The 2008 S80 is a solid luxury sedan undermined by catastrophic engine failures on certain variants and aging electrical gremlins. The 3.2L I6 is the safe choice; avoid the 4.4L V8 and turbocharged models unless you have documentation of preventive work.
Yamaha 4.4L V8 Catastrophic Engine Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: metal shavings in oil, sudden loss of oil pressure, knocking or ticking from lower end, check engine light with low oil pressure codes, complete engine seizure
Fix: The V8 suffers from oil starvation to main and rod bearings due to inadequate oiling system design under certain driving conditions. Repair requires complete engine rebuild or replacement—shortblock minimum, often full longblock. 25-35 hours labor for R&R plus rebuild time. Many shops won't touch rebuilds; reman or used engine more common. This is a known pattern failure that has destroyed countless engines.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Turbo 3.0L T6 PCV System and Oil Consumption
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: blue smoke on startup, oil consumption over 1qt per 1000mi, rough idle, carbon buildup on intake valves, turbo failure from oil coking
Fix: The PCV breather system clogs and creates crankcase pressure, forcing oil past rings and valve seals. Eventually leads to turbo failure and piston ring issues. Proper fix requires PCV system overhaul, intake manifold cleaning, and often turbo replacement. If caught late, may need piston rings or worse. 12-20 hours depending on extent of damage.
Estimated cost: $3,000-7,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: milky pink transmission fluid, transmission slipping or erratic shifts, coolant contamination in trans, engine overheating, catastrophic transmission failure
Fix: The factory transmission oil cooler inside the radiator develops internal leaks, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission within days if not caught immediately. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission flush and filter, often new transmission if contamination went unnoticed. Some techs replace cooler proactively. 8-15 hours for full repair if trans survives; 18-25 if trans replacement needed.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,500 (preventive) or $4,500-7,000 (with trans damage)
Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: sudden limp mode with reduced power message, idle surging or stalling, complete throttle unresponsiveness, check engine light with throttle position codes, car won't accelerate above 20mph
Fix: The electronic throttle body assembly fails internally—either motor or sensors. Car enters limp mode and becomes undriveable. Volvo part only, no reliable aftermarket. Must be programmed with VIDA software. 2-3 hours labor but part availability can strand you for days.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mounts Collapsing
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: heavy clunk when shifting into drive or reverse, vibration at idle, visible engine/trans movement when accelerating, rattling from underneath on acceleration
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount fails and allows excessive drivetrain movement. Creates harsh shift feel and can stress halfshafts. Both upper and lower mounts typically need replacement together. 3-4 hours labor. OEM mounts recommended—aftermarket don't last.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, wandering steering, inner tire wear, vibration during braking, car pulls to one side
Fix: The front lower control arms use pressed-in bushings that deteriorate, causing alignment issues and noise. Many techs replace entire control arms rather than pressing bushings due to labor time. Both sides typically done together. Alignment required after. 4-5 hours labor for both sides with arms.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Cooling Fan Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: engine overheating at idle or low speed, fan runs constantly on max, fan doesn't run at all, AC doesn't work properly, check engine light with fan control codes
Fix: The electric cooling fan control module fails and either locks fan on high or prevents it from running. Can cause overheating in traffic. Module is integrated with fan assembly on some variants. 2-3 hours labor. Subject to recall on some VINs—check NHTSA database before buying parts.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Owner tips
If buying a V8 model, walk away unless seller has full engine rebuild documentation—it's not if but when it fails
Change transmission fluid every 40k miles and inspect for coolant contamination—install external trans cooler and bypass factory radiator-mounted unit as preventive measure
T6 turbo models require religious 5k mile oil changes with quality synthetic—skipping changes accelerates the PCV/consumption nightmare
Budget $1,500-2,000 annually for deferred maintenance items if buying over 80k miles—these are complex cars with European parts pricing
Use Volvo VIDA scan tool or equivalent for proper diagnostics—generic OBD2 scanners miss critical module issues
Buy the naturally-aspirated 3.2L I6 only, under 80k miles, with service records—avoid the V8 and turbo variants unless you enjoy expensive surprises.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Battery located in trunk; AWD models require higher capacity; AGM type recommended for European vehicle electrical systems
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Every control module on the 2007-2016 Volvo S80 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Usually self-calibrating; windshield replacement may require recalibration
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS · 10V335000
2010-07-22
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 S80 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND A PAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CONTAIN INCORRECT MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INFLATION PRESSURE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) SOFTWARE HAS AN INCORRECT TRIGGER LEVEL.
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRED SAFETY STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE VEHICLES WITH A NEW TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL, OWNER'S MANUAL LABEL AND TPMS SOFTWARE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR [email protected] .
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 09V343000
2009-09-01
VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2010 S80, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 XC60 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE SOFTWARE WITHIN THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE (CEM) MAY NOT SEND A SIGNAL TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE (PEM). THIS MISSING SIGNAL TO THE PEM INHIBITS THE START OF THE FUEL PUMP. THE DRIVER MAY BE ABLE TO START THE ENGINE IN SPITE OF THE FUEL PUMP NOT BEING ACTIVATED DUE TO RESIDUAL PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. IN SOME CASES, THE DRIVER MAY BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE A SHORT DISTANCE AT IDLE BUT THEN THE ENGINE MAY STALL.
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE STALLS IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE TO THE VEHICLES' CEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. VEHICLES IN DEALER'S INVENTORY WILL BE REPAIRED PRIOR TO DELIVERY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · 09V218000
2009-06-12
VOLVO IS RECALLING 17,614 MY 2008-2009 S80, V70, AND XC70 VEHICLES. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE FAN CONTROL MODULE (FCM). DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED AIR CONDITIONING PERFORMANCE, AND/OR RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE.
Consequence: THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF COOLING SYSTEM FUNCTION AND ENGINE FAILURE. THE DRIVER MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO REACT TO THE WARNING LIGHT(S) OR THE TEXT MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 09V139000
2009-04-29
VOLVO IS RECALLING 12,303 MY 2007-2008 S80 AND V70 VEHICLES. THE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE IN THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE (CEM) MAY CAUSE A MALFUNCTION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTIONALITY. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY NOT OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED; OR IN CERTAIN CASES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY ACTIVATE WHEN NOT SWITCHED ON.
Consequence: OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS WITHOUT FUNCTIONING WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CEM AND UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 15, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552, OR [email protected].
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 08V206000
2008-05-06
VOLVO IS RECALLING 102 MY 2008 XC90 AND S80 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT BOLTS TO THE ENGINE MOUNT.
Consequence: THE ALUMINUM BRACKET FOR THE ENGINE MOUNT COULD BREAK DUE TO LACK OF ADEQUATE CLAMPING FORCE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SUB-FRAME, ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A REDUCED ENGINE TORQUE OR STALLING OF THE ENGINE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS FOR SPECIFIC MARKINGS. IF ANY OF THE BOLTS CONTAIN THE INCORRECT MARKINGS, THE BRACKET AND BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OWNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.
Performance
Horsepower
281hp
Torque
295lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.8sec
Quarter mile
15.2sec
Top speed
130mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
15mpg
Highway
23mpg
Combined
18mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
4,015lb
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Wiper blades
Second generation S80 (2007-2016), sedan body style, no rear wiper. Uses push-button attachment
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2008 Volvo S80 3.0L Turbo I6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.