Volvo S80
Short inline-six (SI6) with 3.0 litres and turbocharging, developed under the Ford-Volvo cooperation. 210 kW with more linear power delivery than its predecessor. Transversely mounted in the large Volvo models; check oil supply and crankshaft bearings at high mileages.
Saloon with sporting intent
T6 in the S80: 300 hp in the big saloon. Refined punch, quiet presence, swift progress.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Engines before model year 2012 had systematically elevated oil consumption due to a piston ring design problem. Volvo acknowledged this and offered an extended warranty and piston ring replacement.
Symptoms: Engine oil depletes rapidly, blue smoke from exhaust, oil level must be topped up multiple times between changes.
Early B6304T2 engines (up to 2012) were delivered with excessively weak piston rings optimised for efficiency. Volvo recognised the problem and revised the rings. Affected vehicles show noticeably elevated oil consumption.
Symptoms: Oil consumption above 1 L/1,000 km, poor idle, white or blue exhaust smoke
The B6304T2 thermostat occasionally sticks in the closed position and does not allow coolant to the radiator. Operating temperature quickly rises to critical levels. The plastic thermostat housing is also prone to cracking.
Symptoms: Engine temperature rises too quickly, coolant boils, temperature warning, heater stays cold
The SI6 PCV valve housing has a diaphragm that tears and produces a characteristic hissing noise. Leak point is at the engine block; replacement of the complete PCV housing required.
Symptoms: Loud hissing or whistling at idle, elevated oil consumption, oil seeping from engine block, rough idle.
The SI6 turbocharger can wear prematurely with irregular oil changes or short-trip use. Hot shutdown without cooldown period accelerates bearing wear.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, power loss, blue smoke after coasting.
The B6304T2 PCV diaphragm tears and produces a characteristic hissing noise at idle. Through the tear, oil vapour enters the intake tract instead of returning to the engine. Besides oil consumption, catalytic converter clogging is a risk.
Symptoms: Hissing noise at warm idle, elevated oil consumption, oil vapour from breather hose
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).