2011 Volvo XC90 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2011 Volvo XC90 has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 19 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes or deaths, with engine issues being the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 XC90 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 19
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2011 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine7 (37%)
- Electrical System5 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (16%)
- Brakes2 (11%)
- Seat Belts2 (11%)
- Steering2 (11%)
- Structure & Body2 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (11%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report water intrusion through the sunroof drainage into the passenger cabin and dashboard, in one case causing an electrical short and fire.
- Some describe delayed or lagging acceleration where the vehicle barely moves unless the pedal is fully pressed.
- Several owners say the battery drains repeatedly when the car sits idle for a couple of days, which they attribute to Bluetooth and satellite radio systems staying active.
- One owner reports the tailgate strut mounting bolt detached, letting the tailgate fall unexpectedly while open.
- Owners describe losing the serpentine belt without warning, which knocked out the alternator, water pump, power steering, and air conditioning at once.
- Some report whining noise and repeated power steering fluid leaks from the steering gear over multiple years.
2011 Volvo XC90 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V286000May 18, 2011Steering350 vehicles
Steering
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.
Risk: 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.
2011 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 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 XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 XC90 has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th out of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other XC90 years.
- What problems does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have?
- NHTSA complaints point to engine issues (37% of complaints, median mileage 98,000), electrical system problems (26%, including battery drain and sunroof water intrusion), and some transmission, brake, and steering complaints.
- Does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 11V286000) covers a power steering fluid leak at the steering gear valve housing on 2010-2011 XC90 vehicles.
- How does the 2011 XC90 compare to other years?
- The 2011 model has a complaint index of 35, better than years like 2016 (100), 2005 (80), and 2017 (85), which are rated Avoid, but worse than 2010 and 2013, which are rated Best.