IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2011 Volvo S80 (Gen 2)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2011 Volvo S80 (Gen 2). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Fuel dilution on D5 diesel - rising oil and runaway idle risk

SeriousEngine

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £150-£2,000
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Sunroof and body drain water leaks into sills and footwells

ModerateBodywork & Rust

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £80-£1,200
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Diesel injector wear causing rough idle and high repair bills

ModerateEngine

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £350-£1,500
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Buying Tips for 2011 Volvo S80 (Gen 2)

  • With a sunroof fitted, pour water through the drains at each front corner and confirm it exits under the wheels; blocked elbows dump water into the footwells and the wiring under them.
  • Check the oil level for rise above maximum on diesels - fuel dilution drove DVSA recalls on these cars and its own engine-running-after-switch-off warning.
  • Listen for a rough, vibration-laden idle on 2.0D/D5 cars; injectors at around £300 each are the usual suspect before anything else.
  • Operate the air-suspension cars carefully - a tired compressor or leaking bellow is the expensive version of a simple comfort fault.
  • 2014-on facelift cars gained standard City Safety and the bigger screen; later Drive-E engines (D4/T5 2.0) need their oil-consumption habits understood before buying.
Check a 2011 Volvo S80 (Gen 2) by Registration