1999 Volvo ACL

1999 Volvo ACL

The 1999 Volvo ACL is a compact executive sedan available with a 2.4-liter inline-5 engine or a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 engine. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The ACL received high marks for its safety features, spacious interior, and refined ride quality. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

Engine

2.4-liter Inline-5

• Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt can fail prematurely, causing catastrophic engine damage.
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud squealing noise, engine misfire, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-5

• Oil Leaks: The engine may develop oil leaks from various components, including the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, low oil levels
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Grinding Gears: The transmission may grind when shifting gears, especially into second and third gear.
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult shifting, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace faulty synchronizers or shift forks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoids may fail, causing the transmission to slip or shift harshly.
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or shifts erratically
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoids
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure: The power window motors or switches may fail, causing the windows to become inoperable.
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows do not work or work intermittently
  • Solution: Replace faulty motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking Malfunction: The central locking system may fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking properly.
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors do not lock or unlock with remote or door controls
  • Solution: Replace faulty door lock actuators or control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Dimming: The headlights may dim or flicker due to faulty wiring or connectors.
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering headlights
  • Solution: Repair wiring or replace connectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Leak: The heater core may develop a leak, causing coolant to leak into the passenger compartment.
  • Description/Symptoms: Foggy windshield, smell of coolant in passenger compartment
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking: The dashboard may crack or warp over time due to exposure to sunlight.
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible cracks or warping on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Overall Summary

The 1999 Volvo ACL is a generally reliable vehicle, but some owners have reported issues with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The severity of these issues varies, and some can be costly to repair. However, the ACL’s spacious interior, refined ride quality, and high safety ratings make it a desirable choice for families and luxury car enthusiasts.