Volvo S80
Yamaha-developed aluminium V8 with 4.4 litres and 232 kW for Volvo's flagship models. First V8 to meet the ULEV-II standard; six-speed Aisin automatic with Haldex all-wheel drive. Refined running but complex to maintain; specific oil care required.
Silky V8 comfort
V8 in the S80: 315 hp in gentle perfection. Not a muscle car, but a refined express traveller.
Engine Weaknesses 4
On early engines up to engine number 6833, water collects in a recess in the engine block and destroys the balance shaft bearing. The bearing seizes, the shaft flails against the block, and the timing chain jumps. Catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Loud metallic clattering or banging from lower engine, power loss, engine oil pressure drop, stop immediately.
When the balance shaft bearing fails, the shaft strikes the engine block and pulls the timing chain out of synchronisation. Valves are bent and total engine damage follows.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on start, check engine light with crankshaft/camshaft fault, engine shudder, power loss.
V8 water pump can fail. On an eight-cylinder engine with high heat output, overheating is especially damaging. Check coolant level and quality regularly.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature rises, coolant loss, heater delivers cold air, overheating warning.
The V8 valve cover gaskets become porous with age. The V-engine layout makes the repair more labour-intensive as both sides must be accessed.
Symptoms: Oil smell after driving, oil seeping at valve cover edges, engine oil spots after parking.
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).