VehicleVerdict

2011 Volvo XC90 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Volvo XC90 sits mid-pack among XC90 years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (7), electrical system (5), and transmission (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other XC90 years?

XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted669 complaints2003: 149 complaints2004: 669 complaints2005: 304 complaints2006: 73 complaints2007: 59 complaints2008: 44 complaints2009: 11 complaints2010: 16 complaints2011: 30 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 307 complaints2017: 114 complaints2018: 64 complaints2019: 53 complaints2020: 45 complaints2021: 56 complaints2022: 46 complaints2023: 69 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 34 complaints
XC90 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC90 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Volvo XC90 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine723%
Electrical System517%
Transmission310%
Seat Belts27%
Brakes27%
Steering27%
Other13%
Airbags13%
Seats13%
Speed Control13%
Fuel System13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V286000SteeringMay 18, 2011 · 350 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 24, 2022

“94,000 MILES 2011 VOLVO XC90 PURCHASED 4 MONTHS AGO. VEHICLE WAS PARKED STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WATER INTRUDED THE FRONT PASSENGER CABIN AND DASHBOARD OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH A SUNROOF DRAINAGEDEFECT IN THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF VOLVO XC90. SIX INCHES OF WATER POOLED IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 25, 2021 · fire

“FROM THE BEGINNING THIS VEHICLE HAS DELAYED ACCELERATION, VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ON-COMING TRAFFIC, OR MAKING LEFT HAND TURN WITH ON-COMING TRAFFIC. BRAKES MAKE LOUD CRACKING POPPING SOUND WHEN BRAKING AND TURNING THE WHEEL, DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH IT MAKING SUCH AWFUL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 2011

“FROM THE BEGINNING THIS VEHICLE HAS DELAYED ACCELERATION, VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ON-COMING TRAFFIC, OR MAKING LEFT HAND TURN WITH ON-COMING TRAFFIC. BRAKES MAKE LOUD CRACKING POPPING SOUND WHEN BRAKING AND TURNING THE WHEEL, DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH IT MAKING SUCH AWFUL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 18, 2011

“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....”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 4, 2015

2011 Volvo XC90 — common questions

Is the 2011 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical XC90 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2011 XC90 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC90 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC90 years to avoid are 2004, 2016, 2005, 2003, 2017. The cleanest record among XC90 years belongs to 2015.

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.