Volvo S80 Common Problems and Solutions
Squeaking/Knocking Noise
Problem:
There is a squeaking or knocking noise coming from the front of the car. You might also notice the vehicle pulling to one side while driving straight.
Solution:
You can find new front control arm bushings on our parts page and have them delivered. The front control arms of the S80 are very prone to premature wear, and they need to be replaced before they start causing alignment issues. If your car is pulling to one side, then you'll need to start a full realignment overhaul.
Difficulty level
Control Arm Bushes
SWM Malfunction
Problem:
The steering wheel module (SWM) has ceased functioning, meaning your turn signals, horn, audio buttons, and cruise control are all inoperative.
Solution:
The SWM on the S80 can be quite temperamental and is very prone to complete failure. You'll need to order a new module from our parts list for the S80, and although this is a highly technical job, there are many guides available online that will guide you through the process.
Difficulty level
Steering Wheel
Front and Rear Exterior Lights Not Working
Problem:
One or more of your lights at the front or rear of your S80 have stopped working.
Solution:
One of the most common issues with the S80 is premature light bulb wear. There's no real solution for this, but you can find more durable light bulbs at the BreakerYard store. Remember to avoid touching the bulbs with your fingers when installing them.
Difficulty level
ABS warning light
Problem:
The ABS control module tends to fail on the first generation of this car, causing the ABS warning light to appear on the dashboard.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement ABS control module to resolve the issue. Watch the video below to see how it’s done:
Difficulty level
Crankshaft oil seal failure
Problem:
The crankshaft oil seal can fail on the S80, leading to an oil leak. If you notice an oil leak, this should be one of the first areas to inspect.
Solution:
If the crankshaft oil seal has failed, you will need to fit a replacement to fix the issue.
Difficulty level
Lack of power/engine management warning light
Problem:
The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor can also fail on the S80. If this part fails, you will notice that the engine management warning light has appeared on the dashboard and/or there will be a lack of power.
Solution:
The first thing to try is to remove the MAF sensor and clean it with MAF sensor cleaner. Connections can become dirty, leading to failure. If this does not resolve the issue, you will need to replace the MAF sensor.
Difficulty level
Rattling noise
Problem:
If you hear a rattling noise coming from underneath the car, it is caused by the exhaust downpipe rattling against the heat shield. This rattling will mainly be noticeable between 2000-3000rpm. The flexible downpipe can come loose, resulting in it knocking against the heat shield.
Solution:
The decision on whether the flexible down pipe can be reused depends on how long it has been rattling against the heat shield. If it is in good condition, you only need to refit the down pipe correctly; otherwise, you'll need to fit a replacement down pipe to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Exhaust Down Pipe
Loose Seat Belt
Problem:
The seat belt in the front seats feels loose, although it still tightens when pulled quickly.
Solution:
The flexible steel cable supporting the front seat belt anchor point is now recognised as a weak spot on the S80, and it will need to be replaced to ensure occupant safety. Look for a new seat belt fastener on our parts list that will include the newly designed fastening.
Difficulty level
Unusual Smell
Problem:
You can notice an unusual odour inside the car when the engine is running. The engine might misfire, and the check engine light could be illuminated.
Solution:
This is a tricky issue that even Volvo doesn't fully understand. It's the cause of a large recall affecting about 70,000 cars in the UK. Whatever the problem is, it could eventually lead to a serious engine fire, so take your S80 to a Volvo dealer to get their advice.
Difficulty level
Squealing from Engine
Problem:
There is a squealing noise coming from the engine while it is running. The check engine light may also be on.
Solution:
Your timing belt tensioner has worn out and needs replacing. Browse our parts list for a new tensioner. Once it arrives, remove the old one and fit the new into position.
Difficulty level
Timing Cam Belt Tensioner
Misfiring Engine
Problem:
The engine is beginning to misfire regularly, and there is a general decrease in power. There may also be an unusual sound coming from the engine.
Solution:
This issue is caused by a worn-out timing belt. They usually need replacing every 60,000 miles (or four years), but it's a straightforward DIY job. Order a new timing belt from our parts list and have your replacement shipped to you.
Difficulty level
Timing Belt
Loss of Power Steering
Problem:
You have lost all power steering, making the car much harder to drive as a result.
Solution:
Your auxiliary drive belt tensioner has failed, which is very common on S80s built between January 2007 and December 2010. You can order a new tensioner from BreakerYard, and installation is quite straightforward.
Difficulty level
Auxiliary Drivebelt Tensioner
AC Power Loss
Problem:
Your air conditioning has lost power, and your engine coolant temperature has risen sharply.
Solution:
This is another software issue, and it is impacting your engine cooling fan. If you don't obtain an upgrade promptly, you risk a complete coolant system failure and serious engine damage.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine begins to overheat rapidly. You might also notice a sweet smell when the engine is running.
Solution:
This is likely the coolant leak issue for which Volvo issued a recall. You can spend some time inspecting the coolant system to find the source of the leak and then seal any holes or cracks as needed. It may be that the leak is too large to seal, in which case you'll need to find replacement coolant parts in our store.
Difficulty level
Parking Brake Failure
Problem:
When you're sitting in the car with the engine running, shifting the gear lever causes the parking brake to release.
Solution:
This is a straightforward software issue affecting only S80s built between April 2012 and January 2015. Visit a Volvo dealer, and they should update your software free of charge.
Difficulty level
Engine Backfiring
Problem:
The engine has begun to backfire frequently, and it may overheat rapidly. Your engine oil appears very misty.
Solution:
It's likely that your plastic inlet manifold has melted and become deformed. You will need to replace the inlet manifold with a new one from BreakerYard, and you will also require an upgrade to your soot-reducing software and a clean of your TMAP and EMAP sensors.
Difficulty level
Inlet Manifold Plastic
Incorrect Fuel Gauge Reading
Problem:
The fuel gauge is providing an inaccurate reading.
Solution:
This is simply a software problem, and your only option is to take the car to a Volvo dealer for an update. If it will be some time before you can do this, keep your fuel level topped up at all times.
Difficulty level
Constant Stalling
Problem:
The engine has started to stall regularly, and you can smell a strong fuel odour. There may be patches of fuel on the ground beneath the car.
Solution:
The fuel hose in some S80s is prone to rapid wear, which can cause a fuel pipe to crack. The best solution is to replace the fuel pipe, and you can easily find a new one on our parts page for the S80. However, Volvo may perform this repair free of charge if you ask.
Difficulty level
Fuel Hose