Volvo S80 Years to Avoid – The Volvo S80 is a luxury car produced by the Swedish car manufacturer Volvo from 1998 to 2016. It is known for its reliability, safety, and comfort.
Like any car model, certain years of the S80 are prone to problems that can make them a risky investment. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you should avoid certain years of the Volvo S80, the model years to avoid, and how to avoid buying a problematic S80.
Reasons to Avoid Certain Years of the Volvo S80
Before we dive into the specific years of the Volvo S80 to avoid, let’s take a look at the reasons why you should avoid them in the first place.
Common Problems
Certain years of the S80 are known for common problems that can make them unreliable and expensive to maintain.
For example, the 2004 model year has been known to have issues with the transmission, engine, and suspension.
Similarly, the 2007 model year is prone to electrical problems that can lead to issues with the car’s lights, power windows, and air conditioning.
Safety Concerns
Some model years of the S80 have been known to have safety issues that can put you and your passengers at risk.
For example, the 2011 model year was recalled due to a problem with the software in the car’s airbag control module.
This can cause the airbags to not deploy properly in the event of an accident, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Cost of Repairs
If you buy a used S80 with known problems, you may end up spending a lot of money on repairs.
For example, if you buy 2007 S80 with electrical problems, you may end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs to fix the issue.
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to simply buy a newer, more reliable model year of the S80.
List of Volvo S80 Years to Avoid
Now that we’ve explored the reasons why you should avoid certain years of the S80, let’s take a closer look at the model years to avoid.
2004 Volvo S80
The 2004 model year of the S80 is known for a number of issues, including problems with the transmission, engine, and suspension.
The transmission in particular has been known to fail, which can be a costly repair.
In addition, the engine can have problems with the camshaft position sensor, which can cause the engine to run poorly or not start at all.
Finally, the suspension can have problems with the rear shocks, which can lead to a bumpy ride.
2007 Volvo S80
The 2007 model year S80 is known for electrical problems that can be difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair.
These problems can affect the car’s lights, power windows, and air conditioning. In addition, some owners have reported problems with the car’s steering, which can be a safety concern.
2011 Volvo S80
The 2011 model year of the S80 was recalled due to a problem with the software in the car’s airbag control module.
This can cause the airbags to not deploy properly in the event of an accident, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
While the recall has been issued, it’s still a good idea to avoid this model year if possible.
2014 Volvo S80
The 2014 model year of the S80 is known for problems with the car’s transmission. Specifically, the transmission can shift roughly or hesitate when shifting, which can be a safety concern.
In addition, some owners have reported problems with the car’s engine, including issues with the turbocharger.
How to Avoid Buying a Problematic S80
Now that we’ve explored the years of the S80 to avoid, let’s look at some steps you can take to avoid buying a problematic S80.
Inspect the Car Before the Purchase
One of the best ways to avoid buying a problematic S80 is to inspect the car thoroughly before making the purchase.
This includes checking the car’s body for any signs of damage, as well as looking under the hood for any signs of wear or damage.
In addition, take the car for a test drive to see how it handles and listen for any strange noises.
Get a Vehicle History Report
Before purchasing a used S80, be sure to get a vehicle history report. This will give you important information about the car’s previous owners, accidents, and maintenance history.
If the car has been in an accident or has had any major repairs, it may not be worth the investment.
Check for Maintenance Records
When buying a used car, it’s important to know that it has been well-maintained. Be sure to ask the seller for maintenance records, including oil change and service records.
If the car hasn’t been maintained properly, it could be prone to problems in the future.
Purchase from Reputable Dealerships or Private Sellers
Finally, be sure to purchase your used S80 from a reputable dealership or private seller. If you’re buying from a dealership, look for one with a good reputation and positive reviews.
If you’re buying from a private seller, be sure to meet them in a public place and have a mechanic inspect the car before making the purchase.
Conclusion
The Volvo S80 is a great car, but certain years are prone to problems that can make them a risky investment.
By avoiding problematic years, inspecting the car before purchase, and purchasing from reputable dealerships or private sellers, you can ensure that you get a reliable and safe S80.
Remember to always do your research and take your time when purchasing a used car.