2011 Volvo XC90 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#11 most-complained of 16 XC90 years
The 2011 Volvo XC90 has a Complaint Index of 33 and ranks 11th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other XC90 years. It has 19 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes or deaths reported.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
Top 2011 Volvo XC90 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle's battery draining repeatedly when parked for a couple of days, sometimes tied to Bluetooth or satellite radio systems searching for signals.
- Some owners describe delayed or lagging acceleration, requiring the pedal to be floored to get the car moving.
- Water intrusion through the sunroof drainage has been reported, pooling in the front passenger floor and shorting electrical components including the CEM.
- Steering complaints include whining noise and recurring power steering fluid leaks that required repeated top-offs over multiple years.
- One owner reported losing the serpentine belt without warning, which knocked out power steering, alternator, water pump, and AC at once.
- A tailgate strut mounting bolt reportedly detached from the body, causing the tailgate to fall unexpectedly.
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 complaints and recalls, the 2011 XC90 has a Complaint Index of 33 and a "Good" verdict, ranking 11th worst among 16 model years of the XC90.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo XC90?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints make up 37% of reports, followed by Electrical System issues at 26%. Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 94,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2011 XC90, campaign 11V286000, covering a power steering fluid leak at the oil pipe connection to the steering gear valve housing.
- How does the 2011 XC90 compare to other years?
- The 2011 XC90's Complaint Index of 33 is much lower than the 2016 (100) and 2017 (80) model years, which are both rated "Avoid," and higher than the 2010 model year, which scores 20 and is rated "Best."