Volvo S80 (1998–2006)

4.8/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

6 Verified owner reports

Every report is validated by email.

Most reported affected parts

View all parts

No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
2.0 20V T5 (226 Hp) (B5204T3) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 20V T5 (226 Hp) Automatic (B5204T3) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0T (163 Hp) (B5204T4) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0T (163 Hp) Automatic (B5204T4) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 19 more engines
2.0T (180 Hp) (B5204T5) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0T (180 Hp) Automatic (B5204T5) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0T 20V (180 Hp) (B5204T5) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0T 20V (180 Hp) Automatic (B5204T5) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 20V (140 Hp) (B5244S2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 20V (140 Hp) Automatic (B5244S2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 20V (170 Hp) (B5244S) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 20V (170 Hp) Automatic (B5244S) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4T (200 Hp) (B5244T3) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.5T 20V (210 Hp) (B5254T2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.5T 20V (210 Hp) AWD Automatic (B5254T2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.5T 20V (210 Hp) Automatic (B5254T2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.8 24V T6 (272 Hp) (B6284T) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 24V (196 Hp) (B6294S2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 24V (196 Hp) Automatic (B6294S2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 24V (200 Hp) (B6294S) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 24V (204 Hp) (B6304S) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 24V (204 Hp) Automatic (B6304S) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.9 T6 24V (272 Hp) Automatic (B6294T) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
2.4 D5 (163 Hp) (D5244T) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 D5 (163 Hp) Automatic (D5244T) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 TDi (130 Hp) (D5244T2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 TDi (163 Hp) (D5244T9) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 4 more engines
2.4 TDi (163 Hp) Automatic (D5244T9) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4D (130 Hp) (D5244T2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4D (130 Hp) Automatic (D5244T2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.5 TDI (140 Hp) (D5252T) No reports 0 No issues reported

LPG

Engine Score Reports Common issues
2.4 (140 Hp) Bi-Fuel LPG (B5244SG2) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 (140 Hp) Bi-Fuel LPG Automatic (B5244SG2) No reports 0 No issues reported

Other

Engine Score Reports Common issues
2.4 (140 Hp) Bi-Fuel CNG (B5244SG) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.4 (140 Hp) Bi-Fuel CNG Automatic (B5244SG) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S80 i

I've owned this car for over 7 years and plan to keep it. The car has a few downsides, particularly concerning its electronics and related issues. Without a solid understanding of electrical schematics and specialized Volvo onboard computer software, doing any diagnostics yourself is impossible. You'll need a workshop. However, this isn't discouraging, considering the car can be repaired at home without major problems if you have some skills and knowledge. It's not without reason that it was

Pros: Long-term ownership satisfaction, Potentially repairable at home with knowledge
Cons: Electronic issues are a significant drawback, Requires specialized software for diagnostics
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S80 i Engine Review

Car bought over a year ago in Germany from a private owner, model year 2001, mileage 180,000 km. In one year of use, I've driven 80,000 km. The engine is a 2.4 petrol, 170 hp, 5-cylinder, with LPG. Average LPG consumption is from 9L to 12.5L. Beyond routine maintenance, repairs included a steering tie rod end, thermostat, and rear muffler. The engine allows for effortless cruising, the interior is very well insulated, front seats are super comfortable, and the safety level is high. Consumables might not be cheap, but...

Pros: Effortless cruising, Very well-insulated interior, Super comfortable front seats, High safety level
Cons: Consumables may not be cheap
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S80 i

I bought a one-year-old car with 30,000 km, so it hadn't had an easy life. It only got worse with me... I drove 50-60,000 km annually. I changed the oil and filters every 10,000 km, and the automatic transmission fluid every 60,000 km. Nothing happened with the car, absolutely nothing! Not even with the automatic transmission, which everyone complains about and doesn't have a good reputation. After 140,000 km, I replaced the timing belt, and after 200,000 km, a bearing failed. Today the car has driven 930,000 km!! And it's still with me, for those interested.

Pros: Exceptional durability and reliability, Automatic transmission surprisingly robust, Low maintenance costs for mileage
Cons: Bearing failure at 200,000 km
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S80 i Review

The 3.0 T6 engine has power from the very bottom, you don't feel turbo lag thanks to biturbo. Almost 300 HP and 400 Nm make their mark, providing driving pleasure. Fuel consumption, considering the performance and car's weight, is 9.5l/100km on the highway at legale speeds, and 11.5l/100km in mixed driving (60% city, 40% highway). The gearbox shifts very smoothly, imperceptibly. Remember to change the oil and don't tow trailers, and it will serve you well. Excellent Four-C suspension with Comfort and Sport modes, it's adaptive, constantly analyzing the road conditions.

Pros: Powerful 3.0 T6 engine with ample low-end torque, Smooth, imperceptible gear changes, Adaptive Four-C suspension in Comfort and Sport modes
Cons: Fuel consumption can be high in mixed driving, Requires regular oil changes and careful towing
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Volvo S80 i: A Resurrected Classic

Bought this car 4 years ago. Had to replace my 20+ year old Golf due to a new job (30km+ commute) as the old one couldn't keep up. I admit, I bought the Volvo in a 4/10 condition. The interior was a bit worn, with some cracked plastic, etc. The previous owner clearly didn't take care of it. Afterwards, I had many issues: ignition system, electrics, CEM module failure, etc. All related to the previous owner's neglect. At one point, the engine seized while driving.

Pros: Potential for a great car once issues are resolved, Comfortable ride
Cons: Significant initial repairs needed, History of neglect, Engine seizure
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S80 i: A Problem-Free Alternative

I switched to the S80 from a newer Zafira B (2007). After diesel troubles and thousands spent, I decided to look for something reliable. Following user reviews, the S80 was the choice. I considered a more powerful version (at least 170HP naturally aspirated, or a turbo), but since I drive 90% in the city, I figured the 140HP version would suffice. And so I found my example at a dealer specializing in imported cars.

Pros: Reliable and problem-free, Good for city driving, User-recommended choice
Cons: Opted for a less powerful engine (140 HP)

Alternatives to consider

Alternative comparisons will appear here soon.

Your experience makes a difference.

Add your email-verified report to help other Volvo S80 owners.

Create a review