Volvo S80 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Volvo S80 model year (2002–2016) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Volvo S80 Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 50 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 69
5 recalls · 45 complaints
Top issue: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 60
6 recalls · 29 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 55
Best Volvo S80 Years to Buy
1 recall · 1 complaint
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 4
2 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 12
2 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Problem score: 15
Found the right year? Verify that specific S80 with a free VIN report.
Volvo S80 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 6 | 12 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 7 | 15 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 3 | 8 | 25 | Caution |
| 2012 | 3 | 8 | 19 | Good |
| 2011 | 4 | 5 | 21 | Good |
| 2010 | 5 | 27 | 46 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 5 | 16 | 31 | Caution |
| 2008 | 7 | 25 | 52 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 5 | 24 | 39 | Caution |
| 2006 | 4 | 12 | 24 | Good |
| 2005 | 6 | 15 | 33 | Caution |
| 2004 | 5 | 50 | 69 | Avoid |
| 2003 | 6 | 29 | 55 | Avoid |
| 2002 | 5 | 45 | 60 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Volvo S80 Shopping Guide by Era
2013–2017
Best: 2014Mid-decade S80 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder S80 models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year S80 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2004 Volvo S80 if possible. It has 5 recalls, 50 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. The overall problem score is 69 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year S80 to buy?+
The 2014 Volvo S80 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 4. It has only 1 recall and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which S80 has the fewest problems?+
The 2014, 2016, 2015 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Volvo S80 Research
Check a Specific Volvo S80 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →