Is the 2002 Volvo S80 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volvo S80?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Volvo S80 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2002 Volvo S80

○ Not enough data

2002 Volvo S80
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:41.691Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 42
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2002: 42 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	199
2000	318
2001	164
2002	42
2003	26
2004	50
2005	15
2006	12
2007	24
2008	25
2009	16
2010	27
2011	5
2012	8
2013	8
2014	1
2015	7
2016	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

26% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

When the vehicle warms up from start it will not move forward or reverse it started at like 30 miles and I parked the car till I could get it fixed now when the car just warms up (Not gets hot) it will not engage trans I have on more senser to check...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-03

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Fuel/propulsion system

17% · 7 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Volvo S80. While driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal traveled to the floorboard and smoke appeared under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-15

Also filed under Engine

We have a 2002 Volvo s 80 that had a fuel pump leak that looks like our model had an issue with. We had a strong gas smell inside the car. There's a campaign number to it... 09V483000. We're still having an issue with it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-16

Fuel system, gasoline

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving and without warning the fuel tank has cracked causing fluid to leak out. Dealer notified. Ts

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-30

Vehicle speed control

10% · 4 reports

Suspension

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing front.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2007-04-02Service brakes, hydraulic07E023000 Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than DCA7078…

Remedy: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-01-15Fuel system, gasoline09V483000 Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 S80, model year 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 and model year 2003-2005 XC90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-11-18Equipment10V566000 Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-04-20Air bags20V681000 Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2003 S80 and S60 vehicles sold or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto...

Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10058.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-11-29Air bags21V766000 Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Volvo S80 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 7 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 07E023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 09V483000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 10V566000 · Equipment
Recall 20V681000 · Air bags
Recall 21V766000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2002 Volvo S80 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volvo S80?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Volvo S80 have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.