VEXED Introduction

Volvo failing Electronic Throttle Module investigation is closed, see
NHTSA Action Number : EA05021, and
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : 06V441000

 (See Extended Warranty)

VEXED stands for Volvo Enthusiasts eXposing Egregious Design. This is a website that is dedicated with providing Volvo owners and people looking to acquire a used Volvo with information regarding the defective electronic throttle modules used in Series, 40, 60, 70, and 80 gas engine Volvo cars manufactured from 1999 through 2002 (see official list below)..

See the first investigative on Channel7 Denver (September 14, 2005)

See the second investigative report (November 15, 2005)

Electronic Throttle Module

The 1998 Volvo cars were the last to have a true mechanical linkage between the accelerator and the throttle. In 1999 VOLVO introduced the electronic or fly-by-wire throttle. This was used for 4 model years, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 Volvo cars with the gasoline engine. Production figures indicate 445,840 of the subject vehicles were manufactured world wide with the US getting 285,872.
Note: The NHTSA release on the Engineering Analysis said the following cars were included. This was news to me and I know nothing more than this.
    
(Note: this list does not agree with the list on the 'Troubleshooting' page which does not show any 700 and 800 series cars.)

The following are Report Date : December 10, 2005 at 08:29 AM
NHTSA Action Number : EA05021

NHTSA Action Number : EA05021 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:

    VOLVO / 700            2000                
     VOLVO / 740           2000
     VOLVO / 780           1999
     VOLVO / 850           1999-2000
     VOLVO / 855            2000
     VOLVO / C70           1999-2002
     VOLVO / C70 CONVERTIBLE     1999-2001
     VOLVO / COTTRELL     1999
     VOLVO / S40            2000-2001
     VOLVO / S60            1999-2002
     VOLVO / S70            1999-2000
     VOLVO / S80            1999-2001
     VOLVO / S90            1999
     VOLVO / V40            2000-2001
     VOLVO / V70            1999-2002
     VOLVO / V70XC       1999-2001
     VOLVO / V90            1999
     VOLVO / VOLVO     1999-2001
     VOLVO / X70            1999
     VOLVO / XC70         2001
 

Thumbs Down for Volvo Reliability

Despite a long history of Volvo reliability, with many of the older models still around with over 200,000 miles, the newer cars with fly-by-wire technology have an egregiously designed electronic throttle module (ETM). The design of the ETM is defective and will fail from 40,000 to over 100,000 miles. This part is not a maintenance part like tires, belts, brakes or bulbs that, while built to the best available technology, will wear out. The malfunctioning of the part can have safety threatening consequences; like dangerous stalling on a highway with decreased steering and braking control, sudden acceleration and going into a limp-home mode. Despite these facts the only solution is to replace the part with another part of the same egregious design. If not covered within the 4-year 50,000 mile warranty the cost ranges from $800 to $1200.

Early VOLVO internal documents predict that 94% will fail before 100,000 miles. My personal opinion is the failure rate will be above 100% within this mileage, as enough will have multiple failures to more than offset those that do not experience a failure within 100,000 miles. ALL WILL FAIL as the throttle position sensor has a mechanical wearing type interface in the same way that brake pads wear out by rubbing against the metal brake disks. It is inconceivable that any software upgrade will fix a wearing part, just like a software upgrade to the ABS system will prevent the brake pads from wearing out.

Attention Current Volvo Owners

Some warning signs include the ETS light being on, stalling, unexplained acceleration, surging/hesitation and/or rough idling. Restarting the engine may fix the problem temporarily, but it will get worse. Get your car inspected and repaired at the first sign of these problems to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. During this initial problem stage the internal computer probably will not set a 'trouble' code. The computer is trying to work with a bad signal which causes the surging and hesitation, but it keeps working. . Often service departments will not respond to your 'imagined' driveability problems if no trouble code is set. It is not until the signal from the throttle position sensor is completely missing that the computer shuts down, the car goes into the limp-home mode and one of several 'reduced performance' codes is set. (Under FAQ see OBD discussion.)

VEXED wants the 4 Rs

Redesign - VEXED will not accept the continued replacement with a egregious designed ETM.
Replace - Fix by replacing the ETM on all cars showing symptoms without hassle.
Recall - VEXED wants Volvo to come to us with a fix, not us to limp in. The 10 year/200,000 extended warranty is NOT a recall.
Reimburse - Repay all expenses owners of these cars have been charged for ETM failure. Service Manager Bulletin 25-155, 2006/03/20, are the instructions on handling of the warranty. It does say the 'The ETM software upgrade should be installed --- at the first opportunity, when the customer requests or consents to the upgrade."

Spread the word.

Send an e-mail to all that might or should be interested. Do not use the "Send link" option under the file menu or the right click menu. It will work but the VEXEDvolvo.org is easier to remember and carries more authority. Be sure to include your Volvo service manager and your independent mechanic.

As of December 12, 2005, the VEXED Warriors now number over 340 in 14 countries. Inquiries have come in from the BBC in London and Washington, D.C. 

Last modified Thursday, December 20, 2007

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