2011 Volvo S80 recalls and problems

The 2011 Volvo S80 has 4 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Volvo S80 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Volvo S80 recalls

Recall 20V-378: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 12V-317: Power Train

Reported Jul 6, 2012 · 1,469 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 10V-579: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Nov 17, 2010 · 6,046 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 customercare@volvoforlife.com.

Recall 10V-489: Air Bags

Reported Oct 13, 2010 · 9,746 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2011 Volvo S80 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	2
Electrical System	2
Power Train	2
Seats	1
Engine	1

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 25,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Volvo S80 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Seats · at 15 miles · reported Feb 10, 2021

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.

Electrical System · at 66,000 miles · reported Jan 11, 2016

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.

Electrical System · at 12,000 miles · reported May 21, 2013

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…

Air Bags · at 34,000 miles · reported Oct 15, 2012

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…

Other Volvo S80 years

2016 2015 2014 2013 201220112010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Volvo S80 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Volvo S80 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S80: 20V-378 (seat belts), 12V-317 (power train), 10V-579 (engine and engine cooling), 10V-489 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report air bags problems most often (2 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 25,000 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.