NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to front seats can weaken over time, potentially preventing the seat belt from properly securing an occupant during a crash.
What the fix does
This page covers 4 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Volvo S80.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Volvo S80 has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate defects that can cause the engine to stall without warning while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
Both stall-related issues stem from different parts of the powertrain. The engine control module uses an overly sensitive fuel cut-off setting that can shut the engine down unexpectedly, and a separate error in the automatic transmission control system can also cause the engine to lose power while the car is moving. In either case, the driver can suddenly find the car without propulsion in live traffic. A third transmission recall involves software that prevents the gearbox from downshifting properly when the driver lifts off the accelerator, for example when coasting from fifth to fourth gear. Without that downshift, engine speed drops too low and the engine can stall, again putting the car at risk of losing momentum at speed. On the safety equipment side, the front seatbelt pretensioner system on certain vehicles can fail to secure the belt properly in a crash, leaving the occupant with less restraint than the belt is designed to provide.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to front seats can weaken over time, potentially preventing the seat belt from properly securing an occupant during a crash.
What the fix does
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable in both front seats.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the transmission control module may prevent the transmission from downshifting properly, such as when coasting downhill.
What the fix does
Dealers will upgrade the transmission control module software at no cost to restore proper downshifting function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fault in the automatic transmission control system may cause the engine to stall while driving, resulting in loss of power and potential crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Transmission Control Module to correct the fault.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module's fuel cut-off software is overly sensitive, which may cause the fuel supply to shut off unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module and transmission control module software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
