Volvo S80
EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder with 1.6 litres, developed in the Volvo-Ford partnership and manufactured in Wales. Direct injection with turbocharging for good torque at low fuel consumption. Note thermal stress on the turbocharger during spirited driving.
Sensible base engine
Perfectly adequate for everyday use. At its limit on the motorway, competent in city traffic.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The Ford-derived 1.6 EcoBoost (B4164T) had a defective head gasket with incomplete die-cut holes that restricted coolant flow. Overheating without warning possible due to missing coolant level sensor — led to a recall.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss without warning, engine temperature rises quickly, coolant smell
Ford recalled in 2014 vehicles with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost because the cylinder head could overheat and catch fire if coolant was lost. Fix: retrofit of a coolant level sensor and software update.
On the Ford-derived EcoBoost engine of the B4164T, coolant hoses at the turbo crack under thermal and pressure cycling. Coolant loss under load is possible and can lead to overheating.
Symptoms: Coolant loss after motorway driving, white steam from engine bay, rising coolant temperature
The Powershift DSG combination with the B4164T was known for jerky gear changes. Problems including transmission damage were reported, especially on early model years (up to 2015).
Symptoms: Jerking on pull-away, empty gearbox feel, shift hesitation in the lower rpm range
Vehicle Weaknesses 17
The Powershift dual-clutch gearbox (Getrag 6DCT450) jumps to neutral, jerks on acceleration and shows delayed shifts. Plastic clutch basket spacers break and require clutch replacement. Fluid change every 60,000 km is important.
The steering rack of the V70 III and S80 II develops leaks and increasing play at high mileages. A faulty steering rack costs around €2,000 to repair.
The front subframe on the V70 III and XC70 II frequently shows corrosion, which, if left untreated, affects the entire front axle assembly. On the XC70 II, the rear subframe also rusts on vehicles built before 2010.
The optional electronic self-levelling suspension on the V70 III XC models fails. Compressor or air springs need replacement; costs up to €1,600 with original Volvo parts.
The optional rear self-levelling suspension on the S80 II fails with increasing mileage. Repair costs around €1,600. Failed air springs are identifiable by the car sitting low at the rear.
A/C compressors on 2008 and 2009 models tend to leak refrigerant. Inspection requires lowering the front undertray.
The steering rack on individual S80 II MY 2007–2010 vehicles develops knocking noises when turning slowly. Test drive: turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times. Replacement costs approx. €2,000.
The audio and navigation unit of the S80 II suffers from cold solder joints on the circuit board, leading to intermittent failures. First sporadic freezing, then total failure. Replacement costs at least €700.
The steering rack on the S80 II (mainly MY 2007–2010) produces knocking noises when turning at low speed. The cause is play in the steering rack. Repair costs around €2,000.
The rubber bushings in the S80 II front control arms harden with age and mileage. Banging over bumps and an imprecise steering feel are the result. Replacement is often combined with a wheel alignment.
The rear control arm rubber bushings on the V70 III and XC70 II typically wear from 160,000–170,000 km and cause driving noises. Also a known issue on the S80 II. Replacement is essential for precise handling.
The audio and navigation system of the V70 III and S80 II fails due to cold solder joints in the control unit. Parking sensors fail at around 170,000 km. Xenon headlights burn out between 170,000 and 200,000 km.
The BLIS blind spot warning system fails due to moisture in the wiring harness or faults in the wing mirror sensors. The warning system remains permanently active or stops responding.
The rear control arm bushings deteriorate after approximately 160,000 km or 8 years. Banging noises at the rear axle are characteristic; repair approx. €400–700.
The BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) on the S80 II triggers false alarms due to moisture ingress in the cable routing. The warning light illuminates for no real reason, unsettling drivers and reducing the assistant's usefulness.
The leather and T-Tec upholstery on the V70 III and S80 II tends to crack and split at the seat bolsters of the driver's seat. This often begins at medium mileages.
Ultrasonic parking sensors fail from around 170,000 km. Cheap no-name replacements often do not work reliably for long — original Volvo sensors are recommended.
Reports & Tests
139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2006–2016). Most reported: Body Structure (21), Electrical (19), Engine (19).