NHTSA vehicle safety data

2009 Volvo S80 Recalls & Complaints

The 2009 Volvo S80 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 16 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volvo dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2009 Volvo S80. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2009 Volvo S80 owner complaints

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Volvo S80, describing incidents dated June 24, 2012 to August 17, 2025.

Most-cited components

Structure 4 complaints
Wheels 4 complaints
Tires 3 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints
Seat Belts 2 complaints
Engine 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11681205 · Filed August 17, 2025
The headlight system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request. The low beam failure error occurred, which led to an inspection of the headlight system. The wiring inside the headlight assembly failed. The insulation on bulb wires is crumbling everywhere and causing short circuits…
ODI #11520072 · Filed May 2, 2023
For the last several years I’ve been complaining about my TPMS ALWAYS reflecting a “Low Tire Pressure “ response. Recently I went in for a oil change but indicated the my tire pressure light was on again. I take the Volvo to a shop I trust. Global AutoWorks in GrandHaven. They took care of my…
ODI #11470743 · Filed June 23, 2022
At night, when a direct strong light (headlight) from behind shines on the car, the BLIS system stop working. The only way to reset the system is to stop and restart the car, instead of turning the system button OFF and then back ON. This is unsafe since when you are on the highway, it is unsafe to…

Read all 16 complaints

Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupant

NHTSA #20V378000 · Seat Belts — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported June 30, 2020 · Volvo Car USA LLC

Potentially affected: 308,260 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign R10029 · Owners notified December 10, 2020

Defect description

Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.

Safety consequence

An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

760 PORTABLE AUTOMOTIVE GPS UNITS/GARMIN

NHTSA #10V566000 · Equipment — Electrical — Navigational System(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) · NHTSA notice

Reported November 8, 2010 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Potentially affected: 416 vehicles

Volvo campaign R231 · Owners notified November 18, 2010

Defect description

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Safety consequence

AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

Notes

VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R231.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SOFTWARE/FMVSS 110

NHTSA #10V335000 · Tires — Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2010 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Potentially affected: 3,635 vehicles

Volvo campaign R228 · Owners notified August 11, 2010 · Vehicles built October 6, 2006 – May 4, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 S80 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND A PAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CONTAIN INCORRECT MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INFLATION PRESSURE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) SOFTWARE HAS AN INCORRECT TRIGGER LEVEL.

Safety consequence

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIRED SAFETY STANDARDS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE VEHICLES WITH A NEW TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL, OWNER'S MANUAL LABEL AND TPMS SOFTWARE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR [email protected] .

Notes

VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R228.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE SOFTWARE

NHTSA #09V343000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported September 1, 2009 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Potentially affected: 11,993 vehicles

Volvo campaign R215 · Owners notified September 28, 2009 · Vehicles built March 22, 2007 – July 9, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2010 S80, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 XC60 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE SOFTWARE WITHIN THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE (CEM) MAY NOT SEND A SIGNAL TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE (PEM). THIS MISSING SIGNAL TO THE PEM INHIBITS THE START OF THE FUEL PUMP. THE DRIVER MAY BE ABLE TO START THE ENGINE IN SPITE OF THE FUEL PUMP NOT BEING ACTIVATED DUE TO RESIDUAL PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. IN SOME CASES, THE DRIVER MAY BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE A SHORT DISTANCE AT IDLE BUT THEN THE ENGINE MAY STALL.

Safety consequence

IF THE VEHICLE STALLS IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE TO THE VEHICLES' CEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. VEHICLES IN DEALER'S INVENTORY WILL BE REPAIRED PRIOR TO DELIVERY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. R215. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

ENGINE COOLING FAN MODULE/JOHNSON ELECTRIC

NHTSA #09V218000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported June 12, 2009 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Potentially affected: 17,614 vehicles

Volvo campaign R214 · Owners notified July 8, 2009 · Vehicles built February 6, 2008 – March 11, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLVO IS RECALLING 17,614 MY 2008-2009 S80, V70, AND XC70 VEHICLES. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE FAN CONTROL MODULE (FCM). DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED AIR CONDITIONING PERFORMANCE, AND/OR RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE.

Safety consequence

THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF COOLING SYSTEM FUNCTION AND ENGINE FAILURE. THE DRIVER MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO REACT TO THE WARNING LIGHT(S) OR THE TEXT MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. R214.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2009 Volvo S80 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

16 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Volvo S80.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11681205

Incident: August 17, 2025 · Filed: August 17, 2025

The headlight system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request. The low beam failure error occurred, which led to an inspection of the headlight system. The wiring inside the headlight assembly failed. The insulation on bulb wires is crumbling everywhere and causing short circuits from exposed wire conductors. This causes a safety issue because the bulbs stop functioning, impairing visibility of the car, visibility of the road, and disabling motion intent lights like the turn signals. Bare wires touching can also lead to overheating and fires or failures of the headlight electrical system. Humidity may damage the exposed wires and cause bulb failure or wire overheating. The wiring harnesses may also overheat. The wire insulation problem was confirmed by an independent service center on multiple cars of this model.

Seat Belts

ODI #11520072

Incident: May 2, 2023 · Filed: May 2, 2023

For the last several years I’ve been complaining about my TPMS ALWAYS reflecting a “Low Tire Pressure “ response. Recently I went in for a oil change but indicated the my tire pressure light was on again. I take the Volvo to a shop I trust. Global AutoWorks in GrandHaven. They took care of my previous owned BMW without any issues. I put in Volvo S80’s recall site and found that there was a recall on 10/07/2010. The vehicle was a private purchase made in January 8, 2018 from the original owner. Upon purchase I made the decision to put new tires on the vehicle to see if that would fix the problem. $1200.00 later and the problem was not resolved. I do not feel that I should pay for safety issue that the company knew about. I spoke to the previous owner and she did not receive a letter from Volvo. The Volvo is in very good condition with low mileage for a 14 year old car. 69,815. Second issue: Seat belt issue. Reason for recall: Volvo car investigations have identified a problem regarding the front seat fastening. All I can tell you if I lean forward abruptly the seat belt will not tighten or secure itself. Recall R10029 Again we have safety issue. I would like Volvo to fix both issues At Their Expense not mine. Both owners have maintained this vehicle in beautiful condition and these issues were not the result of the owners.They are Volvos issues. I would greatly appreciate someone at Volvo looking into these issues and bringing forward a resolution.

Lane Departure

ODI #11470743

Incident: June 2, 2022 · Filed: June 23, 2022

At night, when a direct strong light (headlight) from behind shines on the car, the BLIS system stop working. The only way to reset the system is to stop and restart the car, instead of turning the system button OFF and then back ON. This is unsafe since when you are on the highway, it is unsafe to do so. A simple fix is a software update that will RESET the system when you turn it OFF and then ON again

Seat Belts

ODI #11463236

Incident: April 15, 2022 · Filed: May 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the seat belt assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

Structure

ODI #11407345

Incident: April 9, 2021 · Filed: April 10, 2021

SEVERE SUBFRAME RUST DUE TO THE EXHAUST ON VOLVO S80 V8 BEING TOO CLOSE AND MELTING THE PAINT OFF. CAR IS VERY CLEAN AND WE'LL TAKEN CARE OF. APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE V8 S80S.

Structure

ODI #11361376

Incident: September 27, 2020 · Filed: September 27, 2020

MY CAR IS EXTREMELY CLEAN AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. BUT JUST LIKE EVERY SINGLE VOLVO S80, SPECIFICALLY THE V8 MODEL THERE IS A RUST HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME. THIS IS BECAUSE VOLVO PUT THE EXHAUST TOO CLOSE TO THE SUBFRAME AND THE HEAT FROM THE V8 EATS AWAY THE PAINT AND CAUSES IT TO RUST.

Structure

ODI #11317557

Incident: January 1, 2019 · Filed: March 11, 2020

THE SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE HAS A LARGE ROT HOLE WHICH IS INCREASING IN SIZE AT A HIGH RATE. THE CAR IS ONLY A 2009 WITH LESS THAN 100K MILES ON IT (AND WAS MAINTAINED VERY WELL ITS WHOLE LIFE) BUT THIS STILL OCCURRED. I'VE MET A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH S80 V8S WHO HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. IT SEEMS THAT THE DESIGN ON THE CAR IS FLAWED WHERE THE EXHAUST IS TOO CLOSE TO THE SUBFRAME, SO THE HEAT EVENTUALLY WEARS DOWN THE PAINT AND THEN RUST STARTS. THIS IS A MAJOR STRUCTURAL COMPONENT WHICH ALSO MAKES THE CAR VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT THE MOMENT. ADDITIONALLY, VOLVO HAS A 12-YEAR, UNLIMITED MILE CORROSION WARRANTY, YET THEY WON'T HONOR THIS. VOLVO FIRST SAID THE WARRANTY WAS ONLY GOOD TOWARD SHEET METAL. WHEN TOLD THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS MADE OF STAMPED SHEET METAL, THEY THEN SAID ONLY PAINTED COMPONENTS. WHEN TOLD THAT THE SUBFRAME IS PAINTED AND THE RUST WAS ACTUALLY CAUSED BY THE PAINT FAILING OFF FROM EXHAUST HEAT, THEY FINALLY JUST SAID 'NO'. THERE HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE MINOR ISSUES WITH CARS THAT HAVE CAUSED RECALLS. WITH THIS ISSUE BEING DANGEROUS AND COMMON, IT SIMPLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AS AN OWNER, I SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AT THE VOLVO DEALER TO KEEP MYSELF SAFE AND CORRECT THE MISTAKE THEY MADE WHEN INITIALLY DESIGNING THE CAR. THE IMAGE PROVIDED IS FROM ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I PUT MY CAR ON THE LIFT YESTERDAY AND SAW THAT THE ROT HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME WAS NOTICEABLY LARGER. IN THE PHOTO, IF YOU ZOOM IN, YOU CAN SEE THAT THE RUST IS SPREADING BEHIND WHERE IT'S ALREADY VISIBLE. IN PERSON, YOU ARE ABLE TO TELL THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

Structure

ODI #11207695

Incident: May 14, 2019 · Filed: May 15, 2019

ENGINE SUBFRAME CROSSBAR IS RUSTING OUT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT AND THIS WAS FOUND.

Wheels

ODI #10980879

Incident: February 3, 2017 · Filed: April 26, 2017

ALUMINUM NUTS ON THE VALVE STEMS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATE AND FALL APART CAUSING TIRES TO GO FLAT WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS (TWO TIRES) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD QUICKLY WITHOUT INCIDENT. ALL 4 VALVE STEMS WERE INSPECTED

Engine

ODI #10891684

Incident: March 1, 2016 · Filed: July 29, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLVO S80. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLING FAN FAILED AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLING FAN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IN 2009 THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V2180000 (ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Other Volvo S80 model years

Check your 2009 Volvo S80 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volvo S80 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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