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1999-2016 · 18 model years

Volvo S80 Problems by year

Owners have filed 1,010 complaints about the Volvo S80 across 18 model years, and it has 28 recalls. The 2000 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (342), while 2014, 2015, 2016 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the acceleration & cruise control, followed by the engine & cooling.

Most complaints for its age2000342 complaints · 5 recallsSee the 2000
Complaints
1,010
Recalls
28
Crashes
50
Fires
24
Injuries
43
Deaths
0

S80 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20166200Engine & coolingA
20157210Engine & coolingA
20141100Transmission & drivetrainA
20138300Body, doors & structureB
20128310Wheels & tiresB
20115411Electrical systemB
201027510Visibility & wipersC
200916500Wheels & tiresC
200826740Fuel systemD
200724500Body, doors & structureC
200612410Electrical systemB
200515612Fuel systemC
200450540Fuel systemD
200329611Fuel systemD
200245512Fuel systemD
20011798103Acceleration & cruise controlF
20003425188Acceleration & cruise controlF
1999210567Acceleration & cruise controlF

Most common S80 problems

Volvo S80 recalls 28

Latest S80 complaints

2008 Volvo S80Electrical system

The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed Central Electronic Module (CEM). The contact was informed that the CEM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an...

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unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11758318
2010 Volvo S80Electrical system

On [[redacted]] I was driving from Opelika, AL to Birmingham, AL. About 20 miles from home while driving on [[redacted]] in the left lane, my car would not accelerate. I pushe9 it down to the floor and there was no gas, so I had to get over to the right lane while rolling to get out of danger of the traffic and large trucks. MY car has been towed three time in about 3 month in 2025. I had it towed from my work parking lot twice because it would not crank. We bought new batteries, changed out the key batteries and...

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this last incident. We had just got the car out of the shop for a fuel pump & fuel pump control module. (see receipt). I learned there was a Safety Recall from the NHTSA. However, when I called only to learn that my car had not been recalled. Therefore, I am quite confused because the safety issue recall no 09V343000 for 2010,S80 appears to be having the same issue. the software within the Central Electronic module (CEM) is not sending the signal to the fuel pump that was just replaced to the electronic module (PEM). The missing signal to the PEM inhibits the start of the fuel pump. This was a very frightening experience having a car stop on the highway while in the fast lane. Now the fear of it happening again is quite frightening, that's why I confused as to the seriousness of this electrical system software issue is not being taken for granted on my vehicle. If it was a problem for some, why would it not be a problem for all. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11711169
2010 Volvo S80Engine & cooling

Car would not crank, got fuel system replaced. Week later after being parked, while driving car cut off on highway. Mechanic has vehicle and has determined the issue is Central Electronic Module. Car is 2010 Volvo S80 with active recall but vin number is not apart of recall while experiencing same problem that almost caused a major accident. Vin [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11711155
2009 Volvo S80Electrical systemLights

The headlight system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request. The low beam failure error occurred, which led to an inspection of the headlight system. The wiring inside the headlight assembly failed. The insulation on bulb wires is crumbling everywhere and causing short circuits from exposed wire conductors. This causes a safety issue because the bulbs stop functioning, impairing visibility of the car, visibility of the road, and disabling motion intent lights like the turn signals. Bare...

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wires touching can also lead to overheating and fires or failures of the headlight electrical system. Humidity may damage the exposed wires and cause bulb failure or wire overheating. The wiring harnesses may also overheat. The wire insulation problem was confirmed by an independent service center on multiple cars of this model.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11681205
2008 Volvo S80AirbagsSeats & seat beltsFuel system

I bought this car from elderly people. After I bought it and drove, there's lots of thing not according to safety standard? I asked them (seller) but they don't have any answer, due to their age. So, since last Tuesday, I am driving as it is. Hardly I put 250 miles so far. There's belt sign, Air bag sign, and Low tire air sign. All signs are showing in my dashboard and stays as long as car is on. So, I am scared to death to drive this car, car itself in a mint condition and it's got only 131K miles. Still there's is more life left on this car. I am also senior citizen and retired person. So, I need help to get these fixed asap please.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat belts · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11671194
2010 Volvo S80Body, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2010 Volvo S80. The contact stated that there was condensation inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact's daughter informed the contact that there was mold on the front passenger's side seat belt. The contact stated that there was mold on the lower seal near the front passenger's side door jam. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the upper part of the windshield was detaching on the passenger's and driver's sides. The contact...

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stated that after the dealer removed the carpet on the passenger's side, the contact noticed water inside the vehicle and the wiring was wet. The dealer determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact to file an insurance claim for the windshield replacement and another claim for the water damages. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,500.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11665865

Questions about the Volvo S80

Which Volvo S80 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2000 (342), 1999 (210), 2001 (179). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2000 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Volvo S80 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2014, 2016, 2015 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other S80 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Volvo S80 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the acceleration & cruise control (238), engine & cooling (186), electrical system (176) most often.

How many recalls does the Volvo S80 have?

NHTSA lists 28 recalls across all Volvo S80 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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