Volvo S80
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2007–2016). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Volvo S80? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ 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.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceAverageComplaints for the Volvo S80 (2007-2016) are concentrated in the STRUCTURE and ENGINE components, with 20 and 19 complaints respectively. The 2010 model year shows the highest complaint count at 27, while 2014 has the fewest with only 1 complaint. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 8 out of 127 total complaints.
- STRUCTURE and ENGINE are the most complained-about components, with 20 and 19 complaints each.
- The 2010 model year has the highest number of complaints (27), followed by 2008 (25) and 2007 (24).
- The 2014 model year has the fewest complaints (1), with 2011 (5) and 2016 (6) also low.
- There are 37 recalls across the analyzed model years, which is a high number relative to total complaints.
- STRUCTURE: 20 complaints suggest potential issues with body integrity or corrosion.
- ENGINE: 19 complaints indicate possible engine performance or reliability problems.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 16 complaints point to electrical faults that may affect various systems.
The 2010 model year has the highest complaint count (27), driven largely by STRUCTURE and ENGINE issues. The 2008 and 2007 model years also show elevated complaints.
The 2014 model year shows the fewest complaints (1), suggesting it may be a more reliable choice. The 2011 and 2016 model years also have relatively low complaint counts.
- Inspect the vehicle's STRUCTURE for signs of rust, damage, or poor repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM recalls.
- Request service records for ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
🔔 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.
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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.
My drivers side door latch will no longer open from the inside or the outside. I have to climb across to the passenger side and go out the opposite door. I am reporting this because this vehicle is part of the volvo "P3" platform which includes the S60, and they had a huge recall to replace all the door latch mechanisms for this exact reason.
The top of the windshield is leaking water. Windshield is coming loose.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR ANTI-TAMPERING DEVICE WAS FAULTY, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE READING INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE "ANTI-TAMPER SWITCH FOR RADIATOR." THE DEALER (VOLVO CARS ANNAPOLIS, 333 BUSCHS FRONTAGE RD, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21409, (410) 349-8800) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE SAME THING AS THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. *TT*JB
SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN AN OPEN RURAL AREA WITHOUT ANY SORT OF OUTSIDE FORCE.
ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON IN MY VOLVO. I WENT TO AN AUTO SHOP AND THE SCAN READ "FAULTY RADIATOR ANTI-TAMPER DEVICE." I THEN RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT VOLVO HAD A RECALL (TJ27910) THE 2013 S80 WAS EFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. I CALLED THE DEALER AND MY CAR WAS SUPPOSEDLY NOT ON THE RECALL LIST EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE SAME ISSUE. VOLVO WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL AND STATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR RE-SCANNED AND THE SOFTWARE ISSUE WOULD BE RESET AT MY COST. ACCORDING TO VOLVO EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAS THE ISSUE AS THE SAME MODELS WITH THE RECALL SINCE MY VIN DOESN'T MATCH UP I AM LIABLE FOR THE COST. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, AND THE VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT VOLVO MADE AN ERROR BY NOT INCLUDING MY CAR. I AM HOPING YOU CAN ASSIST IN ENCOURAGING VOLVO TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THANK YOU.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON DRIVING OVER UNLEVELLED GROUND, THE VEHICLE SWAYED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS WHERE VARIOUS REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED BUT A PERMANENT REPAIR WAS UNABLE TO BE PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE CHROME TRIM ON OUR CONSOLE HAS PEELED BACK VERY SLIGHTLY AND HAS A VERY SHARP EDGE IT HAS CUT OUR HANDS MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAS TOOK OUT CHUNKS OF OUR SKIN IT IS VERY PAINFUL AND UNNESSARY WE HAVE HAD THE CAR BRAND NEW A DEALER DEMO SINCE DECEMBER 2013 WE ARE VERY UNHAPPY BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN LOYAL VOLVO CUSTOMERS SINCE 2005 WE HOPE VOLVO WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THEM APPROPRIATELY BECAUSE VOLVOS ARE NOT CHEAP CARS AND WE LOVE ARE CAR EXECPT THE FACT OUR HANDS ARE GETTING SEVERELY CUT
THE CHROME FOIL DECORATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS DELAMINATING, CAUSING A SHARP EDGE WHERE THE FOIL HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC SUBSTRATE. THIS IS HAPPENING AT THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHERE THE HANDS COME IN CONTACT WITH IT. IN THE COURSE OF DRIVING THE CAR AND TURNING THE WHEEL, THE SHARP EDGE HAS CUT MY HANDS AND THOSE OF MY WIFE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS UNABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER AND OUR VEHICLE IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. *TR
I ORDERED MY S80 FROM AUTONATION VOLVO IRVINE APRIL 23, 2013. IT WAS MANUFACTURED ON JULY 4, 2013 AND I ACCEPTED DELIVERY AT THE VOLVO FACILITY IN GOTHENBURG. I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE AUTO TO VOLVO FOR SHIPMENT TO THE US. I RECEIVED THE CAR ON OCT 11. I TOOK THE CAR TO AUTONATION FOR SERVICE ON OCT 9, 2013, FEB 11, 2014, JULY 18, 2014, AUG 31, 2015, JUNE 9 AND JUNE JUNE 15, 2016. EACH TIME I TOLD THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THE CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OF THE TRANSMISSION SURGING WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT LOW SPEEDS SUCH AS WHEN STOPPING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL.. ON JUNE 9 AND 15, 2016, I INFORMED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V317200 DATED JULY 06, 2012 FOR MODELS MANUFACTURED IN 2011. I WAS ALWAYS TOLD BY THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY 2014 AND THAT THEY FOUND NO INDICATION OF THE PROBLEM. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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.
Showing 20 of 127 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Volvo S80
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 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 AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (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. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with 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.