Volvo S80 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo S80 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 133 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 103 of 442, and 30.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (4.6% of tests).
Ranked 103 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 6,043 Volvo S80s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 30.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo S80 is 25% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
30.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,900
Typical age at test: 15 years
Volvo S80 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo S80 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working4.6% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.5% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too low1.8% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8% of tests
What the Volvo S80 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.2% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Suspension | 7.1% | ▼ 56% less often |
| Brakes | 7.1% | ▼ 38% less often |
| Tyres | 6.4% | ▼ 18% less often |
| Visibility | 4.3% | ▼ 31% less often |
| Steering | 4.3% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 3.3% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.8% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▼ 35% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo S80 do?
Official economy for the Volvo S80 ranges from 23 to 68.9mpg across the 120 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 35.8mpg and a typical diesel 57.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo S80?
Any Volvo S80 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo S80 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo S80 specs and running costs
Official figures for 120 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2016.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
23.0–68.9 mpg
CO2
109–293 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S80 D46MT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 140g | £200 |
| S80 D48AT · listed 2016 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| S80 D26AT · listed 2015 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 109g | £20 |
| S80 D56AT · listed 2015 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 159g | £275 |
| S80 D2Automatic · listed 2014 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 109g | £20 |
| S80 D5Automatic · listed 2014 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 159g | £275 |
| S80 D3 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 148g | £225 |
| S80 D3 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 57.7 mpg | 129g | £170 |
| S80 D5 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 159g | £275 |
| S80 D5 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 57.7 mpg | 129g | £170 |
| S80 DRIVe ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| S80 D2 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| S80 D4 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 57.6 mpg | 129g | £170 |
| S80 D4 Auto ExecutiveAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 56.5 mpg | 132g | £200 |
| S80 D4 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 120 versions.
What a Volvo S80 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 35.8mpg…
- diesel, typical official 57.7mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo S80Buying a used Volvo S80?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo S80 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volvo S80 is 25% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 133 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo S80?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 4.6% of tests.
›What MPG does the Volvo S80 do?
Official economy for the Volvo S80 ranges from 23 to 68.9mpg across the 120 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 35.8mpg and a typical diesel 57.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo S80?
Any Volvo S80 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo S80 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £790 a year.
›How many Volvo S80s fail their MOT?
30.8% of Volvo S80s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo S80 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.