Volvo S80

All Drive-E T variants use belt drive. On the T5 with high-pressure turbo, the belt change is especially important — a failure causes immediate total engine damage. Recommendation: early change at 100,000 km.

Symptoms: No warning before sudden failure; possible squealing with failing tensioner

The high-output T5 Drive-E shares the piston ring problem with the T4. Vehicles up to MY2016 are particularly affected. Increased oil consumption is systemic and was covered by a class action lawsuit.

Symptoms: Oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km, blue smoke on warm-engine acceleration, oil level drops noticeably between changes

The Drive-E T5 uses a timing belt (not a chain). Volvo's stated change interval is 150,000 miles / 10 years, but specialists recommend considerably earlier (120,000–150,000 km). Belt failure causes engine damage.

Symptoms: No early warning signs typical — sudden engine stop without prior indication at belt failure. Prevention: inspect for cracking at every service

The T5 is among the most frequently affected Drive-E engines for the oil consumption problem. Particularly 2015–2017 model years were addressed under a service campaign (S29650). Volvo extended the warranty to 8 years.

Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably between changes, occasional blue smoke, no visible external oil loss

The crankcase ventilation of the T5 Drive-E clogs when oil change intervals are neglected. Crankcase pressure forces oil past seals, accelerates oil consumption and can cause turbocharger damage.

Symptoms: Overpressure at oil filler, oil in air filter housing, elevated oil consumption

Rubber boost pipes to the intercooler age and burst under driving conditions. On the T5, more frequent than on the T4 due to higher boost pressures. A short-term repair is often possible, but permanent hose replacement is recommended.

Symptoms: Sudden power loss, whistling or hissing noise, check engine light P0299 (turbo underboost)

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.