Volvo S80 (Gen 2) Common Problems & Reliability
The second-generation S80 arrived for 2007 as Europe’s hands-down class-leader for rear-seat comfort and safety kit, kept Volvo’s flagship seat until the 2016 S90 took over, and wore a mild 2010 refresh (twin-turbo D5, new trims) plus a proper 2014 facelift that brought new bumpers, a larger screen and standard City Safety. UK engine lists ran from the D3/D4/D5 five-cylinder diesels through 2.0T/2.5T/3.2 and the T6 AWD, with the DRIVe low-CO2 versions making it a company-car staple. Auto Express rated its reliability as settled and dependable, and the Volvo Owners' Club tells the other side: water finding its way into sills and footwells via blocked sunroof drains, and diesel idle and injector wear. Prices look irresistible; the checks below keep it that way.
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Detailed fault breakdown, symptoms, and estimated repair bills by production year.
Most Common Volvo S80 (Gen 2) Faults & Repair Costs
Fuel dilution on D5 diesel - rising oil and runaway idle risk
DVSA’s recall record for the S80 of this era states plainly that oil could rise above maximum from overfilling and/or fuel dilution, letting the engine hold or increase speed after the throttle is released and, in extreme cases, run on after switch-off. Owners' Club threads on the 2.0D/D5 cars show the day-to-day version: a rough, shaking idle where the members immediately suspect a leaking injector - at roughly £300 a time. Short urban runs made it a fleet-killer; verify oil history on any diesel you test.
Oil level above the maximum mark with a fuel smell, Rough idle with vibration through the floor, Engine reluctant to drop speed when pulled up, or running on after key-off
- Check the dipstick (level and smell) before the test drive
- Ask for proof of shortened oil-change intervals being honoured
- Run the plate through the DVSA recall service and confirm the fuel-dilution remedies are complete
Sunroof and body drain water leaks into sills and footwells
The Owners' Club has S80 owners chasing sloshing in the driver’s sill and a soaked rear footwell with no obvious entry, one discovering windscreen-edge leaks tracking into the cabin. FnF’s Volvo drain guide sets out the mechanical reason: on the S80/V70/XC70 generation the front sunroof drains exit behind the front wheels through a 90-degree elbow that clogs or slips off, while rear drains dump into the trunk area. Water in the footwell soaks wiring looms and the amplifier under the seat, turning a £50 clean-out into a four-figure electrical repair.
Damp carpet or a sloshing noise in the sills after rain, Musty smell or water stains under the door weather strips, Intermittent electrical faults (windows, amp, airbag light) after wet weather
- Pour water through all four sunroof drains and check for flow under each corner of the car
- Lift the carpet at the sill edge and look for fresh mud or rust staining
- Check the spare-wheel well for standing water
Diesel injector wear causing rough idle and high repair bills
On the 2.0D and five-cylinder diesels, Volvo Owners' Club threads describe exactly what fleet life does to these injectors: a rough idle with vibration you can feel through the seats, and member advice to confirm which cylinder before paying around £300 a injector plus labour. The cheap first step is a proper diagnostic - leaking-back testing rather than guessing - because misdiagnosed injectors lead owners to replace pumps and sensors unnecessarily. Buy with injector test records and it stops being a worry.
Rough cold idle that smooths as the engine warms, Knocking or rattling at low rpm with normal oil pressure, One cylinder masking when temporarily disconnected
- Note idle smoothness the instant the engine starts cold
- Ask whether injectors have ever been leak-off tested, and see the readings
- Review exhaust smoke during the test-drive pull away
Buying a used Volvo S80 (Gen 2)? Always check for hidden finance and write-off history.
Mechanical problems are only half the battle. Over 1 in 3 UK used cars checked have unpaid finance or accident write-off records that could cause you to lose the car or thousands in value.