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2011 Volvo S80 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Volvo S80 is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical S80 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
261
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21-22mpg

The worst 2011 Volvo S80 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Seats
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Seats
    1

Recalls 4

Seat belts: frontReported June 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V378000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported July 6, 2012 · 1,469 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 12V317000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 17, 2010 · 6,046 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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].

Recall number 10V579000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported October 13, 2010 · 9,746 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 s80, xc70, model year 2011 xc60 and model year 2010 v70 vehicles. There may be an intermittent fault in the driver's airbag clockspring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all, and therefore will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Remedy
Dealers will install a metal shim in the driver's air bag clockspring wiring connector. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 10V489000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S80

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Volvo S80 261

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 261 bulletins for the 2011 Volvo S80

2011 Volvo S80 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cylFWD192622
3.0L 6‑cylAWD182621

What 2011 Volvo S80 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 10, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 25,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 volvo s80. The contact stated while driving at low speeds, the stabilization warning light illuminated and started flashing. The steering wheel failed to move and vehicle loss power. The charging warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact called pedersen volvo cars (4455 s mason st, fort collins, co 80525, (970)223-8500) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. The consumer stated shortly after purchasing the vehicle the "charging system failure" warning light would intermittently illuminate while driving. The vehicle had an incident in which it would not power on. The battery was replaced. The charging failure light continued flash. The alternator was replaced, but the failure persisted. The consumer then experienced a total system failure wile driving. It was determined the battery was defective. The battery was replaced, but the warning lights returned. It was determine via service bulletin from 2015 the battery and alternator lost communication. The failure was due to the anti tamper unit. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not offer any assistance. However, the dealer offered a 15% discount.

Filed Feb 10, 2021 · Seats · 15 miles · VA

Driver seat belts has faulty hooks. Seat belt popped open while driving and coming to quick brake to avoid being hit by another car. The sudden stop caused my seat to shift position. I tried to move seat back into position it did move. The seat was permanently locked in the position which rendered me knees cramped on steering wheel. I buckled my seat belt back and slipped out again. The drivers seat & seat belt still malfunctioning.

Filed Jan 11, 2016 · Electrical, Transmission · 66,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 volvo s80. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to switch gears. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer system failed and needed to be restarted. In addition, the battery cable was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Filed May 21, 2013 · Electrical · 12,000 miles · MI · fire

While driving between 35 to 40 miles per hour for approximately 5 minutes, I began to smell something burning. There was no engine nor temperature indicator lit up on the dash. Assuming it was from a passing vehicle, I continued to drive for 1 to 2 minutes. Then looking in the rear view mirror, I could see black smoke coming from the trunk. Upon opening the trunk, the car burst into flames. The fire seems to have started in wiring located in the trunk then proceeded through to the speaker in the back seat. Even after turning off engine, the fireman on the scene noticed that the radio and air conditioning were still running. The battery had to be disconnected to shut electrical items off.

Filed Oct 15, 2012 · Airbags · 34,000 miles · TX · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 volvo s80. The contact was sitting at a complete stop when a preceding vehicle reversed and abruptly crashed into the front end of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained severe injuries to the right arm, shoulder and neck. In addition, the passenger sustained whiplash. A police report was filed of the incident. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene of the crash. The vehicle was taken to a collision center and repaired for the front end damage. The defective air bags had not been repaired. The contact stated that in 2011, the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v489000 (air bags:frontal) although there was no malfunction with the air bag at that time. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. ..updated 11/14/12 *bf updated 11/14/12

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Questions about the 2011 Volvo S80

Is the 2011 Volvo S80 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2011 Volvo S80, fewer than a typical S80 model year.

What is the 2011 Volvo S80 year score?

The 2011 Volvo S80 scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo S80: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Volvo S80?

Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is transmission (2).

How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo S80 have?

4 recalls, covering seat belts, power train and engine and engine cooling.

What year does the Volvo S80 have the most electrical problems?

The Volvo S80 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2000 (54 complaints), 2001 (39 complaints) and 1999 (35 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo S80 get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Volvo S80 range from 21 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 26 highway.

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