2011 Volvo XC90: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2011 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2022
“Electrical, Brake lights suddenly stopped working on both sides at once. I checked the fuse only to be told a relay may be the issue. The location of said relay is vague and not serviceable by owner. Risk of rear end collision. Of following traffic”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2022
“Driver seat belt does not fully retract after every release. It will be loose until you guide it up to the hole. It is kind of okay for now but I have no doubt this issue could get worse. I am also almost certain this is similar to recall #r10029 that affects our 2011 xc60. The part must be worn. It still retracts around people but if it gets worse, it could be fatal down the line if it does not retract properly with a smaller driver. Passenger belt is fine. Rigid and firm as pictures show unlike the driver side.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Spring broke on front strut and sliced into the inner sidewall of tire causing the tire to blowout. Vehicle has being driven on a dirt lane when this happened (10 mph). If this would have happened on a main road, the volvo xc90 would have been out-of-control !”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2019
“Spare wheel winch cable separated from wheel hub retainer hook. The hook device is held in place by a compression ring over the cable. Compression failed causing separation and dropping spare wheel on roadway while vehicle was in motion. Spare wheel became a 30 lbs uncontrolled projectile/hazard to other motorists. No rust or corrosion detected, see pictures”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2018
“The built-in child safety seat in the middle cracked after the first time I opened it so I can't put it back down and don't know if it affects the child airbag. I asked volvo about it and they told me it would be $500 just to simply look at it before deciding whether to fix it or if covered by the warranty. This isn't safe and I now have a child seat I can't use and a seat I can't put down. This isn't the first of complaints I have seen about this and am worried about the safety of my children aka sons. My VIN is: [xxx] and it's a 2011 volvo xc90. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2018
“The problem is exactly as described in the NHTSA campaign number: 10v579000 my car stalled and check engine light came on as transmission went into protection mode. It started fine again with no issues and since then running fine and I put close to 800 miles. However, the manufacturer did not include xc90 in the list of cars affected for model year 2011. Dealer simply suggested to replace the transmission ($ 6681) and volvo denied any help. I called the dealer regarding upgrading software on the modules and they suggested it would cost few hundres to do it.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2016
“Whining noise in steering..... I checked and leaking power steering fluid in 2015... Also in 2016, and now again in 2017... I added fluid each time....”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2015
“The battery in the vehicle fails due to a drain in the power systems because of a failure in software systems ,this fault is known to volvo and they refuse to repair .if the car is not driven every day the electronic systems search for blue tooth phone signals and satellite radio signals causing a drain on the electrical systems enough to kill the battery on a daily basis. Volvo says they have a repair for this and say that I must pay. This is a known defect to volvo they should repair this. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
“Tailgate strut mounting bolt became detached from car body as I opened the tail gate.the tailgate started to fall closed but I was able to stop it before it hit me. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 XC90 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 29, 2010, THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2010. THE POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE OIL PIPE CONNECTION AT THE STEERING GEAR VALVE HOUSING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL PIPES ON THE POWER STEERING RACK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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 XC90 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 XC90 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2011 Volvo XC90. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering. 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.