DecodedCars2011 Volvo S80
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 3.2 4dr Sedan FWD 3.2l I6, T6 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0l I6
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,783–4,032 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Volvo S80 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.2L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,783 lb (3.2 4dr Sedan FWD 3.2l I6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 5% worse than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2011
- Engine dropped: 4.4L 8-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 S80 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 4dr Sedan FWD 3.2l I6 | 190.9 in | 73.2 in | 58.7 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,783 lb | 61/39 |
| T6 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0l I6 | 190.9 in | 73.2 in | 58.7 in | 111.8 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 4,032 lb | 61/39 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S80 FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| S80 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -9% | $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 S80.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo S80 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 BMW 5 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Jul 6, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V317000 · 1,469 vehicles
- 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.
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].
Air Bags › Frontal · Oct 13, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V489000 · 9,746 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2011 Volvo S80 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volvo S80 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 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 S80. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S80 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 S80 | 29 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2015 S80 | 29 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2014 S80 | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 S80 | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2012 S80 | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2010 S80 | 21 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 19 |
| 2009 S80 | 20 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
| 2008 S80 | 19 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2007 S80 | 19 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 18 |
| 2006 S80 | 22 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2005 S80 | 22 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →