2001 Volvo S80 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Volvo S80, 10% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202509, filed 2007-09, 61,146 miles“Most recent is an upper idler arm went causing the timing belt to skip damaging the motor: cost 4k to fix or 5k to install a used motor. Pressure test came back (no pressure)pistons are ok. Sunroof caved in on my head. I did get cutup with the glass. Car stalled, need new alternator, fuel link shield fell off bottom of car causing the fuel line to drag on road. I had to tape the rubber fuel line up until garage to install a new shield. Passenger side safety belt linkage broke (no passenger side seat belt) there are other 'routine maintainence' tires/brakes/ etc that I did have done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10261018, filed 2009-03, 103,000 miles“While driving on an interstate highway at 65-70 MPH, my 2001 Volvo S80 t6 displayed a message indicating reduced power . I was able to steer the car, but pushing the accelerator pedal had no effect. I was forced to maneuver to the shoulder and have the car towed to my local dealer. The car would start and continue to run, but the car would not go . It was as if the accelerator pedal had been disconnected. This was actually the second time that this has happened to this car. The first occurred a mere 20 months earlier. …”
NHTSA complaint #10130945, filed 2005-08, 83,000 miles“Since buying my 2001 Volvo S80 2.9, I have had to have the transmission replaced two times within a 16 month period. The first time was june 2002 and the second time was november 2003.”
NHTSA complaint #10047582, filed 2003-11, 36,900 miles“Cooling system problem message displayed at 29,500 miles ...dealer found and replaced cracked hoses that caused coolant leak. Transmission service urgent message came up. Dealer replaced transmission valve body per Volvo. Transmission failed again 36 hours later. Now in shop having complete transmission replaced at 31000 miles! Transmission problem occurred right after 30,000 mile service at Volvo at cost of $600. I asked Volvo for discount on extended warrantee... They refused saying if they did it for me they would have to do it for others.”
NHTSA complaint #10069309, filed 2004-01, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10016434Jul 7, 2006Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10020263Jun 6, 2006Transferring components during transmission replacement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 29% |
| 2012 | 1 | 13% |
| 2011 | 2 | 40% |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 4 | 8% |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% |
| 2002 | 11 | 26% |
| 2001 | 17 | 10% |
| 2000 | 23 | 7% |
| 1999 | 15 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volvo S80
64 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Volvo S80
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology