Volvo S80 Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used Volvo S80 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2007–2016) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Volvo S80 you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Volvo S80 has 127 owner complaints and 37 safety recalls across model years 2007–2016. The most reported issue area is STRUCTURE. 2010 drew the most complaints; 2011 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- S80
- Model years analyzed
- 2007–2016 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 127
- Safety recall campaigns
- 37
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2010 (27 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2011 (5 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- STRUCTURE
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
Volvo S80: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Below AverageThe VOLVO S80 has 127 NHTSA complaints and 37 recalls on record. 8 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 127 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 37 federal recall campaigns
- 8 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
37 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2007–2016. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 127 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
127 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
See attached document for complaint.
A batch of metal used for the steering wheel trim prematurely wears down at the base of the steering wheel in 2 locations out of sight with normal use and becomes razor sharp. When turning the wheel, the spinning razor edge can cause the driver to lose control due to sudden pain due to slicing into the fingers. The metal slices into the skin drawing blood much like that of a papercut. I have experienced sudden cuts in turning on 2 separate occasions recently having to re-grab the steering wheel due to involuntary pain reflex release to prevent total loss of control and the problem has not been confirmed by the dealer. There is no prior warning when this issue suddenly occurs.
MY WIFE KAREN WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK ON FEBRUARY 24, 2020 WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE-VIEW MIRROR DETACHED, HIT THE PAVEMENT AND SHATTERED. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT ABOUT 7:45 AM. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT 140 STATESIR PLACE FOR 60 HOURS WITHOUT BEING USED AND THE MIRROR SHOWED NO SIGN OF DAMAGE PRIOR TO BEING DRIVER. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 800 FEET FROM OUR RESIDENCE AS SHE WAS TURNING FROM STATESIR PLACE ONTO PINE STREET NEARER TO THE CORNER .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO S80. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL STUDS FRACTURED FROM THE TIRE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER AND THE FENDER WAS RIPPED OFF. THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TAKEN TO DEMONDTROND VOLVO (VOLVO BUILDING, 14101 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090, (281) 607-0382). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
THE PASSENGER DOOR CONTINUES TO OPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE THE OPTION FOR DOORS TO LOCK WHEN CAR BEGINS TO MOVE. THE LOCK REMAINS "LOCKED" HOWEVER DOOR OPENS WITH INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD WARNING. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLVO TO NO END... I SEE A MULTITUDE OF DOOR OPENING ISSUES ON VOLVO FORUM SITES, AND MECHANIC STATES COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLVO.
DRIVERS SIDE REAR SUSPENSION LINK ARM FAILURE. VEHICLE TRAVELING STRAIGHT AHEAD ON EXPRESSWAY AT POSTED SPEED, 70MPH, ROAD CONDITIONS DRY AND CLEAR. NO IMPACTS OR SUDDEN MANEUVERS PRIOR TO FAILURE, I.E. CHUCK HOLE OR DEBRIS. NO TIRE OR WHEEL DAMAGE SUSTAINED PRIOR TO OR AFTER SUSPENSION FAILURE. NO IMPACT EVIDENCED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING TO A HIGH SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE TACHOMETER FLUCTUATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V317000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,800.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS 21 JUL 2013 - SUNDAY EVENING THE TIRE LOW PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. I LOOKED AT ALL FOUR TIRES AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. 22 JUL 2013 - MONDAY AS SAFETY PRECAUTION I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND HAD THE SENSOR CHECKED. THE VOLVO SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED; THEY CHECK THE PRESSURE IN ALL TIRES FOR LEAKS, PROPER INFLATION AND THE LIGHT WENT OUT. 23 JUL 2013 - TUESDAY MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AGAIN; I LOOKED AT ALL FOUR TIRES AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR
Most concerning: Front driver door latch quit working while driving leaving door to swing open during traffic. This is a known issue that led to recalls of other Volvo models (2011 - 2017), but the S80 was excluded. It was a terrifying ordeal that has now happened twice (during freezing conditions here in Colorado). Less concerning to me but a problem: The blindspot monitoring system malfunctions and keeps on blinking even when there's nothing in the blindspot - which betrays the reason it exists.
Car has 110000 miles on it and is using a quart of oil every 1000 miles, car has been maintained to Volvo specifications it's entire life. This is excessive oil consumption. Oil level low warning cones in every 1000 miles and a quart is needed to satisfy it
The contact owned a 2015 Volvo S80. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the contact noticed three deer crossing the highway. The contact could not brake the vehicle in time and as a result, the vehicle crashed into the deer. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injures sustained. The vehicle was drivable and the contact drove the vehicle back to their home address. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the air bags may or may not engage in accidents. The failure mileage was 77,000.
MY CAR HAS THE START/STOP FUNCTION. IT HAS A BUTTON TO MANUALLY DEACTIVATE THE START/STOP SYSTEM BUT IT HAS TO BE PUSHED EVERY TIME THE CAR IS RESTARTED. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND DECIDED TO STOP AT A CONVENIENCE STORE TO GET A PEPSI. HE PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE. HE DIDN'T REALIZE THAT HE HADN'T PRESSED THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND WHEN HE PARKED THE CAR, IT SHUT OFF. HE'D BEEN DRIVING IN A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND DIDN'T REALIZE THE START/STOP HAD STOPPED THE ENGINE. HE THOUGHT HE'D TURNED THE CAR OFF. WELL, HE OPENED THE DOOR AND WHEN HE TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO JUMP THE CONCRETE PARKING BUMPER. FORTUNATELY THE ONLY DAMAGE IT CAUSED WAS TO THE PLASTIC BELLY PAN UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE. BUT SOMEONE IN A 4X4 PICKUP HAD TO WINCH MY CAR BACKWARDS TO GET IT OFF THE PARKING BUMPER. THERE SHOULD BE AN OPTION IN THE CAR'S CONTROL CENTER TO PERMANENTLY DEACTIVATE THE AUTO START/STOP FUNCTION INSTEAD OF HAVING TO DO IT MANUALLY EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED. ALL CARS WITH THE AUTO START/STOP FEATURE NEED TO HAVE THE OPTION AVAILABLE. VOLVO TOLD ME IT CAN'T BE DONE. IT'S A COMPUTER, I'M SURE IT COULD BE REPROGRAMMED WITH THAT OPTION. THIS IS JUST AN ACCIDENT AND LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN! IT'S EASY TO FORGET, ESPECIALLY IF A PERSON HAS A LOT ON HIS/HER MIND (AND WHO DOESN'T THESE DAYS?)
2015 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO FRONT END MALFUNCTIONS, RECURRING ISSUES WITH RIM,TIRE AND ALIGNMENT. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLVO S80. WHILE STATIONARY THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALMOST RAN OVER THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A FEATURE THAT IDLES THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO BE QUIET ENOUGH TO FOR THE DRIVER TO FORGET THE VEHICLE WAS ON. THE CONSUMER RELEASED THE BREAK PEDAL AND WAS FLIPPED INTO THE STREET. THE CONSUMER'S KNEE WAS INJURED AND PANTS WERE TORN. UPDATED 12/5/2017*JS
WHILE STOPPED IN DRIVE AT A STOP SIGN WITH FOOT ON BRAKE,ON CORNER OF CITY STREET ENGINE REVVED VERY HIGH AND CAR TRIED TO SURGE FORWARD. APPLIED BRAKE EVEN HARDER, PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND STOPPED ENGINE. TRIED TO START UP AND SAME THING HAPPENED. ON THIRD TRY, ENGINE SEEMED NORMAL, BUT "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WAS ON. DROVE 100 YARDS TO HOME GARAGE AND HAD CAR FLAT-BEDDED TO DEALER.
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 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On [XXX] I was driving from Opelika, AL to Birmingham, AL. About 20 miles from home while driving on [XXX] 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 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)
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 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.
Driving down [XXX] headed west to Charlottesville and debris flew off of another truck with a trailer attached . Came off the back of their truck and smashed into the top of my car into my sunroof glass. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The air bag warning randomly popped up on my screen. They will not deploy if I get into a wreck. Non working air bag. I also have issues that come and go with the electrical component. Sometimes my door won't open, sometimes my seats won't move, and my license plate light is out due to something electrical. My gas tank spits gas back at me and makes weird noises sometimes.
Showing 20 of 127 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Volvo S80
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Volvo S80 has 127 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Volvo S80 has 37 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 8 of the Volvo S80's 127 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Volvo S80 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Volvo S80 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Volvo S80 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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