Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2006 Volvo S80 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 12
Against the median year of the Volvo S80. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Volvo S80
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Acceleration & Cruise Control
313.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,000 mi
Electrical System
313.6%
Median failure at 70,250 miles
Engine & Cooling
313.6%
Seat Belts
29.1%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Suspension
29.1%
Brakes
29.1%
Airbags
29.1%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.5%
Median failure at 153,808 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
14.5%
Lights
14.5%
Median failure at 60,500 miles
Body & Structure
14.5%
Median failure at 153,808 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.5%
Median failure at 48,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
110.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
330.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
220.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
220.0%
150,000+ miles
220.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2008peak 4Jan 2025
Recalls on the 2006 Volvo S80
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201039687 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.
Recall 20062371,871 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 110. The Tire and Loading Information Label contains incorrect tire inflation pressure value. If the vehicle is equipped with SST tires and the inflation pressure is set to 35 PSI (incorrect pressure listed on the label), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may set a warning message "Low Tire Press. Check Tires". Correction: Owners will be provided with labels and installation instructions.
Recall 2005365465 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable may wear against the starter solenoid. The resulting chafe damage could develop into an electrical short. This can be noticed in different ways. If the vehicle is parked, smoke may appear from under the hood and/or it may be impossible to start the car. If the short circuit happens during driving, not only will the engine stall, but the electrical power could also be lost, resulting in warning lamps being deactivated. Correction: Dealers will relocate the battery cable.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 22,000 milesWindsor, 00Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DROVE TO TORONTO FROM WINDSOR ONTARIO AND CAME OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO STOP AT RED LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 6000 RPM AND I PUT THE BRAKE ON BUT THE CAR WHEELS KEPT SPINNING AND PUT ON THE HAND BRAKE=AND FINALLY SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AFTER COLLIDING WITH CAR IN FRONT . THE WHEELS SMELT OF BURNT RUBBER. BEING SUNDAY-WILL BE TAKING CAR INTO DEALER ON MONDAY.
NHTSA complaint #10216773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Largo, FL
SUSPENSION
on Tuesday 11/19/2024 i went to my car and saw that a lot of fluid had leaked out of it. i went to start my car and when the car came on the gas tank was empty, but i had just filled the tank up the day before and parked it. on monday the 11/18/2024 i had put gas in the tank. so on tuesday when i had to go to the store i was pretty confused that the tank was low. this same thing had happened one time before but it never occurred that there was any kind of leak. but for an entire tank of gas to spill out is extremely concerning
NHTSA complaint #11635682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
on Tuesday 11/19/2024 i went to my car and saw that a lot of fluid had leaked out of it. i went to start my car and when the car came on the gas tank was empty, but i had just filled the tank up the day before and parked it. on monday the 11/18/2024 i had put gas in the tank. so on tuesday when i had to go to the store i was pretty confused that the tank was low. this same thing had happened one time before but it never occurred that there was any kind of leak. but for an entire tank of gas to spill out is extremely concerning
NHTSA complaint #11635682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
on Tuesday 11/19/2024 i went to my car and saw that a lot of fluid had leaked out of it. i went to start my car and when the car came on the gas tank was empty, but i had just filled the tank up the day before and parked it. on monday the 11/18/2024 i had put gas in the tank. so on tuesday when i had to go to the store i was pretty confused that the tank was low. this same thing had happened one time before but it never occurred that there was any kind of leak. but for an entire tank of gas to spill out is extremely concerning
NHTSA complaint #11635682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nevada City, CA
AIR BAGS
SAFETY RECALL R10125 for this vehicle has not been performed as of this date; received Safety Recall Notice letter from Volvo Car USA LLC 29 NOV 2021; have contacted dealer once immediately upon receipt of letter; Volvo Corporation 4 to 6 times telephonic and email with the last response (Volvo is looking into it) on 15 DEC 2022 upon which I have again responded with an email for a status check. My perception is that this VIN number has a three spoke steering wheel which would have to be manufactured (not four and requires different airbag) and that is not going to happen (last unoffical response from Volvo dealer in Jan 2022). Request assitance from NHTSA. Phone no is 5302647381 home or 7573282950 I could not find a way to report this failure to perform safety recall on your website
NHTSA complaint #11500695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesValley Stream, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ACCELERATOR SENSOR-DIGITAL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V441000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11308320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoston, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WITHOUT PRECEDING EVENT, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS MONITORING THE CAR-CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, GAS GAUGE, VEHICLE RANGE, TIRE PRESSURE ETC HAVE CEASED TO FUNCTION. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11287760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,808 milesSacramento, CA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S80. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF AIR ENTERING THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT EXTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL, THE WINDSHIELD, AND THE ROOF WERE BECOMING DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,808.
NHTSA complaint #11181984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,808 milesSacramento, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S80. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF AIR ENTERING THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT EXTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL, THE WINDSHIELD, AND THE ROOF WERE BECOMING DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,808.
NHTSA complaint #11181984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesBroomall, PA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SLAMS / BUCKS FOR 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AT THE 20 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE TRANSMISSION REVS AND THEN BANG?S INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A STOP, YOU CAN FEEL IT BUCKING / JOLT (AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING) AS I APPLY THE BRAKE. I HAD REPORTED THIS TO THE VOLVO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING CAME UP ON THE CODES OR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED TOO IN APRIL 2013 AND IT RAN GOOD FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS AND THAT BACK TO SAME SYMPTOMS / ISSUES. I ALSO BROUGHT IT BACK AGAIN AROUND AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 TIME FRAME TO HAVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED AND EXPLAINED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM AND AGAIN NO FAULT CODES. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT COULD BE A HAZARD IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY OR TRYING TO STOP QUICKLY AND IT DOES NOT RESPOND AS IT SHOULD AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, AND A POSSIBLE FATALITY COULD RESULT. I ALSO DID SPEAK WITH VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICES AND REGISTER A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST VOLVO, I HAVE OWNED VOLVOS SINCE 1988. PLEASE ADVISE OF FINDINGS AND RESOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #10705105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesBroomall, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SLAMS / BUCKS FOR 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AT THE 20 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE TRANSMISSION REVS AND THEN BANG?S INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A STOP, YOU CAN FEEL IT BUCKING / JOLT (AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING) AS I APPLY THE BRAKE. I HAD REPORTED THIS TO THE VOLVO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING CAME UP ON THE CODES OR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED TOO IN APRIL 2013 AND IT RAN GOOD FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS AND THAT BACK TO SAME SYMPTOMS / ISSUES. I ALSO BROUGHT IT BACK AGAIN AROUND AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 TIME FRAME TO HAVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED AND EXPLAINED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM AND AGAIN NO FAULT CODES. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT COULD BE A HAZARD IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY OR TRYING TO STOP QUICKLY AND IT DOES NOT RESPOND AS IT SHOULD AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, AND A POSSIBLE FATALITY COULD RESULT. I ALSO DID SPEAK WITH VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICES AND REGISTER A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST VOLVO, I HAVE OWNED VOLVOS SINCE 1988. PLEASE ADVISE OF FINDINGS AND RESOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #10705105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
AIR BAGS
2006 VOLVO S80 . CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY VEHICLE REPAIRS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE FRONT BRAKES, PADS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAD AIR BAG PROBLEMS AND IT OVER HEATED.
NHTSA complaint #10514205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
SUSPENSION
2006 VOLVO S80 . CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY VEHICLE REPAIRS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE FRONT BRAKES, PADS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAD AIR BAG PROBLEMS AND IT OVER HEATED.
NHTSA complaint #10514205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2006 VOLVO S80 . CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY VEHICLE REPAIRS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE FRONT BRAKES, PADS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAD AIR BAG PROBLEMS AND IT OVER HEATED.
NHTSA complaint #10514205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2006 VOLVO S80 . CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY VEHICLE REPAIRS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE FRONT BRAKES, PADS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAD AIR BAG PROBLEMS AND IT OVER HEATED.
NHTSA complaint #10514205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,500 milesStroudsburg, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FIRST THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT BE DIMMED AND CONSTANTLY REMAINED ON CREATING PROBLEMS FOR ONCOMING DRIVERS. NEXT THE HIGH BEAMS COULD NOT BE TURNED ON CREATING VISIBILITY ISSUES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED IS THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE ( CEM ) . WHEN THE CEM FAILED IT ALSO BURNED OUT THE TURN SIGNAL BOARD. BOTH THE CEM AND THE TURN SIGNAL BOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW UNITS.
NHTSA complaint #10386237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,500 milesStroudsburg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRST THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT BE DIMMED AND CONSTANTLY REMAINED ON CREATING PROBLEMS FOR ONCOMING DRIVERS. NEXT THE HIGH BEAMS COULD NOT BE TURNED ON CREATING VISIBILITY ISSUES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED IS THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE ( CEM ) . WHEN THE CEM FAILED IT ALSO BURNED OUT THE TURN SIGNAL BOARD. BOTH THE CEM AND THE TURN SIGNAL BOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW UNITS.
NHTSA complaint #10386237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saddle River, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
2006 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER STATES DRIVER SEAT SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD STICK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE IMMEDIATELY. *TGW ALSO, THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT DUE TO A LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10364953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saddle River, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
2006 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER STATES DRIVER SEAT SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD STICK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE IMMEDIATELY. *TGW ALSO, THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT DUE TO A LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10364953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesSaddle RUN, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN DEPRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RELEASE THE CONTACT. THE SEAT BELT WOULD RELEASE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #10351450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Claremont, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2006 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER STATES UNEXPLAINED ENGINE BEHAVIOR. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. AN ENGINE IMMOBILIZED MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY IRREGULARITIES. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS PROBABLY ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10326326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Claremont, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2006 VOLVO S80. CONSUMER STATES UNEXPLAINED ENGINE BEHAVIOR. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. AN ENGINE IMMOBILIZED MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY IRREGULARITIES. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS PROBABLY ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10326326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesWindsor, 00Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DROVE TO TORONTO FROM WINDSOR ONTARIO AND CAME OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO STOP AT RED LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 6000 RPM AND I PUT THE BRAKE ON BUT THE CAR WHEELS KEPT SPINNING AND PUT ON THE HAND BRAKE=AND FINALLY SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AFTER COLLIDING WITH CAR IN FRONT . THE WHEELS SMELT OF BURNT RUBBER. BEING SUNDAY-WILL BE TAKING CAR INTO DEALER ON MONDAY.
NHTSA complaint #10216773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.