Problem Lookup › Volvo › S80 › 2016
Car problem report
2016 Volvo S80 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Volvo S80 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 6owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
6 complaints, against an average of 6 for the other 4 Volvo S80 model years.
Every Volvo S80 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Volvo S80?
The components named most often in the 6 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2016 Volvo S80 been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seat Belts: Front Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Electrical System: Wiring: Fuses And Circuit Breakers Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
Risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visiting http://volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R39574.
Is the 2016 Volvo S80 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air
UK DVSAThere is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system
Risk: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
UK DVSAPotential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point
Risk: Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.
Fix: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.
UK DVSAThe engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Risk: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
UK DVSASmall cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose
Risk: Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.
Fix: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.
EU Safety GateAir bubbles may remain in the engine cooling system when filling coolant.This can cause insufficient cooling and damage the engine, increasing the risk of fire in the engine compartment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 14/07/2020
EU Safety GateAir bubbles may remain in the engine's cooling system after filling with coolant.Consequently, the cooling of the engine might be impaired, causing the engine to overheat, leading to its damage or even to fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe tensile strength of the steel of the safety belt's fixing cable may decrease with time.Consequently, the protective/restraining effect of the safety belts could decrease, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 01/07/2020
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Additionally, the intake valve could leak.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateExcessive carbon deposits could build up in the intake system of the engine.Consequently, the temperature of the intake air could rise, causing the engine's intake manifold to melt and deform. This could lead to the engine to stop, increasing the risk of accidents or even the engine bay to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCracks in the fuel hose may cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment.This may consequently lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe handbrake may under certain conditions release inadvertently.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 26/02/2015
How often does the 2016 Volvo S80 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Volvo S80 owners report?
6 of the 6 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I have a 2016Volvo S80. this is my 7th Volvo I have owned. 4 Months ago my car stalled in the middle of ther road. I had no power with the gas petal. Truck behind me trird not to hit me and our sides touched scapping my car and passenger mirrow. The police offier did not charge either of us. I thought I had bad gas?? Took into my mechanic who only works on volvos he di 75,000 service work and changed the oil. I told him about what happened. Two weeks ago My car light came on no oil pressure stop immediately again was like several months ago i had no power with gas petal. I pulled over light…
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2016 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the engine auto Start/Stop function was not operating as needed and the vehicle had a delay to start automatically upon releasing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and driving over a pothole, the check engine warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it…
A warning light came on stating that the oil pressure was low and that the car needed to immediately be stopped. No previous warning lights have ever come on in this vehicle. It was towed to Kenny Jones auto and they stated that there was half a quart of oil in the engine. *This car has an electronic oil gauge (no manual "dip stick") which had failed. It indicated there was an appropriate amount of oil in the engine when there was almost nothing. This could have resulted in engine failure or a fire. According to the auto shop, this is common. It cost $600 to fix.
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo S80. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over safely to the side of the roadway and restarted the vehicle. The contact also stated whenever the fuel tank was below half tank, the vehicle would stall inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed to drive the vehicle until the failure recurred and take the vehicle back to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the fuel sensor was replaced; however…
I have now had to replace 4 cracked rims on my S80. (First 1/9/1991, Second 2/18/21, Third 4/28/21 and Fourth 8/19/21). Prat number 30758060-5 Aluminium Rim S 71. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? As the air leak out of the tire the car became unsafe to drive. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Volvo Mitchell Auto Group. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Volvo Mitchell Auto Group. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms…
WHILE DRIVING ALONE IN THE RAIN FROM SPOTSYLVANIA, VA TO CLEMSON, SC TO ATTEND MY DAUGHTER'S NURSING WHITE COAT CEREMONY, OUR 2016 S80 SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED ON I-85 SOUTH NEAR KANNAPOLIS, NC FOR NO REASON. THE TIME OF INCIDENT WAS AROUND 11:15AM. IT HAD BEEN RAINING AND TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO ON I-85 WITH SPEEDS ABOUT 30-35MPH WHEN THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED, SENDING PIECES OF THE SHATTERED GLASS FLYING OFF BEHIND MY CAR WITH SMALLER SHARDS OF GLASS COMING DOWN THROUGH THE INSIDE SUNROOF RETRACTABLE VENT WITH DROPS OF RAIN. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO THE FAR RIGHT LANE TO GET OFF…
2016 Volvo S80: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Volvo S80 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volvo S80; the most common categories were engine (3, 50%), electrical system (1, 16.7%), fuel system (1, 16.7%). There are 2 safety recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volvo S80?
Across 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (50% of complaints), electrical system (16.7% of complaints), fuel system (16.7% of complaints), gasoline (16.7% of complaints), wheels (16.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Volvo S80; the most recent (campaign 20V378000, 2020-06-30) concerns Seat Belts: Front. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own S80
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2016 only. How these reports are made.
Is something missing or wrong on this page? Tell CarHooq. One line is enough; every message is read.