2012 Volvo S80 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volvo S80 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volvo S80 diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Volvo S80

  8.2% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.2% of all 2012 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.

• Individual direction indicators1.9× usual
  Volvo S80

  5.6% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2012 Volvo S80 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Volvo S80 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Suspension
  26% 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
  23% 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
  20% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volvo S80 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Volvo S80 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Volvo S80 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?