2003 Volvo S80 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Volvo S80 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Volvo S80 petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Volvo S80

  16.6% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.9% 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.1× usual
  Volvo S80

  7% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Volvo S80

  4.3% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2003 Volvo S80 petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  40% 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
  33% 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
  28% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Driveshafts and joints
  12% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Volvo S80 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Volvo S80 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2003 Volvo S80 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?