2009 Volvo S80 problems

Filed Aug 17, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · PA

The headlight system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request. The low beam failure error occurred, which led to an inspection of the headlight system. The wiring inside the headlight assembly failed. The insulation on bulb wires is crumbling everywhere and causing short circuits from exposed wire conductors. This causes a safety issue because the bulbs stop functioning, impairing visibility of the car, visibility of the road, and disabling motion intent lights like the turn signals. Bare wires touching can also lead to overheating and fires or failures of the headlight electrical system. Humidity may damage the exposed wires and cause bulb failure or wire overheating. The wiring harnesses may also overheat. The wire insulation problem was confirmed by an independent service center on multiple cars of this model.

Filed May 2, 2023 · Seat belts · MI

For the last several years I’ve been complaining about my TPMS ALWAYS reflecting a “Low Tire Pressure “ response. Recently I went in for a oil change but indicated the my tire pressure light was on again. I take the Volvo to a shop I trust. Global AutoWorks in GrandHaven. They took care of my previous owned BMW without any issues. I put in Volvo S80’s recall site and found that there was a recall on 10/07/2010. The vehicle was a private purchase made in January 8, 2018 from the original owner. Upon purchase I made the decision to put new tires on the vehicle to see if that would fix the problem. $1200.00 later and the problem was not resolved. I do not feel that I should pay for safety issue that the company knew about. I spoke to the previous owner and she did not receive a letter from Volvo. The Volvo is in very good condition with low mileage for a 14 year old car. 69,815. Second issue: Seat belt issue. Reason for recall: Volvo car investigations have identified a problem regarding the front seat fastening. All I can tell you if I lean forward abruptly the seat belt will not tighten or secure itself. Recall R10029 Again we have safety issue. I would like Volvo to fix both issues At Their Expense not mine. Both owners have maintained this vehicle in beautiful condition and these issues were not the result of the owners.They are Volvos issues. I would greatly appreciate someone at Volvo looking into these issues and bringing forward a resolution.

Filed Jun 23, 2022 · Driver assistance · NY

At night, when a direct strong light (headlight) from behind shines on the car, the BLIS system stop working. The only way to reset the system is to stop and restart the car, instead of turning the system button OFF and then back ON. This is unsafe since when you are on the highway, it is unsafe to do so. A simple fix is a software update that will RESET the system when you turn it OFF and then ON again

Filed May 3, 2022 · Seat belts · 188,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2009 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the seat belt assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2021 · Body · 122,000 miles · ME

Severe subframe rust due to the exhaust on volvo s80 v8 being too close and melting the paint off. Car is very clean and we'll taken care of. Appears to be a very common problem on the v8 s80s.

Filed Sep 27, 2020 · Body · 100,000 miles · MI

My car is extremely clean and well taken care of. But just like every single volvo s80, specifically the v8 model there is a rust hole in the subframe. This is because volvo put the exhaust too close to the subframe and the heat from the v8 eats away the paint and causes it to rust.

Filed Mar 11, 2020 · Body · 84,000 miles · MA

The subframe/engine cradle has a large rot hole which is increasing in size at a high rate. The car is only a 2009 with less than 100k miles on it (and was maintained very well its whole life) but this still occurred. I've met a lot of people with s80 v8s who have this same issue. It seems that the design on the car is flawed where the exhaust is too close to the subframe, so the heat eventually wears down the paint and then rust starts. This is a major structural component which also makes the car very dangerous to drive at the moment. Additionally, volvo has a 12-year, unlimited mile corrosion warranty, yet they won't honor this. Volvo first said the warranty was only good toward sheet metal. When told that the subframe was made of stamped sheet metal, they then said only painted components. When told that the subframe is painted and the rust was actually caused by the paint failing off from exhaust heat, they finally just said 'no'. There have been much more minor issues with cars that have caused recalls. With this issue being dangerous and common, it simply needs to be addressed. As an owner, I should not be forced to spend thousands of dollars at the volvo dealer to keep myself safe and correct the mistake they made when initially designing the car. The image provided is from about a year ago. I put my car on the lift yesterday and saw that the rot hole in the subframe was noticeably larger. In the photo, if you zoom in, you can see that the rust is spreading behind where it's already visible. In person, you are able to tell that this is a very serious issue. Thank you for your consideration.

Filed May 15, 2019 · Body · 161,600 miles · OH

Engine subframe crossbar is rusting out and needs to be replaced. The vehicle was in for a tire rotation and alignment and this was found.

Filed Apr 26, 2017 · Wheels · 70,000 miles · MD

Aluminum nuts on the valve stems completely disintegrate and fall apart causing tires to go flat while driving. This happened on two occasions (two tires) while driving down the highway. Luckily we were able to get off the road quickly without incident. All 4 valve stems were inspected

Filed Jul 29, 2016 · Engine · 85,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 volvo s80. The contact stated that the cooling fan failed and the engine overheating message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cooling fan was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that in 2009 the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v2180000 (engine, and engine cooling) for the same failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.