Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volvo
Volvos Models:
Volvo Problems
Exterior Light Bulbs May Burn Out Prematurely
It is not uncommon for the exterior light bulbs to burn out prematurely. No repair option has been reported other than replacing the failed bulb.
Front Upper Strut Mounts May Fail and Cause Noise Over Bumps
Front upper strut mounts may wear prematurely, resulting in loud noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps.
Transmission Shifting Issues Due to Internal Failure and/or Software Issues
The automatic transmission may develop shifting problems and/or the Check Engine Light may illuminate due to internal component failure and/or software issues. It is always best to be sure the transmission control module has the latest software installed when any major transmission repair is performed.
Convertible Top May Have Problems With Micro-Switches/Potentiometers
The convertible top may have problems with the micro-switches and potentiometers that help control the raising and lowering of the top.
Vibration and/or Noise from Worn Upper Engine Mount
The upper engine mount may wear prematurely. Symptoms may include a harsh feeling when the transmission is shifting and roughness when the engine is idling. Worn engine mounts should be replaced as necessary.
Volvo Recalls (Recent)
Airbags May Not Deploy as Expected
The wire harness under the front seats may not have been secured properly to the seat frame. As a result, when the seats are moved to adjust the seating position, the wire harness may be pulled, causing it to disconnect. In the event of a crash, the front and/or side impact airbags may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of personal injury. Also, the lap belt pretensioner may not deploy. Dealers will inspect and secure the affected harness as necessary to correct this concern. The Volvo recall number is 250.
Volvo S60, Volvo S80, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC70Potential Fuel Leak from Under Vehicle
The incorrect mixture and over application of the underbody coating can result in rigid, icicle-like areas hanging from the undercarriage. Over time, this rough surface can damage the fuel lines, resulting in a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect the undercarriage; if excessive coating is found in the fuel line area, it will be removed and damaged fuel lines will be replaced. The Volvo recall number is R251.
Volvo S60, Volvo XC60Incorrect Tire Pressure Information Label
Certain vehicles equipped with an optional spare tire and wheel kit were assembled with the incorrect tire pressure information label. A misprinted label could lead to improper tire inflation, which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the incorrect label as necessary. The Volvo recall number is R247.
Volvo C70, Volvo S60Potential Power Steering Fluid Leak
Power steering fluid may leak from the pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing. This could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power steering rack to correct this concern. This recall is expected to begin on May 31, 2011. The Volvo recall number is R242.
Volvo XC90Loss of Power Steering Due to Return Hose Leak
The power steering return hose may be incorrectly routed. This can result in increased pressure in the power steering system. The return hose may burst at the steering gear as a result of the increased pressure, resulting in a loss of power steering fluid. The driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the routing of the power steering return hose and perform repairs as necessary. This recall is expected to begin during August of 2011. The Volvo recall number is R246.
Volvo S80Volvo Questions and Answers
Since I have had this car the air conditioner never was cool enough, it just is horrible to drive this car in the summer. It feels like you are driving without any air conditioner. I was told that ...
it's my sons car and the sparkplug wire on the plug nearest the fan belt is always melting and exposing the actual wire and spark to the metal around it making for a very dangerous situation. he's ...
I rinsed my 1986 volvo 240 dl enigine while the car was running with a high pressure water hose trying to find a transmission leak. I replaced spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor and my car will...
My son's 90 Volvo 240 is making a loud clacking sound. It will start and the overhead cam turns but the clacking is deafening. I pulled the cam cover and the lifters are moving. Broken rod or valve...
car won't start after adding gas,replaced cpu & fuel pump relay. Tried starting fluid in air intake. checked spark plu,-very dry,not flooded. Did not replace fuel pump(s or filter yet, or electrical
Volvo Owners' Stories
great car will last for ever
We were stationed in Germany and went to Sweden to pick up our car. We had it for 3 months before we shipped it back to the States. We started having problems with it with only 15,000 miles on the car. The main computer chip had to be replaced, the fuel sensor had to be replaced and the fuel tank had to be replaced. It now has 23,500 as of 5/22/2012 and we are having to replace the front brake pads and rotars. We are stationed back in Germany again and the warranty expired. It seems like we have had nothing but problems for a car that is not that old and does not have a lot of mileage on it.
I purchased my 2011 Volvo used and I love it. It runs like a top and gets lots of looks. Like all convertibles it is a bit noisy. The back seat is roomy but difficult to get in and out. I never use it anyway. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat.
After purchasing my '03 Volvo @ 110,000 mi,it wasn't but a few weeks that the air bag warning light came on & could not be reset. A new cluster needed to be installed. Although i've been satisfied with the comfort in the ride,I agree with most S-60 owners that even the lil thing's are expensive and a local import mechanic is the best option, the dealer ONLY for emergency or recall because they will always find something. I'm here today because the Volvo is in the shop after the motor just shut down,I could smell fuel fumes,I've looked up fuel issues and there was a recall on the fuel system & fuel pump in 2005. The Ethanol sux,try to use fuel additives and 93 or 94 octane..
I purchased this vehicle over 18 mths ago.There is no record of the last timing change.I have 252,000 miles on the car.there is a small noise (throttle sound)upon starting which goes away as it drives.