Volvo S80 years to avoid and best years

Newer Volvo S80 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (8 complaints). 2012 through 2015 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 6 complaints), 2014 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2012 at 0 (from 8 complaints). On the 2013 Volvo S80, 2 of 8 complaints name Engine.

Data as of .

2012 Volvo S80
Photo by M 93, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Most complaints

2013

1 per year · 8 complaints

Fewest complaints

2016

0 per year · 6 complaints

Fewest complaints

2014

0 per year · 1 complaints

Fewest complaints

2012

0 per year · 8 complaints

Volvo S80 reliability by year

Most Fewest Other
2012120132014120152016

Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Volvo S80. How we count.

By model year

Year Per year on the road Complaints Recalls Most-filed complaint Avg. combined MPG
2016 → Fewest 0 6 2 Engine 29
2015 → 1 7 2 Air bags 25.5
2014 Fewest 0 1 1 Powertrain 22
2013 → Most 1 8 3 Engine 21.5
2012 → Fewest 0 8 3 Air bags, Speed control, Seats 22

Years with a → link have a full model-year page.

What owners file about

Engine
5
Powertrain
3
Structure
3
Wheels
3
Suspension
2
Air bags
1
Air bags, Speed control, Seats
1
Electrical system, Engine
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Powertrain, Unknown or other, Engine
1
Steering, Unknown or other
1
Tires
1

Generations

Second generation (final years) 2012–2016
Body styles
Sedan
Oil
0W-30 or 5W-30 (engine-dependent) · 7.2 qt capacity
Tire size
225/50R17, 245/40R18 (trim-dependent)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 20V-378 covers certain 2007-2016 S80 vehicles (shared with V70/XC70 and other Volvo models): the front seat-belt anchor cable can fail; dealers replace the cable for both front seats. Recall 12V-075 covers certain 2012 S80 built May–October 2011 where the under-seat wire harness may not be secured, risking improper air-bag or belt function. Recall 13V-377 covers certain 2014 S80 with keyless ignition where CEM software can affect headlamps or turn signals; dealers upgrade CEM software.

Frequently asked questions

Which Volvo S80 years have fewer owner complaints?

Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 6 complaints), 2014 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2012 at 0 (from 8 complaints).

Which Volvo S80 year has the most owner complaints?

2013 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (8 complaints). 2012 through 2015 are in that same range. On the 2013 Volvo S80, 2 of 8 complaints name Engine.

How do Volvo S80 owner complaints compare by year?

Newer Volvo S80 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.

What engine oil does a US Volvo S80 use?

0W-30 or 5W-30 (engine-dependent) With filter, about 7.2 qt is commonly listed for this generation—confirm in the owner manual.

What tire sizes fit a US Volvo S80?

Published US specs commonly list front 225/50R17, 245/40R18 (trim-dependent) and rear 225/50R17, 245/40R18 (trim-dependent); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.

What NHTSA recalls affect the US Volvo S80?

Recall 20V-378 covers certain 2007-2016 S80 vehicles (shared with V70/XC70 and other Volvo models): the front seat-belt anchor cable can fail; dealers replace the cable for both front seats. Recall 12V-075 covers certain 2012 S80 built May–October 2011 where the under-seat wire harness may not be secured, risking improper air-bag or belt function. Recall 13V-377 covers certain 2014 S80 with keyless ignition where CEM software can affect headlamps or turn signals; dealers upgrade CEM software.