Volvo S80

All Drive-E four-cylinders use a timing belt rather than a chain. Change interval is 120,000–150,000 km (some sources: 12–16 years). Earlier change recommended at high mileage.

Symptoms: No warning before sudden failure; occasional belt squeal with failing tensioner

Drive-E engines from early production years (2013–2016) show a known piston ring problem with increased oil consumption. A class action lawsuit in the USA documented the issue. Rings were revised from MY2016.5.

Symptoms: Heavy oil consumption (1 L / 1,000 km or more), blue smoke from the exhaust especially on acceleration, frequent top-ups required

The Drive-E four-cylinders (VEP4) were fitted with low-tension piston rings to reduce friction. Result: elevated oil consumption, especially in the early production phase 2014–2016. Volvo extended the warranty to 8 years/160,000 km.

Symptoms: Dropping oil level without visible leaks, occasional blue smoke, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km

The PCV system of the Drive-E T4 tends to clog with extended oil change intervals. Positive crankcase pressure forces oil past seals and accelerates oil consumption through the piston rings.

Symptoms: Overpressure at oil filler, oil in air filter housing, smoke from breather, oil cap blows off

The rubber boost hoses between the turbocharger and intercooler age and crack. Typical problem on Drive-E engines after 100,000 km. Pressure loss leads to power drop and engine fault codes.

Symptoms: Sudden power loss, whistling noise under load, check engine light, turbo underboost fault code

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.