- The problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.
Vehicle safety record
2001 Volvo S80 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 179 complaints about the 2001 Volvo S80 with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (69) and the electrical system (43). Those complaints describe 10 crashes, 3 fires and 4 injuries. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in September 2021 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2000 has 342 and the 2002 has 45.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical S80 year, for its age
#54 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 179
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 10
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2001 Volvo S80 problems
Share of all 179 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Volvo S80 recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2003 S80 and S60 vehicles sold or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The driver side frontal air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments into the passage compartment, when the driver side air bag is deployed.
- The risk
- Metal fragments can strike vehicle occupants increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10058.
- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
- The risk
- AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- The fix
- Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable gps device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.Garmin.Com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.
- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 s80, model year 2001-2004 v70, s60, xc70 and model year 2003-2005 xc90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of alabama, arizona, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina, tennessee, texas, utah, virginia and the u.S. Territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange.
- The risk
- If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on january 15, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This resulted in a high number of vehicles going into the limp home mode without need.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD OCCUR.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the cooling fan. The recall began on november 29, 2004. Customers should contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: sedans and wagons. The rear outboard seat belt anchorage bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the anchorage bolts and tighten to the correct torque level. Owner notification began may 7, 2001. 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.
What owners say
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179 complaints about the 2001 Volvo S80
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 8.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 Volvo S80. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V766000 (Air Bags). The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was then notified and informed him that they were unaware of when the parts may have become available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnection.
My car lurches forward when you are idling as well as driving. I was on a busy street when I pulled out into an oncoming line of traffic when the motor completely died leaving me in the middle of both lanes of traffic. After a time I was able to restart the vehicle. This has also happened in bumper to bumper highway traffic. As you are idling at an intersection or awaiting a train to pass, the motor races and then slows and also lurches ahead. Foot must be hard on the brake or I could rear end the vehicle in front...
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of me. This vehicle has only about 65,000 miles and I have no idea why this is happening. It has been a great car until this started happening. The car is now sitting in the driveway as an unsafe condition is caused by this malfunction.
On november 9th my wife was driving our 2001 volvo s80 to church. She parked the car but it began to move. It accelerated and she wound up driving into a tree to avoid hitting other cars. She was also worried that children from the school might be around. The car was in park. The engine was off. The emergency break was on. The steering wheel was tight, making it difficult to steer since the engine was off. The church secretary observed the incident. She saw smoke coming out of the back of the car which would indicate the emergency break was on. When she first reached the car with my wife in it she noted that the car was in park.
Takata recall" frist I called volvo to inquire about recalls referening to the cooling system and the fuel pump the first lady I spoke with informed me this problem was under recalls and to take my car to get it serviced at the nearest dealer after taking my car to the dealer at 7:15am 4hours later after I called them first they now are saying that there isn't anything they can do with my car and they do not know who told me that false information. On top of all of this my car accelerates by itself lucky when it...
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happens I hurry and push the brakes and the car dosent start up once turning the key even the guy say that's always been a problem. Based on how expensive this car is it seem there wouldn't be many problems with it or it seem that they would at least try todo something about the false information over all I will never buy another volvo again!
Takata recall- the vehicle become non responsive when pushing the accelerator, the engine started running rough, the cruise control stopped working, the dstc (dynamic stability traction control) failed and the engine coolant temperature stopped reading. The vehicle started stalling everytime I come to a stop. All this started at the same time while I was driving the vehicle. *Tr
Placed my vehicle in reverse to pull back out of my garage & my car accelerated out of control. I was forced into a parking sign that scratched and dented my left rear bumper. In the last 2 1/2 months related problems continue where my car surges & also experiences sudden & unexpected reduced performance. When I accelerate my car feels like it is stuck in gear & won't respond. It is a safety hazard!! Again!!! This duplicates the same electronic throttle module problem I had in august of 2005. After taking my car...
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in 4 times (not knowing what the problem was), it was finally determined it is the etm again. Volvo performed a computerized upgrade on the etm & then it was finally recalled in january of 2006. It is another safety hazard ready to happen. Volvo should have in the beginning & should at this time be made to replace the faulty etm! *Tr
I purchased vehicle 8 months ago I now have problems with the front and back suspension. The air turns on its own, the axle has broken, the sunroof opens when it wants to open, check engine light has turned on along with maintenance light, my doors will unlock themselves when I lock them and the alarm will engage, the left window does not work , sometimes I cant unlock the doors have to unlock with my hand. My cruise control does not work, the battery stops working often, the inside lights work sometimes. It is running terrible , idle up and down I know all has something to do with recall please help! *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volvo s80. The contact stated that the rpms began to fluctuate abnormally as the vehicle exhibited signs of possible stalling. The vehicle then activated in limp mode and stopped running. The contact referenced nhtsa recall campaign id number: 06v441000 (vehicle speed control) that dealt with the dirty throttle housing. The recall repair consisted of a software upgrade to correct the failure. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was included in the recall, but the vehicle exceeded the warranty stipulations. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 87,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volvo s80. The contact stated while driving 40 mph the vehicle shifted into limp mode and decelerated after the check engine lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the electronic throttle module was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was previously repaired under recall nhtsa campaign id number: 06v441000 (vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000 and the current mileage was 170,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volvo s80. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v483000 (fuel system; gasoline; delivery; fuel pump) and was told that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because it had been ten years since the vehicle was manufactured. The recall was issued december 7, 2009. The contact had not experienced a failure. The current mileage was 65,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volvo s80. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate before responding to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that the throttle module had failed and needed to be cleaned and replaced. The throttle was cleaned but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure after the cleaning so the throttle was not replaced. The failure recurred within a few weeks. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. Updated 09/27/11 *bf updated 09/30/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volvo s80. The contact stated that the transmission urgent warning lamp illuminated and the vehicle would not shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where it was diagnosed that the solenoid was defective and the transmission would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 126,741. Updated 3/1/12 *cn
My check engine light went on. I took my car to my mechanic who informed me the code was for throttle body position sensor and that there was a recall. I called the volvo dealer and asked them about it. They said, yes there was a recall for software and that my vehicle had gotten the upgrade. I asked if there was anything else they could do about it, the employee in volvo service said no. I received the same answer when I asked them in person. On march 1, 2011, nearly a year later, I asked another mechanic, who...
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informed me that if the software upgrade didn't work, the dealer was supposed to replace the entire throttle body. I called the another volvo dealer who informed me that yes, this was the case. My car was one day out of coverage for the recall now. And sometime within the year my computer was reset and the problem code for the throttle body is gone. I am upset because when it was a problem for me, the first dealer gave me the incorrect information about the recall. I was driving for a long time with my car in limp mode and a malfunctioning throttle body. I am sure that the dealer was obligated to replace the throttle body, since it is part of the acceleration system. I think you should compel them to replace my throttle body or guarantee replacement if my throttle body malfunctions again. *Tr
BOTH FRONT POWER WINDOW REGULATORS FAILING. *TR
2001 Volvo s 80 t6 ex transmission failure. Based on personal research it appears that the 2001 volvos have a widespread problem with transmission failure. Transmissions were built by gm for volvo and transmission problems across the entire line for that year are extremely high. Is there or can there be an investigation of this problem. It appears to encompass the entire line for that year. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volvo s80 t6. While driving approximately 25 to 30 mph the contact stated that he smelled fuel inside the vehicle. He drove home and had not driven the vehicle since the failure occurred. The vehicle was previously owned and purchased one week ago. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and was advised that the vehicle was not a part of nhtsa recall campaign id number: 09v483000, fuel system, gasoline delivery, fuel pump. The approximate failure and current mileages were 155,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volvo s-80. The contact stated after having the battery replaced, the climate control unit became inoperable. The dealer was unable to reset the unit and advised it would need to be replaced. The contact believed the manufacturer should take the liability for the failure which could potentially become a safety issue when trying to defog the windows, disrupting visibility. The failure mileage was 74,610 and the current mileage was 74,665.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volvo s80. While driving 5mph traveling over a speed bump the left front tire suddenly separated from the lower ball joint damaging the front end of the vehicle .The volvo manufacturer had not been contacted at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 117,900.
