHTSA complaint #10558799, filed 2014-01, 97,000 miles

Engine cooling: “My 1999 s-80 Volvo lost power temporarily while my wife was driving the vehicle in traffic. Several of the cars warning lights came on including the transmission service required and brake service required immediately type messages. The Volvo dealer just replace the ABS module and several coil packets and spark plugs. A couple of old parts were left in the inside of the vehicle. We are not sure what the parts are.”

NHTSA complaint #10131165, filed 2005-08, 93,780 miles

Fuel system: “1999 Volvo S80 t6, sudden loss of speed when driving in highway traffic, with sudden partial and at times complete stall w/out warning. This has happened five times, twice I had to be towed. Extensive work has been done on the etm by two very good Volvo service departments, but the problem persists and is a mystery as to what to do about it. This is very frustrating - I need this car to work!!”

NHTSA complaint #10131123, filed 2005-08, 159,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

13% of the 120 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 62,208 and 113,000 miles.

5%0–101%10–258%25–5028%50–7523%75–10030%100–1507%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (120 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 81,656 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’00’0355’06’09’12’17’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1999 Volvo S80 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
S80 FWD2.8L 6-cyl4-speed automatic162519$4,350
S80 FWD2.9L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172520$4,100

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1999 Volvo S80 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 162 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 162 bulletins →

Other model years of the Volvo S80

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2016659,8002—29—Not enough data
2015736,0002—29—Not enough data
2013851,0003—22—Not enough data
2012851,2823—23—Not enough data
2011525,0004—22—Not enough data
20102747,9005—21Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Stable
20091670,0005—20—Falling
20082667,2507—19Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Falling
20072490,0005—19—Falling
20061260,5003—22—Not enough data
200515102,0005—22—Falling
20045099,0004—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20032650,7535—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200242104,4454—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200116463,2947—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200031878,0004—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199919981,6564—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Volvo S80 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Volvo S80?

Owners of this model year most often describe an electronic throttle problem that shows up as stalling, surging idle, or sudden loss of power that drops the car into a reduced-power mode; many report repeat replacement of the throttle module. The issues reported most often: Electronic throttle failure: stalling, surging, limp-home; ABS and brake system warning lights; Cooling fan and overheating concerns; oil in cooling system.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Volvo S80 have?

NHTSA recorded 199 consumer complaints for the 1999 Volvo S80 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1999 Volvo S80 is reported most often?

Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 53 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 35.

Has the 1999 Volvo S80 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Volvo S80 get?

The EPA rates the 1999 Volvo S80 (S80, 2.9L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Volvo S80 reported?

Among the 120 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 81,656 miles and the middle half falls between 62,208 and 113,000 miles; 13% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.