The NCT record
Volvo S80
Saloon. Measured from 6,679 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: Above average
More reliable than most cars its age. A good choice.
NCT pass rate: 62% (Above average for its age)
62 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 0.81× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 13 years old — a 2013 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 82% | 82% |
| 2021 | 5 | 88% | 76% |
| 2020 | 6 | 78% | 75% |
| 2019 | 7 | 75% | 67% |
| 2018 | 8 | 72% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 64% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 62% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 58% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 55% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 52% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 43% | 38% |
| 2011 | 15 | 44% | 36% |
| 2010 | 16 | 44% | 35% |
What tends to fail on it
Wheel alignment (side-slip)
wheel alignment, steering pulling, uneven front tyre wear
€40–70 for alignment, or the worn part causing it — up to €400 at worst.
Engine, noise & exhaust
smoke on start-up, exhaust leaks and corrosion, engine noise
€100–400 for an exhaust section, or worse — up to €1,000 at worst.
Steering & suspension
worn ball joints, track rod ends, shock absorbers, bushings
€100–600 for joints, bearings and arms — up to €900 at worst.
Headlight aim
headlight aim and clouded or moisture-filled lenses
€20–60 for adjustment, or a new unit — up to €400 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€45–90 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other saloon options
- BToyota Corolla(Above average)
- CVolkswagen Passat(About average)
- CToyota Avensis(About average)
- CAudi A4(About average)
- DFord Mondeo(Below average)
- CBMW 520(About average)
Other Volvo models
- CVolvo S40(About average)
- CVolvo S60(About average)
- CVolvo XC60(About average)
- CVolvo V50(About average)
- CVolvo 40 Series(About average)
- DVolvo XC90(Below average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.