Volvo vehicles sudden speeds increase there is a air-box problem which causes the engine to accelerate,and vehicle to lunge forward. Speeds the engine. *Tr
The power steering makes a very loud groaning noise all of the time. I am concerned that there could be a steering failure. The dealer has checked this complaint a many times dating back to 2002 and found no problems and said the power steering fluid was normal and not leaking. Problem is getting worse. *Tr
Took car to get throttle body clean and it did not resolve issues with car. *Tr
While traveling at 25 mph, I applied brakes to stop about 30-35 feet behind another vehicle, when my vehicle suddenly accelerated (with my foot on the brakes and) and launched forward and struck the vehicle ahead of me, causing injury to the driver and the passenger and resulted in a lawsuit against me. The lawsuit is set for trial on november 30, 2009. *Tr
My etm on volvo s80, t6 model (year 2001) has a recall on it issued by volvo but the problem is that this part along with the throttle body is defective and needs constant computer update, and than the etm faults without notice and takes with it the whole infrastructure despite etm being serviced and new software being installed by dealer. The dealer is not always keen on working on etm or throttle bottle issues as they don't get payment on time from volvo and they need to do a lot of paper work to et paid by...
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volvo usa. The car stalls suddenly and one of these days I am afraid this will lead to a major crash as gov.'T can't stop what volvo usa wants to accomplish and that is profits and not recalling their defective equipment. Human lives are second to corporate profits has already being noted ad shown. *Tr
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)...
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there are other 'routine maintainence' tires/brakes/ etc that I did have done. I've take good car, but these large ticket items continue. There are always lights out somewhere on this car. One of the tire rims cracked and I need a new one (dangerous to drive highway with that). I did not think volvo would except something like this, when I brought the car to gengris volvo dealer they told me that that 'would not touch' this car and trade-in was not an option. This car is worthless what with all these problems. They told me that this model (2000/2001) of the s80 t6 are lemons and should never have been made road worthy. Is there anything you are able to do... I still owe 13k on this worthless car. I should have never bought a volvo - this is my second and and very willing to share this with other potential buyers if nothing is dome by volvo with this matter... There are more problems I can share if you are interested. *Tr
Upper strut bushings cracked front lower control arm bushings front link rods rear link rods flame trap box leaking oil this 2001 s80 volvo is a piece of junk tried to have this volvo work done per the extended warr ultimate I have a piece of junk. *Tr
Volvo S80: every year compared
All S80 years2001 Volvo S80 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Volvo S80 | 179 | 8 | F | |
| 2001 Volvo S60 | 238 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Volvo V70 | 221 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Volvo V70XC | 144 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Volvo S40 | 84 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Volvo C70 Convertible | 11 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Volvo V40 | 11 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Volvo Cross Country | 10 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2001 Volvo VN660 | 7 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2001 Volvo S80
Does the 2001 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2001 Volvo S80: inflator module (September 2021); inflator module (November 2020); navigational system(global positioning system) (November 2010); fuel pump (December 2009) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Volvo S80?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (69), electrical system (43), engine & cooling (31).
How many complaints has the 2001 Volvo S80 had?
179 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 24, 2001 and the latest on October 15, 2021. Of these, 10 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2001 Volvo S80 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 6 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Volvo S80 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo S80 years have the most complaints?
2000 (342), 1999 (210), 2001 (179). See every Volvo S80 year compared.
What should I do if my 2001 Volvo S80 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data