2011 Volvo S80 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Volvo S80 has a Complaint Index of 73, ranking 4th worst out of 12 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 fire report for this year, mainly tied to the electrical system.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 73/100
- #4 of 12 S80 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 18.5 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2011 Volvo S80 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System2 (40%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (40%)
- Airbags1 (20%)
- Engine1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in a low-speed crash at 34,000 miles, resulting in serious injuries.
- An electrical smell and burning odor while driving around 35 to 40 mph led to smoke and a fire coming from the trunk at 12,000 miles.
- The vehicle stalled without warning at 35 mph, failed to switch gears, and would not restart after the onboard computer failed, at 66,000 miles.
- A driver seat belt popped open unexpectedly during hard braking, and the seat itself shifted and locked out of position.
- At 25,000 miles, the stabilization warning light flashed, the steering wheel became hard to move, and the vehicle lost power along with a charging system warning.
2011 Volvo S80 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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].
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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Volvo S80 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2011 S80 a Complaint Index of 73, the 4th worst of 12 model years, earning a Caution verdict relative to other S80 years. Electrical system problems are the top reported issue.
- What problems does the 2011 Volvo S80 have?
- Owners reported electrical system failures including stalling, computer resets, and one fire, plus transmission issues, an airbag non-deployment in a crash, and a faulty seat belt hook. NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering seat belts, transmission software, engine control software, and airbag wiring.
- Does the 2011 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2011 S80: a seat belt anchor cable replacement, a transmission control module software fix for downshifting, an engine control module fuel cut-off software update, and a driver airbag clockspring wiring fix.
- What year Volvo S80 should I avoid?
- Based on Complaint Index, the 2008 (100), 2010 (91), and 2013 (82) model years rank worse than the 2011 S80 and carry Avoid verdicts. The 2011 S80 sits in the Caution range at 73.
- How does the 2011 S80 compare to other S80 years?
- The 2011 S80 ranks 4th worst out of 12 years tracked, behind 2008, 2010, and 2013. The 2016 S80 has the lowest Complaint Index at 9 and earns a Best verdict.