Used car guide

2006 Volvo S80 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Volvo S80 first registered in 2006 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 864 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

864MOTs of 2006 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
63%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
8,000typical miles a year
44%had suspension flagged

Common 2006 Volvo S80 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Volvo S80 diesel 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
    34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • 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
    30% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    11% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Volvo S80 diesel

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Volvo S80?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Volvo S80 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2016521Tyres 26%
20151,169Tyres 28%
20141,136Tyres 25%
20131,237Tyres 32%
20121,046Tyres 31%
20111,227Tyres 32%
20101,719Suspension 32%
20091,352Suspension 34%
20081,917Suspension 37%
20072,248Suspension 42%
20051,315Suspension 43%
20041,286Suspension 47%
20031,270Suspension 44%
20021,068Suspension 49%
2001694Suspension 47%
2000355Suspension 46%
1999250Suspension 46%
1998–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volvo S80 cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score