VehicleVerdict

2011 Volvo XC70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2011 Volvo XC70 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other XC70 years?

XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted118 complaints2001: 77 complaints2002: 46 complaints2003: 28 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 31 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 37 complaints2008: 54 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 7 complaints
XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Volvo XC70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other211%
Tires & Wheels211%
Transmission211%
Visibility & Wipers211%
Seat Belts211%
Latches & Locks211%
Body & Structure211%
Steering16%
Electrical System16%
Brakes16%
Suspension16%

Does the 2011 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V378000Seat BeltsJune 30, 2020 · 308,260 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury 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.

10V579000EngineNovember 17, 2010 · 6,046 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

SUDDEN ENGINE STALL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

10V489000AirbagsOctober 13, 2010 · 9,746 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON NOVEMBER 8, 2011, MS. JANICE CERVELLI SUSTAINED MINOR PERSONAL INJURIES AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO HER VEHICLE AS THE RESULT OF AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER MS. CERVELLI ACCIDENTLY BACKED INTO A UTILITY POLE IN THE PARKING AREA OF A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE PLAZA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 8, 2011 · crash

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 13, 2017

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 28, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 14, 2016

2011 Volvo XC70 — common questions

Is the 2011 Volvo XC70 reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 XC70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints).

Does the 2011 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Volvo XC70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC70 years to avoid are 2004, 2001, 2008, 2002, 2007. The cleanest record among XC70 years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.