2001 Volvo S80 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volvo S80 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volvo S80 petrol than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Steering rack inner joints4.8× usual
  Volvo S80

  17.7% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.4× usual
  Volvo S80

  18.2% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.6% of all 2001 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Volvo S80

  12.2% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.1× usual
  Volvo S80

  5.8% All 2001 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2001 Volvo S80 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Volvo S80 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  38% 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
  31% 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
  30% 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.

• Steering
  20% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Volvo S80 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2001 Volvo S80 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2001 Volvo S80 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Volvo S80 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?