MotorDeets

Volvo S80 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every S80 from 1999 to 2016: 954 owner complaints and 73 recalls across 18 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (318), 1999 (199), 2001 (164). Best fuel economy: 29 mpg combined (2016).

Volvo S80
Photo: Charles01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Speed control / throttle227
Electrical165
Engine & cooling143
Fuel system92
Transmission & drivetrain83
Suspension80
Steering53
Airbags52

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
1999419920
2000431819
2001716420
200244219
200352620
200445021
200551522
200631222
200752419
200872619
200951620
201052721
20114522
20123823
20133822
20141123
20152729
20162629

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Volvo S80.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Volvo S80?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2000 (318), 1999 (199), 2001 (164).

How many recalls has the Volvo S80 had?

Across 1999–2016, NHTSA lists 73 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).