VehicleVerdict

2016 Volvo S80 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2016 Volvo S80 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other S80 years?

S80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted442 complaints1999: 288 complaints2000: 442 complaints2001: 218 complaints2002: 59 complaints2003: 30 complaints2004: 63 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 32 complaints2008: 37 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 36 complaints2011: 8 complaints2012: 11 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 7 complaints
S80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S80 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volvo S80 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine343%
Electrical System114%
Fuel System114%
Other114%
Tires & Wheels114%

Does the 2016 Volvo S80 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V378000Seat BeltsJune 30, 2020 · 308,260 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

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.

15V555000Electrical SystemSeptember 2, 2015 · 7,855 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 25, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 22, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 18, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 10, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2018

2016 Volvo S80 — common questions

Is the 2016 Volvo S80 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Volvo S80 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volvo S80. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo S80 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S80 years to avoid are 2000, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2002. The cleanest record among S80 years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.