2016 Volvo S80
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan T5 Drive-E FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 25 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,730 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Overview
The 2016 Volvo S80 is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,730 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 37 highway), 11% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 S80 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan T5 Drive-E FWD | 190.9 in | 73.2 in | 58.7 in | 111.8 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,730 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S80 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 37 / 29 | +11% | $2,300 | 308 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Volvo S80.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volvo S80 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2016 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Seat Belts › Front · Jun 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers · Sep 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V555000 · 7,855 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preventing the car from restarting when necessary.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visiting http://volvo.custhelp.com. Volvo's number for this recall is R39574.
Not every 2016 Volvo S80 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Volvo S80 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Wheels — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Volvo S80. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S80 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 S80 | 29 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2014 S80 | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 S80 | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2012 S80 | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2011 S80 | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 3 |
| 2010 S80 | 21 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 19 |
| 2009 S80 | 20 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
| 2008 S80 | 19 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2007 S80 | 19 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 18 |
| 2006 S80 | 22 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2005 S80 | 22 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →