Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

2005 Volvo S80 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
27%of 15 total for the year
Median mileage
81,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Volvo S80, 27% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“On 07/21/07 I purchased a 2005 Volvo S80 t6 from momentum Volvo in houston, tx. It was delivered on 08/02/2005 brand new with 7 miles on it. The following are an account of the issues and safety hazards this car has had within the last 18 months and 24,000 miles. The first issue was damage from transit - front and rear bumper had to be repaired and painted. The second issue - check engine light came on 01/14/06. It was an exhaust leak. I also complained of no am reception (fixed) . The third issue - check engine light came on again on 01/30/06. …”

NHTSA complaint #10187290, filed 2007-04, 25 miles

“B+ battery cable at starter solenoid shorted to starter case and grounded. Causing a fire in engine compartment. Car shut down without warning. Engine went off, lights went out all in an instant. Emergency flashers were inoperative. Pulled off to the side of the road and stopped using the emergency brake. Smoke was coming from under the hood. Opened the hood and found the front of the engine on fire. Extinguished the flames. Disconnected the negative terminal on the battery located in the trunk, car towed to dealer, in process of repair.”

NHTSA complaint #10415427, filed 2011-07, 104,200 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Volvo S80. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle's speed reduced and reduced engine performance appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle sputtered. The contact stated that the vehicle was not able to be driven two years ago. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who diagnosed that the etm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000. The VIN was unavailable.”

NHTSA complaint #10681440, filed 2015-02, 81,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2016117%
2011240%
2010311%
2009213%
2008519%
2007417%
2006325%
2005427%
2004510%
2003415%
2002410%
20013924%
20005417%
19993518%

Other parts of the 2005 Volvo S80

Fuel system
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Volvo S80

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology