2015 Volvo S80 problems
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 2015 Volvo S80 problems
The Volvo S80, produced between 2006 and 2016, is known for its unique style and competitive positioning in the executive and limousine classes. However, several common problems have been reported by owners, which potential buyers should be aware of.
- Phantom Electrical Issues: Some S80s may experience phantom electrical issues, causing multiple false warning lights on the dashboard. These issues can be challenging to diagnose and may require professional assistance.
- Timing Belts, Pulley, and Tensioners: In diesel engines, the timing belts, pulleys, and tensioners need to be replaced after around 60,000 miles or four years. Checking when this job was previously carried out is crucial to avoid potential engine damage.
- Interior Dirt and Stains: Some S80s with a light-coloured interior may show dirt and stains quite easily. It is essential to inspect the interior for stains and marks, especially in the carpets and on the seats, as they can make the car look uncared-for and grubby.
- Potential Engine Fire: Volvo is currently recalling around 70,000 cars in the UK fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel engine over potential engine fires. Owners are advised to pay attention to any unusual smells, engine warning lights, or hesitation under acceleration.
- Fuel Gauge Software Issue: Some S80s built between 24 November 2014 and 17 April 2015 may have an issue with the fuel gauge showing the wrong level. A software update is being sought to correct this issue, and in the meantime, owners are advised to keep the fuel level above a third of a tank.
- Power Steering: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner on some S80s made between 2007 and 2010 can fail, leading to a loss of power steering. Owners are advised to contact their local Volvo dealer if they suspect their car is affected.
- Coolant Leak: Some S80s built between 2010 and 2015 may have a coolant leak during the warm-up process, which could result in an engine fire in extreme circumstances. Checking with a Volvo dealer to make sure your car isn't affected is recommended.
- Fuel Hose Crack: The fuel hose used in some S80s built between 2015 and 2016 can crack from the inside, leading to a fuel leak. A Volvo dealer can determine whether or not your car is affected.
- Parking Brake Release: On some S80s built between 2012 and 2015 with a manual gearbox and start/stop technology, the parking brake might release without warning. Owners are advised to contact their local Volvo dealer to apply the updated software required to prevent this from happening.
These common problems reported by Volvo S80 owners should be taken into consideration when purchasing a car from this model range. Regular maintenance and inspections can help mitigate some of these issues, but potential buyers should be aware of these known problems before making a decision.
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.
How many miles will a Volvo S80 last?
What is Volvo S80 lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Volvo S80 is 178,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
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.
2015 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:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Lane departure problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Volvo S80 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2015 Volvo S80 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Volvo S80.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-11
- VIN: YV1902MM8F1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: Most concerning: Front driver door latch quit working while driving leaving door to swing open during traffic. This is a known issue that led to recalls of other Volvo models (2011 - 2017), but the S80 was excluded. It was a terrifying ordeal that has now happened twice (during freezing conditions here in Colorado). Less concerning to me but a problem: The blindspot monitoring system malfunctions and keeps on blinking even when there's nothing in the blindspot - which betrays the reason it exists.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-02
- VIN: Yv1902mm2f1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Car has 110000 miles on it and is using a quart of oil every 1000 miles, car has been maintained to Volvo specifications it's entire life. This is excessive oil consumption. Oil level low warning cones in every 1000 miles and a quart is needed to satisfy it
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV140MAMXF1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2015 Volvo S80. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the contact noticed three deer crossing the highway. The contact could not brake the vehicle in time and as a result, the vehicle crashed into the deer. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injures sustained. The vehicle was drivable and the contact drove the vehicle back to their home address. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the air bags may or may not engage in accidents. The failure mileage was 77,000.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-23
- VIN: YV140MAMXF1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: MY CAR HAS THE START/STOP FUNCTION. IT HAS A BUTTON TO MANUALLY DEACTIVATE THE START/STOP SYSTEM BUT IT HAS TO BE PUSHED EVERY TIME THE CAR IS RESTARTED. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND DECIDED TO STOP AT A CONVENIENCE STORE TO GET A PEPSI. HE PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE. HE DIDN'T REALIZE THAT HE HADN'T PRESSED THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND WHEN HE PARKED THE CAR, IT SHUT OFF. HE'D BEEN DRIVING IN A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND DIDN'T REALIZE THE START/STOP HAD STOPPED THE ENGINE. HE THOUGHT HE'D TURNED THE CAR OFF. WELL, HE OPENED THE DOOR AND WHEN HE TOOK HIS FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO JUMP THE CONCRETE PARKING BUMPER. FORTUNATELY THE ONLY DAMAGE IT CAUSED WAS TO THE PLASTIC BELLY PAN UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE. BUT SOMEONE IN A 4X4 PICKUP HAD TO WINCH MY CAR BACKWARDS TO GET IT OFF THE PARKING BUMPER. THERE SHOULD BE AN OPTION IN THE CAR'S CONTROL CENTER TO PERMANENTLY DEACTIVATE THE AUTO START/STOP FUNCTION INSTEAD OF HAVING TO DO IT MANUALLY EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED. ALL CARS WITH THE AUTO START/STOP FEATURE NEED TO HAVE THE OPTION AVAILABLE. VOLVO TOLD ME IT CAN'T BE DONE. IT'S A COMPUTER, I'M SURE IT COULD BE REPROGRAMMED WITH THAT OPTION. THIS IS JUST AN ACCIDENT AND LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN! IT'S EASY TO FORGET, ESPECIALLY IF A PERSON HAS A LOT ON HIS/HER MIND (AND WHO DOESN'T THESE DAYS?)
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 2015 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO FRONT END MALFUNCTIONS, RECURRING ISSUES WITH RIM,TIRE AND ALIGNMENT. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV126MAC971
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLVO S80. WHILE STATIONARY THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALMOST RAN OVER THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A FEATURE THAT IDLES THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO BE QUIET ENOUGH TO FOR THE DRIVER TO FORGET THE VEHICLE WAS ON. THE CONSUMER RELEASED THE BREAK PEDAL AND WAS FLIPPED INTO THE STREET. THE CONSUMER'S KNEE WAS INJURED AND PANTS WERE TORN. UPDATED 12/5/2017*JS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-16
- VIN: YV1902MD2F1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE STOPPED IN DRIVE AT A STOP SIGN WITH FOOT ON BRAKE,ON CORNER OF CITY STREET ENGINE REVVED VERY HIGH AND CAR TRIED TO SURGE FORWARD. APPLIED BRAKE EVEN HARDER, PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND STOPPED ENGINE. TRIED TO START UP AND SAME THING HAPPENED. ON THIRD TRY, ENGINE SEEMED NORMAL, BUT "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WAS ON. DROVE 100 YARDS TO HOME GARAGE AND HAD CAR FLAT-BEDDED TO DEALER.
2015 Volvo S80 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2015 Volvo S80.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
- Summary: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
- Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Volvo is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the turn signals, high beams, and headlight switch might not work.
- Consequence: Malfunctioning head lamps and/or turn signals increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the CEM software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Negative 2015 Volvo S80 car reviews
Positive 2015 Volvo S80 car reviews
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Joel H's review was spot on. The 2015.5 Platinum Drive-E is an awesome car. The gas mileage is impressive - I got as much as 38.5 mpg on the highway. Although city mileage generally is not near the EPA estimate of 25 - more like 19, it is still a great car. It is a very understated car - most people do not realize what an exceptional car it is - great ride and comfort. The folding rear seats give you additional room when you need to move something. The headlights are absolutely awesome! - They are very bright and turn as you turn the vehicle. I can attest to the fact that it is a safe car. I was in a major accident and my S80 was totaled (not my fault - another guy ran a red light). It did exactly what it was supposed to do - side curtain airbags deployed but the front ones did not (since by then my speed was reduced when I hit a pole). I am glad the front air bags did not go off when they did not have to - my head never hit the steering wheel. Even though the front-end of the car sustained substantial damage, the air bags did not go off when they didn't need to. My only major complaint about the car was the Volvo On Call App. It was one of the main reasons I bought the car - ability to remote start, send destinations from smart phone to GPS, etc. But the connectivity and Volvo support was not very good. Even though reliability was only around 60-70%, I needed it for the remote start. Prior to the accident I renewed my Volvo On Call for 54 months. I paid $600 for 54 months. After the accident, I realized I had 48 months left on the service that I would not be able to use. I called Volvo to get a refund of the remaining time since I obviously would not be able to use the service since the car was totaled. Volvo said too bad - we have your $600 and are going to keep it even though we know we can't provide you the service. So as a word of CAUTION, it may be tempting to renew for a longer period of time because $11.11 per month (for 54 months) is more reasonable than $16.67 per month (1 year renewal).If anything happens to your car, it could end up costing you a lot of money. The service cost me $100 per month (used 6 of the 54 months), which I found to be too expensive. It's also not transferable if you sell the car, so that's something to consider. However, if you do decide to renew, keep in mind that there are other manufacturers out there with similar apps that are more reliable and less expensive. I was disappointed in Volvo's response to my refund request, but I learned from my mistake and won't be making it again.
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.., but I absolutely love it and so does everyone else! The S80 e-Drive Platinum 2015.5 is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. Don't be fooled by what the professional reviewers say about its performance, even if you're an aggressive driver. When I was looking for a car, I had a few criteria in mind: I wanted something that would last for 10 years, protect me from bad drivers on the road, deliver zippy performance, provide efficient gas mileage, and be comfortable and fun to drive. The S80 checked all those boxes and more! When I test drove it at the dealer, I knew it was the one for me. I almost went with the S60, but as a tall guy (6'2
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I see that you have experience with the Volvo brand, having owned an 04 V-70 with a n/a 2.4 5 cylinder and also owning an 05 V-70. The PZEV 220 hp engine is quite peppy and the overall build quality is superb. I was impressed with the standard equipment, which includes leather, HD radio, and Bluetooth - features that are not always standard with other luxury brands like MB, Audi, and BMW. The seats are also incredibly comfortable, making for an enjoyable driving experience. While the fuel efficiency is not as great around town, it is decent on the highway at 19 mpg. I had the opportunity to test drive the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class, and BMW 5 Series, and while they may have more powerful engines, the Volvo 3.2 PZEV is still a great option for thousands less. Thank you for sharing your experience with me! JHW
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This car is absolutely terrific! It has an attractive exterior and an elegant, yet not overstuffed interior. The controls are logically placed and easy to use. The handling is very good for a non-sports car, making it very stable. The excelleration in passing mode is also very good, thanks to the 300 horsepower turbo with AWD. The leather, wood and all other materials used are of high grade quality. And with all of this, there is a reassuring and obvious focus on safety, including a backup camera, blind spot warning and many other safety features.
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I got this car for the technology package, since my father is getting old and has already been in more than one major accident. The car works great and is at the pinnacle of safety features, such as the pedestrian sensing camera, auto brakes, and cruise control that distances itself from the car ahead. However, Volvo seems to have forgotten that most of their customers are elderly. I just received a call from my father saying that he doesn't know how to turn off the defroster and that the window has been fogging his windows. He still can't control the AC, despite having had this car for months. The controls are complicated and unintuitive. If you're reading this, Volvo, please consider making the controls simpler.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2015 Volvo S80 problems:
2008 Volvo S80 Common problems? | SwedeSpeed - Volvo ...
Jun 9, 2015 ... These cars are based on the Volvo P2 platform, and were sold in the model years 1999-2006. This... 2 10K matt5112 replied Apr 20, 2015.
The Volvo S80 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Oct 11, 2023 ... However, later models have seen significant improvements, and recently RepairPal rated the Volvo S80's reliability a 4 out of 5. Owners who ...
Volvo S80 Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
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Volvo S80 Common Problems and Solutions · Squeaking/Knocking Noise · SWM Malfunction · Front and Rear Exterior Lights Not Working · ABS warning light · Crankshaft ...
2015 Volvo S80 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2015 Volvo S80? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Volvo S80
Are you having problems with your 2015 Volvo S80?
Clyde Homenick 2024-06-29
The car has good performance and a stylish interior and exterior. The seats are very comfortable, and fuel economy is reasonable for this class of car. However, there is an odd quirk where you have to pull twice on the door handle to get the door to open. Despite this, the car has some great tech features, such as adaptive cruise control, which is my personal favorite. Although, it's worth noting that if you come to a complete stop, it disengages after a couple of seconds. The infotainment system, including navigation, has been a bit of a letdown for me. The moving map has few road labels, and the inputs are not intuitive. Unfortunately, there is no touch screen, so the controls can be a bit clunky. Even the menus for settings were hard for the sales reps and service people to figure out. Voice commands are slow and plodding, and the navigation update installed an incorrect database with incorrect information on road accessibility, including major freeway intersections. Navigation updates have to be done with the car running and at a stop, which takes several hours. Additionally, the infotainment system turns off after a few minutes, even though the energy required to listen to music is relatively small. Smart phone connectivity is also unreliable. It's a shame that the infotainment system is so backward, considering how good the rest of the car is.
Beau Jacobson 2024-03-28
The leather seats may not be as appealing during the freezing temperatures of January. I realized that my S80 does not have heated seats, which was a detail I overlooked when I purchased the car last August.