2011 Volvo S80 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Volvo S80.

4
recalls
5
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 Volvo S80 recalls

Seat belts: front

NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · reported June 30, 2020 · Volvo Car USA LLC · 308,260 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The 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.

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

NHTSA campaign 12V317000 · reported July 6, 2012 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 1,469 vehicles potentially affected

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

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 10V579000 · reported November 17, 2010 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 6,046 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Sudden engine stall could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 [email protected].

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 10V489000 · reported October 13, 2010 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 9,746 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 10, 2021 · Engine · 25,000 miles

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…

Feb 10, 2021 · Seats · 15 miles

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…

Jan 11, 2016 · Electrical system · 66,000 miles

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…

May 21, 2013 · Electrical system · 12,000 miles · fire reported

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…

Oct 15, 2012 · Air bags · 34,000 miles · crash reported

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…

S80 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2008 72640
2009 51600
2010 52710
2011 4511
2012 3810
2013 3800
2014 1100

Across all years, the 2000 S80 has the most complaints (318). All Volvo S80 years →

Questions

Does the 2011 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S80, the most recent reported on June 30, 2020 (Seat belts: front). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo S80?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (2 complaints), followed by power train (2).
How many 2011 Volvo S80 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 5 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 10, 2021.