Greetings. I'm taking a leap of faith tomorrow and I'm buying a low milage (58K) S80 2.9 non turbo. I know the person very well who had it (deceased). The widow recalls having few problems with the car besides annoyances. At $3500 I don't think I can go wrong unless something major happens. I'm a competent (most times!) mechanic and wouldn't need to take it in for very much, if anything. Only parts would be an expense.
I've been reading the boards here earnestly for days now, plus consumer reports and reviews and I am very aware that there is a general consensus that these cars have a bounty of documented troubles. The more I read, the more I stumbled across that I needed to look into.

What I'm hoping can be contributed here is a "list", as it were, of typical, common, acknowledged and warranty/recall problems with this model (and if applicable the milage points).
I think a list such as this would be appropriate for a car with so many documentad faults and give interested parties wishing to research a helpful base of items that might be relevant to search for within the Brickboard. It might also help to clearup errors or misconceptions bred by owner discontent.

Here's a start to a list of what owners or prospective buyers might want to be aware of. Please add to it, correct it or update it if you can. Thanks! **This is from info found on the net - some or all may be in error or misrepresented**

Viewers should read entire the thread for corrections/additions, if any. Original list based on the 1999 model and may vary or be non existent on subsequent models.

RECALLS:
1. Ball Joints (premature failure @ c30K) Not certain if due to a suspension design or actual part flaw.
2. Throttle Body (?) (premature failure) design flaw, subsequent replacements known to fail as well.
3. Thermal auxilliary fan (electrical failure that may cause a fire, even when car is not in use).

DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS
1. ABS control module (circuit failures @ c50K) Must be upgraded or replaced.
2. ETM (throttle module) (early failure/part of throttle body recall?) Vovo extended the coverage on this
item to10yr/200K.
3. Interior trim poorly glued/attached.
4. Electric door locks and keyless entry (premature failures).
5. Strut and suspension bushings (premature failures under c50K).

COMMONLY REPORTED PROBLEMS/PATTERNS (MAJOR)
1. Transmission (premature failures under c60K).
2. Air Conditioning. (Premature compressor or evaporator failures).
3. Ignition coils (premature failure, particularly cylinder 3?)

COMMONLY REPORTED PROBLEMS/PATTERNS (ANNOYANCES)
1. Sunroof (fails in open position)
2. Radio (unexpected early failure, particularly CD player, and AM radio reception)
3. Master remote mirror control (switch breakage)
4. Turn signal/steering wheel module (failure).
5. Oil leaks at front of oil pan (Volvo makes a replacement kit for front 3 pan bolts ?)
6. Clearcoat on roof trim (oxidises and peels).
7. Gear selector lock (brakes and leaves operator unable to put car in gear).
8. Trunk leak.
9. Service/engine/diagnostic alerts (unable to clear after repairs made).

SERVICE "MUSTS".
1. Timing belt WITH TENSIONER at 105K (or earlier) Tensioner pulley prne to early failure and must be
replaced with belt, might consider replacing water pump at same time.
2. Regular Tranmission flush/oil changes to prolong trans that may be prone to early failures.