Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volvo S80
Volvo S80 Models:
Volvo S80 Problems
Front Upper Strut Mounts May Fail and Cause Noise Over Bumps
Front upper strut mounts may wear prematurely, resulting in loud noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps.
Abnormal Noise From Front Suspension Due to Worn Control Arm Bushings
The front control arm bushings wear out, resulting in alignment issues and squeaking and/or knocking noises from the front end. Worn bushings will require replacement.
Steering Wheel Module (SWM) May Stop Working
The steering wheel module (SWM) stops working, this affects the turn signals, horn, cruise control, and audio buttons on the steering wheel.
Transmission Will Not Shift Properly
Many complaints have been reported regarding Volvo S80 transmission shifting issues. Long shift times between gear shifts, hard shifting, hard downshifting and a loss of transmission operation all together to name a few.
If the issue is minor, a transmission software update may address this issue so if available, the software should be updated before any repairs are made. After a software update or repair, the shift adaptation needs...
Check Engine Light Due to ABS Control Module Failure
There have been reports of a failed ABS Control Module causing the ABS and Check Engine warning lights to illuminate. Repair or replacement of the failed module will be required to correct this issue.
Volvo S80 Recalls (Recent)
Volvo Recalls 2010–2011 Vehicles Due to Defective Driver's Air Bag
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Volvo is recalling 2010–2011 280 and XC70; 2011 XC60; and 2010 V70 models due to an intermittent fault in driver's air bag clockspring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system. In the event of a crash, the driver's air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will install a metal shim in the driver's air bag clockspring wiring connector, free of charge.
Learn more »Volvo Recalls Garmin 760 Portable GPS-Equipped Vehicles Due to Overheating Battery
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Volvo is recalling all models equipped with Garmin 760 Portable Global Positioning System units because the battery may overheat, which could lead to a fire. Volvo advises owners to stop using the Garmin device immediately and consult the Garmin website to determine if they have a defective unit. The unit's battery will be replaced and a spacer inserted to prevent the problem from reoccurring. This will be performed free of charge.
Learn more »Tire Information Label on Door Frame May Be Incorrect
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The tire pressure information on the tire and loading label on the door frame may contain incorrect information about the maximum inflation pressure. Also, the tire pressure monitoring system software may be calibrated incorrectly. The page in the vehicle owner's manual also has incorrect information. This does not conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Dealers will update the affected vehicles with a new tire and loading information and owner's manual labels, and the TPMS software will be updated. The recall began August 27, 2010. The Volvo recall number is R228.
Learn more »Vehicles in Warm Weather Climates May Develop a Fuel Leak
RepairPal Expert Overview:
When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange. If cracks develop a fuel smell and/or leak may be noted. Any fuel leak always increases the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump as necessary to correct this concern. The Volvo recall number is R220.
Learn more »Loss of Power Steering Due to Return Hose Leak
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The power steering return hose may be incorrectly routed. This can result in increased pressure in the power steering system. The return hose may burst at the steering gear as a result of the increased pressure, resulting in a loss of power steering fluid. The driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the routing of the power steering return hose and perform repairs as necessary. This recall is expected to begin during August of 2011. The Volvo recall number is R246.
Learn more »Volvo S80 Questions and Answers
I was told to see a dealer, but I was trying to stay away from those prices.
Why does the car sometimes not start unless i pull one or two fuses out then it starts right away? The battery is fine.
When the car does not start it will just crank like it's trying to start, but will not. I pull the Central Electronic Module (Fuse # 32) and then the car will start. When it does not start the sp...
Dealer says found configuration fault codes in SRS module. Recommends "reload to module". If this does not clear message will have to replace SRS module for approximate cost of $925.00.
Is this a ...
where can i finda reasonable mechanic in vidor,texas .to do plug replacements
Volvo S80 Stories
We have a 2006 S80 purchased new. This S80 is our third Volvo in the past 30 years. Doubt we will buy another. Currently has 110K on it. First 60k was basically trouble free. Now seems to be one thing after another and product protected. Good car, but a constant maintenance event. Significant problems with head lights and suspension sytem. Constantly fixing something like fuel door, dimmer switch, etc. Not sure all this is worth the hassle for the price and since we live 50 miles from the nearest Volvo shop.
Purchased a 2000 Volvo S80 used from a friend of a friend. Sharp-looking car with a generally smooth and comfortable ride. Thanks to meticulous maintenance by the previous owner and myself, the car runs relatively well. Have however experienced problems with exterior trim pieces (side markers, moldings, weather stripping, gas door) breaking or coming loose. These have been generally simple repairs involving super-glue and magnets for the gas door. The bulgy shape of the exterior makes it an especially easy target for dings. I park in a tight parking lot every weekday and you can certainly tell looking at the doors. Despite flushing the transmission religiously every 30,000 miles, occasionally the car will vibrate upshifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and downshifts can also be rough. I've read that this issue is not uncommon when reaching 100,000+ miles. Interior and exterior bulbs fail frequently as they are on constantly. The need to replace ball joints, wheel bearings, etc. every 18-24 months is most likely due more to rough New England roads than the car itself. Fuel economy is decent for a 6 cylinder averaging 27.9 MPG (average speed is around 48MPH in moderately hilly terrain). Commuting more than an hour each way to work, I spend a great deal of time in my car and rack up almost 500 miles/week. That being said I have been very satisfied with my S80. I hope to take the car to 300,000 miles and beyond. When the time comes to replace, or pass on, this S80, I certainly plan to buy another Volvo.
I own a 2005 S80 2.5T. I have had some issues with this car. On a regular basis, the bulbs in the headlights keep going out...the life on those is less than 3 months. Other annoying issue is the rubber insulation all around the windows and inside the engine gets really brittle and breaks off easy. I have changes that 3 times in 6 yrs...(appox. paying $90 per window+others...$500+ each time). Furthermore, hoses keep cracking and failing too...just quality of the product is not there.
Last week, we have a bigger issue...the transmission light came up. Dealership is telling me that the transmission will have to be changed because it can not be repaired. Another $4k in cost...I have $115k in mileage on the car. Also found out at 80k mileage that the Turbo was leaking oil too..Very frustrated...I have decided to go back to Japanese cars. Never will I buy Volvo again and will warn all against buying Volvo. Not worth it when it comes to repair and maintenance cost and quality is just poor.
Great car in all categories! Love the 4.4L V8, super engine with lots of power and torque However, I do have a oscillating drive train hum at highway speeds and the suppression is too rough and harsh for the worthless roads in Illinois.
My 2005 Volvo S80 T6 has been a great find. I bought it used in 2008 and have only had one real problem with it. The tire valve stems/sensors continued to fail. I got sick of having to fill my tires with air all the time, and the dealer couldn't identify the problem right away, but eventually had to have them replaced. Other than that, I've kept up with the normal maintenance schedule and everything else has been perfect!