2011 Volvo XC70: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern wheels.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The windshield seal has failed causing rain water and melting snow and ice to come in the car and flow down the windshield and impair vision through the windshield. This has become a safety concern when driving in snow and rain. The water dripping down on the controls is also a safety concern and distraction while driving.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Feb 2022
“Windshield sealant is deteriorating and glass is no longer fully attached to frame. Water is coming directly in from openings along driver's side roof and pooling under pedals.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2021
“It started raining and then it started leaking into my car through my windshield because my windshield started become unsealed and unattached from the rest of my car. When I went to find out about this issue and how to get it fixed I was told by three different mechanics and auto shop workers and windshield glass professionals That they find this very common involve others and I feel that if it's that big of a problem volvo should take responsibility for it. I didn't have the money to replace my windshield but it was either that or let water leak into my car and grow mold or cause even bigger electrical issues.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2021
Show 5 more owner reports
“The steering would randomly lock (or at least become very stiff). This occurred when the vehicle was warm and seemed to be mostly low speed sharper turns. Turning the wheel in the opposite direction freed it up. I replaced the steering rack to solve the problem.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2021
“"takata recall" automatic transmission shifts are jerky. I took into volvo service white plains ny. They found error code tcm-p074468 and reset. They told me if problem persists I would need a new transmission. My vehicle is in great condition and well maintained with 104063 miles. The problem still persists. I then did further research and found that my vechicle was recalled for that same problem and error message. But my VIN # was not included in the recall. Volvo is not acknowleging responsibility for this problem. I've enclosed my vehicle service invoice which shows the code and the recall letter from volvo showing the same code. Please advise, thank you.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2018
“I recently took my car in for service, 119,600 miles, and noted I was having a problem with the drivers seat belt latch not always releasing properly. The dealer contacted volvo about it and was told they do not accept any responsibility for the defective seat belt latch.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2017
“The car makes a loud roaring sound at about 45-50 mph and the dealership says "probably the tires" but doing some research there seems to be a lot of people with similar problems and add to this it randomly downshifts while braking (or maybe it is the brakes) when coming to a stop which would cause the car to lose control on a snow/ice/slippery situation, this happens at a slower speed and only when slowing down at about 10-15 mph. I am not sure what is causing this and there are multiple complaints out on the internet and no real solutions.”Owner report · Wheels · Sep 2017
“Went to the local service station about a low tire pressure warning. The mechanic noted that continental and michelin tires have had an issue of tire rot. The air comes right through the side wall of the tires. He recommended new tires to fix the problem. He also recommended and american manufactured in the usa.”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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 CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact XC70 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Volvo XC70 reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Volvo XC70. The most complained-about area is wheels.
Does the 2011 Volvo XC70 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.