2009 Volvo S80: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Volvo S80? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 16 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2009 Volvo S80 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2009 Volvo S80 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2009 Volvo S80 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Volvo S80 has 16 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- S80
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Volvo S80 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Wheel Issues
Tire Issues
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Wheel Issues, Tire Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Volvo S80?
The 2009 Volvo S80 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Volvo S80
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, particularly in the body and frame.
- Check wheel condition and alignment; request service records for wheel-related repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like tires and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, particularly in the body and frame.
- Check wheel condition and alignment; request service records for wheel-related repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like tires and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Volvo S80, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2009 Volvo S80 has a low number of NHTSA complaints (16 total) with no crash-related reports. Complaints are concentrated in structural problems and wheel issues, each with 4 complaints. Tire issues also appear with 3 complaints. The confidence level is low due to the small sample size.
- Structural problems and wheel issues each account for 4 complaints, the highest among components.
- Tire issues are reported in 3 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were recorded for this model year.
- Structural Problems
- Wheel Issues
- Tire Issues
All 2009 Volvo S80 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Volvo S80. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Volvo S80. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 ca…
For the last several years I’ve been complaining about my TPMS ALWAYS reflecting a “Low Tire Pressure “ response. Recently I went in for a oil change but indicated the my tire pressure light was on again. I take the Volvo to a shop I trust. Global AutoWorks in GrandHaven. They…
At night, when a direct strong light (headlight) from behind shines on the car, the BLIS system stop working. The only way to reset the system is to stop and restart the car, instead of turning the system button OFF and then back ON. This is unsafe since when you are on the hi…
The contact owns a 2009 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the seat belt assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repair…
SEVERE SUBFRAME RUST DUE TO THE EXHAUST ON VOLVO S80 V8 BEING TOO CLOSE AND MELTING THE PAINT OFF. CAR IS VERY CLEAN AND WE'LL TAKEN CARE OF. APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE V8 S80S.
MY CAR IS EXTREMELY CLEAN AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. BUT JUST LIKE EVERY SINGLE VOLVO S80, SPECIFICALLY THE V8 MODEL THERE IS A RUST HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME. THIS IS BECAUSE VOLVO PUT THE EXHAUST TOO CLOSE TO THE SUBFRAME AND THE HEAT FROM THE V8 EATS AWAY THE PAINT AND CAUSES IT TO RU…
THE SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE HAS A LARGE ROT HOLE WHICH IS INCREASING IN SIZE AT A HIGH RATE. THE CAR IS ONLY A 2009 WITH LESS THAN 100K MILES ON IT (AND WAS MAINTAINED VERY WELL ITS WHOLE LIFE) BUT THIS STILL OCCURRED. I'VE MET A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH S80 V8S WHO HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE…
ENGINE SUBFRAME CROSSBAR IS RUSTING OUT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT AND THIS WAS FOUND.
ALUMINUM NUTS ON THE VALVE STEMS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATE AND FALL APART CAUSING TIRES TO GO FLAT WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS (TWO TIRES) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD QUICKLY WITHOUT INCIDENT. ALL 4 VALVE STEMS WERE IN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLING FAN FAILED AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLING FAN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO S80. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS PRESSURE IN THE TIRES BASED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. T…
DURING THE SPRING OF 2013, MY 2009 CPO VOLVO S80 EXPERIENCED TWO FLAT TIRES WITHIN ONE WEEK DUE TO FAULTY HEX NUTS (I.E., HEX NUTS BROKE OFF CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE) THAT HOLD THE TIRE VALVE STEM TO THE WHEEL (VOLVO INCIDENT #130404-000103). VOLVO RECOGNIZED THE PROB…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLAC…
VALVE STEM LOCKING NUT CORRODED ON LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND SEPARATED FROM STEM. THE STEM ACTUALLY FELL INSIDE THE WHEEL CAUSING A BLOW OUT. NO INJURIES, BUT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE DEFECT HAPPENED AT 45 MONTHS, AND 51,000 MILES. SUBSEQUENTLY ALL STEMS…
ONE OF THE NICE SAFETY FEATURES ON THIS VEHICLE IS THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS), WHICH DETECTS UNDER-INFLATED TIRES. DRIVING ON UNDER-INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT A VEHICLE'S HANDLING AND STOPPING ABILITY RESULTING IN A CRASH. LAST WEEK MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS DRIVING…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO CRACK AND PEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE SEAT WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ONE YEAR LATER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY I…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Volvo S80.
2009 Volvo S80 Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Volvo S80. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Volvo S80 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Volvo S80 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Volvo S80 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volvo S80?▾
#1: Structural Problems (4 complaints). #2: Wheel Issues (4 complaints). #3: Tire Issues (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Volvo S80?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Volvo S80?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Volvo S80, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Volvo S80 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Volvo S80. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:FRONT. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Volvo S80?▾
The 2009 Volvo S80 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Volvo S80 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Volvo S80 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.