Volvo S80 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 49 safety recalls naming the Volvo S80, launched from 1999 to 2020. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Volvo S80 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 49
- 1999 to 2020
- Latest recall
- 16 July 2020
- R/2020/210
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Volvo S80 recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
THERE IS A RISK FOR TRAPPED AIR TO BE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT COOLING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS
R/2020/210, launched 16 July 2020, 76,945 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, V40, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Remedy: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air
THERE IS A RISK FOR TRAPPED AIR TO BE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM
R/2020/205, launched 8 July 2020, 15,167 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, V40, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Remedy: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
POTENTIAL BREAKAGE/FATIGUE OF A FLEXIBLE STEEL CABLE SUPPORTING THE FRONT SEATBELT ANCHOR POINT
R/2020/192, launched 1 July 2020, 170,160 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, V60, V60CC, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: Potential breakage/fatigue of a flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor point.
Remedy: Replace the seat belt fastener with a new designed seat belt fastening.
THE ENGINE'S PLASTIC INLET MANIFOLD MAY MELT AND DEFORM
R/2019/180, launched 7 October 2019. Also covers the S60, S60CC, S90, V40, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, V90, V90CC, XC60, XC70, XC90
Defect: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Remedy: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
SMALL CRACKS ON THE INSIDE OF A RUBBER FUEL HOSE
R/2018/377, launched 4 January 2019, 30,777 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, V40, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90
Defect: Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.
Remedy: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.
COOLANT LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE
R/2016/249, launched 26 October 2016, 3,192 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V40, V60, V70
Defect: It has been identified that during the engine warm-up process and under certain driving/climate conditions for instance periods of high acceleration or high engine load immediately after a cold start in cold climates there is the possibility for coolant leakage or oil seepage. This can lead to the possibility in a worst-case scenario of smoke or a slow developing fire in the engine compartment. However the driver will receive a warning message on the Driver’s Information Module indicating a low coolant level.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to modify the coolant bypass valve and install a new exhaust manifold gasket.
FUEL GUAGE MAY NOT SHOW FUEL LEVEL CORRECTLY
R/2015/253, launched 18 January 2016, 1,109 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V60, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: Fuel gauge may not show correct level
Remedy: The remedy is not yet available for all models. Until a remedy is available the manufacturer advises to maintain fuel level above approx one third.
PARKING BRAKE MAY UNINTENTIONALLY RELEASE
R/2015/040, launched 19 February 2015, 2,146 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V60, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: Vehicles with manual gearboxes and start/stop functionality have Parking Brake Module (PBM) software that may allow the parking brake to unintentionally release. The unintended release of the parking brake can only occur when the engine is running and the gearstick moved so it will happen when the vehicle is attended.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download upgraded Parking Brake Module (PBM) software.
LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE
R/2013/140, launched 28 November 2013, 3,134 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V60, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner can suffer from premature wear which may cause it to fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.
REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
R/2012/104, launched 14 September 2012, 3,394 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V60, V70, XC70
Defect: Investigations have identified the wiper arm mechanism may chafe against the brake booster vacuum line. If this chafing occurs it could lead to a gradual reduction of the power assisted braking and more effort would need to be applied to the brake pedal than usual to slow the vehicle down. In a worst case the reduction of braking assistance could occur suddenly without any prior warning
Remedy: Inspect the brake booster vacuum line. If it is chafed then it should be replaced and routed correctly. If the line is not chafed it should re-routed to ensure no issues going forward.
ENGINE MAY FAIL
R/2012/056, launched 24 April 2012, 6 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V60, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90
Defect: There could be a sudden and unexpected failure of the bottom end of the engine because of a non-conformity during production of the connecting rods.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine.
AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A COLLISION
R/2012/028, launched 7 March 2012, 9,330 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V60, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: It has been identified that the wiring harness for the SRS system may not have been correctly attached to the front seat frames. It is possible that continued adjustment of the seat position may cause the harness to become detached. If this should occur a warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel warning the driver of a fault with the SRS system. However in this condition the front and side airbags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles for an inspection of the wiring harnesses and ensure that it is correctly routed and secured. If not then reroute and securing of the wiring harness.
ENGINE MAY LOOSE DRIVE AND POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
R/2011/175, launched 23 December 2011, 7,302 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.
POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF DRIVE
R/2011/135, launched 3 October 2011, 9,936 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. If the tensioner fails it would cause a loss of power steering assistance and possible loss of drive.
Remedy: Replace the auxiliary drive belt tensioner.
FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2011/097, launched 26 July 2011, 82 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The power steering return line may fail and cause a sudden loss of steering assistance (more input will be required by the driver to steer the vehicle) loss of power steering fluid and although unlikely there is a potential for a fire to occur.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fluid reservoir return hose and cooling coil.
LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID
R/2011/094, launched 20 July 2011, 213 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V60, V70
Defect: It is possible that the upper power steering return line may become detached which will result in the loss of power steering fluid. This will result in fluid leaking onto the road surface leaking into the engine bay and the driver experiencing heavy steering.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for the replacement of the power steering return line.
LOSS OF POWER ASSISTED STEERING AND ENGINE MAY STALL.
R/2011/053, launched 5 May 2011, 190 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70
Defect: It is possible that water can enter the electric hydraulic power assisted steering pump. This can affect the operation of the pump. The driver will receive warning in the form of warning messages and illumination of warning lights on the dashboard. However the power assistance for the steering can failure but in extreme circumstances the engine can unexpectedly stall.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the power assisted steering pump.
ENGINE MAY RUN ON
R/2011/002, launched 14 January 2011, 4,787 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: It is possible in certain circumstances for the engine oil level to rise above the maximum level. This situation could lead to engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In extreme cases the engine could continue to run after it has been switched off.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to adjust the engine oil level and carry out a software upgrade.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2010/215, launched 26 November 2010, 64 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V60, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: When driving at low speeds a fault within the software calibration of the engine and transmission control modules may lead to a drop in the engine idle speed when braking or releasing the accelerator. In extreme cases this may result in the engine cutting out without warning.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to upgrade the engine/transmission software.
ENGINE SPEED MAY INCREASE WITHOUT WARNING.
R/2010/201, launched 5 November 2010, 4,430 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: It is possible that the engine oil level may rise above its maximum level due to overfilling and/or dilution by fuel. This may result in the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal has been released. In extreme cases it is possible that the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and carry out an Engine Control Module software upgrade and adjust the engine oil. The new ECM upgrade will improve adaption of different blends of fuel and include a dashboard text warning message if the oil level reaches too high a level.
WHEEL MAY BECOME LOOSE
R/2010/166, launched 18 October 2010, 186 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V60, V70, XC70, XC90
Defect: It has been identified that the standard wheel securing bolts may not have undergone the correct hardening process. This will result in corrosion a noise and/or vibration. If this condition is not rectified there is a possibility that the wheel may become loose and detach.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the standard wheel bolts.
AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.
R/2010/165, launched 18 October 2010, 6,844 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: It is possible that an electrical short circuit within a connector could result in the illumination of the Airbag System Service Required message and Supplemental Restraint System warning lamp on the dashboard. Should this occur the driver's airbag would not deploy as intended if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to check and rework the connector.
ENGINE MAY SEIZE
R/2010/099, launched 16 July 2010, 326 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: On effected petrol and diesel engines a spring clamp on the radiator hose connecting it to the water inlet pipe may be insecure. If not rectified the engine may lose coolant overheat seize and suddenly slow the vehicle rapidly to a halt.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to have the radiator hose adequately secured.
GEARBOX MAY JAM
R/2010/071, launched 11 June 2010, 6,961 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, S40, V50, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90
Defect: A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.
LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID MAY CAUSE A FIRE
R/2010/066, launched 9 June 2010, 260 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70
Defect: A joint on the high pressure line of the power assisted steering may not have been assembled correctly. This may lead to a leakage of steering fluid into the engine bay. This could result in sudden loss of power assistance but in extreme cases it could result in a localised fire within the engine bay.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles to check and if required torque the unit up to the correct specification.
ENGINE MAY LOOSE DRIVE AND POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
R/2010/058, launched 26 May 2010, 4,673 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: The auxiliary drive belt tensioner may fail. This can lead to loss of steering power assistance and a slight possibility of loss of drive should the drive belt or tensioner invade the cambelt area.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner.
ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE
R/2010/051, launched 12 May 2010, 20,204 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, S40, V50, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.
AUXILIARY DRIVE BELT MAY DETACH
R/2010/033, launched 1 April 2010, 2,297 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC70
Defect: The Auxiliary Belt Tensioner may fail resulting in loss of Power Assisted Steeering and loss of Drive
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles to replace the Tensioner and Drive Belt.
ENGINE MAY STALL
R/2009/088, launched 2 September 2009, 254 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: It has been identified thatthe fuel pump electronic module may not operate as intended. This can result in failure of the fuel pump to start. Should this occur the vehicle may suffer a non start rough running or in the worst case the engine may stall without prior warning. Investigation has shown that it may be possible to drive the vehicle for up to 100 m before the fault manifests itself.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the software within the central electronic module upgraded.
LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING.
R/2009/070, launched 14 July 2009, 5 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70
Defect: It has been identified that the fuel pump pressure regulator may detach from it's spigot within the fuel pump in conditions of high ambient temperature. Should this occur the vehicle would suffer loss of fuel pressure causing the engine to stall with no warning being given to the driver.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel pump replaced.
ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY FAIL
R/2009/063, launched 17 June 2009, 4,006 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: It has been identified that due to a software issue with the engine cooling fan control module the air conditioning performance may be reduced and the engine coolant temperature may increase. This will result in warning messages being displayed. In extreme cases if the driver does not heed the warnings the engine may fail.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the cooling fan control module replaced.
BRAKES MAY NOT PERFORM ADEQUATELY
R/2009/052, launched 8 May 2009, 2,004 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, S40, V50, V70
Defect: Brake assistance from the vacuum pressure pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the non-return valve in the vacuum pump.
WIPERS MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY
R/2009/046, launched 22 April 2009, 2,216 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC70
Defect: The wipers could function without being turned on or not at all because of a software error in the central electronic module.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to upgrade the software in the central electronic module.
SHORT CIRCUIT - FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2009/017, launched 13 February 2009, 8,255 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70, XC70
Defect: It has been identified that on vehicles fitted with a supplementary cabin heater the unit may contain a faulty valve which links the heater to the climate control. The valve in question may become clogged which could lead to poor water drainage and in extreme cases a short circuit. Should sufficient heat be generated by the short circuit a fire behind the instrument panel below the radio may occur.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the subject valve replaced.
VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER
R/2008/089, launched 20 June 2008, 5 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70
Defect: It has been identified that due to a problem within the engine ECU (flexi-fuel engines only) the engine torque may be reduced with the attendant possibility that limp home mode may be activated.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the engine ECU software upgraded.
VEHICLE MAY STALL
R/2008/074, launched 8 May 2008, 13 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the XC90
Defect: It has been identified that; on assembly of the engine mounting bracket incorrect screws may have been used. This can result in breakage of the bracket which can lead to heavy engine vibrations/noise and reduced engine power or stalling due to the limp home mode being activated.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will the engine mounting bracket screws replaced.
WEIGHT INFORMATION PRODUCT LABEL INCORRECTLY
R/2007/181, launched 10 December 2007, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70
Defect: It has been identified that the product label fitted to the inside of the right hand door pillar does not contain any weight information
Remedy: Affected vehicles will have a replacement label affixed.
ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE
R/2007/031, launched 13 February 2007, 1,139 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the XC90
Defect: On petrol engined vehicles it has been found that the PCV (Positive Crank Ventilation) nipple may crack or become loose resulting in an air leak. This could cause a whistling sound and may cause the engine malfunction lamp to operate.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the PCV nipple.
SHORT CIRCUIT TO CABIN HEATER
R/2006/196, launched 20 October 2006, 714 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The supplementary cabin heater may have a short circuit which normally leads to the battery being 'drained'. In extreme cases fire may occur.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to disable the heater. This is a temporary measure until the root cause has been found and a permanent fix can be developed and applied.
BATTERY GROUND CABLE MAY SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2005/168, launched 21 November 2005, 911 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the XC90
Defect: The battery positive cable may be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. If a conflict does develop a short circuit of the battery ground cable will occur. This may result in smoke appearing from under the bonnet or a failure to start with warning lamps illuminated.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the distance between the battery positive cable checked and adjusted if the clearance is less than 4mm.
ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MAY OVERHEAT
R/2004/216, launched 23 December 2004, 35,024 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V70, XC70
Defect: Volvo have identified that due to certain climatic conditions the electric cooling fan may overheat and in extreme cases cause a fire within the engine bay.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the cooling fan assembly replaced.
POSSIBLE SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
R/2004/012, launched 26 January 2004, 9,735 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V70
Defect: The nut securing the front suspension strut lower ball joint to the control arm may loose its axial tension due to an out tolerance condition. This could adversely affect the directional control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Fit a modified ball joint to control arm securing nut.
POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK FROM INJECTOR PIPES.
R/2004/007, launched 7 January 2004, 287 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V70, XC70, XC90
Defect: The fuel injector pipes may not have been fitted correctly and as a consequence could leak.
Remedy: Examine all potentially affected vehicles and replace any incorrectly fitted injector pipes.
POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK
R/2003/159, launched 8 October 2003, 1,090 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V70
Defect: There is a possibility of a restriction in a T - Piece in the fuel return line which could lead to a pressure build up which could blow the pipe off with resulting leakage of fuel.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace T - Piece with quality assured type.
DETACHABLE TOW BAR MAY WORK LOOSE
R/2003/008, launched 10 January 2003, 1,042 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 700 Series, 800 Series, 900 Series, S40, S70, S90, V40, V70, V90
Defect: Under certain conditions the detachable tow bar may work loose resulting in the tow bar becoming detached from the vehicle.
Remedy: Replace the tow ball and housing with a calibrated unit.
DETACHABLE TOW BAR MAY WORK LOOSE
R/2002/097, launched 11 July 2002, 1,042 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 700 Series, 800 Series, 900 Series, S40, S70, S90, V40, V70, V90
Defect: A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurelydetach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.
Remedy: All towballs and housing will initially be modified and then replaced with calibrated units at a later date.
REAR SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE CONCERN
R/2001/039, launched 2 April 2001, 410 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70
Defect: Left and right hand rear outer seat belt bottom fixing bolts may have been incorrectly torqued.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicle check and tighten the seat belt fixing bolts to the correct torque where necessary.
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR BRACKET CONCERN
R/2001/038, launched 2 April 2001, 8 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V70
Defect: The bolts securing the child restraint anchor bracket to the rear floor at the right hand side may have been insufficiently tightened. If an ISOFIX type child restraint is fitted to this bracket it may be insecure.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles check and tighten the anchor bracket bolts where necessary.
POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT
R/1999/040, launched 19 May 1999, 271 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Vehicles may have incorrect routing of the B+ wire adjacent to the injection pump possibly resulting in a short circuit.
Remedy: All vehicles will be recalled through the Volvo Network for the B+ cable to be rerouted.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Volvo S80, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Volvo dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.