DecodedCars2011 Volvo S60
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Sedan T6 AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,772 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 14% below the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Volvo S60 is a compact car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,772 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 14% worse than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2011
- New body dimensions: 1.2 in longer, wheelbase +2.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo and 2.4L 5-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 23 to 21
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 S60 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Sedan T6 AWD | 182.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 109.4 in | 61.8 / 61.4 in | 3,772 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S60 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -14% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volvo S60.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo S60 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2011 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (6)
Seat Belts › Front · Jun 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V378000 · 308,260 vehicles
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Nov 26, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V849000 · 144,937 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car of USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2011-2017 S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89978.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Nov 22, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V592000 · 30,929 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S60 vehicles manufactured June 22, 2010, through May 14, 2012, and equipped with 5-cylinder B5254T5 (VIN code 62) engines. In the affected vehicles, the vehicle may not alert the driver of a low oil pressure situation.
- Risk
- Without being warned of a low oil pressure situation, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle until it stalls, which increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software so that the driver is alerted should there be a low oil pressure situation, free of charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R29436.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Oct 18, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V508000 · 20,611 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2012 C70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2005, THROUGH JULY 31, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 S60 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 16, 2011, THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE KIT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL ACCESSORY SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL KIT.
- Risk
- A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL THE LABEL AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-201-768-7300.
Seats · Nov 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V591000 · 7,420 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
- Risk
- POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 17, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V579000 · 6,046 vehicles
- 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 [email protected].
Not every 2011 Volvo S60 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volvo S60 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Tires — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo S60. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S60 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 S60 | 31 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2024 S60 | 31 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 22 |
| 2023 S60 | 31 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 3 |
| 2022 S60 | 31 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 15 |
| 2021 S60 | 30 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2020 S60 | 30 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 12 |
| 2019 S60 | 31 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 25 |
| 2018 S60 | 29 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 4 |
| 2017 S60 | 29 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 18 |
| 2016 S60 | 30 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 29 |
| 2015 S60 | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 60 |
| 2014 S60 | 24 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 21 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →