What year Volvo S80 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2013 Volvo S80 are the years to avoid. The 2010 model has the highest complaint index at 100, and the 2013 model has an index of 83.

What is the best year for the Volvo S80?

The 2016 Volvo S80 is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of just 17 and only 6 total complaints.

What are the most common problems with the Volvo S80?

Across all model years, Engine issues are the top complaint area, making up 24% of the 62 total complaints, followed by Structure & Body and Suspension, Wheels & Tires, each at 16%.

Does the Volvo S80 have any recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns across the 2010-2016 S80, including seat belt anchor cable, airbag clockspring, transmission software, and TPMS software recalls. None are listed as do-not-drive recalls.

Is the 2011 or 2012 Volvo S80 reliable?

The 2011 and 2012 S80 are rated Caution, with complaint indexes of 67 and 50 respectively, falling between the higher-risk 2010/2013 years and the better-performing 2015/2016 years.

Volvo S80 Best and Worst Years (2010–2016)

The 2010 and 2013 Volvo S80 are the years to avoid, with 2010 topping the list at a complaint index of 100 and 27 total complaints, mostly engine-related. The 2016 model is the best year, with a complaint index of just 17 and 6 complaints.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2013 Best 2016

Model years: 7; 2010–2016
NHTSA complaints: 62
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Engine

S80 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Volvo S80 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	27	1	0	4	Engine	19	—
2011	Caution	67	5	1	1	4	Electrical System	21.5	—
2012	Caution	50	8	1	0	3	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	22	—
2013	Avoid	83	8	0	0	3	Engine	21.5	—
2014	No verdict	0	1	0	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	22	—
2015	Good	33	7	1	0	2	Engine	25.5	—
2016	Best	17	6	0	0	2	Engine	29	—

S80 years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Volvo S80 Index 100 · 27 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2010 S80 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year, with 27 complaints. Engine problems account for 19% of issues, with a median failure mileage of 11,500 miles, including reports of stalling while accelerating from a stop. Visibility & Wipers issues also made up 19% of complaints, with a much higher median mileage of 130,500. Airbag complaints, at 15% of the total, included a clockspring wiring fault addressed by recall 10V489000. NHTSA also lists a seat belt anchor cable recall (20V378000) affecting this year.

2013 Volvo S80 Index 83 · 8 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2013 S80 shows a complaint index of 83, driven by Engine and Structure & Body issues tied at 25% each. Engine complaints had a median failure mileage of 54,000, with owners describing a faulty radiator anti-tamper switch that triggered check engine lights and overheating. Structure & Body complaints, at a median of 20,000 miles, included a delaminating chrome trim piece on the steering wheel. NHTSA recalls for this year include a transmission software fix (12V317000) for downshifting and a TPMS software recall (12V415000).

Most common Volvo S80 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine15 (24%)
Structure & Body10 (16%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (16%)
Other9 (15%)
Transmission & Powertrain8 (13%)
Airbags7 (11%)
Electrical System6 (10%)
Visibility & Wipers6 (10%)
Fuel System4 (6%)
Brakes2 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Volvo S80 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2013 Volvo S80 are the years to avoid. The 2010 model has the highest complaint index at 100, and the 2013 model has an index of 83.
What is the best year for the Volvo S80?: The 2016 Volvo S80 is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of just 17 and only 6 total complaints.
What are the most common problems with the Volvo S80?: Across all model years, Engine issues are the top complaint area, making up 24% of the 62 total complaints, followed by Structure & Body and Suspension, Wheels & Tires, each at 16%.
Does the Volvo S80 have any recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns across the 2010-2016 S80, including seat belt anchor cable, airbag clockspring, transmission software, and TPMS software recalls. None are listed as do-not-drive recalls.
Is the 2011 or 2012 Volvo S80 reliable?: The 2011 and 2012 S80 are rated Caution, with complaint indexes of 67 and 50 respectively, falling between the higher-risk 2010/2013 years and the better-performing 2015/2016 years.