Verdict
2011 Volvo XC90: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2011 Volvo XC90 — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 19 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 82% of 2011 SUVs. Electrical System leads the reports (21%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2011 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
19
Reports to NHTSA, 2011
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
18
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 82% of 2011 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2011 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (21% of 19 reports), followed by engine (21%).
+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 19 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11413129, ODI 11452346, ODI 11006229, ODI 10668277.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Steering · 11V286000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2011 Volvo XC90 SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2011 Volvo XC90 SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| XC90 AWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| XC90 AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 14 | 21 | 16 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2011 Volvo XC90: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2011 Volvo XC90?
Owners filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the 2011 Volvo XC90 — fewer complaints than 82% of comparable 2011 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2011 Volvo XC90?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (21% of complaints) and engine (21%).
How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo XC90 have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2011 Volvo XC90, covering components such as steering. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo XC90 get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Volvo XC90 between 16 and 18 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.