YearToAvoid

2011 Volvo S80 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#3 most-complained of 7 S80 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2011 Volvo S80 has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 3rd worst among 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 4 recalls, 1 crash, and 1 fire, with Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain issues each making up 40% of reports.

Complaints
5
Recalls
4
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
21.5
18.5 city / 26 hwy

Top 2011 Volvo S80 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System2 (40%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain2 (40%)
  3. Airbags1 (20%)
  4. Engine1 (20%)
  5. Structure & Body1 (20%)

What owners report

  • Airbags failed to deploy during a low-speed collision, resulting in severe injuries to the driver and passenger.
  • Owners report a burning smell followed by smoke from the trunk area, in one case leading to the car catching fire while driving.
  • Some vehicles stalled without warning at around 35 mph, failed to switch gears, and would not restart until the computer system was reset.
  • A driver's seat belt hook popped open during hard braking, allowing the seat to shift and trap the driver's knees against the steering wheel.
  • The stabilization warning light flashed at low speeds along with a charging warning light, followed by loss of steering assist and power, traced to the alternator and battery.
2011 Volvo S80 complaints: complaints filed per month2Oct 2012May 2013Jan 2016Feb 2021Mar 2021
7 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2012 to Mar 2021; peak Jan 2016 (2).

2011 Volvo S80 recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles

    Seat belts:front

    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.

    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.

  2. NHTSA 12V317000Jul 6, 2012Transmission & Powertrain1,469 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 s80 vehicles. A software error may prevent the transmission from downshifting such as shifting from fifth to fourth gear when coasting.

    Risk: This may result in decreased engine rpms and possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the software to the transmission control module, free of charge. The safety recall began on august 10, 2012. Owners may contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

  3. NHTSA 10V579000Nov 17, 2010Engine6,046 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011, s80, s60, xc70 and xc60 vehicles. The software calibration for the fuel cut-off functionality in the engine control module (ECM) is too sensitive.

    Risk: Sudden engine stall could occur increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the ECM and TCM with new software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 10, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or at [email protected].

See all 4 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S80 →

2011 Volvo S80 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18.5 MPG
Highway
26 MPG
Combined
21.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,025
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other S80 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Avoid10027419
2011Caution675421.5
2012Caution508322
2013Avoid838321.5

All Volvo S80 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Volvo S80 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 S80 carries a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict, ranking 3rd worst out of 7 model years covered.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo S80?
NHTSA data shows Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain issues each account for 40% of complaints, followed by Airbags, Engine, and Structure & Body issues.
Does the 2011 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 S80 covering seat belt anchor cables, a transmission downshift software error, an overly sensitive engine control module fuel cut-off, and a driver airbag clockspring wiring fault.
How does the 2011 S80 compare to other Volvo S80 years?
The 2011 model's Complaint Index of 67 is lower than the 2010 model's 100 (Avoid) and 2013's 83 (Avoid), but higher than 2012's 50, 2015's 33 (Good), and 2016's 17 (Best).
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Volvo S80?
EPA rates the 2011 S80 at 21.5 mpg combined (18.5 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,025.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.