2013 Volvo S80: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Volvo S80s, from 402 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 402 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2013 Volvo S80 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Suspension24% 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.
- Brakes21% 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.
- Lights and electrics20% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks4% 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 174 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 382 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 367 | Tyres 26% |
| 2012 | 345 | Tyres 35% |
| 2011 | 391 | Suspension 30% |
| 2010 | 531 | Suspension 38% |
| 2009 | 405 | Suspension 38% |
| 2008 | 564 | Suspension 40% |
| 2007 | 648 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 327 | Suspension 42% |
| 2005 | 361 | Suspension 42% |
| 2004 | 345 | Suspension 49% |
| 2003 | 346 | Suspension 44% |
| 2002 | 285 | Suspension 50% |
| 2001 | 178 | Suspension 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Volvo S80s registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score