2006 Volvo S80 problems

General information about Volvo-S80
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Volvo S80 is an executive car produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1998 to 2016 across two generations. It took the place of the rear-wheel-drive S90 as Volvo's flagship sedan.

The first generation (1998–2006) was made available for the 1999 model year. It has since been built at the Torslanda Works in Gothenburg, Sweden, with a few 1999 model year cars for the North American market built at Volvo's Halifax Assembly plant. Unlike most Volvo models, it did not have a station wagon version for its first generation.

The second generation (2006–2016) was released in 2006 as a model year 2007 car. It has an estate version, the third generation of the Volvo V70. In June 2007, the S80 scored the highest "good" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test performance for frontal, side, and rear impacts, earning it the IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The model was replaced by the second generation S90 in the later half of 2016.

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Common 2006 Volvo S80 problems

The Volvo S80, produced between 2006 and 2016, has been known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues range from engine fires to electrical problems and transmission failures.

One of the most significant concerns is the potential for engine fires in vehicles equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Volvo has issued a recall for around 70,000 cars in the UK due to this issue. Owners are advised to pay attention to any unusual smells coming into the interior, if the engine warning light illuminates, or if the engine hesitates under acceleration. This problem is still under investigation, and there is no fix available at the moment.

Another common issue is related to the fuel gauge, which may show the wrong level on vehicles constructed between 24 November 2014 and 17 April 2015. The current advice is to keep the fuel level above a third of a tank to ensure that the car doesn't run out of fuel until a fix can be implemented.

Power steering can also be a problem in some S80s made between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010. The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can fail, leading to a loss of power steering. Contacting a local Volvo dealer is necessary to solve this problem, as a new tensioner will be required.

Coolant leaks during the warm-up process have been reported in some S80s built between 28 May 2010 and 5 May 2015. This issue could result in an engine fire in extreme circumstances. It is recommended to check with a Volvo dealer to ensure that the car isn't affected by this problem.

The fuel hose used in some S80s has been found to crack from the inside, which could lead to a fuel leak if not fixed. This applies to cars built between 11 April 2015 and 30 March 2016. A Volvo dealer will be able to tell if the car is affected by this issue.

In some S80s built between 4 April 2012 and 28 January 2015, the parking brake might release without warning. This issue occurs when the engine is on and when the gearlever is moved, but it shouldn't occur when the car is left unattended. Any Volvo dealer will be able to let the owner know if the car is affected and apply the updated software required to prevent this from happening if required.

Transmission failures, particularly in earlier models, have been reported, leading to erratic shifting and, in extreme cases, complete transmission failure. This issue is more prevalent in the first generation of the S80, but it can still be found in some later models.

Lastly, the four-cylinder diesel engine, branded as the e Drive, has problems with the regeneration of the particle filter and troubles with a rising oil filter that causes problems with the catalytic converter. It is important to sometimes, especially when the engine is warm, floor it to blast away any buildup in the engine

In conclusion, the Volvo S80 has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including potential engine fires, fuel gauge issues, power steering failures, coolant leaks, fuel hose cracks, parking brake malfunctions, transmission failures, and issues with the four-cylinder diesel engine. It is essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle.

What is the common problem of Volvo S80?

Common Issues With The Volvo S80

Transmission Failures: Particularly in earlier models, transmission issues have been reported, leading to erratic shifting and, in extreme cases, complete failure. Oil Leaks: Some Volvo S80 owners have encountered engine oil leaks, most notably around seals and gaskets.

Is the Volvo S80 a reliable car?

According to RepairPal, the Volvo S80 has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars and is currently ranked 17th out of 32 car makers. You've come to the right place if you're looking for the most reliable Volvo S80 year.

Are Volvo S80 expensive to maintain?

Average annual repair cost: $705

If the repair record is your top concern when buying a luxury full-size car, look at the Volvo S80 as you shop. Its annual average repair cost runs almost $300 less than the other models in the segment, and its reliability ranking of four easily beats the average of 2.5 out of 5.

Why won't my 2006 Volvo S80 start?

The most common reasons a Volvo S80 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

What is the common problem of Volvo S80?

Common Issues With The Volvo S80

Is the Volvo S80 a reliable car?

Is the Volvo S80 a safe car?

The Volvo S80 had previously been named "Best Pick," the highest possible ranking in the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal impact test.

Is Volvo S80 a luxury car?

Ever since 1927, Volvo has produced safe and functional cars of premium quality. Among the most exclusive models, we remember the P1800, driven by Roger Moore in the classical TV series "The Saint", and the Volvo 780, designed by Italian Bertone.

2006 Volvo S80 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo S80 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Vehicle speed control problems
Electrical system problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Air bags problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Volvo S80 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2006 Volvo S80 complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Volvo S80.

2023-01-08

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-01-04
VIN: YV1TS592561
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: SAFETY RECALL R10125 for this vehicle has not been performed as of this date; received Safety Recall Notice letter from Volvo Car USA LLC 29 NOV 2021; have contacted dealer once immediately upon receipt of letter; Volvo Corporation 4 to 6 times telephonic and email with the last response (Volvo is looking into it) on 15 DEC 2022 upon which I have again responded with an email for a status check. My perception is that this VIN number has a three spoke steering wheel which would have to be manufactured (not four and requires different airbag) and that is not going to happen (last unoffical response from Volvo dealer in Jan 2022). Request assitance from NHTSA. Phone no is 5302647381 home or 7573282950 I could not find a way to report this failure to perform safety recall on your website

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2020-02-10

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-01-22
VIN: YV1TS592261
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ACCELERATOR SENSOR-DIGITAL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V441000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

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2019-12-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-12-05
VIN: YV1TS592861
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WITHOUT PRECEDING EVENT, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS MONITORING THE CAR-CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, GAS GAUGE, VEHICLE RANGE, TIRE PRESSURE ETC HAVE CEASED TO FUNCTION. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED.

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2019-02-22

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-02-20
VIN: YV1TS592061
Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S80. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF AIR ENTERING THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT EXTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL, THE WINDSHIELD, AND THE ROOF WERE BECOMING DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,808.

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2015-04-11

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-05-28
VIN: YV1TH592661
Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SLAMS / BUCKS FOR 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AT THE 20 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE TRANSMISSION REVS AND THEN BANG?S INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A STOP, YOU CAN FEEL IT BUCKING / JOLT (AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING) AS I APPLY THE BRAKE. I HAD REPORTED THIS TO THE VOLVO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING CAME UP ON THE CODES OR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED TOO IN APRIL 2013 AND IT RAN GOOD FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS AND THAT BACK TO SAME SYMPTOMS / ISSUES. I ALSO BROUGHT IT BACK AGAIN AROUND AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 TIME FRAME TO HAVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED AND EXPLAINED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM AND AGAIN NO FAULT CODES. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT COULD BE A HAZARD IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY OR TRYING TO STOP QUICKLY AND IT DOES NOT RESPOND AS IT SHOULD AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, AND A POSSIBLE FATALITY COULD RESULT. I ALSO DID SPEAK WITH VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICES AND REGISTER A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST VOLVO, I HAVE OWNED VOLVOS SINCE 1988. PLEASE ADVISE OF FINDINGS AND RESOLUTION. *TR

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2013-06-03

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-05-07
VIN: YV1MW382662
Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
Summary: 2006 VOLVO S80 . CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY VEHICLE REPAIRS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE FRONT BRAKES, PADS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAD AIR BAG PROBLEMS AND IT OVER HEATED.

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2011-03-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-01-31
VIN: YV1TH592561
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: FIRST THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT BE DIMMED AND CONSTANTLY REMAINED ON CREATING PROBLEMS FOR ONCOMING DRIVERS. NEXT THE HIGH BEAMS COULD NOT BE TURNED ON CREATING VISIBILITY ISSUES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED IS THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE ( CEM ) . WHEN THE CEM FAILED IT ALSO BURNED OUT THE TURN SIGNAL BOARD. BOTH THE CEM AND THE TURN SIGNAL BOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW UNITS. *TR

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2010-11-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-11-01
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
Summary: 2006 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER STATES DRIVER SEAT SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD STICK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE IMMEDIATELY. *TGW ALSO, THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT DUE TO A LEAK. *JB

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2010-08-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-03-05
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN DEPRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RELEASE THE CONTACT. THE SEAT BELT WOULD RELEASE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,000.

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2010-04-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-10-12
VIN: YV1TS592761
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 2006 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER STATES UNEXPLAINED ENGINE BEHAVIOR. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. AN ENGINE IMMOBILIZED MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY IRREGULARITIES. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS PROBABLY ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE. *JB

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2008-02-02

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-02-02
Crash: 1
VIN: YV1TH592761
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: DROVE TO TORONTO FROM WINDSOR ONTARIO AND CAME OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO STOP AT RED LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 6000 RPM AND I PUT THE BRAKE ON BUT THE CAR WHEELS KEPT SPINNING AND PUT ON THE HAND BRAKE=AND FINALLY SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AFTER COLLIDING WITH CAR IN FRONT . THE WHEELS SMELT OF BURNT RUBBER. BEING SUNDAY-WILL BE TAKING CAR INTO DEALER ON MONDAY. *TR

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2006 Volvo S80 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2006 Volvo S80.

2021-09-30

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.

2010-11-08

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

2007-03-29

Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

2006-10-03

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE LABEL DENOTING THE TIRE AND LOADING PRESSURE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
Consequence: A MISPRINTED LABEL WOULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL THE CORRECT LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Negative 2006 Volvo S80 car reviews

Zachariah Kshlerin 2024-10-12

We chose this car because it had the most interior room in its class and looked the best. Despite being very comfortable, the engine is a bit underpowered. The gas mileage is listed between 20 and 27 mpg, but I have only been able to achieve 19 mpg on the highway, which is a bit disappointing. There are a few minor annoyances, such as the lock/unlock button only being on the driver's side and the Homelink garage door opener being part of an expensive convenience package. Overall, it is a beautiful car with some minor issues.
Kareem Hilpert 2024-09-25

The car is really enjoyable to drive and looks great, but the interior quality could be improved, especially the leather seats which tend to wear out quicker than those in other vehicles with leather trim. It would be great if Volvo could pay more attention to maintaining their reputation for producing high-quality vehicles. Unfortunately, the reliability rate for this model is low due to transmission noise when shifting from park to reverse.
Uriah Collier 2024-02-08

At only 63,000 miles, the 'No oil pressure' and 'stop vehicle' lights came on, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Despite the repairs costing well over $1800.00, I am confident in my decision to prioritize my safety and invest in the necessary repairs. Unfortunately, the cost has impacted my ability to continue my college education due to the financial strain. However, I am actively seeking alternative transportation options and remain determined to pursue my academic goals.

Positive 2006 Volvo S80 car reviews

Chadd Kuphal 2025-01-01

This is my second S80 and I love it! It's the perfect size, gets great mileage, and is Swedish non-nonsense luxury at its finest. No Lexus toys here, just quiet and comfortable safety that you can trust, all in understated elegance. Plus, it has the ability to lock in car seats for my twin grandsons, which is a great safety feature that not many cars have.
Timmothy Auer 2024-11-26

I really like this car, but I'm a bit disappointed with the gas mileage. The dealer told me that I could expect up to 24 mpg around town (I even asked twice to confirm, and Volvo only claims 20 mpg). However, I'm only getting 17.5 mpg, even though I'm driving conservatively with a mix of local and highway driving. When I asked the dealer about it, they suggested that the AWD might be the cause. It's funny because that's not what they said when they were trying to sell me the car. They also recommended using regular gas, even though Volvo suggests using super unleaded. I'm currently upgrading my fuel and hoping to see an improvement in the numbers. Overall, though, I still really love this car.
Rodolfo Stamm 2024-11-24

Great handling, nice lines, and a solid feel make this a great automobile. Everyone should try this one.
Christ Hyatt 2024-11-19

One of the best cars you've owned! It's great to hear that you received unmatched service and care from the dealer.
Milford Schamberger 2024-10-23

I really enjoyed the interior design and features, such as the heated seats and separate right-left heating controls. However, what really won me over was the driving experience. The acceleration is excellent and reminds me of a Chevy 350-4 barrel v-8 I once had. The road feel, suspension, and braking are outstanding. Owning this car makes me want to hit the road and throw it around a road course. It's truly a fun car to drive!

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2006 Volvo S80 problems:

2006 Volvo S80 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2006-volvo-s80/problems

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