2011 Volvo XC70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Volvo XC70 has a Complaint Index of 73 and ranks 4th worst of 12 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 15 complaints and 3 recalls, with Structure & Body issues, mainly windshield sealant leaks, the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 73/100
- #4 of 12 XC70 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2011 Volvo XC70 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body4 (27%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (20%)
- Brakes2 (13%)
- Other2 (13%)
- Seat Belts2 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (13%)
- Steering1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshield sealant deteriorates and the glass separates from the frame, letting rain and snow leak into the cabin and pool near the pedals.
- Front passenger door has opened on its own while the vehicle was being driven.
- Tires develop sidewall rot that lets air escape, sometimes prompting a low tire pressure warning.
- ABS and DTSC warning lights appear along with a sudden stop where the brakes seem to lock and the car won't move despite pressing the accelerator.
- Front seat belt shoulder harness sticks halfway out, becoming too short to use and unable to extend properly.
- Automatic transmission shifts jerky with a stored TCM error code, with owners told a full transmission replacement may eventually be needed.
2011 Volvo XC70 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
Seat belts:front
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 10V579000Nov 17, 2010Engine6,046 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Risk: 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 [email protected].
- NHTSA 10V489000Oct 13, 2010Airbags9,746 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
Risk: 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.
2011 Volvo XC70 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other XC70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Volvo XC70 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2011 XC70 a Complaint Index of 73, ranking 4th worst among 12 model years, with a Caution verdict relative to other XC70 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo XC70?
- Structure & Body complaints, mostly windshield sealant leaks, account for 27% of complaints. Suspension, Wheels & Tires (20%) and Brakes (13%) follow.
- Does the 2011 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 XC70, covering seat belt anchor cables, an overly sensitive engine control module fuel cut-off calibration, and a possible fault in the driver's airbag clockspring wiring.
- How does the 2011 XC70 compare to other model years?
- The 2011 model's Complaint Index of 73 is worse than the 2012 (36), 2013 (45), 2015 (9), and 2016 (18) model years, which all rate Good or Best, but better than the 2008 (100) and 2010 (91) model years rated Avoid.
- At what mileage do 2011 XC70 problems typically appear?
- Median mileage at failure across complaints is 38,000 miles, though individual problem areas vary, with brakes issues reported around 60,100 miles and transmission issues around 85,031 miles.