Used car guide

2003 Volvo S80: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Volvo S80s, from 346 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 346 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

346MOT tests in 2025
63%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,800typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for suspension arm bushes and joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Volvo S80s than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
    Volvo S80
    17.3% All 2003 cars
    8.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

By area

The share of 2003 Volvo S80 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    32% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    31% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    11% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    10% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2016174Tyres 29%
2015382Tyres 31%
2014367Tyres 26%
2013402Tyres 33%
2012345Tyres 35%
2011391Suspension 30%
2010531Suspension 38%
2009405Suspension 38%
2008564Suspension 40%
2007648Suspension 46%
2006327Suspension 42%
2005361Suspension 42%
2004345Suspension 49%
2002285Suspension 50%
2001178Suspension 49%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Volvo S80s registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score