Volvo S80
Naturally-aspirated short inline-six with 3.2 litres, 175 kW, and smooth running. Developed for Volvo flagship models as a refined alternative to the turbocharged engine. Chain drive with known chain tensioner weaknesses at higher mileages.
Saloon elegance without haste
Naturally aspirated engine in the S80: linear power, no turbo lag, calm character. The T6 counterpart for the unhurried driver.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The READ (Rear Engine Auxiliary Drive) on early B6324S engines uses needle bearings instead of ball bearings. These bearings can seize with inadequate lubrication. Switched to ball bearings from 2011 (B6324S5).
Symptoms: Loud rattling or grinding from the rear of the engine, oil pressure loss, MIL light, engine noise under load.
Before MY2011, the READ unit (Rear Engine Ancillary Drive) uses needle roller bearings that can fail prematurely under splash lubrication. Typical symptom: squealing/grinding from the engine bay. Complex removal with special tooling required.
Symptoms: Grinding or rumbling from the right-hand side of the engine bay, especially on cold start; progressively louder
Technical service bulletins document oil leaks at the B6324S camshaft end plugs. Oil seeps from the side of the cylinder head. Volvo has issued a repair procedure.
Symptoms: Oil leak at the side of the cylinder head, oil smell after driving, engine oil loss with no visible underbody source.
Two of the four catalytic converters are integrated directly into the exhaust manifold. If they fail, the manifold must be replaced as an assembly — an extremely expensive part. 8 hours labour due to poor accessibility.
Symptoms: Check engine light, elevated emissions, typical sulphur smell from exhaust, power loss
The 6-cylinder occasionally suffers coolant loss through ageing hoses and failed thermostats. At high mileages the cooling system should be serviced as a unit to prevent overheating damage.
Symptoms: Rising coolant temperature, coolant loss without visible leak, occasional heater failure in winter
The vacuum pump for the brake booster can leak and lose oil. Aftermarket repair kits are inexpensive, but the leak point only becomes visible after cleaning.
Symptoms: Oil leak at the lower rear of the engine, oil loss without obvious source, occasionally reduced brake assist.
Older B6324S engines tend towards slight oil loss through worn valve stem seals at higher mileages. More common on early production years. Consumption usually below 0.5 L/1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke at start-up or on overrun, slightly dropping oil level without visible external leaks
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).