Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Volvo S80 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Volvo S80. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to slow down and the ABS and engine indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the trollis system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred two weeks later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and they stated that the central module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle needed to be taken back to the dealer for further inspection. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 97,000. Updated 1/8/09 the ball joint needed to be replaced, the heating system, throttle systems, engine cooling fan and the master cylinder all failed. The vehicle would accelerated on its own. The vehicle stalled on several occasions. The steering made a noise when it was turned. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Volvo S80. While accelerating from a stop, the contact felt a thump from the driver side wheel. The failure occurred whenever she accelerated from a stop or decelerated. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the insulation surrounding the wires in the engine compartment were degraded. The vehicle also displayed difficulty when shifting into fourth gear. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact could not shift out of third gear after attempting to accelerate from 40 MPH. The failure occurred intermittently and the check engine light began to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in recalls 00V238000 (suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint), 02V096000 (engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan), and 06V441000 (vehicle speed control). …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60mph on the highway, the vehicle skidded, and pulled to the right without warning. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to side of the road. Upon initial inspection by the contact, the right front tire was partially separated and turned perpendicular from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the tie rod assembly, as well as the entire front suspension needed to be replaced. A NHTSA recall, #00V238000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the front suspension however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The manufacturer was alerted.
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
This car has several recurring problems that I have never seen on any car before. 1) electronic throttle has been replaced 2 times as well as oxygen sensors. 2) suspension parts replaced 3 times, ball joints, struts, strut mounts, frame bushings. The car still squeaks.
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....
This model Volvo has a well documented subframe bushing problem. The front subframe bushings were replaced at nils sefeldt Volvo in dallas. The mechanic that replaced these bushings cut the subframe. Bushings were installed, the car was badly out of alignment, was realigned at autobahn Volvo in fort worth - a few weeks later - the vehicle was back at autobahn Volvo for maintenance and brake noise problems when it was discovered that the subframe was cut by the mechanic at nils sefeldt - Volvo ordered the subframe replaced. At the very least any other S80 that underwent a subframe bushing replacement at nils sefeldt, especially by the mechanic that "repaired" mine - should be investigated. The steering was "squirrelly" and I sustained very minimal property damage when contact was made with a minivan in a highway driving incident prior to the replacement of the subframe. …
During normal driving conditions at night, the low beam (dipped beam) headlights failed while out of town with my wife and two daughters. I was able to drive to a safe location using the high beams. A check of headlamp bulbs and fuses showed that everything was in good working order and I was left scratching my head. The headlights are still not working three weeks later, and I finally know why. Volvo owners exchange information on various websites and on more than one I found people suggesting that the cem (main computer) used "shunts" for various components on the vehicle and they were proned to shorting out due to random overheating issues. I checked the area under the driver's side dash and sure enough, there is a shunt inserted into the cem with heavy charring around the terminals. …
While driving 55-60 MPH, brakes were pulsating, after applying brakes again noticed brakes were fading. Consumer pulled over and noticed rotors were red hot. Dealer replaced front rotors and pads. The gas tank had a defect that would cause a vacuum leak. The front suspension makes a cracking noise when turning due to ball joint failure. The gear shifter switch makes loud clicking noise. The rear passenger door handle could not be opened from outside. Automatic transmission had slippage and shudder while up shifting, creating a vehicle loss of control. Passenger side rear seat backrest cushion makes noise due to loose clips. The front passenger window developed a wind noise due to defective window seals. Due to design fault, the upper torque mount bushing cracked. The driver side front headlight lens broke. …
I have had the front control arm bushings replaced three times in a little over two years. Also the front ball joints twice (once through a recall). My tires need replaced for the second time and the dealer is not willing to accept any blame for the rapid wear of the tires despite the continual steering problems. They did realign it when they replaced the transmission and bushings in dec. Of 01. But did not do so again when the ball joints were replaced in March 02. Now they say my alignment is poor because of my unevenly worn front tires.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Over time, the ball joint between the front wheel king pin and the suspension link arm, can experience increased looseness.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both front ball joints.
Suspension complaints in other S80 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 Volvo S80?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Volvo S80, 12% of the model year's 199 complaints. The component named most often is front (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Volvo S80 suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-238 (upper ball joint, Aug 24, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Volvo S80 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.