ProblemsByVin File / 2011-VOLVO-S80 NHTSA data synced 1 hour ago

2011 · Volvo

Volvo S80 problems

1 active recall campaign on file, only 5 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

Reliability score

9.0 / 10

Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2011 S80?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2011 S80's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 S80 · airbags Crash

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…

10/15/2012 · at 34,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10480198.0

2011 S80 · electrical 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…

05/21/2013 · at 12,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10512996.0

2011 S80 · powertrain

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…

03/10/2021 · at 25,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11400219.0

2011 S80 · powertrain

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…

01/11/2016 · at 66,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10819285.0

View all 5 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2011 Volvo S80? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 10V489000 October 13, 2010

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 s80, xc70, model year 2011 xc60 and model year 2010 v70 vehicles

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.

Common questions

Is the 2011 Volvo S80 reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2011 Volvo S80, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2011 Volvo S80?

Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2011 Volvo S80 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2011 Volvo S80?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2011 Volvo S80 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2011 Volvo S80 a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 5 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 Volvo S80?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Volvo S80 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Volvo S80?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 5 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 hour ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Volvo/S80. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Volvo. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.