Three problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 2002 Volvo S80. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Volvo S80 based on all problems reported for the 2002 S80.
Pulling into traffic car was hesitating, starting and stopping uncontrollably. Slippage in the transmission from first gear to second, hard to get up to speed. Have almost been in serious accidents because of the hesitations. No indicator warning lights at the beginning of transmission issues, dangerous. Now transmission light is on, vehicle only has 104k miles. Going in to have the transmission rebuilt.
In the past month when I drive there is surging and hesitation. When I stop then accelerate there is no power, symptoms occurring more frequently and daily. I took it to dealer where I purchased the vehicle thinking it was a recall for the ems. Dealer says no codes came up it was ems problem that I need a new transmission. Metal in trans. Fluid. I purchased in oct. 2008 with 30 day warranty and it only has 79,000 miles.
2002 Volvo S80 when stopped on a hill, facing down a decline, when you put the car in reverse, then take your foot off the brake. . . The car 'freely" rolls forward. Same thing happens when stopped on an incline and you put the car in drive. Almost hit the car in front of me, and almost hit a pedestrian. . . . The transmission "acts like" a manual one in these situations. You need to use two feet in order to get out of situation without hitting another car (when in a parallel parked situation. . . Etc. ) complained to my dealer and Volvo customer svc. . They told me that is the way the car is and there is nothing I can do about it. I explained the potential hazard, and he re-iterated the comment.