Used car guide

2015 Volvo S80: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2015 Volvo S80s, from 382 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 382 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

382MOT tests in 2025
78%pass first time (all 2015 cars: 72%)
9,000typical miles a year
2.3×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2015 Volvo S80s than on all cars registered in 2015.

  • Track rod ends2.3× usual
    Volvo S80
    8.1% All 2015 cars
    3.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.8% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2015 Volvo S80 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • 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.

  • Brakes
    18% 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.

  • Suspension
    16% 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
    12% 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 mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Steering
    2% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2016174Tyres 29%
2014367Tyres 26%
2013402Tyres 33%
2012345Tyres 35%
2011391Suspension 30%
2010531Suspension 38%
2009405Suspension 38%
2008564Suspension 40%
2007648Suspension 46%
2006327Suspension 42%
2005361Suspension 42%
2004345Suspension 49%
2003346Suspension 44%
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 2015 Volvo S80s registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score